To be honest, I didn't even really know about this forum before a couple days ago. I was doing some research and it kept popping up with relevant threads. So...

Basically, I signed up to see if I could get some input. I've always been a car guy but never really had a car. Well, not exactly. I've owned more than a few cars in my life (I'm 34) but the closest thing to a dream car I've ever had was a 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder which I recently traded in for a more practical truck. I was very proud of my Spyder and loved driving it. I would call it my "baby Porsche". But, I'm not rich and I have a wife and three kids. Responsibility won out. I'm not sure if I or my 8 year old daughter was more bummed about losing the car.

My finances have gotten a little better and I'm in the process of plotting out a fun car for dad. What got me started was actually the new C7 Corvette. I have never in my life wanted one, but always thought they were okay. Until the day I saw a new Stingray in person. I started reading about them and sat in one (but no test drive) and I fell in love. The price is decent for the amazing performance. Both of my two older kids love them too. Which is where my problem lies. I love my kids and it makes me happy to be able to take them in "daddy's car". Which obviously I couldn't do in a two seat corvette.

That got me thinking that maybe it would be better to try to find something with even just a kid friendly back seat. Once that door was opened, I started thinking that while ~$70k isn't crazy for the beauty and performance (at least in my mind) of the new Stingray, if I'm going to spend that much money I might as well think about getting something a little more exotic.

One of my dream cars has always been an Aston Martin. I just love the look of them. Exterior and Interior. Granted, I've never actually seen one in person. So, I started doing some online research and a lot of the results kept sending me here. One of the things I kept wondering about was the Vantage vs. the DB9. But from everything I've gathered, the Vantage is strictly a 2-seater. Which goes right back to the Corvette.

I've also always loved Porsches. But unfortunately I don't really care for the body style of the 911 much other than the Turbos and those are a bit out of my price range. I love the Cayman and have actually test drove one and absolutely loved it. But... yeah, the 2-seater thing.

I really like the Audi R8 but I'm trying to keep it under $70k or so and from what I've seen, that's not really happening. The Nissan GTR is an amazing car performance-wise but I've heard the upkeep is pretty high.

I'm not in any rush to purchase and I love doing research. But I was just curious if anyone had any thoughts. I would like to have 4 seats, even if the rear seats are small as they would be for my children. I want a car that can perform but I don't really see taking it to the track much, if ever. I want a car that is visually appealing from the outside and in, which I know is subjective. I've never owned a luxury car before so that's kind of why I'm steering more towards the used exotics instead of the brand new Stingray. As nice as it is, it's still a Chevy.

Well, thanks for any input in advance.

 

First and foremost - welcome to 6Speed. You've found a great resource for all cars here, and hopefully you enjoy the community as much as the rest of us!

Going over your choices - have you consider the Porsche Panamera? The only sticking point for some are the exterior looks, it's a love it or hate it proposition. The rest of the car is undeniably outstanding though, I'd recommend taking a test drive in one to really see what they are all about. Performance is there, and best of all for you - 4 seats to thrill the whole family.

 

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