It's time to replace my daily driver, Advice wanted on what to buy Options

[VegasRacer]

It looks like it is time for me to trade in my 1993 Dodge Stealth. I bought the car new from the dealer. It has been a great realaible car. My only expenses in 90K miles had been routine service. In March I made a decission to keep it a few more years and spent $3000 on valves and a bunch of other "while you're in there" stuff. In August it was another $1000 for transmission repair.

The car overheated last week and died in traffic. It let out a BIG clould of smoke when I restarted it. I did a U-turn and drove directly to the dealer. Some of the required repairs are covered under warranty. Another 3 grand worth are not. (Cracked heads, radiator, etc.) I might consider it IF I knew that would be the final fix. I am afraid that there are only going to be more in the comming months. I guess it is time to give up and move on.

I am in the fortunate position that I have 2 other vehicles in the driveway: My 914-6 plus a full size Chevy conversion van (former tow vehicle). Both run great, but neither is a suitable daily driver.

My delima is - what shoud I buy? My #1 requirement is reliability. $20 - $30 K price range. #2 on the list is sporty. 2 door models only. Rear seats not required but preferred. (No tail draggers) I'll be shopping for something new or a year of 2 old. My 1st thought is a 350Z. I'll look at BMW's also. What else should I test drive? What should I avoid? Any feedback would be appreciated.

[VegasRacer]

I headed out today with an open mind and a list of over 20 models I wanted to check out. I returned home with a much more manigable list of top contenders. I learned I am truely a sports car kind of guy. I now know without a doubt that I don't like 4 door cars.

I thought the Infinity G35 was going to be among my top choices. I quickly knew it was not the one for me.

Some of the other rejects are:
VW - GTI & R32 - The R32 is a very nice car. Both seem like to much sauerkraut (German Rice) for my taste.
Suburu WRX - another great car (if that's what you want). One of my friends who is an excellent auto-crosser traded in his BMW M3 last year for a WRX and loves it.
Mini Cooper and some of the other high revving 4 cylinders are fun cars but not what I am looking for in a daily driver.
Pontiac GTO was nothing special. Just a big motor. I would much rather have an Impala SS.
Chrysler Crossfire - I was impressed a few months ago when I saw one do very well at an auto-cross. As a potential buyer - no thanks. It also had a $2K 'market value' add above MSRP.
BMW - The M3 is to expensive. The other 3 series cars are 4 door. The Z4 is not all that. I have some seat time as a drivers ed instructor in a Z3 and was disappointed.
Mercedes C class - not enough of a good thing.
Boxster - maybe if I didn't already have a nice 914-6.
Acura was not on my original list. They don't have any models that fit my guidelines, but I was very impressed by the quality.
Audi TT & A4 - see above comments. 4 cyl / 4 door. Nice cars.


The three I am now considering:
Honda S2000 - another car I have piloted at a Track Quest DE event. On a road course it was surprisingly similar to my 914 race car. Yes I know it is a 4 cyl. V-tech but it is a very pleasing car to drive.
Mazda RX8 - when they came out I did not like the looks. Maybe I am prejudice since my 1st race car was a RX7. I do like that it has some sort of a back seat.
Nissan 350Z - lots of HP and torque. It does feel a bit heavy compared to the other two.

I did stumble on one other option. It is a little beyond my planned budget, but way more car than I thought I could get. Why is the current price of a low mileage 2001 Mercedes SL500 less than half of what it sold for new? It is a beautiful machine. Are they unreliable? Would it make a good daily driver counterpart to my /6? The other 3 choices are the best options out there. Any of them would be good choice. The SL500 was the only one that made my heart flutter. Somebody talk me out of it. Please.