CarSPIN Forums

I'm taking the plunge & financing a late model car from a dealer w/a warranty.

My main criteria for the car is that its fun to drive, shorter than my car now (185") for easier parallel parking, and available with a stickshift.

I would def. prefer something w/a little more speed, but nothing crazy. I won't drive it much now (maybe 6-8K miles a year).

I'm lookin to get it around late Feb/early March. I listed what I was able to come up with...

I had no idea the G35 Coupe was so short(relatively... 182"). I was leaning towards the TSX but the G is def. more appealing.

The S is just a thought. They're cheap

S2000.

G

Keep insurance rates in mind.  I bet insurance for a 3, G, or S2000 will be much higher then a CSX.

Quote from: HEMI666 on January 23, 2009, 11:47:59 AM
Keep insurance rates in mind.  I bet insurance for a 3, G, or S2000 will be much higher then a CSX.

I checked with my insurer, the S's rates won't do me much harm. And we don't have CSXs here, but if I could do an even 20K I would def. consider the Civic Si.

Since you're so concerned with size, RSX.

Is a G35 coupe really only 13k now? Not bad. I could go for that. I vote for this RSX Type S (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=250938790&dealer_id=86373&car_year=2004&rdm=1232738535863&num_records=25&model=RSX&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=51&make=ACURA&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=d&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=10001&advanced=&end_year=2010&pager.offset=50&transmission=&doors=&max_price=13000&cardist=15&standard=false) which is only $9900. A sporty-little RSX just seems more up your alley than some fancy-pants Infiniti.

But if you ask me about this whole thing, warranties are overrated, and I would avoid financing. If I was just rollin' in money, I probably wouldn't care; but if I was in a bind and stuck between fixing up a beater and financing a newer car, I'd fix the beater or buy another beater.

I voted G because it would ultimately satisfy your itching desire for a premium compact that you've wanted for a while, as well as being relatively cheap and reliable.  But the RSX might be a better package for NYC.

As much as I, personally, would get an E46, I can't recommend it for you at all.

The BMW is always the best car, no matter how much you don't want it to be.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 23, 2009, 12:39:00 PM
I voted G because it would ultimately satisfy your itching desire for a premium compact that you've wanted for a while, as well as being relatively cheap and reliable.  But the RSX might be a better package for NYC.

As much as I, personally, would get an E46, I can't recommend it for you at all.

The G isn't a compact.

Is damage to a soft-top a potential risk in the city?

Quote from: 280Z Turbo on January 23, 2009, 12:41:04 PM
The BMW is always the best car, no matter how much you don't want it to be.

It's probably the most "solid" in terms of feeling like a quality product and making you feel special every time you drive it out of these, but it's not the best car out of these for practical reason like sun, cost of ownership, insurance, and reliability.

Yes, I know what I said.  An S2000 feels like crap if you can't rev the piss out of it and the G's engine sounds like crap from inside the car.

Quote from: thecarnut on January 23, 2009, 12:47:34 PM
The G isn't a compact.

The coupe?

G, hands down.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 23, 2009, 12:55:05 PM
It's probably the most "solid" in terms of feeling like a quality product and making you feel special every time you drive it out of these, but it's not the best car out of these for practical reason like sun, cost of ownership, insurance, and reliability.

Yes, I know what I said.  An S2000 feels like crap if you can't rev the piss out of it and the G's engine sounds like crap from inside the car.

The coupe?

The coupe has the same wheelbase as the sedan, right? It's a big car.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 23, 2009, 12:55:05 PM
It's probably the most "solid" in terms of feeling like a quality product and making you feel special every time you drive it out of these, but it's not the best car out of these for practical reason like sun, cost of ownership, insurance, and reliability.

Yes, I know what I said.  An S2000 feels like crap if you can't rev the piss out of it and the G's engine sounds like crap from inside the car.

The coupe?

