Mel got a Subaru!

[ITCC_Andrew]

2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS wagon.

 

[McLaren]

@ secondary use.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

@ secondary use.

I mean everything from autocross, to time-attack and drifting. "Light track usage," in the "Mel's English Dictionary of Car Words," effectively means that it's not a BTCC car.



So, in short, none of this:

 

[Bopop4]

Dedicated ice racing car.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Dedicated ice racing car.

Oh yeah... Because I secretly hate my dream car, and want to flip it.

Bopop4, I was more thinking of ice racing something I don't like.

 

[GranTurismo916]

SELLING for $900? o.o

 

[TheBook]

Get it. If all else fails, you can resell it and/or part it out.

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

Lexus SC .. Toyota Soarer .. is it the 3 liter 2JZ GE or the 4.3 liter V8 3UZ-FE variety ? for 900 bucks, cheap, might be a bargain I want to see some picture and the car is perfect for 2JZGTE transplant, some work on the suspension and drivetrain - instant drift car

 

[Murcie_LP640]

Lexus SC .. Toyota Soarer .. is it the 3 liter 2JZ GE or the 4.3 liter V8 3UZ-FE variety ?

The SC400/3GEN Soarer GT Limited comes with the 4.0L 1UZ-FE not the 3UZ-FE. The 3UZ-FE is the Lexus SC430/4GEN Soarer. Or as I like to call it, the Lexus "Overpriced Barge."

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

The SC400/3GEN Soarer GT Limited comes with the 4.0L 1UZ-FE not the 3UZ-FE. The 3UZ-FE is the Lexus SC430/4GEN Soarer. Or as I like to call it, the Lexus "Overpriced Barge."

Thanks for correcting it, my bad For 900 bucks, it's a good deal even for salvaging parts. If I have the money, I would strip the car, put a 2JZGTE in, upgrade the suspension, clutch, LSD, fit a low profile body kit and a small wing, then paint it in deep red mica paint, a street sleeper.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

There's nothing sleeper in SC300. Everyone knows that it's a Supra in drag.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Well, I have news; my dad has decided to look at an '03 Lexus IS300; and we were sold after one test drive. The car's stunning.


So, $7500 for the IS300, it's in good condition, and runs well.


The one question I have, for those of you who might know, what could cause a faulty miles-per-gallon read out? Apparently, coasting downhill gives 40 mpg, while accelerating gives 80 mpg. I'm so confused...

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

How about a G35?

 

[Doog]

Well, I have news; my dad has decided to look at an '03 Lexus IS300; and we were sold after one test drive. The car's stunning.


So, $7500 for the IS300, it's in good condition, and runs well.


The one question I have, for those of you who might know, what could cause a faulty miles-per-gallon read out? Apparently, coasting downhill gives 40 mpg, while accelerating gives 80 mpg. I'm so confused...

If you've got a good IS300, the instant miles per gallon readout should be the least of your worries. According to my dad's Lexus, we get 99.9 miles per gallon when coasting. By using that logic, your IS300's a gas guzzler.
Also, is it an automatic transmission or stick shift?

 

[aadil717]

If you've got a good IS300, the instant miles per gallon readout should be the least of your worries. According to my dad's Lexus, we get 99.9 miles per gallon when coasting. By using that logic, your IS300's a gas guzzler.
Also, is it an automatic transmission or stick shift?

My Lexus also does 90+ MPG when coasting but barely 30 when driving carefully. The average MPG is terrible. Economy isn't their strong points. 👎 👍

Also, sometimes when I'm driving on a flat road - it reads out around a 50ish MPG, because obviously I'm not using as much fuel. So I really do think there's something wrong with yours; as its common sense that its working backwards.
There could be an internal problem, or you could try leaving the battery disconnected overnight - this would reset all the info in your car and could maybe reset the reading. (I did this once for a 300 mile trip the night before so I actually got an accurate Average MPG value - but you're talking about the instantaneous one so I'm not sure if it will work. Still no harm trying).

 

[motortrend]

IS309 sounds good, especially if it's a manual. It's surprisingly nimble from What I've Heard and has relatively good aftermarket support

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

If you've got a good IS300, the instant miles per gallon readout should be the least of your worries. According to my dad's Lexus, we get 99.9 miles per gallon when coasting. By using that logic, your IS300's a gas guzzler.
Also, is it an automatic transmission or stick shift?

Automatic. I wish it were stick, but, hey, I've got primitive paddle shifts, at least. Can't be too picky, when dealing with second + hand.

