Best Completely Impractical Car?

I think quarantine is driving most of us crazy. (myself included) I'm considering moving out to the boonies and buying a house.  Yes it'll add two hours to my daily commute (on top of the 1 hour I already deal with) but will give me significantly more space.
I'm a bit of a car guy.  I already own a Miata, and a sh*tty old truck is probably also in the cards. (I'm thinking a B2000/Ranger manual if I can find one--Never buy a nice truck. They're for posers) 

This is probably going to leave me with garage space for one more toy.  Assuming there is zero need for practicality, (I've got snow tires for the Miata)  What would the hivemind suggest? I'm thinking a late 90s Viper GTS.


 

Finally, a topic I can really get into. Also, I second the Viper. Are you looking more for muscle cars or imports?

Let me list a few: 1) Factory Five Racing mk5 roadster (Shelby Replica) 2) Factory Five Racing Type 65 coupe 3) Ferrari 348 4) any old Porsche 911 5) BMW m3 (e92) 6) ‘68 Chevy Nova 7) ‘69 Ford Mustang fastback 8) Ford Mustang GT350 or GT500 (the new ones)

 

I love the E92 M3, especially ones equipped with the competition package. However I've conducted extensive research on reliability and pretty much from a long term ownership point of view the F8x M3/M4 are the ones to go for. The S55 motor is pretty much bulletproof. The only issue that arises is the spun-crank-hub issue, which only plagues the DCT models, often cars that have been tuned. You can fix that by opting for a 6-speed manual. 

F8x M3/M4s are ballistically quick. Comp pack ones sound good too.

thots & prayers
 

I'm not sure what sort of research you've done, but the F8X are not very happy with repeated abuse at the track.

E9X has two issues: rod bearings and throttle actuators. Total cost to fix both is like $5-7K and then they're good for life. Can't beat 8,300RPM either.

"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
 

M4 Competition or a 911.....can't go wrong either way.

If you have a relatively big budget: 488 Pista, 458 Speciale, F12 TDF....or a GT2 RS (interestingly none of these cars lose value....investments? yes)

thots & prayers
 

I like Lotuses - so Elise, Exige, Evora. 

Elise is pretty cheap. Evora 400 is sick. I've read most car testers love to drive the Evora over many other cars in its category as its a fun drive.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
Most Helpful
Isaiah_53_5

I like Lotuses - so Elise, Exige, Evora. 

Elise is pretty cheap. Evora 400 is sick. I've read most car testers love to drive the Evora over many other cars in its category as its a fun drive.

I like Lotuses as well.  The issues there are that the Miata is like a more drivable Elise, and anything that's not parts-bin costs an arm and a leg with them, especially with their shrinking US presence.  There are stories about running over a piece of wood on the highway totaling them.  The Exige is just the same thing but faster and less carefree with the hardtop.  I don't think the ladies dress shop suits my needs either, as it's not 'completely impractical.'  A nice item about the Viper is that while a couple things like the front clamshell are bespoke, with almost anything else you can pop down to the local Chrysler dealership and just pickup a part that's shared with the 90s Caravan or something similar.

As to cost, I'm thinking that you're in the right ballpark though. (another poster asked)  I'm really not looking to spend more than one annual bonus on this which puts me at around ~$30k out the door. (assuming our stock price and profitability improve a bit)

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 
Whatever1984

Isaiah_53_5

I like Lotuses - so Elise, Exige, Evora. 

Elise is pretty cheap. Evora 400 is sick. I've read most car testers love to drive the Evora over many other cars in its category as its a fun drive.

I like Lotuses as well.  The issues there are that the Miata is like a more drivable Elise, and anything that's not parts-bin costs an arm and a leg with them, especially with their shrinking US presence.  There are stories about running over a piece of wood on the highway totaling them.  

I've been in an accident in an Elise. The dealer crashed it trying to show off on the test drive. Smashed the whole front end, we could barely drive it back to the dealership and had to toss the front bumper in the back. They brought out another new Elise and I test drove it and had a lot of fun. Its like a go kart. Actually, it was one of the most memorable driving experiences I have had, but I haven't driven a lot of cars. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
 

100% Charger's may seem like floaty boats to you, but they definitely have some good driving character if you get into the higher trims like the Scat Pack. If you have kids, get a Charger. Basically a rough-around-the-edges M5. 

