I had to take a 4+ hour drive in my car today and I found out something. I'm now 35 years old and while I still love my little MX-5 for "fun" I can't do it as my only car anymore. I've over 6'4" and I can hardly walk after getting out of that tin can today. And with the lowered and stiffened suspension I have on it I feel like my kidneys have been beat and my back and ass feel violated. And it's never had the best A/C in the world to begin with so I was hot for most of the drive. And with the air on the asmatic hamster of a motor hasn't got enough power to pull a greased string out of a cats ass. I love my car, but GD it sucks for stuff like this.
So on the drive home I started to think about what I need in a car at my age. I have friends that like to go out eating and they always have to drive me and my girl around because we both have 2 doors. So it would be nice to return the favor now sometimes. And I've taken up the old man's game of golf last year so it would be nice to have a car that could actually carry my clubs in the trunk. And I have a Rodney Dangerfield in Caddy Shack size golf bag so a big boot would be a plus. I also take many 4+ hour drives over the summer to my parents beach place in the summer so some comfort and leg room are needed.
I hate FWD so that kills most of the cars out there for me. And I've never really looked into cars that aren't impractical before so I don't keep up with them as much as you guys do. Off the top of my head I came up with.
New cars at or under 36K that are preferably imports (it's what I work on so I like them more when something breaks)
Lexus IS 250 RWD Manual - with X-Package is $32,180.00
Infiniti G37 Sport 6 Speed Manual - $35,115.00
BMW 328i base with nothing - $34,975.00
Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring with Nav and Premium Package -$34,570.00 But we all know I could get it for WAY less than that.
The RX-8 is really just a 3 person car for me. I have to have the seat all the way back so the rear seat behind me is useless. And the trunk is big for a car in it's class but still small. I just added it because of the price and I work on them and know them rather well.
I've never looked into a Lexus IS before so I know nothing about them at all.
I don't see myself in a BMW. And it cost almost as much as the others and is just the base one.
I kind of like the looks of the G37 and for the price it seems to be the overall best choice. Any of you ever driven one?
135i maybe? I know it's got 2 doors, but it's got 4 seats.
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 25, 2009, 08:45:42 PM
135i maybe? I know it's got 2 doors, but it's got 4 seats.
If the RX8 is a useless 4 seater, I can't imagine a 1-series being any better.
Not RWD, but maybe an Audi A4 quattro? It's the roomiest luxury car in it's class.
WRX? Evo GSR? Audi A4 2.0 Quattro? C300 Sport Sedan?
Quote from: 2o6 on April 25, 2009, 08:47:43 PM
If the RX8 is a useless 4 seater, I can't imagine a 1-series being any better.
Not RWD, but maybe an Audi A4 quattro? It's the roomiest luxury car in it's class.
The RX-8 is definitely not a useless 4-seater.
G37 or Legacy Spec B
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 25, 2009, 08:45:42 PM
135i maybe? I know it's got 2 doors, but it's got 4 seats.
I kind of find that car a little on the ugly side. And as one person pointed out the rear seats are useless
The sad thing is I can't think of many cars that are RWD and under 36K. I can think of many FWD cars like that. But God I hate any form of torque steer what-so-ever
Didn't you have an RX-8 once before?
Quote from: TBR on April 25, 2009, 08:51:17 PM
The RX-8 is definitely not a useless 4-seater.
Onslaught just said the rear seats were useless.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 25, 2009, 08:52:11 PM
The sad thing is I can't think of many cars that are RWD and under 36K. I can think of many FWD cars like that. But God I hate any form of torque steer what-so-ever
Don't press the gas so hard? For a DD I can't imagine it really being too jarring.......
Quote from: TBR on April 25, 2009, 08:51:17 PM
The RX-8 is definitely not a useless 4-seater.
G37 or Legacy Spec B
It's not useless for normal people. It's actually really good for what it is. But with someone like me it's just a 3 seater.
I'd go with the Infinity or Lexus.
Have any of you had any time behind the wheel of a G37?
Quote from: Onslaught on April 25, 2009, 08:54:11 PM
It's not useless for normal people. It's actually really good for what it is. But with someone like me it's just a 3 seater.
Yeah, I understand what you're saying, 206's implication seemed to be that it was in general worthless as a 4 seater.
Though, it is worth noting that the IS would probably be a 3-seater for you as well.
If not an import maybe the 300C or G8? Maybe you can get a screaming deal on the G8 once Pontiac kicks the teetering chair out from underneath its feet.
What about a G8? They're sitting on dealer lots and can be had for pretty cheap.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 25, 2009, 08:56:48 PM
Have any of you had any time behind the wheel of a G37?
No time behind either, but the press seems to be in love with the G especially.
Quote from: 2o6 on April 25, 2009, 08:47:43 PM
If the RX8 is a useless 4 seater, I can't imagine a 1-series being any better.
