So, I'm in the very early stages of researching new cars. I've been looking around and taking notice of cars that I like the looks of. I've also been thinking about the functionality of the car and am still a bit undecided.

At this point, I'm kind of hooked on the look of some European cars, but, I'm open to suggestions. I'd love to hear any feedback if you've driven, owned, have friends who owned, etc. any of these cars, or if you have any cars to recommend. Here is what I'm currently researching:

• BMW 335, 535, 650i convertible*, m3*, m5*, m6*, x5
  
• Audi A6, S4, TTS Roadster, S5 cabriolet
  
• Porsche Cayene S, Cayene S Turbo*
  

Cars marked with a * means that I'd be looking at used versions.

Also, I know that some of these have the option to get diesel, xdrive, etc. So any feedback on those options would be great. Also, I've never owned a convertible, so, any feedback on that is also greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

*COUGH* GET THE S4 *COUGH*

I'd go for the Audi A6, no question about it.

I have the Audi TT 3.2 S-Line hard top - LOVE IT. I want the Porsche Cayman S next... check it out! Porsche Cayman S

This message has been edited. Last edited by: A Work Of Art,

we are looking at the Cayenne S next...a beauty for sure...thats my vote!

I'd go with the most fun yet practical car on your list; a slightly used M5. You know it and I know it, that car is daring you to buy it.

Your list ranges from coupe to SUV and about 250 hp to almost 600hp.

Since you haven't really narrowed it down it's tough to give suggestions. Looks are subjective, but based solely on looks, if it was my choice, 335xi coupe(sport package) or S5 coupe.

xi because driving a high performance AWD vehicle in the snow is a blast and practical. Best of both worlds.
My brother has a 335xi coupe. Slapped some nokians on it and its an all weather luxury performance vehicle. Can't get much more practical than that.

That's quite a large range of automobiles there. I think it depends what you want out of it. A X5 is a lot different from a M6.

Anyway, I'm partial to the "Ms". I've only driven the M6 and man, it's a fun car to drive. More power than you'll ever really need, that's for sure. It'll get you going real quick. I guess my brothers buying a 335 tomorrow, so it'll be interesting to see how that is.

The only thing good about dating my dummy of an ex girlfriend was that her dad is a successful surgeon and has the loot to get cars like the M6 and I got to drive it lol. I'm too broke for that.

Sadly, I *think* I saw him driving one of those Audi R8s the other day. Maybe I should have put up with her bullsh*t a little longer? . I'm sitting there in my Mazda3 I just got and was like wtf, I could be in that thing right now haha.

Get a Porsche Panamera...

Go for the M5!!!!!!I have used this car for two months in Germany and it is FANTASTIC. Too bad for your speed limits.

Well, I am very partial BMW guy, but I will say that everything you put down as an option are all great choices. I doubt you would be disappointed if you closed your eyes and threw a finger down on a piece of paper to pick.

Myself, I am looking at getting a 335i with the M package, but I am thinking of holding off a year as the all-new 2011 will be coming up. From your BMW choices, I'd be partial to the M3 (assuming E 90/92) or the M5. From the Audis, I like the S4 and S5.

I don't like the Porsche SUVs though. I really don't like SUVs period, but I guess that is just because I live in SoCal where practically all of them will never tread on dirt or carry more than a couple people and groceries from Ralphs. Pointless.

Why no Mercedes? At your price point you can also look at the new Jags. Expanding a bit, you can get 335i thrills for cheap with a new Infiniti G37 coupe. Or you can go American *gasp* with the Cadillac CTS-V.

At the end of the day, I'd take the M5. Practical sport car thrills... I mean come on, a 4 door that can carry everything and has a 500 HP V-10 under the hood that will blow the doors off practically everything else on the road.

I too, like signalhill Brian am partial to BMWs, always have been. They are my choice of German cars, since that's all you have up there. If you had left it open, I would have made a couple more suggestions, but based on what you have listed, stick with BMW. The quality of workmanship, maintenance, and warranty have improved greatly over the last 10 years or so.


I'll go ahead and say it, I'm a Nissan guy as well and the new Infiniti G37 coupe and sedan are awesome as Richard pointed out, and you could save yourself some money by buying one. The Nissan VQ engine is THE standard in the auto industry and has been for almost 10 years running. It's not a 500 hp beast like the M5, but when would you need that much hp anyway, there are not autobahns in the USA.



"Laissez les bon temps rouler"

Nothing finer than having a nice convertable for Northwest summer days, but mine stays in the garage all winter. If I do drive it, I have to take a bath towel along to lay on the drivers door. NO rain gutters!
That said, I vote for the A4.

OR you could get a Toyota and a sh^t load of CGRs...

Any thoughts about a Lexus? My Grandma has a IS(which she won, believe it or not, didn't cost a penny) it has AWD and it does drive nice. Plus, you get Toyota quality. Probably will cost you a little less than a BMW too. They only offer the IS250 with manual, not the IS350, which kinda stinks, but semi-autos are pretty good these days, so don't count them out.

When she won the car she thought it was too small so we went to test drive the ES. I didn't like it AT ALL. It was a huge disappointment, it felt like a boat. But personally, I'll always have small cars, I really don't like anything bigger than a IS or 3 series.