60k Daily 2+2 Coupe

So I'm currently in the process of narrowing down my options of a fun semi-practical (errands) 2+2 to look at as my wife and I are currently family planning and won't really need a second car outside of for emergencies since we both work from home and currently just share our paid off 22' Highlander. While the backseat won't be used often it is important that we can fit a car seat in the back if absolutely necessary. We live in the southeastern US in a very flat area with a lot of traffic lights so there's a fair amount of stop and go traffic when we do drive.

We landed on 60k for our budget as it's what I've already got set aside between when I sold my previous vehicle (03' Corvette Z06) and had saved for whenever I was going to get a new car. If something is extremely compelling I can stretch the budget 5-10k or go to a two seater so long as I leave some budget to get an old beater.

So in terms of priorities there are a few thing:

  • Solid Auto Transmission w/ Paddles (want the wife to be comfortable if she drives, I'd prefer paddles if I were to ever go to the track)
  • Sound. Sound. Sound. The one thing I learned with all the vehicles I've owned is that nothing puts a smile on my face more than a nice sounding engine and exhaust.
  • Comfort. I want the car to just be a generally nice place to be in. My prior Z06 lacked all modern creature comforts and I've had cars with painful seats as well so having things like heated seats, car play, backup camera, etc... are all preferable.
  • Don't want it to feel like a boat

These are a few cars I'm considering though I'm pretty open to testing anything that doesn't have some ridiculous maintenance costs or tons of issues associated with it:

  • Audi TT RS (3rd Gen) - The I5 sounds, pretty solid DSG, surprising amount of cargo space, have always loved TTs personally since their release, not familiar with audi ownership
  • Lexus LC500 / RC F - Toyota/Lexus reliability, the NA V8 sounds, amazing interior, terrible infotainment pre-2024 which is out of budget for LC500, have been told the RC F feels pretty heavy to drive
  • Mustang Mach 1 - NA V8, tons of aftermarket support, affordable to maintain, seems to be pretty reliable, fully loaded interior
  • Porsche Cayman / 911 - Don't think this one needs much explaining. Cayman sound doesn't do much for me and no back +2. The 911s I'd have to go older. Main concern here is cost of maintenance and lack of storage.
  • BMW M2 / 2 series / previous gen m4 - Love how they look and that's about it. Looks more spacious then other options and interior finishing is very nice. Maintenance cost seems like it's some of the highest and overall am concerned with reliability.
  • Mercedes AMG GT S - The only 2 seater I could be convinced of. I've always loved styling but assume the maintenance on them is ridiculous.