Plz explain the "sun" aspect of owning a BMW. :lol:

Quote from: NACar on January 23, 2009, 01:06:26 PM
Plz explain the "sun" aspect of owning a BMW. :lol:

Dinky, little sunroof =/= sun.

None of the above.  EP3 Civic Si.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 23, 2009, 01:09:52 PM
Dinky, little sunroof =/= sun.

big sunroofs are heavy
little sunroof = big performance

Sorry to be a party pooper, but you forgot NONE.

Most any of those at $13k will be older and higher mileage, which is the exact thing you in particular DON'T need.

2006 Civic EX sedan 5sp M/T with ~40k miles.

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 01:42:25 PM
Sorry to be a party pooper, but you forgot NONE.

Most any of those at $13k will be older and higher mileage, which is the exact thing you in particular DON'T need.

2006 Civic EX sedan 5sp M/T with ~40k miles.

You're boring. Please leave the thread immediately.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 01:47:07 PM
You're boring. Please leave the thread immediately.

:zzz:

Quote from: ifcar on January 23, 2009, 12:50:34 PM
Is damage to a soft-top a potential risk in the city?

No, not really, but stranger things have happened.

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 01:42:25 PM
Sorry to be a party pooper, but you forgot NONE.

Most any of those at $13k will be older and higher mileage, which is the exact thing you in particular DON'T need.

2006 Civic EX sedan 5sp M/T with ~40k miles.

+1

That's certainly the most practical choice, and probably one I would take, given that it's going to be parked on the streets of NYC. 

I'd also consider an EP3 Si, like Raza mentioned, or a Mazda3.  All would still have a decent amount of 'fun to drive' and should be largely affordable to own.  Of the ones you've listed, I'd probably look at a TSX. 

I don't know if I'd want payments on something living in NYC though.  What's your budget for purchasing outright?

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 01:42:25 PM
Sorry to be a party pooper, but you forgot NONE.

Most any of those at $13k will be older and higher mileage, which is the exact thing you in particular DON'T need.

2006 Civic EX sedan 5sp M/T with ~40k miles.

http://tinyurl.com/b2x65w

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 01:42:25 PM
Sorry to be a party pooper, but you forgot NONE.

Most any of those at $13k will be older and higher mileage, which is the exact thing you in particular DON'T need.

2006 Civic EX sedan 5sp M/T with ~40k miles.

If I'm gonna get a Civic, I'm not gonna fuckin finance it, I'll get a 96-00 EX coupe for like 4K. Those cars are bulletproof.

And the only car that might be problematic is the Bimmer which I prob. won't get anyway. I don't want another 15 year old car, but I also don't want to spend money on something I would hate to drive. Plus again I'll prob only drive the car ~3 days/150 miles a week tops, and aside from doing my own maintenance I have a mechanic too. If my next car is as reliable as my Maxima, which had 130K miles and was 9 years old when I got it, I will be more than satisfied.

YOU ARE HOPELESS. I'M CONVINCED THAT YOU NEED THE DRAMA OF CAR PROBLEMS TO FEEL COMPLETE.

If I was looking for a boring, reliable, cheap used car, I would not get a Civic. Those things hold onto their value like crazy.

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 02:33:07 PM
YOU ARE HOPELESS. I'M CONVINCED THAT YOU NEED THE DRAMA OF CAR PROBLEMS TO FEEL COMPLETE.

So?

Cheap, practically brand new, reliable, easy to parallel park and totally bitchin:
http://maine.craigslist.org/ctd/1004695709.html

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 01:42:25 PM
Sorry to be a party pooper, but you forgot NONE.

Most any of those at $13k will be older and higher mileage, which is the exact thing you in particular DON'T need.

2006 Civic EX sedan 5sp M/T with ~40k miles.

For 13k, you can probably find a similar year or maybe 2005 RSX-S that's in similar condition.  And you don't have to actually drive a Civic sedan.  I don't see anything wrong with that since it's a pretty strong reliable car.. it's basically a Civic!  And actually, when new, they cost almost the same.