Not RWD, but maybe an Audi A4 quattro? It's the roomiest luxury car in it's class.
:rolleyes: Have you ever even sat in an RX-8? Or are you just an idiot?
You must have some long legs Onslaught. I'm 6'3" (I got a crazy long torso though, so that probably explains it), but I can set the driver seat for me, and fit just fine "sitting behind myself" so to say.
I'd go with a G37 if the RX-8 is too small. Have you considered going used? What about a G8 GXP? They
have to be selling those at HUGE discounts.
The 328i's a fun car.
Quote from: MrH on April 25, 2009, 08:59:44 PM
:rolleyes: Have you ever even sat in an RX-8? Or are you just an idiot?
I MEANT FOR ONSLAUGHT, HE SAID IT HIMSELF.
I don't really like the looks of the G8 much. And I'm a cheap ass and try to keep cars for 10-20 years so I'd like to know that all the parts would be around then.
Carsdirect price on a G8 GXP is $37,755 (zip code 28201)
Quote from: 2o6 on April 25, 2009, 09:01:03 PM
You said it's useless as a 4-seater, and can't imagine the 1-series being any better. The RX-8 is loads more comfortable in back than a 1-series.
It's really not useless as a 4-seater at all.
Quote from: MrH on April 25, 2009, 09:02:38 PM
You said it's useless as a 4-seater, and can't imagine the 1-series being any better. The RX-8 is loads more comfortable in back than a 1-series.
It's really not useless as a 4-seater at all.
Are you nitpicking over a stupid car?
If it's a three seater for onslaught, it's not a four seater therefore it's useless for his needs.
I'm going to go and drive them all. Well, not the RX-8. I've been in so many of them already. I even have half of one in my back yard.
I've got to save up the money to get one anyway so it's not going to happen anytime soon. I just want to start getting ideas about cars I know nothing about.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 25, 2009, 09:04:39 PM
I'm going to go and drive them all. Well, not the RX-8. I've been in so many of them already. I even have half of one in my back yard.
I've got to save up the money to get one anyway so it's not going to happen anytime soon. I just want to start getting ideas about cars I know nothing about.
Huh? :confused:
Hold on guys. Lets not fight over this. I'm just a freak that can't fit in many cars.
But I dive an MX-5 :confused:
Quote from: Onslaught on April 25, 2009, 09:04:39 PM
I'm going to go and drive them all. Well, not the RX-8. I've been in so many of them already. I even have half of one in my back yard.
I've got to save up the money to get one anyway so it's not going to happen anytime soon. I just want to start getting ideas about cars I know nothing about.
What half do you have?
Renesis + Miata? :wub:
Quote from: 2o6 on April 25, 2009, 09:05:56 PM
Huh? :confused:
Parts, I have lots of MX-5 and RX-8 parts. If I could find a smashed one then I wouldn't even need a new car. I could build one for next to nothing.
G8? Buy a Holden bumper if you want import.
If you're going to be working on it yourself, a warranty does not matter. I say G35 and pocket the difference.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 25, 2009, 09:04:39 PM
I've got to save up the money to get one anyway so it's not going to happen anytime soon. I just want to start getting ideas about cars I know nothing about.
Why not buy used? That opens up the door a bit more too - E46s, E39s, W211 E-class, G35, etc.
Zee Germans aren't particularly reliable. The VQ might as well be a tank engine because it runs like one. It will not die.
My vote is G35 6-speed. Close thread.
Spend under $15,000 for a fast, luxurious sports coupe and you can work on it yourself.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 03:05:14 AM
Zee Germans aren't particularly reliable. The VQ might as well be a tank engine because it runs like one. It will not die.
My vote is G35 6-speed. Close thread.
Spend under $15,000 for a fast, luxurious sports coupe and you can work on it yourself.
Doesn't he want a 4 door?
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 26, 2009, 07:22:17 AM
Doesn't he want a 4 door?
EDIT: I didn't see that Teuton specified coupe. Either way, he can get a G35 6-speed sedan.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-Infiniti-G35-6sp-Pearl-White-Sunroof-Spoiler-MINT_W0QQitemZ170323710920QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item170323710920&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A7|39%3A1|240%3A1308
I'm wanting new. I'm a perfectionist's and way beyond anal. Almost to the point of needing professional help probably. When I have a used car I can't stand all the little imperfections and stuff on the inside and out and will spend insane money trying to make it perfect again. I didn't get the MX-5 new and all the little nicks that I would have never put in the interior drive me nuts even after 12+ years latter.
As for working on it I'd like a warranty for a few years. I don't want to work on a car after I get home from work on cars all day long. I hate working on cars to tell the truth. But 6-10 years from now when something will eventually go wrong with it I'd like for it to be something that I'm familiar with.
