2004 G35 Coupe- Rim Color?

I've always wanted a first gen IS. Just as nice as the Bimmer, but reliability comes standard. I've always been a sucker for the Sportcross Wagon:

sportcross.jpg


:drool:
 
NissanSkylineN1
How about an old Passat or Golf?
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Depends on the year, trim and model. I've owned multiple Volkswagens and the general way I'd sum things up is that while they are amazing cars to drive and have a personality unlike a good number of other vehicles, they are very expensive to insure and repair.

Just speaking in generalities, Volkswagens are notorious for their electronic gremlins, poorly assembled switchgear, engines and transmissions that will occasionally self-detonate, parts prices that are nearly as outrageous as that of Mercedes and BMW, and a bunch of bits and pieces that aren't as common as you'd think they should be.

In the price range you're considering, I'd scratch the Jetta and Golf clean off the list. The build quality of the vehicles were so inconsistent that I can't really say it is a good idea unless it is a very, very late model run version. I understand that they continued to manufacture and sell the MKIV model for the Canadian market all the way through 2010 under the 'City' moniker. A later City Jetta might not be a terrible idea, I'd assume that the majority of the kinks had been worked out... But if you're going to compare it against a 2010 "real" Jetta... Well, you're going to notice a difference.

Personally, I'd look at the Passat between the three. They were made in Europe, assembled fairly well, and I'd say the 2001+ B5.5 is to this day one of the best-looking Volkswagens ever put on the road. If you're going to do the 1.8T dance, it's 2003+ up for reliability concerns. Otherwise, just go with the VR6.
 
NissanSkylineN1
New question: A Miata. Problem: Legroom. Any ideas about it?
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For an MX-5?

I found the NA to fit quite well, if anything, my head poking over the top of the window slightly. Room otherwise was adequate for a car that size.

The NB is largely a better compromise. A little more comfortable, and little more livable in a still decidedly compact space. About as fun as the original, but not quite.

The NC is, again, a bit larger. I fit best in these ones. They're apparently not as much fun to drive, but are still leagues ahead of other cars.

YSSMAN's Specs:
6ft 1in - 185cm
175lbs - 80kg
 
So, today we sat in a NB Miata. My borther's hair was touching the roof, and instead of seeing outside, he only saw the visors in front of his face. Miatas are too small.

EDIT: Also saw a Jetta today, it was a piece of junk.
 
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As much as i despise what im about to suggest....


Maybe a 99-04 Mustang/Camaro? My mate has a mustang, and the interior is ok. The parts are fairly cheap, I'm told. And they are easy to look after. Just a thought...

But I'd still prefer a German car, too....
 
My current daily is worth about 5k right now, purchased for about 35k.

We'll turn it into 200,000 mile land next week. :eek:

2002 BMW 325i.

Maintenance is not the cheapest in the world, but it's been a fantastic car that we have to live in for 2 hours a day 5 days a week.

Based on the OP, might be the perfect fit for this venture.
 
Our only concern is repair costs. How much has it cost you? He's looking for a '03/'04 manual without HID lights. with winter package (folding rear seats) and front seats that have the extendable leg thingies.
 
NissanSkylineN1
Our only concern is repair costs. How much has it cost you? He's looking for a '03/'04 manual without HID lights. with winter package (folding rear seats) and front seats that have the extendable leg thingies.
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We put about 25k a year on the car (obvious based on purchase timing and current mileage).

Over the past 12 months, repair bills have averaged more than $325 per month. The car is going to get traded in soon.

Over the past 3 years, that average is more like $150.

Some repairs have been absolutely necessary, others have been optional. As an example,we paid slightly less than $1000 to have new motor mounts installed. The car was like a new one after that, the vibration had become unbearable. But theoretically, it could have survived longer.


We've also had to replace both thermostats within the last 8 months, one in the overflow the other in the motor.

If you'd like, I can send you a detailed repair log. I have all the documents since we've owned the car.
 
hawkeye122
As much as i despise what im about to suggest....


Maybe a 99-04 Mustang/Camaro? My mate has a mustang, and the interior is ok. The parts are fairly cheap, I'm told. And they are easy to look after. Just a thought...

But I'd still prefer a German car, too....
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Cheap power too though.
 
