The wife caved, I can have my sports car!

[Tornado]

All things considering, I don't see the problem with what he wrote.

 

[eSZee]

I suggest taking the 6th gen maxima off the list. The 6th gen was an embarrassment to the community. Might as well get a 2003, oil burning issues were more or less solved by then.
Altima would be a much better choice.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Only Maxima I would consider purchasing:

(3.5L w/6-Speed)

 

[Cale]

I'd go with the S2000 or GTO.

Same.

 

[JCE]

*edit*
For those wondering why this thread is here this is the answer. This is a research thread for reliability and first hand ownership experience information. There have been plenty of threads like this on this forum in the 6 years I've been here so this is nothing new or out of the ordinary.

06 Max? Why not get an Altima V6 or SE-R? Something that, well, you know, can actually turn?

Maxima

Altima SE-R

Simple choice, really...

I like the engine and exterior style of that Altima SE-R but I do not like the even cheaper feeling interior and the less space inside compared to the Maxima. That and finding one low mileage would be difficult me thinks..? The Maxima is in last place on my list, that is literally the default choice if I cannot find anything else within a reasonable amount of time. The less I drive this Focus of mine the better...

Funny you say that, because everything you are looking for in a car....is what an MX-5 is all about. Afraid people will think you're gay? Be a man and get over it.

I do not like MX-5's for 2 very simple reasons, and neither have to do with the stigma of it being "a girl's car" or for me to appear being "gay". I do not feel physically comfortable sitting in it and I am not fond of the lack of straight line acceleration. I've driven them before and they are uncomfortable for me to live with. At least the vehicle with the smallest interior on my list ,the S2000, fits me like a glove in all the areas I car about for my physical person. So you see, it has nothing to do with the negative stigma attached. 👍

I don't have a problem driving something that may give off a negative stereotype, hell, I'm considering a Mustang or Fbody and look how those are seen by just about everyone else.

I say get the E46 M with a manual tranny even if it's far. If you have the opportunity, you can have a mini road trip while picking up the car and you get acquainted with the car while you're driving it back.

While that sounds very fun I'd want a car that's close enough for me to be able to take to a certified BMW mechanic I trust or bring one with me. If the car is say in Arizona or Colorado (etc) I'd have to pass. That and finding one in my price range with the mileage criteria will be impossible.

though in all honesty I've never been keen on the C5 'Vette (looks a bit tame and featureless with those gloopy 1990s curves), so it's a pity your budget won't allow a C6.

The C5 actually appeals to me much more than the C6. I love the smooth flowing body with the popup headlights. I do not like the exterior of the C6 at all when I compare it to the C5.

The S2K doesn't need much introduction sports car wise but I would wonder if, given the large number of large-engined cars on your list and the fact you'd prefer auto you wouldn't get a bit fed up of a car that encourages you to thrash everywhere rather than roll on a wall of torque. 350Z less so, probably better to live with day to day not least because it has a proper roof.

When I drove S2000's while I worked at Honda I enjoyed the experience even with the idea of thrashing it around using the manual. I'm not completely opposed to a manual, I just prefer the auto for my wife to more easily be able to drive it.

And the Lightning because there's a lot to be said for the supercharged V8, auto transmission and high driving position. You'd just have to make sure that it had a bed cover so people didn't steal your luggage at traffic signals, and that you don't mind your shopping sliding from one end of the bed to the other all the way home, as I've never seen pickups being that practical in situations that involve carrying smaller stuff (in which case, a double cab like the H-D might be better).

The Lightning is definitely the ultimate truck as far as I'm concerned. Consider my wife's RX-8 the "grocery getter". Oddly, we shop more in her car than we do in my Focus. It just sort of works out that way...

As to JCE's original question, I'd get a Ford F-150 Lightning if I was in your shoes. You can haul whatever you want with it and then clean out the bed and go waste people on the strip. They take a lot of punishment and go like a stabbed rat. A family friend of ours had a silver one with all sorts of mods done to it, including a 100 shot of nitrous. It easily trounced Vettes.

Not to mention you're in Texas where I think everyone drives a pickup any way so you should be able to find out fairly easy.

If I get one with the right mileage, condition and price I have absolutely no problem pulling the trigger on one. Even though Texas is truck country they are still quite rare even down here, the owners just don't want to give them up as often. *shrugs* I wouldn't either!

Shame it's gotta be newer then 2001 though, a GMC Typhoon would be the perfect combination of sportiness, utility and comfort.

I do like them yes, but, I just don't feel it ya know?

 

[CodeRedR51]

I do not feel physically comfortable sitting in it and I am not fond of the lack of straight line acceleration.