Array
 
Mr.GGekko

Just get a car that screams "I AM AN ASSHOLE!"    

(Translation: BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, Challenger, Hummer, BMW, Mustang, or a BMW) 

BMW thrice? Bimmers on your mind. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Surprised no one has mentioned the V10 E60 M5

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

You'll have to update us on your decision - I'm really interested. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
SlapshotToTheNads

Agreed - curious what OP settles on

You're probably going to have to wait until February. This will be my bonus--Or I may torture you all by just buying a Rolex.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

OP, I think you need to give us some more criteria to suggest: ie, how will you drive the car (long drives on public roads, tracking, saturday morning cruiser, etc), what's your budget, and what's your tolerance for reliability.

If you're going to beat the shit out a car at the track, just get a Porsche 911 GT3 RS and be done with it (steel brakes too). C6 Z06 is a good alternative for something cheaper.

For something more road focused, M3 is a solid choice. Mustang GT350 is also pretty great, as are Caymans, base-model 911s, etc.

Cruiser would suggest Aston Martin, Maserati, or any other GT-style coupe. You'll need a good local mechanic though.

Viper is a good idea if you like making every drive an exercise in survival. Old ones especially have a reputation for ending up in walls whenever it rains (lots of torque, light weight, and no traction control = lots of surprise spins.)

"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
 

I apologize. I thought that things were good from my first posts, but I'll hit up things question by question. (sorry for not quoting--the new software is still glitchy for me)

I have zero rational use for this car.  I'm not going to DD it or anything.  The Miata is still likely going to handle the DD duties with backup from the pickup, and a potential Honda sedan for road trips if I get back with my SO. (and honestly, a momentum racer might be safer on the track too)

As to usability: No.

Expense was mentioned earlier: Maybe $40k max?

Re. Isaiah: I will keep updating this thread.  I'm still in the crazy idea phase, and need to see how WFH keeps going.  When one of your job responsibilities is preparing "reputational risk playbooks" you plan ahead.  This is the throw-in in 6-ish months for moving further from NYC.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

Smart Choices: BMW M3, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes C63 AMG, BMW Z4M Coupe, Honda S2000, Mercedes SL, Jaguar F-Type, Lexus ISF

Best Bang for Buck: Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06, Acura NSX, Porsche 911, Mustang GT350, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio,

Bonkers: Maserati Gran Turismo, Dodge Viper, BMW M5 (V10 model), Ariel Atom, Caterham Super Seven

Weird: Nissan Skyline GT-R (JDM import, 15+ years old), Lotus Elise or Esprit V8, BMW 8-series (early 90s), Shelby Cobra replica

"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw
 

If you want to get hella impractical, buy a motorcycle. My vote is for a Ducati or an Indian FTR.

On cars, I love some of the classics. They certainly aren't a good every day car but damn can you have some fun. I was looking around a bit at some old GTOs, Mustangs, Camaros, etc. They aren't super cheap but not egregious unless you want a very specific rare model (like a 67 GT500 or a Yenko Camaro / Nova).

 
BrohanSantana

If you want to get hella impractical, buy a motorcycle. My vote is for a Ducati or an Indian FTR.

On cars, I love some of the classics. They certainly aren't a good every day car but damn can you have some fun. I was looking around a bit at some old GTOs, Mustangs, Camaros, etc. They aren't super cheap but not egregious unless you want a very specific rare model (like a 67 GT500 or a Yenko Camaro / Nova).

Dad's midlife crisis was a 95 900 SS/CR. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat. The good Doctor cannot be wrong.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

Reason you mentioned; if you're a proper car guy this car is like nothing you've ever experienced, I'll never forget this ownership experience. That and a pretty simple lifestyle that didn't require a car as a car (2 miles from office, groceries delivered, etc.). It's been an awesome ~ 2 years now, just looking to step into something else (probably equally stupid impracticality wise)

 

how about a 700-HP 1994 Buick Roadmaster Station Wagon

(Dax Shepard's)

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1e/6d/5c/1e6d5cf65bf560ddedc51123be729eea.jpg

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
Isaiah_53_5

how about a 700-HP 1994 Buick Roadmaster Station Wagon

(Dax Shepard's)

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1e/6d/5c/1e6d5cf65bf560ddedc51123be729eea.jpg

Pass. I want my Roadmaster in baby blue.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

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"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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