^This. Unless you go for one of those aweful Mustangs or Comaros of the early 2000's. Is mileage an issue? Because I recently saw a 1999 A4 Advant with about 120,000 miles. It was a fully loaded and had a V6. Seems perfect for what you're looking for. The nice was 5k too.
 
GTMail
^This. Unless you go for one of those aweful Mustangs or Comaros of the early 2000's. Is mileage an issue? Because I recently saw a 1999 A4 Advant with about 120,000 miles. It was a fully loaded and had a V6. Seems perfect for what you're looking for. The nice was 5k too.
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hawkeye122
I'm not sure if "Power" is the right word. I doubt the 5K could get you anything bigger than the V6, which arent what I'd call "Quick".
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Here's a 5.0 V8 Fox body Mustang for under $4K.
http://classifieds.castanet.net/details/1990_5.0_mustang_lx_hatchback/1283424/

This:
http://classifieds.castanet.net/details/1988_cadillac_brougham/1121246/

And this:
http://classifieds.castanet.net/details/1986_monte_carlo_for_sale/1259838/

So yea... Easy to get a V8 under $5K.
 
Again, excuse me.

I've always been told the Fox body ones needed a ton of work.

And i didnt mean "any" V8. I meant a V8 Mustang/Camaro. But you found one. Albeit, an ugly one, but still
 
hawkeye122
I'm not sure if "Power" is the right word. I doubt the 5K could get you anything bigger than the V6, which arent what I'd call "Quick".
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I can get one right now with a stacked 347 stroker for under 5k
 
Antonisbob
Here's a 5.0 V8 Fox body Mustang for under $4K.
http://classifieds.castanet.net/details/1990_5.0_mustang_lx_hatchback/1283424/

This:
http://classifieds.castanet.net/details/1988_cadillac_brougham/1121246/

And this:
http://classifieds.castanet.net/details/1986_monte_carlo_for_sale/1259838/

So yea... Easy to get a V8 under $5K.
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The only mustang I would ever buy is 90s 5.0. I see them at the drag strip constantly. I'd jump on it if I were you. But be advised, they aren't very practical.
 
Ah well you guys got me. See I come from a place where you're more likely to find V8 engines in AMG Mercedes than anything else. Nothing used is going to have a V8 under about 15 grand here. I'm the wrong guy to ask about cheap V8 power.
 
YSSMAN
The NC is, again, a bit larger. I fit best in these ones. They're apparently not as much fun to drive, but are still leagues ahead of other cars.
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Yeah, to clarify, the NC isn't as fun as an NA or NB, but it's still more fun than 95% of whatever else is out there. And to be fair, the more recent NCs are much better than the early ones, even if the styling is a bit "manic grin" now.
 
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I owned that exact car minus seat warmers for a long time. It's an absolute dream of a vehicle. If the suspension is making noises, make him lower price. Make sure all the electronic stuff is working properly before you buy. Make a list of all the features and check every single one of them. The car will hold up for a while (its no BMW,) but some repairs will be required along the way, and they aren't cheap.
 
Ven0m
The only mustang I would ever buy is 90s 5.0. I see them at the drag strip constantly. I'd jump on it if I were you. But be advised, they aren't very practical.
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Me? I have less that $60 to my name. I need a job..
 
Antonisbob
Me? I have less that $60 to my name. I need a job..
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The only reason they are at the strip 99% of the time is you can stuff very large engines in a very light weight body...The frames are very strong too.
 
UPDATE: So we went to see this 3 Series just now. Had 94 thousand Kilometers on it. Absolute beast. Owner used only 94 octane gas, synthetic oil, and was in such a clean condition, it was unbelieveable. Comes with winter tires on the original rims. The sound system has been upgraded,with 2 subwoofers in the back. The M bumpers were apparently bought in Germany (I slightly doubt that). The ECU has not been remapped after installing the CAI. The only issue is that the tyres are worn out. $9K
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/3 Series/MISSISSAUGA/Ontario/19_5761963_/?showcpo=ShowCPO
5761963-20120703012343139-orig.jpg

5761963-20120703012406919-orig.jpg

5761963-20120703012441825-orig.jpg

5761963-20120703012457997-orig.jpg

5761963-20120703012641354-orig.jpg
 
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