(http://image.motortrend.com/f/10830882/112_0810_37z+2009_mazda_RX-8+side_view.jpg)
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 09:26:49 AM
I'm wanting new. I'm a perfectionist's and way beyond anal. Almost to the point of needing professional help probably. When I have a used car I can't stand all the little imperfections and stuff on the inside and out and will spend insane money trying to make it perfect again. I didn't get the MX-5 new and all the little nicks that I would have never put in the interior drive me nuts even after 12+ years latter.
As for working on it I'd like a warranty for a few years. I don't want to work on a car after I get home from work on cars all day long. I hate working on cars to tell the truth. But 6-10 years from now when something will eventually go wrong with it I'd like for it to be something that I'm familiar with.
G37.
Does it seem like I'm trolling? I wouldn't recommend a BMW or Audi to anyone keeping it past the warranty period.
(http://images.motortrend.com/photo_gallery/112_0703_15z+2008_cadillac_cts+left_front_view.jpg)
?
Although the G37 does sound like the best choice for you thus far.
(http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/01/2010_Buick_LaCrosse_TOP.jpg)
Why new? G35 coupe is about as good as the G37, but is more efficient and about 10-15K less.
Plus you already have a coupe. A stiffly sprung, loud, cramped up coupe. With each of the cars listed, outside of the 328i they all have at least one of those negative qualifiers. If you're gonna keep the Miata, I would go with something completely on the other side of the spectrum, or at least a 4 door with a legitimate back seat.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on April 26, 2009, 01:34:20 PM
Why new?
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 09:26:49 AM
I'm wanting new. I'm a perfectionist's and way beyond anal. Almost to the point of needing professional help probably. When I have a used car I can't stand all the little imperfections and stuff on the inside and out and will spend insane money trying to make it perfect again. I didn't get the MX-5 new and all the little nicks that I would have never put in the interior drive me nuts even after 12+ years latter.
I've not listed any coupes. I want a 4 door. And I don't want used.
If you're going to keep it for 10 years, don't get a German car unless you want to pay $300 when your driveshaft bushing goes out at 150,000 miles (not including labor) or pay $1,500 for some absurd electronic deficiency. They're great cars, but they're not great old cars anymore like the bulletproof E30s. They have too many things in them that do go wrong.
G37, IS250, Cadillac CTS, Pontiac G8 GXP or something.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 01:37:05 PM
I've not listed any coupes. I want a 4 door. And I don't want used.
What do you think about a G35 Coupe? :evildude:
I second the Cadillac CTS though. That is what I would buy.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 01:41:25 PM
If you're going to keep it for 10 years, don't get a German car unless you want to pay $300 when your driveshaft bushing goes out at 150,000 miles or pay $1,500 for some absurd electronic deficiency. They're great cars, but they're not great old cars anymore like the bulletproof E30s. They have too many things in them that do go wrong.
G37, IS250, Cadillac CTS, Pontiac G8 GXP or something.
Holy shit not $300 at 150,000 miles!
Come on teuton, use your head. :lol:
Quote from: Minpin on April 26, 2009, 01:42:49 PM
I second the Cadillac CTS though. That is what I would buy.
I agree. The G37 is nice also.
According to their site the CTS starts at around 37K. That's more then I want to spend. And it kind of looks like a brick to me.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 01:50:32 PM
According to their site the CTS starts at around 37K. That's more then I want to spend. And it kind of looks like a brick to me.
You could negotiate a very good deal on any Cadillac at this point. But if you don't like the looks none of that matters.
Quote from: Minpin on April 26, 2009, 01:52:09 PM
You could negotiate a very good deal on any Cadillac at this point. But if you don't like the looks none of that matters.
It's not ugly. But I don't love it. But I don't love the looks of any 4 door so I'll look into it.
Quote from: Minpin on April 26, 2009, 01:44:04 PM
Holy shit not $300 at 150,000 miles!
Come on teuton, use your head. :lol:
That's just for the part. Labor is about $1,000 -- or so sayeth the BMW dealer for my friend's M3 back home. And the roommate with the M3 here keeps having his driveshaft bolt back out. It's a pain in the ass and a safety hazard.
And the iDrive thing -- $1,500 to fix that piece of crap. Oil changes need BMW's software to reset the computer. You can't check your oil, and it's just not the way to go, imo, of course.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 01:50:32 PM
According to their site the CTS starts at around 37K. That's more then I want to spend. And it kind of looks like a brick to me.
I would go with the G37 then!
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 01:41:25 PM
If you're going to keep it for 10 years, don't get a German car unless you want to pay $300 when your driveshaft bushing goes out at 150,000 miles (not including labor) or pay $1,500 for some absurd electronic deficiency. They're great cars, but they're not great old cars anymore like the bulletproof E30s. They have too many things in them that do go wrong.
G37, IS250, Cadillac CTS, Pontiac G8 GXP or something.
That's why I don't see myself in a BMW. I have two friends that are BMW nuts and that's all they'll drive. And they seem to have many little problems here and there that I would never put up with when they get a few years on them.
