Kinda shopping

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Swift.

My friend has a swift with a 7.0L TT smallblock in it out of a ZR1. It is hooked up to a AWD sytem and uses a DSG tranny. It almost keeps up with my del sol(which itself has set several land speed records as well as being the current ring record holder for a stock unibody chassis vehicle).

[Vinsanity]

I'd drive one, it might change my stance.

However I see the G35 as a very powerful yet unrefined performer(compared to the chassis finesse of the RX8 or the all around package of a 3 series). For similar money, it doesn't have any standout attributes.

hmm. it's your call, but other than a more well-assembled interior and a touch more nimble-ness, I don't see what the G35 lacks compared to the 3 series.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

hmm. it's your call, but other than a more well-assembled interior and a touch more nimble-ness, I don't see what the G35 lacks compared to the 3 series.

It's a good point, yet a better interior and the better(slight) chassis dynamics are something I would prefer in the 3.

Plus the G35 seems to hold it's own in value. IMO the first  gen G is not very attractive(compared to the E46). It isn't "bad" but just not as clean and "timeless" as the BMW.

I'd take a 325/328 with less power and better packaging(balance, interior, exterior) to the G's power(which is the G's "main attraction" for the price).

[MexicoCityM3]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZHP-Package-Super-Nice-Car-Only-56K-Miles_W0QQitemZ260571841342QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3cab4ac33e#ht_652wt_1167

[the Teuton]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZHP-Package-Super-Nice-Car-Only-56K-Miles_W0QQitemZ260571841342QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3cab4ac33e#ht_652wt_1167

This is making me swoon.

[Rupert]

FBC, what do you have in your garage, now?

Old Jeep, Z, ?

[FlatBlackCaddy]

FBC, what do you have in your garage, now?

Old Jeep, Z, ?

The Z, my POS NX2000, project 240 and the jeep i'm borrowing from my dad.

[S204STi]

I'll fix your ass, once I figure out who you are. We can't all keep track of your desire to change identities everytime you have a mental breakdown. What was your previous screen name?

Seriously, shouldn't you be racing your swift against a late 80's civic DX in the fast and the (bi)curious 5?

literal lolz

[Eye of the Tiger]

The Z, my POS NX2000, project 240 and the jeep i'm borrowing from my dad.

NX2000 waaaat? Put a turbo on that bitch.

[68_427]

<3 NX

[sportyaccordy]

Here's a "knock" against the 3 series

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=679669

For my 10K... I'd have a hard time not going with the WRX wagon. Don't sleep, it's a great handling car and is fun to drive.

Also if ur not scared of a little age, the E36 M3 is pretty much the perfect car. However, w/u keeping the Z06, the WRX provides a wider range of ownership.

[TBR]

Here's a "knock" against the 3 series

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=679669

For my 10K... I'd have a hard time not going with the WRX wagon. Don't sleep, it's a great handling car and is fun to drive.

Also if ur not scared of a little age, the E36 M3 is pretty much the perfect car. However, w/u keeping the Z06, the WRX provides a wider range of ownership.

300ZX, not Z06

[Byteme]

So far i have a short(very short) list.

Mazdaspeed3
Mazda 3s 5 door
Mazda RX8
Bmw 3 series

I'd go the Speed3 or the 5 door 3S; but then again I'm a bit biased based on  the very good service our 2006 3I Touring Sedan has given us.  Very good mileage, sporty driving dynamics, decent pep, pretty good option package, excellent for the price.  And it comes in bright red.   

[Raza]

Well i'll be damned, here is another one.

Alittle higher mileage, but it is black(so it appears). A bit higher than my price cap, but no doubt negotiable.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/1633653830.html

Looks fucking good.  Do all PP 330s have black grilles?

[Raza]

It's a good point, yet a better interior and the better(slight) chassis dynamics are something I would prefer in the 3.

Plus the G35 seems to hold it's own in value. IMO the first  gen G is not very attractive(compared to the E46). It isn't "bad" but just not as clean and "timeless" as the BMW.

I'd take a 325/328 with less power and better packaging(balance, interior, exterior) to the G's power(which is the G's "main attraction" for the price).

I think the coupe looks pretty good, but sedan to sedan, I'd pay more for the 3. 

[Raza]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZHP-Package-Super-Nice-Car-Only-56K-Miles_W0QQitemZ260571841342QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3cab4ac33e#ht_652wt_1167

That is early E46 M3/996 money. 

[Onslaught]

You can get good deals on RX-8's at that price. Reason being is the gas millage I think. It's one thing to see a window sticker and think "that's not so great." But then you actually fill up the tank over and over again and it really hits you. That said it's the only flaw I can find in this car and I can live with it. It's like having a big Miata that even handles better and can hold shit in it. It's unbelievably smooth and very quiet and comfortable for long drives for a car in it's class. I love high reeving motors with smooth shifting transmissions so it makes the drive even better. Having the 100K warranty on the motor would be a nice thing to have as well. I personally rather have an RX-8 over the MS3. The interior is better, it's RWD and actually rides better.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

The RX8 does seem to have all the right "moves" IMO.

For what I would be willing to spend I can get a low(er) mileage used light(ish) RWD performance car with fantastic style. While the mazda 3's would offer better FE and more utility the RX would certainly be the drivers choice.

A 3 series would be great, but my price range limits me to higher mileage models.

I might start driving some stuff in the coming weeks.

[68_427]

A stretch but what about an IS300?

[Eye of the Tiger]

A stretch but what about an IS300?

Maybe with a turbo 

[68_427]

Don't forget the JDM tails.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

A stretch but what about an IS300?

Not seeing the appeal, it's a cut rate cut rate wanna be 3 er. I'd be worlds better with a G35. The IS300 is another car that fails(imo) due to the lack of a turbocharger(that is already made and offered in that chassis on that motor).

Thanks for the suggestion though. They are attractive, and I do like me a I6. From what I recall the pickings are slim and price is not a major plus(neither extremely expensive, though not exactly cheap).

[68_427]

I just noticed while browsing autotrader that they are no cheaper than a comparable 3 series.  Which was not what I was expecting.

Since I'm bored what about a C32 AMG?  350hp.   

[FlatBlackCaddy]

I just noticed while browsing autotrader that they are no cheaper than a comparable 3 series.  Which was not what I was expecting.

Since I'm bored what about a C32 AMG?

Love one, not a auto fan but the only car i'd buy with a auto would be a MB.


I looked into them before the 540, great cars. Typical forced induction scenario. Fast stock, a tune and intake exhaust turns it into a beast.

The only problem with the C32 is that the C55 came after it, and the minor updates are much more interesting to me.

I'd love a C55 AMG in black.

Either way I think a CLEAN C32 is a bit out of my range, high teens low 20's IIRC.

[68_427]

Yeah they are around $18K for a clean one.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Not seeing the appeal, it's a cut rate cut rate wanna be 3 er. I'd be worlds better with a G35. The IS300 is another car that fails(imo) due to the lack of a turbocharger(that is already made and offered in that chassis on that motor).

Thanks for the suggestion though. They are attractive, and I do like me a I6. From what I recall the pickings are slim and price is not a major plus(neither extremely expensive, though not exactly cheap).

They make kits for those; the turbos.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

They make kits for those; the turbos.

Sure, so if i can get a clean IS300 and a turbo kit for 13K invested i'd be down.

[the Teuton]

Finding a stick IS300 for a reasonable price is like finding a stick AE86 for a reasonable price. There's a drift tax added.

[68_427]

8% douche tax too

[CJ]

I hate to say this, but you may be able to find an S60R in your price range.