I lost my baby!!! Buying a new one. What is the best new sports car for under $50k

Hi everyone, (sorry this is a long post, but it is interesting)

I don't think anyone remembers, but last year, I posted a forum in here asking about what car I should get. Criterias were that it had to be fast, handled well, and was a headturner. Got some great responses, in the end I got a blue Infiniti G35 coupe. I totally loved that car! Washed it twice a week, just babied it. Then 6 months after I got the car, and about 2 months ago, I got into a very serious car accident. This guy caused me to crash into a semi truck, basically removing the roof from my car, a, b, and c pillars were gone....car was totalled. If anyone was sitting in the passenger or back seats, they would've been gone. The police say I should be dead...but I just walked away. And the other driver got away too, police are charging him, but big surprise they can't find him.

I am surprised how quickly I got back behind the wheel (2 hours exactly test driving different rental cars, lol) For the week while I was waiting for my check, my insurance covered my rentals. Hummer H2, Cadillac Escalade, and a Mustang GT Convertible. Okay, the SUVs I got because I was still a little shaken up....but then I got the Mustang and did donuts the minute I got it. Still, this was my first accident, and I should've listened to my dad when he said to wait for my nerves to come down before buying a new car, because I won't be happy with my purchase if I do. He was so right. I got an Acura TL...the car was fun for a few days, but now....I am looking to get rid of it. But I already have winter tyres for it, so I'll keep it til the Spring. But come Spring...what car would you suggest I look at?

Criterias:

1. Has to only have two doors
2. Under $50k brand new
3. Acceleration, and handling must be good
4. Four seats pref. but I can deal with 2
5. Coupe pref. but the convertible is okay
6. Flashiness is alright
7. MOST IMPORTANT, it must be fun to drive

Cars I was looking at:

BMW Z4 roadster
Infiniti G37
Nissan 350 Z
Mercedes CLK

I hope it doesn't sound like I am some rich jerk who just crashes cars. I work very hard; and I love cars like most of us do here.

How about a corvette.

BMW 335i any day of the week.

i second the 335i nomination

How about a corvette.
I'd buy a couple of 'em, lol.

I vote for the Beamer too. However, I will say that my cousin drives a 350 convertible and its pretty quick.

I'd buy a couple of 'em, lol.

I vote for the Beamer too. However, I will say that my cousin drives a 350 convertible and its pretty quick.
bimmer=bmw cars
beamer=bmw bikes

I certainly like the 335i.... if you are going for more luxury than sports, than I vote the BMW as well.

Why the 335 instead of the Z4? Practicality is at the bottom of my list. I am not married and certainly don't have any kids. It just seems to me like the Z4 might be more of an exhilerating ride.

One thing I noticed when I went from the G35 to the TL is that, with the G, I looked forward to every single drive, from the day I got it, to the day I lost it. With the TL, that's certainly not the case.

I cant believe i didnt think of this before. How about a Lotus Elise? Very flashy, will get lots of attention. Quick and nimble. I'd take it over a Z4 any day.

Well if practicality means nothing, than Corvette for sure.

first car i though of when i read what you wanted was a lotus elise, only possible draw back is that it's a 2-seater. it's not gonna be as fast as a c6 vette, but i'm sure it will be even more fun to drive, and will definately draw more attention than a vette.

first car i though of when i read what you wanted was a lotus elise, only possible draw back is that it's a 2-seater. it's not gonna be as fast as a c6 vette, but i'm sure it will be even more fun to drive, and will definately draw more attention than a vette.


Agreed 100%. The C6 would be faster in a straight line but the Lotuse would be a bit more original, more nimble, and be an attention-grabber if that is your thing.

Word of warning about the Elise; even though the S2 is less compromised than the S1 cars, it is still a car built to very strict tolerances. As such, most parts are perishable and while running costs (mpg, oil, servicing) is cheap on the surface of it, costs for replacement parts is an ever on going thing..... It is in no way a comfortable daily car even though it can be used daily.

What is Lotus supply/service like in the States right now?

Actually I am from Toronto, and as far as I know, there is only one Lotus dealership in Toronto. I've seen very few around Toronto; I've seen more Gallardos and such than Elise.

I'd imagine it's not a reasonable daily car.

If it was me, I'd probably buy something kind of quick but still practical with about 15-20 grand (Older Civic Si), and then with the rest of that money, get something completely impractical (Restored muscle, 2-seater roadster, etc.). Maybe even build something up as well.

This just came to mind. How about a 2002 low mileage Maserati Cambiocorsa? 400+hp V8, CF trim, lots of luxury, and not very common.

Well, to be fair, if you start talking used cars, then for that, you can get a E39 M5 and have plenty of change.

I'm a fan of the 335i too. I'd take it over the Z4 because unless you are getting an M-Roadster, I think the 335i is faster. They havn't given the Z4 the turbo engine yet, so you are looking at 255hp v. 300hp (underrated at that). If you can stretch to the M-Roadster or M-Coupe, that might be a good way to go, but the 335i is better then the Z4 3.0si in just about every way.