My Lexus also does 90+ MPG when coasting but barely 30 when driving carefully. The average MPG is terrible. Economy isn't their strong points. 👎 👍

Also, sometimes when I'm driving on a flat road - it reads out around a 50ish MPG, because obviously I'm not using as much fuel. So I really do think there's something wrong with yours; as its common sense that its working backwards.
There could be an internal problem, or you could try leaving the battery disconnected overnight - this would reset all the info in your car and could maybe reset the reading. (I did this once for a 300 mile trip the night before so I actually got an accurate Average MPG value - but you're talking about the instantaneous one so I'm not sure if it will work. Still no harm trying).

I guess I'm not the only one having problems. I'll sort it out on Monday.

IS309 sounds good, especially if it's a manual. It's surprisingly nimble from What I've Heard and has relatively good aftermarket support

Especially with Bridgestone Potenzas.

How about a G35?

No. More expensive, for less awesome; no thanks.

 

[McLaren]

A SC300/IS300 is better than a G35? I know the Infiniti's nothing too special now-a-days, but it's miles better than the primitive SC/IS models.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

A SC300/IS300 is better than a G35? I know the Infiniti's nothing too special now-a-days, but it's miles better than the primitive SC/IS models.

Oh, I bet. Meanwhile, in Canada, I sense troll.

 

[niky]

The more expensive part is right... but the "less awesome" part is questionable. Unless by "awesome" you mean having a hood as long as the Titanic...

 

[Azuremen]

Oh, I bet. Meanwhile, in Canada, I sense troll.

Um, what?

The old SC300 and IS300 are just not on the same level as the G35 in terms of performance or modern features I'd say.

 

[Doog]

Oh, I bet. Meanwhile, in Canada, I sense troll.

Not really. I'm a Lexus fanboy, but I've ridden in a G35 sedan, and it was definitely a nice car. Very comfortable, well equipped, quiet inside, you get the picture. The IS300's a very nice car as well, but they really shouldn't be compared. The G35 is more powerful, heavier (but not by much), and some ten inches (254 mm) longer than the IS. I'd still go for the IS, on account of being a Lexus fan, but don't be so quick to dismiss Infinitis.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

The more expensive part is right... but the "less awesome" part is questionable. Unless by "awesome" you mean having a hood as long as the Titanic...

This. This x 1000000. Thanks for clarifying niky.

Um, what?

The old SC300 and IS300 are just not on the same level as the G35 in terms of performance or modern features I'd say.

So, insurance premiums are going to be even worse? Dude, I'm 19; not quite a flawless driving record yet.

Not really. I'm a Lexus fanboy, but I've ridden in a G35 sedan, and it was definitely a nice car. Very comfortable, well equipped, quiet inside, you get the picture. The IS300's a very nice car as well, but they really shouldn't be compared. The G35 is more powerful, heavier (but not by much), and some ten inches (254 mm) longer than the IS. I'd still go for the IS, on account of being a Lexus fan, but don't be so quick to dismiss Infinitis.

I'm not interested in paying more money, for a car that's only equivalently awesome, or, (IMO) less awesome. Again, considering Canadian speed limits, gas prices, winter driving, and insurance premiums, I'm only interested in a nice-looking RWD or AWD car with a small motor.



And, now, just to screw up this entire thread, my dad's pulled the plug, saying that the IS300 is an irresponsibly over-powered car, which will not do any good in the winter time. He has caught Hyundai-Accentitis. Someone get him to the doctor!


So, screw it. What do you guys think of the 1998 versions of:

Volvo S-0 AWD models?
Audi A4 Quattro?

Or the 1999:
Subaru Legacy sedan?

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

Um, what?

The old SC300 and IS300 are just not on the same level as the G35 in terms of performance or modern features I'd say.

Exactly. The G35 is more luxurious and faster than the IS and the SC. Not to mention that they can be easily found around the $7k price range.

Also, why Lexus? Not to say that they're bad, I mean, I'd take an LS any day but you could go for an Acura TL, BMW 3 series (stupidly high maintenance, but so fun to drive) a Merc, a Jag, pretty much any luxury car, and they can all be found under $10k, and still only 10 years old.

EDIT: Not to mention that its also a Skyline and that it has the awardwinning VQ35 engine.

 

[niky]

Legacy? Tiny cabin and legroom for a car of that size. Pretty decent with a forced-induction motor but a snoozefest with a nat motor or an automatic. Worse with both.

He doesn't want you to get an irresponsibly quick car? Get a 2004 Forester XT. Starts at $7k. Decently reliable, as far as Subies go. Supposedly takes 8.5 seconds to hit 60 mph, but it can do it between 7.5 to 6.5, depending on how willing you are to toast the drivetrain. C&D says 5.3. Yeah, right. If you SAE correct the hell out of a drag run, ignore roll-out time, launch at 6k and blow the gearbox.