The financially sensible thing would be to fix what you have as it is highly unlikely you'll spend as much fixing it as any of these cars will cost.

Quote from: TBR on January 23, 2009, 03:06:02 PM
The financially sensible thing would be to fix what you have as it is highly unlikely you'll spend as much fixing it as any of these cars will cost.

A blown engine on a $1500 accord? His THIRD at that? Sometimes, people need to be irrational and illogical and shake things up.

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 02:33:07 PM
YOU ARE HOPELESS. I'M CONVINCED THAT YOU NEED THE DRAMA OF CAR PROBLEMS TO FEEL COMPLETE.

Since when are ANY of those cars listed reliability nightmares?

Quote from: NomisR on January 23, 2009, 02:53:15 PM
For 13k, you can probably find a similar year or maybe 2005 RSX-S that's in similar condition.  And you don't have to actually drive a Civic sedan.  I don't see anything wrong with that since it's a pretty strong reliable car.. it's basically a Civic!  And actually, when new, they cost almost the same.

No, you probably can't.  RSX prices are unusually strong across the board.  You can get a current generation Civic Si for cheaper than an older, higher mileage RSX-S.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 03:38:23 PM
A blown engine on a $1500 accord? His THIRD at that? Sometimes, people need to be irrational and illogical and shake things up.

So because he's made a mistake 3 times already he should make it again? Buying a car, even a used one, is not the way to save money.

Quote from: Raza  on January 23, 2009, 03:39:32 PM
No, you probably can't.  RSX prices are unusually strong across the board.  You can get a current generation Civic Si for cheaper than an older, higher mileage RSX-S.

So I can get a good deal on my RSX? 

Quote from: NomisR on January 23, 2009, 03:49:24 PM
So I can get a good deal on my RSX? 

Probably.  I don't know your what yours looks like (year, mileage, condition), but if you sell it outside of Cali (people outside of California seem less image conscious) you could get a decent price out of it.

Quote from: Raza  on January 23, 2009, 03:51:24 PM
Probably.  I don't know your what yours looks like (year, mileage, condition), but if you sell it outside of Cali (people outside of California seem less image conscious) you could get a decent price out of it.

03, 53k, good condition, no dents, a few chips from when my mom drove it.. hmm, maybe I should.

Quote from: NomisR on January 23, 2009, 04:03:05 PM
03, 53k, good condition, no dents, a few chips from when my mom drove it.. hmm, maybe I should.

That's probably a 12-16K car, judging by 2002 and 2003 on Autotrader.

I would go with the G!

Quote from: Raza  on January 23, 2009, 03:39:32 PM
No, you probably can't.  RSX prices are unusually strong across the board.  You can get a current generation Civic Si for cheaper than an older, higher mileage RSX-S.

No way, you can get an RSX-S for well under 10K.

Quote from: TBR on January 23, 2009, 03:06:02 PM
The financially sensible thing would be to fix what you have as it is highly unlikely you'll spend as much fixing it as any of these cars will cost.

When I bought this car I almost immediately replaced the motor with a low-mileage JDM one. I haven't even driven the car long enough to warrant an oil change, and it seems to have died from an oil leak. The only money I'm putting back into this car is putting my stock motor back in to be able to sell a running car.

Looking into the G, it seems to have some serious oil consumption/leak issues. Def. don't want to go through that again, as much as I love the G. I know the K-series motors in the Accord/RSX/TSX are reliable as hell so that looks better. RSX is cheaper but I really like the TSX...

Why are you obsessed with having something reliable if you don't need to drive?

I don't know.  You may live in a world of cheap RSX Type Ss, but I haven't seen anything under 10 grand with fewer than 100k miles.

Quote from: Raza  on January 23, 2009, 04:32:22 PM
I don't know.  You may live in a world of cheap RSX Type Ss, but I haven't seen anything under 10 grand with fewer than 100k miles.

