Greg has a 2013 Infiniti M37 that he loves, but the car is showing its age and he’s ready to trade in his four doors for a big coupe that’s reliable and powerful. He has a lot of flexibility and a budget of $60,000. Which car should he buy?
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Here is the scenario.
I’m ready to give up my 2013 Infiniti M37. Although I still love the car, the four-door sedan has 102,000 miles and is starting to show its age. It was one of the best kept secrets in the automotive world and I would consider another one if they were still made: good performance, comfort, good looks (in my opinion) inside and out and cheaper to buy and maintain than most of the others are his colleagues. It was the perfect car when I was commuting 60 miles a day on the highway. Now I’m three miles from the daily train ride to NYC and want something to get my pulse racing on the weekends.
I’m looking for a reliable sports car that I can drive every day. Something bigger, roomier and more powerful than a Miata. Something without the ugly, fast-moving dents found on almost every car these days. It doesn’t have to be new; A used car with low mileage, modern safety features and at least some amenities will work. Either a control stick or paddle shifters are sufficient. I prefer a hardtop, but a sunroof would be nice. I tend to prefer German cars and I don’t like the interior design of most American models. I would prefer a coupe, although I wouldn’t completely rule out a nice sedan. I have a budget of up to $60,000
Fast Facts:
Budget: up to $60,000
Location: Norwalk, CT
Daily Driver: Somehow
Want: Performance, reliability, comfort
Do not want: An American car
Expert 1: Tom McParland – checks all criteria
The appeal of this generation’s Infintis was that, in both V6 and V8 versions, they offered a healthy amount of power in a relatively stress-free package. Unfortunately, Infiniti has deviated from that formula and instead committed to what they’re doing now, but there are some wild cards on the market if you’re willing to widen your net a little.
Lexus has packed its excellent 5.0-liter V8 into a variety of models over the years, and while the Japanese brand’s performance offerings didn’t often provide direct competition to the ///M or AMG cars, they did a convincing package of well-known school performance with first-class workmanship.
As an upgrade to the M37, you might want to consider the Lexus RC-F. You get a 470 horsepower V8 with no turbos or other complicated stuff, and while you can probably find more power elsewhere, I doubt it wouldn’t be enough for your needs. The interior is quite modern, although a bit dated compared to some European offerings. However, the RC-F should provide enough thrill for weekend driving without the worry of dipping into your savings account for expensive repairs. Another advantage is that you don’t see too many of them and it can be nice to have something different. Due to their rarity, you’ll probably have to get one from far away and have it shipped. The A red car in Texas with less than 9,000 miles is temptingjust like this one White copy from a private seller that is a little more practical.
Expert 2: Bradley Brownell – Neunelfer Über Alles
Oh, so you prefer German cars and want a car that will add some pizzazz to your life? There is only one logical choice here: it absolutely has to be the Porsche 911. It definitely fits and it doesn’t drive like anything else on the market, whether used or new. The 911 Turbo of the 996 generation is the currently best price-performance ratio on the Porsche market, and their value is constantly increasing. The Turbo is definitely built more towards a grand tourer, with comfortable full leather interior and all-wheel drive, but it’s still an incredibly competent sports machine.
This 2001 Turbo makes 415 horsepower from a 3.6-liter flat-six engine and may be the most reliable thing Porsche has ever built. The rear-slung Mezger engine is a gem of engineering and delivers old-school boost when you step on the throttle. If you can avoid the boost, it will get pretty solid fuel mileage even on the highway.
The 996 generation gets a lot of flickering for its headlights, but I actually like her. The interior is definitely dated and was designed 27 years ago, but there are many things you can do to make it a little nicer. In my opinion, a modern CarPlay head unit goes a long way.
Admittedly, it’s on the higher end of your budget, but it also comes with a lot. List this example on eBay for $US60,000 ($61,900). and never look back. It will treat you right and you will have a lot of fun. Plus, you can tell people you drive a Porsche.
Expert 3: Collin Woodard – You actually want what you don’t want
Look, Greg, I understand what you’re saying. They don’t want an American car. On the other hand, everything else you’ve written makes it seem like you want an American car. Perfomance? Reliability? Comfort? Buddy, you’re asking for a Dodge Challenger even if you don’t think you want a Dodge Challenger. Heck, a lot of the early technology was borrowed from Mercedes-Benz, one of those German brands you like so much.
I know you don’t want to hear this, and maybe it’s because you’re afraid your neighbors will judge you, but a Dodge Challenger would be perfect for you. Especially as a weekend car. If you’re really hoping for a Miata but bigger, then I’m definitely wrong here and you should probably follow Tom’s or Bradley’s suggestion, but a Hemi-powered Challenger will be a blast from the moment you start it .
With a budget of up to $60,000, you basically have freedom of choice. If you’re worried that your car is too powerful, you can always opt for some of the weaker Challengers Here’s a 2015 Hellcat for just under $53,000. The RC-F delivers plenty of power, but certainly not Hellcat power. Now the Beetle doesn’t even have a V8. Come on, Greg. You know you want a Hellcat. It may feel wrong, but everything about it is So Right.
Expert 4: Amber DaSilva – You already know what you want
Greg, there is a rare category of “which car should you buy” buyer that I think you fall into: the buyer who has already decided on a car but wants others to independently come to the same conclusion to confirm it. I know you came here to ask what car you should buy, but let’s look at your wording here. You want something light, comfortable, fast and – perhaps most important to the argument – German.
Greg, get an M4. Better yet, get an M4 Competition. They have tons of power, all the German interior luxury you could want, all for less than $60,000. Here is a solid option for youbut it’s far from the only thing – you can find these cars in your price range all day long.
I know, I know, rear wheel drive in Connecticut winter is scary. But, Greg, you got it. I drove an FR-S through years of snow in Fairfield County, and I lived to tell the tale. If I could do it, you can too.