It's quick, handles great for a crossover and not too shabbily for a wagon, lots of stupid stuff you can do with it after purchase, and it won't tweak your Dad's danger meter because:

1. It doesn't look fast.

and

2. It's all-wheel drive.

On your end, there's lots of aftermarket for it, and you can fit Rex suspensions under the fenders to make it drive better. It has a trunk big enough to fit whatever lifestyle junk fits your lifestyle (bike, boards, band equipment, hog-tied girlfriend, etcetera) and visibility is great.

Of course, if there's a good reason he doesn't want you in an "irresponsibly overpowered" 200 horsepower car, then tough luck...

 

[Azuremen]

So, insurance premiums are going to be even worse? Dude, I'm 19; not quite a flawless driving record yet.

Your statement suggested you thought the Infinti was inferior to the Lexus, thus the troll part. Consider revising how you present yourself to perhaps be less vague.

Audi A4 Quattro?

Buy this only if you hate yourself. And your wallet. Old Audi/VW maintenance is silly expensive, more so on the Quattro models.

Also, means you want German luxury and performance but aren't confident enough to drive RWD in the snow At least that is how it is around here.

Or the 1999:
Subaru Legacy sedan?

Far more reasonable, though the automatics in this are crap and no turbo models were produced at this time if I recall correctly. Would be reasonably fun but ONLY if you have a manual. Subaru doesn't know how to make a good automatic, and those model years were so bad I actually get angry driving them around.

Exactly. The G35 is more luxurious and faster than the IS and the SC. Not to mention that they can be easily found around the $7k price range.

On that last bit I'm gonna question you a bit. At least the easy bit.

Also, why Lexus? Not to say that they're bad, I mean, I'd take an LS any day but you could go for an Acura TL, BMW 3 series (stupidly high maintenance, but so fun to drive) a Merc, a Jag, pretty much any luxury car, and they can all be found under $10k, and still only 10 years old.

The LS is in a completely different category than anything else you mention. And the TL is just a silly car, though not as silly as the RL.

The 3 series isn't stupidly high maintenance. Certainly cheaper than the other options you suggested there, minus perhaps the LS and TL (but who wants a Honda) but that is more because they have longer periods between maintenance. Still expensive when it has to be taken care of.

EDIT: Not to mention that its also a Skyline and that it has the awardwinning VQ35 engine.

GT Fan Boy argument to da max.

"Its a Skyline so therefore awesome"

He doesn't want you to get an irresponsibly quick car? Get a 2004 Forester XT. Starts at $7k. Decently reliable, as far as Subies go. Supposedly takes 8.5 seconds to hit 60 mph, but it can do it between 7.5 to 6.5, depending on how willing you are to toast the drivetrain. C&D says 5.3. Yeah, right. If you SAE correct the hell out of a drag run, ignore roll-out time, launch at 6k and blow the gearbox.

Solid suggestion, though I've always hated working on Subarus

Quick, fun, and practical car though.

Of course, if there's a good reason he doesn't want you in an "irresponsibly overpowered" 200 horsepower car, then tough luck...

Well, he did mention he doesn't have a perfect driving record already Maybe a 200 HP is too much for Mr Mel at the moment.

Though, really, the IS300 is slow with an automatic, which is what is going to be found for the prices suggested (if even)

 

[Doog]

GT Fan Boy argument to da max.

"Its a Skyline so therefore awesome"

But the VQ35DE is an award-winning engine; it won Ward's 10 Best Engines 5 times in a row (2002-2006).

 

[Azuremen]

But the VQ35DE is an award-winning engine; it won Ward's 10 Best Engines 5 times in a row (2002-2006).

Oh no, I'm aware the VQ is a praised motor But just tossing in that Skyline bit

The G35 isn't bad at all, but I'd still take a 3 series coupe over it

 

[Doog]

Oh no, I'm aware the VQ is a praised motor But just tossing in that Skyline bit

The G35 isn't bad at all, but I'd still take a 3 series coupe over it

Oh, alright. I see where you're coming from, though.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

So, my dad has changed his ideas again. Though I like the Legacy, apparently, because it's not a new-millenium car, he wants me to get something more reliable than the old crap; 2005 Impreza RS wagon. I like the taillights!

Well, he did mention he doesn't have a perfect driving record already Maybe a 200 HP is too much for Mr Mel at the moment.

So, why, then, have I driven the Lexus, without problem? I already have driven 200 hp cars. Thing is, though, 200 hp = high insurance premiums. I need a car to get me through college (to be mechanic.) After that, I can tear into the college car, and make a rally car.