Quote from: NACar on January 23, 2009, 12:35:06 PM
Is a G35 coupe really only 13k now? Not bad. I could go for that. I vote for this RSX Type S (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=250938790&dealer_id=86373&car_year=2004&rdm=1232738535863&num_records=25&model=RSX&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=51&make=ACURA&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=d&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=10001&advanced=&end_year=2010&pager.offset=50&transmission=&doors=&max_price=13000&cardist=15&standard=false) which is only $9900. A sporty-little RSX just seems more up your alley than some fancy-pants Infiniti.

But if you ask me about this whole thing, warranties are overrated, and I would avoid financing. If I was just rollin' in money, I probably wouldn't care; but if I was in a bind and stuck between fixing up a beater and financing a newer car, I'd fix the beater or buy another beater.

What about a Yaris? It's new, and can be had CHEAPER than those cars. It's tiny and can be put anywhere!  :loopy:

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 04:35:21 PM
What about a Yaris? It's new, and can be had CHEAPER than those cars. It's tiny and can be put anywhere!  :loopy:

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 01:47:07 PM
You're boring. Please leave the thread immediately.

So they exist, but they are rare enough for me to wonder if something is wrong.

Quote from: Raza  link=topic=17307.msg977863#msg977863 date=1232754159
So they exist, but they are rare enough for me to wonder if something is wrong.

It's all about where you're at, and how far you'll go to get it.

Quote from: NACar on January 23, 2009, 04:38:46 PM

Says the man with an even more spartan economy car, a Swift.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 04:55:19 PM
Says the man with an even more spartan economy car, a Swift.

Says the little boy who doesn't even know how to drive.

Quote from: NACar on January 23, 2009, 04:56:31 PM
Says the little boy who doesn't even know how to drive.

Says ur mom.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 23, 2009, 04:25:36 PM
No way, you can get an RSX-S for well under 10K.When I bought this car I almost immediately replaced the motor with a low-mileage JDM one. I haven't even driven the car long enough to warrant an oil change, and it seems to have died from an oil leak. The only money I'm putting back into this car is putting my stock motor back in to be able to sell a running car.

Looking into the G, it seems to have some serious oil consumption/leak issues. Def. don't want to go through that again, as much as I love the G. I know the K-series motors in the Accord/RSX/TSX are reliable as hell so that looks better. RSX is cheaper but I really like the TSX...

Rebuilt>Low Mileage.

Quote from: NACar on January 23, 2009, 04:56:31 PM
Says the little boy who doesn't even know how to drive.

pwn!

Quote from: L. ed foote on January 23, 2009, 02:40:04 PM
So?

Sporty claims the contrary, which results in the swings between two polar opposites every few months.

It's just not healthy. If I and Sporty weren't such good friends I wouldn't say a thing.

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 05:40:49 PM
Sporty claims the contrary, which results in the swings between two polar opposites every few months.

It's just not healthy. If I and Sporty weren't such good friends I wouldn't say a thing.

He's young and dumb. Better to do things now than get older and locked into things. Sometimes it's nice to fall flat on your face.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 05:43:04 PM
He's young and dumb. Better to do things now than get older and locked into things. Sometimes it's nice to fall flat on your face.

Huh? Sporty's almost twice your age...

Quote from: GoCougs on January 23, 2009, 05:46:49 PM
Huh? Sporty's almost twice your age...

Sporty's in his early twenties.................right?

IIRC, 28, but even if 22 or 23, he's infinitely more experienced in all things.

Dude, seriously, no offense, but I think you're done here.

Even still, RSX's aren't unreliable cars, So go for that.

S60 2.5T with a manual.

Quote from: CJ on January 23, 2009, 06:02:40 PM
S60 2.5T with a manual.

Those can be had for that little?

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 06:03:30 PM
Those can be had for that little?

You'd be surprised.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 05:43:04 PM
He's young and dumb. Better to do things now than get older and locked into things. Sometimes it's nice to fall flat on your face.