Mazda 6 MPS?
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 26, 2009, 02:00:25 PM
Mazda 6 MPS?
If they still made the MS6 then I'd get that. But they don't.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 01:54:05 PM
That's just for the part. Labor is about $1,000 -- or so sayeth the BMW dealer for my friend's M3 back home. And the roommate with the M3 here keeps having his driveshaft bolt back out. It's a pain in the ass and a safety hazard.
And the iDrive thing -- $1,500 to fix that piece of crap. Oil changes need BMW's software to reset the computer. You can't check your oil, and it's just not the way to go, imo, of course.
If a $1200 repair bill once every 10 years is going to break your bank, you probably shouldn't be buying a brand new $35,000 car to begin with. I'm not saying it's not a lot, but if I really liked the car better, it'd probably be worth it.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 26, 2009, 02:09:09 PM
If a $1200 repair bill once every 10 years is going to break your bank, you probably shouldn't be buying a brand new $35,000 car to begin with. I'm not saying it's not a lot, but if I really liked the car better, it'd probably be worth it.
Another problem area with current BMWs: power steering pumps, fuel level sensors, brake pads wearing out quickly (well, they're soft, so they just kinda do...), the tires suck, theft and vandalism, insurance...
But besides those and a few other problems, they're wonderful cars.
I got yer 4-door right here.
BUT
Pricing will be rough for a while, (because of initial demand,) and you have to wait at while still...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAhxz9fcgmE&feature=related
:lol:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 02:17:08 PM
Another problem area with current BMWs: power steering pumps, fuel level sensors, brake pads wearing out quickly (well, they're soft, so they just kinda do...), the tires suck, theft and vandalism, insurance...
But besides those and a few other problems, they're wonderful cars.
Our power steering pump gave out in the warranty period. The brake pads aren't really a huge deal, considering they're wear and tear items anyway. The tires, well, just opt out of the RFTs. Theft and vandalism, yeah, but any luxury car is prone to that. Insurance, well, you're spending $36k.
Taurus SHO is auto only.
Only the non-direct injection CTS is available with a manual. I'd go with a G37 definitely.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on April 26, 2009, 01:34:20 PM
Why new? G35 coupe is about as good as the G37, but is more efficient and about 10-15K less.
Plus you already have a coupe. A stiffly sprung, loud, cramped up coupe. With each of the cars listed, outside of the 328i they all have at least one of those negative qualifiers. If you're gonna keep the Miata, I would go with something completely on the other side of the spectrum, or at least a 4 door with a legitimate back seat.
Read the fucking thread!!! :rage:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 02:17:08 PM
Another problem area with current BMWs: power steering pumps, fuel level sensors, brake pads wearing out quickly (well, they're soft, so they just kinda do...), the tires suck, theft and vandalism, insurance...
But besides those and a few other problems, they're wonderful cars.
The anti BMW thing is getting a bit tiring. All cars have advantages and disadvantages - is it a big deal to replace brake pads slightly more often.
Re: vandalism and insurance, those are two things that are nothing to do with the cars, they are circumstance. You could say that about any car.
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on April 26, 2009, 03:28:18 PM
The anti BMW thing is getting a bit tiring. All cars have advantages and disadvantages - is it a big deal to replace brake pads slightly more often.
Re: vandalism and insurance, those are two things that are nothing to do with the cars, they are circumstance. You could say that about any car.
+1. And you don't need to use factory brake pads....
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 01:54:05 PM
That's just for the part. Labor is about $1,000 -- or so sayeth the BMW dealer for my friend's M3 back home. And the roommate with the M3 here keeps having his driveshaft bolt back out. It's a pain in the ass and a safety hazard.
And the iDrive thing -- $1,500 to fix that piece of crap. Oil changes need BMW's software to reset the computer. You can't check your oil, and it's just not the way to go, imo, of course.
You don't have to get iDrive on a 3er. Just don't get nav.
And you can reset the oil light - there's a tool you can buy.
All labor is free the first 4 years and you don't have to go to the dealership. An import garage can fix everything for less, and that's saying you can't do it yourself...
Quote from: hotrodalex on April 26, 2009, 05:20:35 PM
You don't have to get iDrive on a 3er. Just don't get nav.
Then you just paid at least $33k for a car that looks like an economy car on the inside.
QuoteAnd you can reset the oil light - there's a tool you can buy.
When you go to sell the car, try explaining why the car hasn't had the oil changed in 10 years to some know-it-all teenager in need of his first BMW.
QuoteAll labor is free the first 4 years and you don't have to go to the dealership. An import garage can fix everything for less, and that's saying you can't do it yourself...
The car gets really expensive after the warranty ends. A Nissan or Toyota won't. I mean, sure, it's not going to be his only car, but it will be his primary car, and it will be subjected to the $97/hr. labor rater BMW wants to charge. That wouldn't be the case with any of the earlier generations, but that memory chip in the key makes a lot of difference.
