Best Bang for the Buck in a Used Luxury Sports Car Under $30k

[v10enomous]

I've been looking around to see what cars offer good value in a luxury sports car. It looks like the Mercedes SL cars really depreciate as well as the Jag XK's. Even Porsche Caymans seem to be great deals used. What are the best used stylish luxury sports cars under $30k

Here is an example of what I'm talking about...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...item3a69956e4f

[bluesrt]

i would run from every car you just stated, for one, after 3 or 4 years you for some reason look like a has been, for two- when they break,you will need a loan to fix them. seriously---------

[v10enomous]

That's good feedback... Probably speaks to why they depreciate so fast. I'm not real concerned about what other people think. I certainly wouldn't replace the Viper but thought that this might be a good time to pick up something that looks good, is fun to drive and more practical for weekend getaways and stuff. It wouldn't hurt if it also had some future collector potential.

[georgethedog]

Acura TL with a stick.

[hou99gts]

Stay domestic (Caddy) or Japanese (Lexus LS, Infinity G35/37, Acura TL) unless you want to pay for the British and German maintenance/repairs.

[Martin]

How many years back are you thinking about going, and do you really want a 'sports car' or one that just looks like one? As far as coolness factor, fun to drive, and liklihood that it'll be a good investment, I'd look at a Ferrari 308/328 GTS. Another one that would be fun (and cheap) is a Porsche 928 GTS w/ manual trans. The Ferrari is probably the only one ever made that is actually maintainable by the owner, and the Porsche was just unloved in the US - but is a great car. Both were hyper expensive when they came out, and are going for a fraction of what they cost new (the Porsche more so than the Ferrari). They're also a lot like Vipers in that there are a lot of them out there that have been weekend toys and don't have a lot of miles on them.

[v10enomous]

How many years back are you thinking about going, and do you really want a 'sports car' or one that just looks like one? As far as coolness factor, fun to drive, and liklihood that it'll be a good investment, I'd look at a Ferrari 308/328 GTS. Another one that would be fun (and cheap) is a Porsche 928 GTS w/ manual trans. The Ferrari is probably the only one ever made that is actually maintainable by the owner, and the Porsche was just unloved in the US - but is a great car. Both were hyper expensive when they came out, and are going for a fraction of what they cost new (the Porsche more so than the Ferrari). They're also a lot like Vipers in that there are a lot of them out there that have been weekend toys and don't have a lot of miles on them.

I know what you are saying about the 928 but man have they been picked through over the years. The Ferrari is just not practical at all for weekend getaways either. I would look at a Cayman before either of those. Yes... I know it's a girl car compared to the Viper but part of my reasoning is to get something that the wife can drive too. I'm not even sure I want to do this yet. A Caddy XLR may fit the bill too. They are sort of rare and unique as well.

[C.Hermsen]

I would vote for XLR, but can you find those under 30k?

Splurge a little and get the XLR-V, then you'll REALLY have something!

[bluesrt]

get the caddy get the caddy

[v10enomous]

Wow... Here's a one owner 2008 XLR-V with 5k miles. Auction ends in less than 3 hours and reserve has been met... Bidding at $32k

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-...item4cf9b9a3e1

[C.Hermsen]

XLR-V for sure! That would be the ultimate DD IMO.

[2whitevipers]

The ferrari 308 and 328 have serious rust issues if they saw any weather at all. The 928 is a maintainence nightmare. Be very careful if you want either of these. I'd definitely look at the caddy---Dave

[v10enomous]

The Caddy is an interesting option. Basically a vette with a retractable hardtop and much less common than a Vette.

[Nader]

Mercedes e55

[1994viper]

Oh boy. My friend just sold his 03 SL500 for $23k. took the money and ran. That thing spent more time at the shop than on the road. In less than 4 years 2 transmissions, air suspension, leaking seals (trunk full of water), Computer problems. Horrible body metal quality, rusted through the wheel well. etc...

BMW of some sorts? M3? But than again, I had a bimmer and it had a number of issues. At least it had a sporty feel and was a fun and predictable ride.

[Nader]

My E55 has been without issue, other then losing a fuel pump. Car is daily driver and through the elements. The poweris amazing. A stock E55 has more more torque then a stock viper. the AMG 55 engine I consider one of the best engines produced - well that I can afford...

[v10enomous]

Thanks for all of the input but after looking around I'm going to save my pennies for a Gen4 coupe...

[Mopar Boy]

Best luxury for that would be 300 SRT8. Reliable, comfortable, and fairly inexpensive.

[v10enomous]

Best luxury for that would be 300 SRT8. Reliable, comfortable, and fairly inexpensive.

I've always liked the 300 SRT8 and the new 300 is gorgeous but I was thinking more of a 2 seater or 2+2 than a sedan.

[TrackAire]

You really should look at the Jag XKR's....very cool vehicles, fast enough and nice luxury. There is a 2005 supercharged 40000 mile coupe on Craigslist in San Francisco...asking $36.9K. Looks to be at a dealer so there is probably some room to negotiate.

I've never owned a British car until this last year and I just love the road feel they have. The Jag coupe is one beautiful ride, classy and quick with supercharged motor.

Good luck with your search,
George

[Mopar Boy]

I've always liked the 300 SRT8 and the new 300 is gorgeous but I was thinking more of a 2 seater or 2+2 than a sedan.

Well in that case that won't work for you. And as Chrysler does not make anything along those lines, I think my input in this subject just ended!

[PatentLaw]

I've always liked the 300 SRT8 and the new 300 is gorgeous but I was thinking more of a 2 seater or 2+2 than a sedan.

