Play devil's advocate on M's next car
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///M-Spec
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Originally posted by PunkRock
You know you want an S2000, don't you?
Yep.
Probably after the ZHP is paid off, we'll just get a St00k as a third car... but it will be wifey's turn next and she'll want to trade up from her Jetta. Lord help me, I think an SUV is on its way next year.M
Sage
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Yeah, it's about 4140 lbs, and the Magnum's not much lighter.
And I'm assuming you're the type who wouldn't settle for a manumatic?
Shame the Caddy CTS-V's out of your price range. How 'bout a Honda Accord Coupe EX V-6? It's faster than the G35 in the 60 and the quarter, ya know.
The Subaru Forester 2.5XT is also a contender – 5.3 to 60, 13.8 quarter (!), and at $25,000. I realize it's not the prettiest thing, but you can haul ass and cargo at the same time for less bucks. 
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Test drive an STi. It's more street friendly than the Evo. But you can't go wrong with either car, they're both excellent cars, especially for their price. I'd suggest a Volvo S60R, but it's front wheel drive so I don't think it would be as good a suggestion as some other cars mentioned here.
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Wait, why don't you want the Evo??? I would say, try to find a used, but not too used Acura 3.2TL or whatever it was. Not the 3.5RL. HEY!!! That's my mom's car BTW.
ShobThaBob
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I voted for G35. For what you get, you cant beat the price, at all. But an IS300 would be great too.
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Man, I think it's a tough choice between the G35 and RX 8 there. But...what are the specs on the BMW (I don't follow bmw too much )? But...if your initial concern is a kid's seat, I would be able to deal with a teensy bit of torque steer in a TL in your place (but with 270 hp it might not be that teensy...dunno). Aside from that, I would suggest looking at Volvos. They're starting to look pretty good. Then, there's Saab, which I know nothing about, but they do look nice. Finally, there's Lexus. An IS looks nice, but I doubt it would go over well with the wife. Probably get put into the little boy category with the RX 8. Then, you'd probably not be able to get new a GS in the 30k range, but a year or two old isn't that bad. If not straight up used, are you considering the refurbished certified cars?
Finally, after all my vague suggestions, another question: Are you planning to mod the car? If so, you might not want to go with a brand-new rotary engine. Maybe give it a year to get any bugs out and get the engine a bit stronger.
)? But...if your initial concern is a kid's seat, I would be able to deal with a teensy bit of torque steer in a TL in your place (but with 270 hp it might not be that teensy...dunno). Aside from that, I would suggest looking at Volvos. They're starting to look pretty good. Then, there's Saab, which I know nothing about, but they do look nice. Finally, there's Lexus. An IS looks nice, but I doubt it would go over well with the wife. Probably get put into the little boy category with the RX 8. Then, you'd probably not be able to get new a GS in the 30k range, but a year or two old isn't that bad. If not straight up used, are you considering the refurbished certified cars?Finally, after all my vague suggestions, another question: Are you planning to mod the car? If so, you might not want to go with a brand-new rotary engine. Maybe give it a year to get any bugs out and get the engine a bit stronger.
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I would not opt for the 330i. It is nearing the end of its life before then new 3 series arrives. Dunno what that does to resale values there, but here it knocks em for a bit.
I think the IS300 is a lovely car. Quality and luxury. Out of the choices you polled, probably the Rx-8 is the most appealing - if you want to be different.
I think the IS300 is a lovely car. Quality and luxury. Out of the choices you polled, probably the Rx-8 is the most appealing - if you want to be different.
///M-Spec
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Originally posted by Sage
And I'm assuming you're the type who wouldn't settle for a manumatic?
Shame the Caddy CTS-V's out of your price range.
How 'bout a Honda Accord Coupe EX V-6? It's faster than the G35 in the 60 and the quarter, ya know.
The Subaru Forester 2.5XT is also a contender
If it has a torque converter, I doubt I'd be interested. I'm not even into BMW's SMG gearboxes.
A CTS-V would be nice.... but its too far of a stretch. The ZHP is a splurge as it is at 40k.
Accords are nice and fine cars (I've driven several throughout the years), but they aren't aggressively sprung enough for me. Body control just doesn't exist if you try to work them hard. That's really the trick; I want something stiff enough to have fun with from time to time, but not something that will knock my teeth loose, like an Evo.
The Forester. I try to keep an open mind, but you know I just can't bring myself to spend money on an ugly car. If fact I wouldn't drive a 10 second Gremlin even if it were free.
Keep 'em comin though
As Sage already said. The ride is out-of-control hard. Cheap, Walmart interior. No leather option. It is too hardcore for me ---when I was 22, I'd be all about the Evo. But its amazing how you want to be pampered as you get older.