[/quote]
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 06:11:48 PM
Then you just paid at least $33k for a car that looks like an economy car on the inside.
The sans-idrive interior looks much better
Quote
When you go to sell the car, try explaining why the car hasn't had the oil changed in 10 years to some know-it-all teenager in need of his first BMW.
Did you read what he quoted
Quote
The car gets really expensive after the warranty ends. A Nissan or Toyota won't. I mean, sure, it's not going to be his only car, but it will be his primary car, and it will be subjected to the $97/hr. labor rater BMW wants to charge. That wouldn't be the case with any of the earlier generations, but that memory chip in the key makes a lot of difference.
Once again, did you read what you quoted? Except in special cases, you would have to be stupid to take an out of warranty car to a dealer.
If you don't, none of the records will show up on the key. And if they don't show up on the key, your service is useless.
Of the choices... I would prob do the G37
Quote from: MrH on April 26, 2009, 03:17:07 PM
Taurus SHO is auto only.
Nothing a blowtorch, some tools, a few pedals, couple other parts, and a little work won't fix. ;)
don't get your panties in a bunch!! :hammerhead:
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on April 26, 2009, 06:44:29 PM
Nothing a blowtorch, some tools, a few pedals, couple other parts, and a little work won't fix. ;)
don't get your panties in a bunch!! :hammerhead:
Where would you get the tranny from?
Quote from: 2o6 on April 26, 2009, 06:46:34 PM
Where would you get the tranny from?
I bet an Accord tranny would fit. They fit in Corollas, so it only makes sense.
Quote from: TBR on April 26, 2009, 06:24:19 PM
Once again, did you read what you quoted? Except in special cases, you would have to be stupid to take an out of warranty car to a dealer.
I don't know about that. Unless you know of a independent shop that has a really good reputation the dealership can be the best place to take it. You normally get paid more to work at a dealership so better techs go to the place that pays the most. This isn't always true but more times then not it is.
If/when something over my head mechanically goes wrong with my MX-5 it went to my local Mazda dealer. Now that it went under I'm not sure what I'll do if something I don't fell like doing pops up.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on April 26, 2009, 02:28:29 PM
I got yer 4-door right here.
BUT
Pricing will be rough for a while, (because of initial demand,) and you have to wait at while still...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAhxz9fcgmE&feature=related
:lol:
I can't do it. My mom is a Ford person and I've bashed them for so long now that if I owned one she would win. I couldn't live with that.
(http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/03/Pontiac-G8-El-Camino-01.jpg)
do they make one of these little faces that throw up?
This will do :pee:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 06:11:48 PM
Then you just paid at least $33k for a car that looks like an economy car on the inside.
When you go to sell the car, try explaining why the car hasn't had the oil changed in 10 years to some know-it-all teenager in need of his first BMW.
The car gets really expensive after the warranty ends. A Nissan or Toyota won't. I mean, sure, it's not going to be his only car, but it will be his primary car, and it will be subjected to the $97/hr. labor rater BMW wants to charge. That wouldn't be the case with any of the earlier generations, but that memory chip in the key makes a lot of difference.
Jesus, Teuts, anti-BMW troll, much?
Quote from: Psilos on April 26, 2009, 07:01:23 PM
Jesus, Teuts, anti-BMW troll, much?
It's a great car if you have a warranty, but it has the potential of being a terrible one if you don't.
Yeah, just like any new car that cost $30k.
Quote from: Psilos on April 26, 2009, 07:15:56 PM
Yeah, just like any new car that cost $30k.
Find me a 4-cylinder 5-speed Honda Accord. There are some cars that are more high maintenance than others. No one even knows how the N engines will do over the long haul in the BMWs, much less all of the other bits and pieces.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 07:20:32 PM
Find me a 4-cylinder 5-speed Honda Accord. There are some cars that are more high maintenance than others. No one even knows how the N engines will do over the long haul in the BMWs, much less all of the other bits and pieces.
Maybe so, but any new car today is going to be waaaaay more reliable than a new car was 20 years ago. In an absolute sense, there is no such thing as an unreliable new car (aside from lemons).
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 07:20:32 PM
Find me a 4-cylinder 5-speed Honda Accord. There are some cars that are more high maintenance than others. No one even knows how the N engines will do over the long haul in the BMWs, much less all of the other bits and pieces.
It's new, so it's full of uncertainty. That's a great reason to not buy a BMW. :rolleyes:
So he probably shouldn't buy a G37 either, because no one knows how the VQ37HR will do over the long hall. Same goes for the RENESIS and the IS' 2.5L V6.
Did you get raped by a BMW or something?
Quote from: CALL_911 on April 26, 2009, 07:58:35 PM
Did you get raped by a BMW or something?
He said that he has many times on here.
See what had happened was....
