New car advice needed

[2fastdriving]

I'm buying a new house and a car this year, so lots of change

I have had a 2011 BMW 335i sedan with a Cobb stage 1 kit for the last 6 years and love it. I absolutely love it but it's starting to develop problems at 150k miles. I'm sure I could keep driving it, but want to look for something new. A sport coupe most likely...kids are grown and my gf has an SUV I can use if i need to bring a new tv home or something.

I've always wanted an M4 but I read a lot of reviews that say the F series is not even as good as the E that I already have! Most of those reviews are critical of steering feel and a connected driving experience. Even though I sit in traffic a lot, I do appreciate that about my 335. I'm not a huge fan of the new interiors either.

Truth be told, i'll be in traffic far more than i'll be tracking it. I've never tracked a car, but I am probably going to dip a toe into that world if I do get an M4.

I can't afford a new M4 but I can swing a used one. My budget would be about 55k, possibly 60.

Another contender would be the Audi S5 (current model but also used) but it's not as fast as the M4. For most purposes I am sure it's great.

I haven't seen a used Alfa Quadra whatever in my price range yet.

I'm not a huge fan of Mercedes looks.

I haven't driven any of these cars yet but will very soon.

So...anyone compare the S5 and M4? thoughts? Any others I should be considering?

[2fastdriving]

Another option would be to buy a brand new 2020 3 series with the 382hp six. Probably break my budget though, and they aren't even out yet.

I should also note that the practical side of me keeps nagging me to buy an X3m40i, because that would be pretty fast and fun as well, just not mind-numbing fast.

[audioguy3107]

I know you said you're not a huge fan of the aesthetics, but this: E63 AMG. So what if it's out of your budget? This is Audio Aficionado, where everything is out of budget.

[clpetersen]

Yeah - do this - "pick up a 2020 3 series with the 382hp six". Get in Muenchen - it is a blast (if you haven't done it) and will actually save a few $$.

[Higgens]

The Porsche Cayman is a worthy contender in this price category. It’s a blast to drive.

[GSOphile]

I think you should give the new 2019 Porsche Macon S a good look.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Higgens

The Porsche Cayman is a worthy contender in this price category. It’s a blast to drive.

Thanks, I am sure it is. I would like something with a LITTLE trunk room, and a back seat, even if it's kind of tight. Maybe a Cayman has one, not sure, but it's probably unusable for an adult!

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by audioguy3107

I know you said you're not a huge fan of the aesthetics, but this: E63 AMG. So what if it's out of your budget? This is Audio Aficionado, where everything is out of budget.

That does look pretty sweet. hmmm

[doggiehowser]

How about an M2 Competition? It’s smaller and more nimble than the M4 and it drives beautifully. I have the older M2 and they have really brought out the big guns for the Competition. Tweaked S55 engine from the M4 CS and better suspension tuning.

If you have to get a preowned M4, trying to get the CP not the original M4. The original engine was twitchy and less progressive than the new tune.

[Formerly YB-2]

Check out the new Audi TT. Close to your budget and a 5cyl engine (like days of yore for Audi). To my eye, they've cleaned up the looks in a good way.