I think FWD cars are out of consideration. I haven't driven a FWD car actually liked since the Integra Type R.. and even that car can't compare to a well balanced RWD car like the RX-8.
I thought about that. While it is a really tempting proposition, there's a couple of downsides. First, any M5 I can buy for 40 grand will be a 5 year old car with more than 75k miles on it. While the M5 is a very stout car mechanically, I will still be looking at replacing the shocks, the clutch and possibly control arms as soon as I get it. I don't really want to be in the position of buying a car and then putting 3-4 grand into it as soon as I get it. Plus if anything DOES break on a M5, it ain't gonna be cheap. Even if I do my own work, the parts are still going to be crazy expensive.
Second, I can get a much better interest rate on a new car than an older one. The ZHP may not be as fast as the M5, but with free maintanence and full warranty, it is a zero risk proposition.
Thanks for the suggestion, though.
M
///M-Spec
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Originally posted by Purple Platypus
But...what are the specs on the BMW (I don't follow bmw too much
Aside from that, I would suggest looking at Volvos.
Finally, after all my vague suggestions, another question: Are you planning to mod the car?
The base 330i makes 225 hp, weighs 3300 lbs, comes standard with a 6-speed, open diff. The M-Technic Performance Package adds 10 more horses, M3 sized wheel and tires, lower, stiffer, more aggressive suspension tuning and a bunch of interior and exterior cosmetic changes. It'll do 60mph in about 5.9 and run the 1320 in mid 14s, trapping about 97-98mph. It should circle a skidpad ~.87-.88g.
It is roughly comparable to the RX-8; a little slower than the G35, but handles better.
I think the S60R is a good alternative. I'll check it out. Thanks.
No mods. Mod fever is something I'm long over. The car stays stock... maybe an intake if I need more sound.
That's a good point Mike. But this is partly mitigated by the fact that this next car will have a long stay. 6-7 years, since we plan on adding a 3rd, impractical car once this one is paid off.
M
Sage
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Yeah, that's what I figured... shame, since they seem like very awesome cars (aside from the steering wheel being lifted from the Saturn Vue).
It's not ugly – It's just... homely.
I'm assuming an SRT-4 is also out of the question? (I imagine it's ride is similar to an Evo's, though I obviously won't say that it is).
GilesGuthrie
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You put it in as an "honourable mention", my choice would be the 3.0 A4 Quattro, especially if you could run to the Sport Pack, which adds bigger wheels and lowered suspension. It's very smart, and achingly nice inside.
Whether the Quattro drivetrain represents good value depends upon where you live, I suppose.
Whether the Quattro drivetrain represents good value depends upon where you live, I suppose.
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I feel obligated to mention the R32 GTR, I think RB motoring has one in the price range you are looking at and yes it does have room for 4 people. If not go with the next best thing, the G35
Sage
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Yeah, I was going to push the Quattro myself, but then I realized that its quarter is pushing 16 seconds, and the latest crop is known for having a heavy feel to it, so I didn't think ///M-Spec'd want it.
I still say the Forester would be the ultimate sleeper car.
Would you be willing to try out one of the upcoming Mustangs, or does the solid rear axle turn you off?
What about a Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works? (What a mouthful.) They're a bit expensive, but from what I've read it's a very fast, tidy car... 200 HP, 6.4 0-60 and 14.7 quarter.
Oh, hey, I just realized... nobody's suggested an Altima, and that's even faster than the Cooper (3.5SE pulls 5.9/14.6). And inexpensive too.
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If your considering the G35 why not ask jordan about his experiences? I'm sure he could tell you how it's been for him
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I fail to see the probelm with the GTO, oh wait you dont get the 4-Door version. I plan on buying a WRX sometime in the near future (not STi, cant afford it) if I can find away to justify it. (it'd mean taking out a loan) I might just buy a better bike I'm thinking Kawasaki or Yamaha 600cc. Maybe a Ducati if I can find a late model second hand one.Originally posted by miata13B
Hmmm. . . The Devil inside me says an Evolution RS. . . But that will fall into little kids car. . . Possible a Pontiac GTO, but I don't believe that it would fit the requirements needed by you. . . Out of the cars you chose, I would say the 330. . . It is a tough decision. . .
*Below* Auto. . . WTF are you smoking???