What's the problem with FWD or AWD? AWD seems unnecessary, sure, but there are a lot of great FWD cars out there that can be had for a lot less than your 36K budget.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=18502.msg1049629#msg1049629 date=1240802559
What's the problem with FWD or AWD? AWD seems unnecessary, sure, but there are a lot of great FWD cars out there that can be had for a lot less than your 36K budget.
AWD is fine with me.
I'm just not a fan of FWD. And while torque steer isn't as bad in modern cars as it was years ago they still show signs of it from time to time. Now for most people this isn't a big deal. Hell, most people don't even know WTF that is anyway. But I don't like it.
And RWD cars are a little more "sporty" MOST of the time. I want a practical car but don't want to sell my soul in the end. If Mazda hadn't turned the new 6 into such a big American car I'd think about it.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 09:31:11 PM
AWD is fine with me.
I'm just not a fan of FWD. And while torque steer isn't as bad in modern cars as it was years ago they still show signs of it from time to time. Now for most people this isn't a big deal. Hell, most people don't even know WTF that is anyway. But I don't like it.
And RWD cars are a little more "sporty" MOST of the time. I want a practical car but don't want to sell my soul in the end. If Mazda hadn't turned the new 6 into such a big American car I'd think about it.
I really like the previous gen Mazda6. My dad has one (V6 5-speed), and you can tell it's FWD, but it still has great poise. I'd definitely rock one, he's been talking of selling his and getting a fun car now that he has no kids at home, and I'm sure he'd give me a good price on it. Shame that your 'needs to be new' mandate rules it out, but I can certainly understand the allure of a brand new car.
Having not driven any of the cars you've listed, I'd be very interested in the BMW and the Lexus.
Quote from: The Pirate on April 26, 2009, 09:43:27 PM
I really like the previous gen Mazda6. My dad has one (V6 5-speed), and you can tell it's FWD, but it still has great poise. I'd definitely rock one, he's been talking of selling his and getting a fun car now that he has no kids at home, and I'm sure he'd give me a good price on it. Shame that your 'needs to be new' mandate rules it out, but I can certainly understand the allure of a brand new car.
Having not driven any of the cars you've listed, I'd be very interested in the BMW and the Lexus.
I'm a fan of the original 6. I like the way it looked and drove. I wasn't in love with all the silver plastic the original ones had in the interior. But I could have got over that.
I drove the piss out of one when Mazda did the "Rev it up" thing a few years back in Charlotte. For a FWD car it was very good.
The new one is ok. But I feel it's more for the family man with kids now. The last one felt more like a car for someone in their 30's who still wanted to have fun when driving but needed some room. Someone like me!
Do you want a near lux like a 3er or something a little more insane like an Evo?
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 09:55:39 PM
Do you want a near lux like a 3er or something a little more insane like an Evo?
Near Lux. Something I can take on long trips or take 3 people out on the town. But still have a little fun in it when I'm by myself.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 09:31:11 PM
AWD is fine with me.
I'm just not a fan of FWD. And while torque steer isn't as bad in modern cars as it was years ago they still show signs of it from time to time. Now for most people this isn't a big deal. Hell, most people don't even know WTF that is anyway. But I don't like it.
And RWD cars are a little more "sporty" MOST of the time. I want a practical car but don't want to sell my soul in the end. If Mazda hadn't turned the new 6 into such a big American car I'd think about it.
I'd say that many RWD cars are less sporty than some FWD cars, but that's another discussion. You're entitled to your opinion. If I were you, I'd look into a Civic Si and thirteen thousand dollars in my bank account (or a GTI Autobahn Pack and 11K), but if that's not the way you want to go, it's not the way you want to go.
If AWD is on the table, I'd get a 5MT Evo if it must be new. Even if it's only half as exciting as the VIII and IX, it's probably twice as exciting as a 3 series. Evos are pretty grown up nowadays, so they're probably worth a look. I was parked next to (well, behind, really, it was parallel) an Evo X for a couple of days and in that blue color it looked pretty good. I thought for a second if I should have tried to stretch my budget another 11K to get one.
I'm going to have to go for the ugly duckling: The Acura TSX. With the exception of being a little ugly and wrong-wheel-drive, someone please tell me why someone who is planning on keeping the car for 10 years shouldn't buy it.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 26, 2009, 10:08:20 PM
I'm going to have to go for the ugly duckling: The Acura TSX. With the exception of being a little ugly and wrong-wheel-drive, someone please tell me why someone who is planning on keeping the car for 10 years shouldn't buy it.
It's ugly and expensive. 29K starting price for a car no more luxurious than a GTI?
10 years isn't that long a time for a car that's going to be cared for by the owner.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 06:54:01 PM
I can't do it. My mom is a Ford person and I've bashed them for so long now that if I owned one she would win. I couldn't live with that.
hahaahahahaha
As lame as that sounds on teh internets, I totally understand.