That's not what they're for.

 

[motortrend]

If the M3 can't be had, then I'd go for the GTO since it's pretty unique (you don't see them very often) but if it were me I would like to have a manual one with the bigger 05+ engine which is hard to find. If an auto is good with you then go for it. The very close second is the s2k, really nice car from what I've seen or heard and the one time I sat in it is seemed very comfortable. If I drove both, maybe my first choice would go to the S2K though.

 

[Xavier2342]

Nice selection of cars, I'm not sure what you're looking for in them in terms of purpose but I wish you the best of luck with making the decision about which to purchase. I'm not hating on any of the 4-door vehicles but if your wife is already planning on getting a 4-door vehicle, what's the purpose of you owning one as well (unless you have kids or pets). With that being said, in my opinion the only 4-door/5-door vehicles on your list that I'd even consider are the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mazdaspeed6 (but then again it all depends on what you're looking for in terms of purpose). All of the GM cars you mentioned can easily be found for less than $20K, some can actually be found for less than $10K. For all of the GM cars you mentioned checkout LS1Tech.com, there's a ridiculous amount of valuable information about these cars on that forum, and you'll find some really good deals on these cars. If you're looking for Corvettes in particular checkout Corvetteforum.com . My next weekend car will mostlikely be a C6 Z06, however there are a lot of C5 Z06's being sold for $20K or less.

 

[Diego440]

Oh well, better cars have been suggested with enough backup, but OP just skims through posts.

*unsubscribe*

 

[disinfected]

Yeah, that's fine. I just don't like the way his comment came across. Just say you don't want to consider it, don't have to take it as far as he did.

I'm too tall for them myself.

 

[Perfect Balance]

Already owned a 240SX and I don't want another one.

Sarcasm man. They aren't really good cars.

 

[Bones Brigade]

I do not like MX-5's for 2 very simple reasons, and neither have to do with the stigma of it being "a girl's car" or for me to appear being "gay". I do not feel physically comfortable sitting in it and I am not fond of the lack of straight line acceleration. I've driven them before and they are uncomfortable for me to live with. At least the vehicle with the smallest interior on my list ,the S2000, fits me like a glove in all the areas I car about for my physical person. So you see, it has nothing to do with the negative stigma attached. 👍

I can't even tell the difference in acceleration between the Focus and an NA8. The rest of the dynamics very much make up for lack of straight line speed. I'm not suggesting an MX5, as I, like you, have decided they are not comfortable enough to drive 7 days a week.

 

[Carlos]

The title is wrong, it's not your sports car, it's a sports car the wife likes, plus she has her own car, so why can't you have a car that's really the bomb in your eyes? Don't get me wrong though, I understand your wife has something to say, but I'm like, hey she has her own car, why can't you have a car that's just your car?

 

[niky]

The NC Miata is much more accelerative than the old ones... but then there's that pesky timing thing they pull when they get hot or don't like your gasoline.

Surprised me when I did testing on two NCs... the first hit 60 mph in around 7 seconds flat. The second took nearly 8 seconds.

Other than that, the NC is superior to the NA in every way (except steering feel)... a friend with an NA thinks it feels bigger, too.

Nissan interiors? Ugly? Perish the thought!

A 350Z sounds good... how much do secondhand G35 coupes cost now? Would be almost as good with more space... sort of like an... errh... Genesis Coupe... Have the first ones depreciated within range yet? Those are good cruisers... only problem being a rear suspension that's a bit too soft for serious hooning.

Otherwise, go redneck and get an old Mustang. In red, to park beside the Focus.

 

[JCE]

Sarcasm man. They aren't really good cars.

I caught it.

I, like you, have decided they are not comfortable enough to drive 7 days a week.

My thoughts exactly. I need to be able to fit comfortably in a car that I will be commuting in. That and when the wife and I take road trips do I really want to be uncomfortable after an hour? Take our RX-8, great sport seats with good support for short distance driving. ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE for road trips lasting longer than 1 hour. I hate taking trips in that car, plus, the passenger seat is even worse than the driver's seat thanks to the trans/driveshaft tunnel intruding on my left foot space.

The title is wrong, it's not your sports car, it's a sports car the wife likes, plus she has her own car, so why can't you have a car that's really the bomb in your eyes? Don't get me wrong though, I understand your wife has something to say,

I disagree, she already owns a "sports car", but really it's both of our cars like the ("my") SVT Focus. Besides, she likes a lot of the same stuff I do so it isn't a problem when the times comes and I find the right car to replace my Focus. She has always wanted to own 2 cars since she was old enough to drive. A Mazda RX and a full size 4 door pickup truck. She's already ticked the RX box now she's excited about getting the truck in a couples of years or three. 👍

but I'm like, hey she has her own car, why can't you have a car that's just your car?