If that is the way M I loss all respect
Of course I'm going to advocate the IS300. It's my car and I love it dearly. Actually comes equiped with child seat anchors. But I might suggest that you wait till the new IS330 comes out in early 2006. (Supposedly. Pupik???) Lexus says it's up for a redo here in '06 and the new base model may come with the 245HP V6 that resides in the GS300 and there has been talk about a sportier model available as well, IS350 GT. (But nothing like the IS430 ) Another thing about Lexus is it's top notch customer service. I've had some excellent experience with them at every turn.
Out of the choices you have oulined above, I would go with the G35, however, I've had a negative experience with Infinity and that negative experience will keep me from buying a Nissan/Infinity product for quite some time.
But I'll definately echo what Giles has said about the Audi A4 3.0. I really like that car, beautiful, and you may also want to take a look at the A6 with the 2.7T. (I believe the same engine as the previous generation S4 had.) Highly tunable engine!!! However that my be pushing your budgeting limits.
But I might suggest that you wait till the new IS330 comes out in early 2006. (Supposedly. Pupik???) Lexus says it's up for a redo here in '06 and the new base model may come with the 245HP V6 that resides in the GS300 and there has been talk about a sportier model available as well, IS350 GT. (But nothing like the IS430 ) Another thing about Lexus is it's top notch customer service. I've had some excellent experience with them at every turn. Out of the choices you have oulined above, I would go with the G35, however, I've had a negative experience with Infinity and that negative experience will keep me from buying a Nissan/Infinity product for quite some time.
But I'll definately echo what Giles has said about the Audi A4 3.0. I really like that car, beautiful, and you may also want to take a look at the A6 with the 2.7T. (I believe the same engine as the previous generation S4 had.) Highly tunable engine!!! However that my be pushing your budgeting limits.
///M-Spec
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A lot of good suggestions have cropped up and I think I'll look into a few of them this weekend (weather and schedule permitting)
The S60R is on my list as is the WRX STi. I'll look for a GTO as well.
JP mentioned waiting for the MazdaSpeed RX-8. Boombexus mentioned waiting for the IS330 and Sage offered the upcoming Mustang GT.
All these cars are at least a year away (except for the Stang?) I don't think I can wait that long. In the next year, the M3 will probably need a new clutch and new shocks all around. I'm not going to put 2-3 grand into it and then turn around and sell it (I'd never get my $ back). It is fine right now but if I want to sell it, I need to do it soon.
The Mini, Altima and SRT-4 are out of the running. Mini's too small. If I were to get a FF car for some reason, it'd be a TL, not an Altima. The SRT-4 will be small, impossible on a long trip and veto'd right away by the wife.
Giles brought up the A4 Quattro. Maybe I should revisit this car. I do love Audi interiors too. Quattro is not an advantage where I live now (sunny Florida), but very desirable where I'm moving in the next year (New Jersey). Honestly, though, the A4 would be hard pressed to outshine the ZHP in the driving dept.
Boom also suggests the A6 2.7T S-line. That is a great idea, but it not only busts my price ceiling by a few grand, it is also automatic, only (oh why, Audi, why?).
Jordan mentioned an E39 5-series BMW. I could maybe see a 2003 530i Sport, as long as it had less than 10k miles on it. The 540i, unfortunatly is out of my price range unless I want an '01 (and I don't really).
Boom, would you mind summing up your experiences with the IS?
M
The S60R is on my list as is the WRX STi. I'll look for a GTO as well.
JP mentioned waiting for the MazdaSpeed RX-8. Boombexus mentioned waiting for the IS330 and Sage offered the upcoming Mustang GT.
All these cars are at least a year away (except for the Stang?) I don't think I can wait that long. In the next year, the M3 will probably need a new clutch and new shocks all around. I'm not going to put 2-3 grand into it and then turn around and sell it (I'd never get my $ back). It is fine right now but if I want to sell it, I need to do it soon.
The Mini, Altima and SRT-4 are out of the running. Mini's too small. If I were to get a FF car for some reason, it'd be a TL, not an Altima. The SRT-4 will be small, impossible on a long trip and veto'd right away by the wife.
Giles brought up the A4 Quattro. Maybe I should revisit this car. I do love Audi interiors too. Quattro is not an advantage where I live now (sunny Florida), but very desirable where I'm moving in the next year (New Jersey). Honestly, though, the A4 would be hard pressed to outshine the ZHP in the driving dept.
Boom also suggests the A6 2.7T S-line. That is a great idea, but it not only busts my price ceiling by a few grand, it is also automatic, only (oh why, Audi, why?).
Jordan mentioned an E39 5-series BMW. I could maybe see a 2003 530i Sport, as long as it had less than 10k miles on it. The 540i, unfortunatly is out of my price range unless I want an '01 (and I don't really).
Boom, would you mind summing up your experiences with the IS?
M