You should try to go drive one anyway, and let me know how it is. (Shouldn't they be out later this summer, if it's a 2010 model??)
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 06:51:22 PM
I don't know about that. Unless you know of a independent shop that has a really good reputation the dealership can be the best place to take it. You normally get paid more to work at a dealership so better techs go to the place that pays the most. This isn't always true but more times then not it is.
If/when something over my head mechanically goes wrong with my MX-5 it went to my local Mazda dealer. Now that it went under I'm not sure what I'll do if something I don't fell like doing pops up.
I figured most towns of decent size have a decent independent. That isn't the case back home, so I took my car to the dealer. But, here in Winston there's an excellent Honda independent.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 25, 2009, 08:56:48 PM
Have any of you had any time behind the wheel of a G37?
I drove a G35 2007 model, so not quite a G37 but pretty similar. Overall I liked it alot, seems like and ideal sports sedan if you want good performance, mid size room, and japanese reliability all rolled into one. It's good you are going to drive them yourself, different strokes for different folks.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 26, 2009, 01:50:32 PM
According to their site the CTS starts at around 37K. That's more then I want to spend. And it kind of looks like a brick to me.
btw, carsdirect has CTS's starting at ~$33.4k. And as someone else already pointed out, you can probably bargain a better deal.
Quote from: Raza on April 26, 2009, 10:11:12 PM
It's ugly and expensive. 29K starting price for a car no more luxurious than a GTI?
10 years isn't that long a time for a car that's going to be cared for by the owner.
I know I'm in the minority here, I actually quite like the looks of the TSX. It looks more high class than the GTI, IMO. Not to mention, you'd have to price out the GTI to $27k to get the same options as the TSX (leather and sunroof, which are bundled in packages).
In all honesty, I'd almost certainly get a GTI (or a 128i) over a TSX, but I can see why someone else wouldn't.
And yeah, 10 years isn't that old, especially since Onslaught takes good care of his cars. Teuts, I think you're concentrating way too much on the 10 years thing. Not to mention, you're forgetting that you only know all these things that go wrong with BMWs because you worked at the dealership. I'm sure if you worked at an Infiniti dealership you'd have a pretty good list of "common" problems as well.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on April 26, 2009, 11:00:21 PM
hahaahahahaha
As lame as that sounds on teh internets, I totally understand.
You should try to go drive one anyway, and let me know how it is. (Shouldn't they be out later this summer, if it's a 2010 model??)
I could just see the smile on her face every time I drove to her house. Nope, can't have that.
I'll drive one anyway. I do work at a Ford dealership so I'll drive lots of them eventually.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=18502.msg1049655#msg1049655 date=1240805119
I'd say that many RWD cars are less sporty than some FWD cars, but that's another discussion. You're entitled to your opinion. If I were you, I'd look into a Civic Si and thirteen thousand dollars in my bank account (or a GTI Autobahn Pack and 11K), but if that's not the way you want to go, it's not the way you want to go.
If AWD is on the table, I'd get a 5MT Evo if it must be new. Even if it's only half as exciting as the VIII and IX, it's probably twice as exciting as a 3 series. Evos are pretty grown up nowadays, so they're probably worth a look. I was parked next to (well, behind, really, it was parallel) an Evo X for a couple of days and in that blue color it looked pretty good. I thought for a second if I should have tried to stretch my budget another 11K to get one.
I'd probably take a MS3 over the Si. I could get a MS3 for way less than I could a Si. But I don't think either one of them look all that great.
I don't trust the Evo. Sorry if we have any Misu fans here. But I've know way too many people who had different ones that gave them problems all the time.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 27, 2009, 04:35:39 AM
I do work at a Ford dealership so I'll drive lots of them eventually.
wha wha what??
So she won already!! :huh: :nutty:
Quote from: 2o6 on April 26, 2009, 06:46:34 PM
Where would you get the tranny from?
Pfft. That would be the easy part of building a manual tranny 2010 SHO... :lol:
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on April 27, 2009, 05:01:54 AM
wha wha what??
So she won already!! :huh: :nutty:
Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai and Suzuki for 14 years. And I worked on all the Mazda cars and most of the other imports when they came in. They never really gave me many Fords unless they HAD to do it.
I'm not trying to bash domestic cars but I don't like working on them. When you've worked on imports for so long you kind of just want to stick with that. And most of the guys at the shop had worked on Fords all their
lives so it all worked out in the end. They got to work on what the liked and so did I.
Now we have a new owner and it's just Ford, Mazda and Hyundai.
Quote from: Raza on April 26, 2009, 10:11:12 PM
It's ugly and expensive. 29K starting price for a car no more luxurious than a GTI?
10 years isn't that long a time for a car that's going to be cared for by the owner.
TSXs are loaded to the gills with equipment standard, are available with the big block V6 and actually don't look bad. I sat in one at the car show and definitely loved the interior and stereo. I'd imagine it would be pretty weak with teh 4 banger though.