We're married, so we both own everything equally. Nothing's really "hers" or "mine" on this scale. Being married is about sharing.

A 350Z sounds good... how much do secondhand G35 coupes cost now? Would be almost as good with more space... sort of like an... errh... Genesis Coupe... Have the first ones depreciated within range yet? Those are good cruisers... only problem being a rear suspension that's a bit too soft for serious hooning.

Otherwise, go redneck and get an old Mustang. In red, to park beside the Focus.

350Z's and G35's are becoming easier to locate in my year and price criteria. I'm seeing 60-80k mileage on 2003-2006's for $15-18k. That's right where I need to be. Problem is, how would I choose between them since I like them equally?

Genesis Coupe 2.0L variants are running $19k, the V6 ones are running $24k+. Trust me, I looked at those aready.

I doubt I can get a loan on an "old" Mustang if by old you mean 1987-1993. The 1993 Cobra would be a riot...

That's not what they're for.

I know. Still, wanted to voice it.

If the M3 can't be had, then I'd go for the GTO since it's pretty unique (you don't see them very often) but if it were me I would like to have a manual one with the bigger 05+ engine which is hard to find. If an auto is good with you then go for it. The very close second is the s2k, really nice car from what I've seen or heard and the one time I sat in it is seemed very comfortable. If I drove both, maybe my first choice would go to the S2K though.

Agree on the 2005-2006 GTO's availability. I really don't care about the different between the 5.7L vs the 6.0L. Either are monsters compared to what I've got now. 👍 That and I almost prefer the exterior on the 2004 without all those fiddly scoops and stuff. The 2004 is just sleek and sexy.

Nice selection of cars, I'm not sure what you're looking for in them in terms of purpose but I wish you the best of luck with making the decision about which to purchase. I'm not hating on any of the 4-door vehicles but if your wife is already planning on getting a 4-door vehicle, what's the purpose of you owning one as well (unless you have kids or pets). With that being said, in my opinion the only 4-door/5-door vehicles on your list that I'd even consider are the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mazdaspeed6 (but then again it all depends on what you're looking for in terms of purpose). All of the GM cars you mentioned can easily be found for less than $20K, some can actually be found for less than $10K. For all of the GM cars you mentioned checkout LS1Tech.com, there's a ridiculous amount of valuable information about these cars on that forum, and you'll find some really good deals on these cars. If you're looking for Corvettes in particular checkout Corvetteforum.com . My next weekend car will mostlikely be a C6 Z06, however there are a lot of C5 Z06's being sold for $20K or less.

Thx for the recommendation on those forums. I know the wife will get her 4 door truck, but, if I am in the right place at the right time and find a Mazdaspeed6 with a price and mileage I cannot refuse I'd be retarded not to take it. For that matter, if I find a 2005 or older WRX for the right price and mileage I wouldn't mind taking that either.

I'm all about getting the best bang for my buck on reliability, performance, comfort, style and did I mention performance. This is why I need the internets for people's personal ownership experience on the list I've got along with anything not on that list that someone would want me to consider.

Oh well, better cars have been suggested with enough backup, but OP just skims through posts.

*unsubscribe*

I'm Sorry, I missed your topic where you suggested those 5 vehicles. It was unintentional. Allow me to reply to that post.

BAM! 2006 Mercedes Benz SLK350 $19,988

2007 Mini Cooper S

2005 Audi S4 Convertible

2005 Mini Cooper S

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX

I feel I should point out before I continue I like German cars more than just about anything else and don't think I'm not a bit irritated that pre-owned ones are either a time bomb or fantastic--and there would be almost no way to tell past what I just mentioned if I would get a lemon or not. If I knew with even a 75% certainty that I could get a reliable pre-owned Merc I WOULD JUMP ALL OVER IT. I just don't feel confident on the previous owners of these luxury cars ability to have them maintained. The local Mercedes dealer would need to show me records of the previous owner bringing in the car for it's routine maintenance and give it a clean bill of health before I'd consider it. This goes for Audi, BMW and Jaguar as well. I hope that clears up why the Europeans aren't on my list.

First, I need something within a $17,000 USD budget so the Mercedes SLK350 would be difficult to locate at that price with the mileage at reasonable level. SLK320's are in that price range, but, with my aforementioned concerns you understand why I haven't added it. But, I have no problems with finding something European that either has a warranty available from the date of purchase or the mileage is so low I cannot refuse (like 25k).

