Help me narrow it down
02-13-2009, 12:20 PM
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Help me narrow it down
Getting very close to getting into one of these. I'm having a little bit of a time deciding due to several factors:
*Depreciation value new vs. used
*Performance comparison
*Cargo room
*Convertible vs. hardtop
*maintenance costs
Candidates are Porsche Cayman, Lotus Exige, Lotus Elise, Pontiac Solstice Coupe.
I love all of these cars. They all have great perforance, but some things I am being picky about eventhough it will be a good weather only car. Here is what I see, but others opinions may vary. In no particular order.
Porsche Cayman--Great looks, power, high maintenance, lack of removable hardtop, good cargo space, Porsche reputation.
Lotus Exige--Exotic looks, power, world-class race car inspired handling, getting in and out of the car requires a shoehorn of sorts, limited cargo space, cumbersome removabe top, no hardtop storage space for long commutes, vandalism from envy, rough ride even if it is a sports car(even on short commutes is it tolerable?).
Lotus Elise--Exotic looks, power, world-class race car inspired handling, getting in and out of the car requires a shoehorn of sorts, limited cargo space, cumbersome removabe top, no hardtop storage space for long commutes, vandalism from envy, rough ride even if it is a sports car(even on short commutes is it tolerable?).
Pontiac Solstice--not yet in showrooms, however for all accounts on Motor Trend reviews, Edmunds, and various other sources, the Solstice Coupe is a slick ride and handles very well. My concerns are; not being able to transport the removable top on long commutes, new car depreciation. I like the 50/50 weight distribution and that it has a 6 cyl turbo that get approach 300hp and 300 ft. pounds of torque. Other concerns are craftsmenship compared to the other choices. Still, the car looks hot, but can it tip the scales on buying it over the Cayman, Elise, or Exige? I realize some sacrifices will have to be made on any of these as I can't have all my wishes that I desire in a sporst car(like being able to haul a removable hard top in the trunk). It will be a second car, so I can't grumble too much, but I just want to get to a point where I won't look back and say, "I wish I would have bought the Exige". I would like to have to be able to go into the garage at night and look at my car and say I can hardly wait for the weather to clear so that I can drive my _________(fill in the blank).
All the other cars...corvettes, Porsche 944's, and the like are no longer candidates. Spending limit is $36K and not a dime more. Pictures below for your viewing pleasure. Oh, and whatever the winner is, the car will be WHITE!
Porsche Cayman
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/800px-porsche_cayman_s.jpg">
Lotus Exige
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/exige1.jpg">
Lotus Elise
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary-2008-770714.1.jpg">
Pontiac Solstice
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/solstice.jpg">
Or should I completely forget about the car and opt for this?
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/malissa.2.jpg">
*Depreciation value new vs. used
*Performance comparison
*Cargo room
*Convertible vs. hardtop
*maintenance costs
Candidates are Porsche Cayman, Lotus Exige, Lotus Elise, Pontiac Solstice Coupe.
I love all of these cars. They all have great perforance, but some things I am being picky about eventhough it will be a good weather only car. Here is what I see, but others opinions may vary. In no particular order.
Porsche Cayman--Great looks, power, high maintenance, lack of removable hardtop, good cargo space, Porsche reputation.
Lotus Exige--Exotic looks, power, world-class race car inspired handling, getting in and out of the car requires a shoehorn of sorts, limited cargo space, cumbersome removabe top, no hardtop storage space for long commutes, vandalism from envy, rough ride even if it is a sports car(even on short commutes is it tolerable?).
Lotus Elise--Exotic looks, power, world-class race car inspired handling, getting in and out of the car requires a shoehorn of sorts, limited cargo space, cumbersome removabe top, no hardtop storage space for long commutes, vandalism from envy, rough ride even if it is a sports car(even on short commutes is it tolerable?).
Pontiac Solstice--not yet in showrooms, however for all accounts on Motor Trend reviews, Edmunds, and various other sources, the Solstice Coupe is a slick ride and handles very well. My concerns are; not being able to transport the removable top on long commutes, new car depreciation. I like the 50/50 weight distribution and that it has a 6 cyl turbo that get approach 300hp and 300 ft. pounds of torque. Other concerns are craftsmenship compared to the other choices. Still, the car looks hot, but can it tip the scales on buying it over the Cayman, Elise, or Exige? I realize some sacrifices will have to be made on any of these as I can't have all my wishes that I desire in a sporst car(like being able to haul a removable hard top in the trunk). It will be a second car, so I can't grumble too much, but I just want to get to a point where I won't look back and say, "I wish I would have bought the Exige". I would like to have to be able to go into the garage at night and look at my car and say I can hardly wait for the weather to clear so that I can drive my _________(fill in the blank).
All the other cars...corvettes, Porsche 944's, and the like are no longer candidates. Spending limit is $36K and not a dime more. Pictures below for your viewing pleasure. Oh, and whatever the winner is, the car will be WHITE!
Porsche Cayman
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/800px-porsche_cayman_s.jpg">
Lotus Exige
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/exige1.jpg">
Lotus Elise
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/lotus-elise-s-40th-anniversary-2008-770714.1.jpg">
Pontiac Solstice
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/solstice.jpg">
Or should I completely forget about the car and opt for this?
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139726/malissa.2.jpg">
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02-13-2009, 12:37 PM
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Having driven Paul's Elise and a friend's Cayman...
I would automatically say no to the Solstice... it might be nice, and I may be bias... but no Pontiac for me. I've heard there's not much storage with the top down.
I'd only consider the Cayman if it were a Cayman S. If you can afford it, I'd go this route.
The Elise and the Exige are AWESOME cars, that said, they're not very practical. The ride isn't rough for a short commute, but its not a daily driver by any means. The cabin is quite small and theres not too much space for storage either.
Finally... have you considered a Z4M? In coupe or convertible form they are fast, reliable, and around your price point. '07 models with a few thousand miles are going for the low to mid $30s. 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, a reliable and proven motor in the S54 (the best 6 cylinder EVER!), and polarizing styling. The coupe has PLENTY of room. I wish I had waited a few more months and ponied up the extra cash for the Z4M... but I'm happy with my Z4 coupe 3.0si.
I'd only consider the Cayman if it were a Cayman S. If you can afford it, I'd go this route.
The Elise and the Exige are AWESOME cars, that said, they're not very practical. The ride isn't rough for a short commute, but its not a daily driver by any means. The cabin is quite small and theres not too much space for storage either.
Finally... have you considered a Z4M? In coupe or convertible form they are fast, reliable, and around your price point. '07 models with a few thousand miles are going for the low to mid $30s. 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, a reliable and proven motor in the S54 (the best 6 cylinder EVER!), and polarizing styling. The coupe has PLENTY of room. I wish I had waited a few more months and ponied up the extra cash for the Z4M... but I'm happy with my Z4 coupe 3.0si.
02-13-2009, 12:38 PM
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2006 Exige can be had for even $33K on Auto Trader
Granted it has 27k mileage, but if everything checks out to ones favor, then this one goes for $33k...<ul><li><a href="http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=257361084&dealer_id=74 552&car_year=2006&engine=&fuel=&so rt_type=priceDESC&systime=&default_sort=pr iceDESC&drive=&style_flag=1&body_code= 0&a