For 29K I would def. spring for a used G37 though. Then a 335i. THEN a TSX.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 27, 2009, 03:28:36 AM
I know I'm in the minority here, I actually quite like the looks of the TSX. It looks more high class than the GTI, IMO. Not to mention, you'd have to price out the GTI to $27k to get the same options as the TSX (leather and sunroof, which are bundled in packages).
In all honesty, I'd almost certainly get a GTI (or a 128i) over a TSX, but I can see why someone else wouldn't.
And yeah, 10 years isn't that old, especially since Onslaught takes good care of his cars. Teuts, I think you're concentrating way too much on the 10 years thing. Not to mention, you're forgetting that you only know all these things that go wrong with BMWs because you worked at the dealership. I'm sure if you worked at an Infiniti dealership you'd have a pretty good list of "common" problems as well.
I think I suffer from Taco Bell Syndrome with the BMW dealership.
You probably do. When you see things from the inside, you see a lot of flaws that outsiders aren't aware of, and they become magnified. What you don't see is the flaws of the competition.
2010 Ford Fusion Sport
265 hp
AWD
6 spd auto with manumatic shifting.
Go drive one before you discount it. I drove the 2010 I4 with the 6 spd manual and the V6 with 6 spd auto and it is head shoulders better then any mainstream sedan I've ever driven.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 27, 2009, 08:46:39 AM
I think I suffer from Taco Bell Syndrome with the BMW dealership.
BMWs give you chronic diarrhea?
Quote from: sportyaccordy on April 27, 2009, 04:45:16 PM
BMWs give you chronic diarrhea?
Only the ones without the Sport seats.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 27, 2009, 03:28:36 AM
I know I'm in the minority here, I actually quite like the looks of the TSX. It looks more high class than the GTI, IMO. Not to mention, you'd have to price out the GTI to $27k to get the same options as the TSX (leather and sunroof, which are bundled in packages).
In all honesty, I'd almost certainly get a GTI (or a 128i) over a TSX, but I can see why someone else wouldn't.
And yeah, 10 years isn't that old, especially since Onslaught takes good care of his cars. Teuts, I think you're concentrating way too much on the 10 years thing. Not to mention, you're forgetting that you only know all these things that go wrong with BMWs because you worked at the dealership. I'm sure if you worked at an Infiniti dealership you'd have a pretty good list of "common" problems as well.
Leather and sunroof on the GTI are bundled in the same package (as of 2008, as far as I know), with something else in the Autobahn pack. They might have changed it since then.
The TSX just annoys me. It went from a good looking (but also overpriced) car to some hideous monstrosity only outdone by the big brother TL.
Quote from: Onslaught on April 27, 2009, 04:39:26 AM
I'd probably take a MS3 over the Si. I could get a MS3 for way less than I could a Si. But I don't think either one of them look all that great.
I don't trust the Evo. Sorry if we have any Misu fans here. But I've know way too many people who had different ones that gave them problems all the time.
That's fairly legit on the Evo. I hesitate to expect Mitsubishi to be selling cars in the US in 2010. If the Evo is out, that leaves the 09 WRX; if it has fixed all the problems of the piece-of-shit Camry of the 2008, it should be one hell of a performance bargain. And the looks shouldn't be a problem if you close your eyes and use the panic button to echolocate the car instead of visually identifying it.
MS3s are nice enough, but for a daily driver, no sunroof would rule it out for me. If it's not a problem for you, it's a fast as hell car that handles well, and is practical, but just boy racer enough to not signal that you're ready to start a family.
Quote from: Raza on April 27, 2009, 05:29:48 PM
Leather and sunroof on the GTI are bundled in the same package (as of 2008, as far as I know), with something else in the Autobahn pack. They might have changed it since then.
The TSX just annoys me. It went from a good looking (but also overpriced) car to some hideous monstrosity only outdone by the big brother TL.
Currently the "Sunroof Package" comes with the sunroof, 18" wheels and performance tires. The "Autobahn Package" has leather seats, leatherette trim, three rear headrests and "Crash Active Head Restraints."
I know this isn't an issue for Onslaught (or most people on this site really), but the auto on the GTI is also $1100 extra while it's a no-cost option on the TSX, which brings the price difference to barely over a grand. Granted, the DSG is probably a hell of a lot better than TSX's auto.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on April 27, 2009, 07:09:12 PM
Currently the "Sunroof Package" comes with the sunroof, 18" wheels and performance tires. The "Autobahn Package" has leather seats, leatherette trim, three rear headrests and "Crash Active Head Restraints."
I know this isn't an issue for Onslaught (or most people on this site really), but the auto on the GTI is also $1100 extra while it's a no-cost option on the TSX, which brings the price difference to barely over a grand. Granted, the DSG is probably a hell of a lot better than TSX's auto.
Interesting. They keep changing this shit around.