Second, while I really like MINI's I do not want another compact FWD car. I've owned my last one once I sell my SVT Focus.

Third, the S4 coupe or convertible will be more than my budget with the mileage I need. And, they fall under the European category that makes me nervous.

Fourth, I definitely have the WRX on my list. Fantastic cars for the money. Hard to find around here in truck country but definitely a great buy.

 

[SpartanG]

A G35 would be a great pick imo. Luxury enough interior, good looks, and dat sound. Plus, the wife would probably agree to it more than a more sport-dedicated car.

 

[Cale]

DO IT.

 

[12thgear]

Has anyone mentioned a first gen CTS-V? It's quite a lot of fun and would be a nice counterpoint to the wife's car. I don't like its looks, but that wouldn't stop me from getting one if the price/condition were right.

The G35 is a popular and sensible choice. The coupe looks awesome and I love the exhaust note. Just when I tried one out I had no reaction. It just didn't speak to me. At all. But I'd never knock someone for buying one.

 

[klassykid9801]

No question get a ferrari

 

[rocko100]

Not to be rude but he's not a millionaire

 

[disinfected]

Why not drive them all, and see which one you like instead of listening to all of our biased opinions.

 

[12thgear]

Why not drive them all, and see which one you like instead of listening to all of our biased opinions.

We're putting together his playlist.

 

[disinfected]

I might want to add to watch out for the Mazdaspeed 6, unless you want to be part of the loads of horror stories about reliability, blown engines, and new turbos on the Mazdaspeed forums.

 

[SLW-SVT]

I absolutely love my Lightning:tup: plus you could use it as a truck...

Lightningrodder.com will have all the information you could want.

 

[Xavier2342]

G35 Coupe>350Z, my reasoning for this is solely based on the fact that they’re identical however, the G35 Coupe is more luxurious.

’03-’04 Mustang SVT Cobra > all the other Mustang models you mentioned due to the fact that you’ve got a factory supercharged 4.6L V8, that isn’t difficult to get 500rwhp. However, Mustangs in general have a great aftermarket (significantly better than the one available for Fbodies) and if you decided to get any of the other Mustang models you mentioned, you’ve got a strong aftermarket. Checkout http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/ for SVT Cobra related stuff.

Honda S2000, I’ve never owned one but really like the way these cars look. I like the fact that despite it being a soft top convertible, you can always purchase a hard top for it. Manual transmission + light weight + rear wheel drive =

Pontiac GTO, 6.0L >5.7L … These cars are already pushing close to 4,000lbs and why not get the bigger motor to make the power to weight ratio a little better. The 6.0L is a better platform for engine modifications and it boost friendly. Just take a look in the “Forced Induction” section of LS1Tech.com and you’ll see why.

I currently own an '01 Pontiac Trans Am WS6, if you'd like I can post my own personal ownership experiences later.

 

[McLaren]

I might want to add to watch out for the Mazdaspeed 6, unless you want to be part of the loads of horror stories about reliability, blown engines, and new turbos on the Mazdaspeed forums.

I have had 2 buddies with MS6's. One lost his in an accident, the other is still running perfectly since the day he bought it new.

This is the first I'm hearing of any horror stories concerning the car, but like any car, I'm positive there are plenty of good ones around.

 

[niky]

Most of the horror stories I've heard for Mazdaspeeds are for modified cars and those that have been run into the ground. The engines are very sensitive to poorly made modifications... especially on the intake side... some aftermarket CAIs and even the "official" CAI interfere with proper MAF operation.

But this is no different from Subies and other turbocharged cars. A Mazdaspeed6 that hasn't been run into the ground by the previous owner should still be in decent shape.

 

[JCE]

Has anyone mentioned a first gen CTS-V? It's quite a lot of fun and would be a nice counterpoint to the wife's car. I don't like its looks, but that wouldn't stop me from getting one if the price/condition were right.

The G35 is a popular and sensible choice. The coupe looks awesome and I love the exhaust note. Just when I tried one out I had no reaction. It just didn't speak to me. At all. But I'd never knock someone for buying one.

I'm not a Cadillac fan, even the CTS-V doesn't interest me. I'd rather have the GTO or the Corvette.

No question get a ferrari

Mind if I borrow $200,000?

Why not drive them all, and see which one you like instead of listening to all of our biased opinions.

I have driven all of them (minus the MS6). I'm more interested in the reliability aspect right now. I will test drive the top contenders when the time comes to sell my SVT Focus.

I absolutely love my Lightning:tup: plus you could use it as a truck...

