M2 alternative

[mjf1]

I have owned an "OG" M2 for about a year now but am thinking about changing it. The reason is that my wife feels unwell/sick when traveling in the car as a passenger. Something about it gives her motion sickness, even when I'm driving normally. If I push on a bit it gets worse! She prefers to be driven than drive, so I might have to replace the M2. Apparently taking two cars everywhere isn't a solution.

It is my only car, so is used as a daily. I'll admit that whilst I really enjoy driving it, it's probably more of a weekend toy than a sensible daily.

Requirements & preferences

• Budget £26-27k, ish. Perhaps 30k for the right car but that would be pushing it.
• Must be a bit more comfortable and nicer for passengers than the M2
• Ideally similar levels of performance
• Has that feeling where you just want to go for a drive for no reason
• Not a 2 seater, but doesn't have to be much bigger than the M2 in the back
• Not convertible
• RWD
• Petrol
• Auto, ideally, but would consider a manual
• No more than about 10 years old

The cars listed below, for various reasons, are not making the shortlist, along with loads of FWD cars:

• Alfa Romeo Giulia
• M-lite BMWs like M140i / M135i, etc
• Any Maserati
• Kia Stinger
• M2 Comp - potentially has the same motion sickness issue

When I search, I seem to end up finding loads of M2/M4 results with the occasional F80 M3 making an appearance. I think the M3 would be a good bet, but finding a good one may be difficult at my budget.

I also see quite a few C63 AMGs and Mustang V8s. I love the noise of a V8 but don't know what they are like to drive or if the ones at my budget are not worth buying.

An M340i (touring!) may be an option but I'd have to drive one. If I extend my budget slightly I can get a high mileage, 5-6 year old one. BMW marketing has worked a treat on me though, and I have this idea that it's "not an M", so won't be any good and therefore isn't worth parting with the best part of £30k for.

Am I missing any other obvious candidates?

[Chris_91]

New wife?

[mjf1]

Chris_91 said:

New wife?

Also out of budget.

[flatso]

S coupe
8 series
Alpina 3er
E53 coupe

Limousine driving course

[ITP]

Lexus RCF, or maybe one of the last XFR’s. If you don’t want a granturismo of course!

[paddy1970]

1. BMW F80 M3


2. Lexus RC F


3. Jaguar XE S (V6)


4. BMW M340i (Saloon or Touring)


5. Mercedes C63 AMG (W204 or early W205)


6. Ford Mustang GT (2015+, ideally with MagneRide)


7. BMW 440i Gran Coupe (F36)


8. Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport Tech


9. Alpina B3 (F30 or F31)


10. Audi S5 (B9 Coupe or Sportback, 2017+) – AWD but still relevant for balance/performance


11. Genesis G70 3.3T (rare)


12. Toyota GR Supra (A90) – if flexible on the 2-seater rule

[Pickle_Rick]

Agree with above, lexus RC F.

It's the firm suspension that probably causes it (my 10 year old gets car sick in my EV, but not in my others), so something a bit softer will do the trick.

[cerb4.5lee]

mjf1 said:

Chris_91 said:

New wife?

Also out of budget.

You both made me laugh with this for sure!

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say go for a saloon with adjustable suspension, with travel sickness I find taller windows seems to help hence the saloon suggestion vs a coupe.

Also a lighter interior is helpful too.

M3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502259...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406150...

Jaguar XE S, these are bloody good cars & ride really well, so I'd defiantly suggest test driving one:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503069...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503170...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411296...

Ghibli:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412197...

[neverlifted]

Keep M2+ Medication for wife?
Or RS7/S7?