Ok, I will chime in with 2 cents.

I would go against the norm here and suggest that you buy a 1998 Lincoln LSC. First, the car has more luxury than just about any other vehicle. Second, you can pick up a low mileage original car, for around 3500. Yes......3500. Using very limited bolt ons, the car will do 13's as the car originally came with the Cobra engine. Not fast enough? They make a supercharger for the car that you can slap on. After that, you have a car that does in the 11's and will beat most Vipers.

In 1998, the only American cars that came with totally independent suspension were the Corvette, the Viper and yes, the Lincoln LSC. The car also has an air ride suspension that really smooths out the bumps.

And the cost to get a supercharged LSC with low mileage? About 7,000 out the door. And rock solid.

Don't believe me? Hot Rod magazine just had an article about how good the deals are on the Mark VIII, how stout the engines are, and what a great deal it is.

Lastly, the car is built in America. For what some people spend on trinkets or tires or something else, you cannot go wrong. Even if you hate the car or it blows up after you bought it, you can sell off the wheels and tires and still not be that much in the hole.

Check out the following boards for further information. Almost as good as the Viper Club.

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6


Oh, and the car gets 30 mpg right out of the box. Can't go wrong there either.

[v10enomous]

That's interesting... I bought a brand new 1990 black TBird back in 1990 and the LSC looks to be the same platform... The Tbird was a great car...

Ok, I will chime in with 2 cents.

I would go against the norm here and suggest that you buy a 1998 Lincoln LSC. First, the car has more luxury than just about any other vehicle. Second, you can pick up a low mileage original car, for around 3500. Yes......3500. Using very limited bolt ons, the car will do 13's as the car originally came with the Cobra engine. Not fast enough? They make a supercharger for the car that you can slap on. After that, you have a car that does in the 11's and will beat most Vipers.

In 1998, the only American cars that came with totally independent suspension were the Corvette, the Viper and yes, the Lincoln LSC. The car also has an air ride suspension that really smooths out the bumps.

And the cost to get a supercharged LSC with low mileage? About 7,000 out the door. And rock solid.

Don't believe me? Hot Rod magazine just had an article about how good the deals are on the Mark VIII, how stout the engines are, and what a great deal it is.

Lastly, the car is built in America. For what some people spend on trinkets or tires or something else, you cannot go wrong. Even if you hate the car or it blows up after you bought it, you can sell off the wheels and tires and still not be that much in the hole.

Check out the following boards for further information. Almost as good as the Viper Club.

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6


Oh, and the car gets 30 mpg right out of the box. Can't go wrong there either.

[VenomSteve]

Go with a E46 M3 vert. Classy, good handling, open top when you want and you can still fit a few kids in the back if needed. If you are open to 4 doors, E55 AMG, E39/M5 or CTSV are all good choice. If you don't mind driving non primium brand then the 300 SRT is the way to go.

[vancouver-gts]

[




My wife would agree with Patent Law. Too bad they didn't make a two door version but I talked her into buying the 04 Lincoln LS V8 premium sedan years ago. The car has fully independent load levelling air suspension, a 280 HP DOHC 32 V engine with variable cam timing , variable steering , GPS based navigation with THX certified theatre sound system, dual climate control , heated/cooled seats.
Engine will keep running in case of coolant loss by shutting some cylinders off and using those as airpumps cooling the engine.Cadillac's Northstar has similar system!
The wood trim IS REAL WOOD , [american valnut] in Lincolns, unlike GM's. Young kids buy these for cheap , lowering them and throwing 15o shot of Nox running crazy numbers on the local tracks. The best thing is the 5 spd manumatic Getrag tranny [ only the V-8 comes with it] with a switchable traction control. I driven the original LSC and loved that car. I owned Lincoln and Cadillac from the 60's as well ,worked on those too knowimg them inside and out, the Lincoln was a better car overall IMHO.
For price point it's the best car for the buck ,since you can find them as low as 10K in mint condition.
wife's car

[PatentLaw]

Nice car Vancouver. Just to be clear for those who don't know.....the LSC's were all 2 doors. They stopped making 2 door Lincolns after that. The fit and finish in these vehicles (Lincolns) are really nice.

[MoreBeer]

This thread his close to home... My dad has a '93 Mark VIII sitting in his garage in excellent condition. It hasn't moved in ~10 years, but that car was way ahead of its time. I picked up a 95 Mustang because it had roughly the same engine. The LSCs were just that much better. I'll have to do some digging and see what the '93 is capable of. After spending a weekend in June with the IL VCA, he was ready to pull it out of storage.

-mb

[viperdrummer]

I am a big Caddy guy. I had the current M5 till the CTS-V came out in 09 . Still have it.

The XLR is fine but wouldn't recommend it as DD. I had an XLR-V and wife had the XLR and while neat not that sporty. Even the V can't come close to the CTS-V.

[texas_venom]

Lincoln LSC???? I owned one of those and it was a POS. Very poor quality and the car was always having problems. Not to mention the repair on the car was twice what Ford charges... and it was a Ford. Ridiculous. I would stay away from Lincon and Caddy if you want a vehicle that can be repaired cheaply.

[challengerta]

Hey, I cant believe nobody mentions the srt8 challenger, these are advertised in the low 30s all day long!

We just took a rented '11 3.6 on a thousand mile trip. Nice ride, decent handling, LOTS of room for stuff, tons of leg room up front.

Also got 28 highway mpg. Steering feel could use some help, but then this wasn't an SRT8. Go drive one!