Lightningrodder.com will have all the information you could want.

SWEET! Thank you for the link. I need to see what (if any) problems these have and or what to watch out for minus the usual stuff.

G35 Coupe>350Z, my reasoning for this is solely based on the fact that they’re identical however, the G35 Coupe is more luxurious.

I agree that the interior of the G is much much nicer than the Z. But I do like the idea of having just 2 seats. Still, they both sound the same and have a very good driving dynamic for me to enjoy. Going to be a tough choice and most likely come down to which one is a better deal.

’03-’04 Mustang SVT Cobra > all the other Mustang models you mentioned due to the fact that you’ve got a factory supercharged 4.6L V8, that isn’t difficult to get 500rwhp. However, Mustangs in general have a great aftermarket (significantly better than the one available for Fbodies) and if you decided to get any of the other Mustang models you mentioned, you’ve got a strong aftermarket. Checkout http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/ for SVT Cobra related stuff.

There is an 03 and 04 Cobra currently for sale both with the mileage where I want them. The problem is they are over my budget by $2,000+. Terminator Cobra's are my favorite Mustang ever, trust me, if I could get one that wasn't molested and for my mileage and price range there would be absolutely NO COMPETITION! But, they are holding their value excessively well and I doubt I'll see one of these in the next 5 years under $20k again--much less in my price range next spring of $17,000.

*edit*
Forgot to mention that I'm already a member on that forum. The Mustang has a huge aftermarket indeed.

Honda S2000, I’ve never owned one but really like the way these cars look. I like the fact that despite it being a soft top convertible, you can always purchase a hard top for it. Manual transmission + light weight + rear wheel drive =

You should drive one if you haven't already. They are incredible to drive quickly. Plus I know they are reliable so that's a given. Will come down to availability of a low mileage low price well taken care of example.

Pontiac GTO, 6.0L >5.7L … These cars are already pushing close to 4,000lbs and why not get the bigger motor to make the power to weight ratio a little better. The 6.0L is a better platform for engine modifications and it boost friendly. Just take a look in the “Forced Induction” section of LS1Tech.com and you’ll see why.

Honestly, the extra $2,000-3,000 for the extra 0.3L of displacement totalling about 60bhp is not worth it to me. The 5.7L is still fast enough for me to enjoy and better for me to look at. When the time comes and I can find a stupid good deal on an 05-06 GTO I wouldn't say no, but, prefer the 2004's exterior.

Funny thing is, if I get a GTO there will be exactly zero modifications done to it. And that goes with everything on my list minus the Mustang GT. The GT will get an intake and exhaust mod, that's it.

I currently own an '01 Pontiac Trans Am WS6, if you'd like I can post my own personal ownership experiences later.

Please do so if/when you have the time. That's exactly what this topic is for! I know plenty of 4th gen owners but I'm always intrigued to hear someone new talk about their ownership experience. The WS6 is my favorite 4th gen by a million miles.

I have had 2 buddies with MS6's. One lost his in an accident, the other is still running perfectly since the day he bought it new.

This is the first I'm hearing of any horror stories concerning the car, but like any car, I'm positive there are plenty of good ones around.

Got any information on what if any problems either had mechanically?

Most of the horror stories I've heard for Mazdaspeeds are for modified cars and those that have been run into the ground. The engines are very sensitive to poorly made modifications... especially on the intake side... some aftermarket CAIs and even the "official" CAI interfere with proper MAF operation.

But this is no different from Subies and other turbocharged cars. A Mazdaspeed6 that hasn't been run into the ground by the previous owner should still be in decent shape.

Interesting, I'll need to research this. Got any links before I go looking?

 

[homeforsummer]

The local Mercedes dealer would need to show me records of the previous owner bringing in the car for it's routine maintenance and give it a clean bill of health before I'd consider it.

Sorry for the potentially idiotic question, but...

...is that not what a full service history is supposed to do? And are there not loads of vehicles in the 10-year old range you're looking at that have a full record of their servicing over the past decade?

 

[niky]

Mazdas247.com has an active 6 board, but I don't know if it's the best resource. Most of the engine problems of the Mazdaspeed6 (including CAI issues) are shared with the Mazdaspeed3... except the failing engine mounts, those are specific to the Mazda3.

Most 6 owners, speed or not, are happy. This is not to say they're perfect... there's the usual bugbears with rubber this and that as with all Mazdas... but they're not made of nitroglycerine... you will definitely see a lot of threads about problems, but it pays to read through to find root causes.

Since the owner of truedelta.com is a Mazda owner, his reliability score sheets for Mazdas are particularly comprehensive.