Totally agree.  I am infinitely glad I bought a sports car now in my youth instead of pining till I'm 50 and then trying to recapture that spirit.  Even if owning a high performance car isn't everything I dreamed it would be, I at least will never have the regret that I missed the youthful window to enjoy such a car to the fullest.  All the stupid and reckless adventures I had with my Z06 wouldn't nearly be as amusing or memorable if I owned the car at 50 instead of in my 20s.  Moments like getting pulled over and slapped with driving probation with my buddy in the passenger seat because I was trying to race my other buddy to his house by going the long way through the hilly backroads (super stupid decision, my probation just expired), or racing another Corvette on the freeway with a female friend screaming her head off for more in the passenger seat, or stuffing two buddies in the passenger compartment because there were no back seats, or embarassing my girlfriend and her parents by doing a burnout in front of her house (super retarded, but very fun), or getting two hot chicks (which would probably wouldn't have given me the time of day otherwise) to sit in each other's laps in the passenger seat while I took them on a joy ride (good times), and more amusing and memorable moments than I can count now.  Life is too short to be wasted on putting off the excitement and enjoyment.  Sporty should live up to his name and purchase the sportiest and most exciting car he can for his money.  There were alot of headaches to own the Z06, always worrying about it, maintance costs, overall costs, stressful driving, etc, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.  You can always make more money, but time, time is always slipping away from you.  You can only hope to capture whatever you can, while you still can.

Quote from: CJ on January 23, 2009, 06:02:40 PM
S60 2.5T with a manual.

Interesting suggestion. I don't see how it fits with his wants though.

Quote from: Tave on January 23, 2009, 06:06:58 PM
Interesting suggestion. I don't see how it fits with his wants though.

That's what we are getting at..........get what you want. Do what you like.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 06:08:29 PM

That's what we are getting at..........get what you want. Do what you like.

I had started typing before I 565's post came through. I was talking to CJ. See my edited post.

Quote from: Tave on January 23, 2009, 06:06:58 PM
Interesting suggestion. I don't see how it fits with his wants though.

It doesn't, to be honest.  It's a safe bet.  The manual is quite good, the engine is great, the interior is nice and well built, it's a Volvo, insurance should be cheap, it's something you can have fun with, but it can be a sophisticated sedan when needed.  They also have awesome steering wheels...

It might be a bit too big.

It's really not all that big.  It's probably the same size, dimension wise, as a G35 Coupe.  The G isn't a small car.

(http://images.trader.ca/autotrader/9/19/7377839.jpg.fpx?large)

1993 Nissan Skyline GT-R. $13,995

The newer Volvos also aren't so reliable and are expensive to fix.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 23, 2009, 06:03:30 PM
Those can be had for that little?

It's possible.  I've seen plenty in the 15-18 range, and that was when I was shopping way back in 2007.

Quote from: CJ on January 23, 2009, 06:15:59 PM

It doesn't, to be honest.  It's a safe bet.  The manual is quite good, the engine is great, the interior is nice and well built, it's a Volvo, insurance should be cheap, it's something you can have fun with, but it can be a sophisticated sedan when needed.  They also have awesome steering wheels...

And it's godawful expensive to fix when something goes wrong, and probably not going to be as reliable as one of the Hondas on his list.

Edit:  Beat by TBR.

I think I'd go for the Infiniti G35.

Quote from: 565 on January 23, 2009, 06:05:59 PM
Totally agree.  I am infinitely glad I bought a sports car now in my youth instead of pining till I'm 50 and then trying to recapture that spirit.  Even if owning a high performance car isn't everything I dreamed it would be, I at least will never have the regret that I missed the youthful window to enjoy such a car to the fullest.  All the stupid and reckless adventures I had with my Z06 wouldn't nearly be as amusing or memorable if I owned the car at 50 instead of in my 20s.  Moments like getting pulled over and slapped with driving probation with my buddy in the passenger seat because I was trying to race my other buddy to his house by going the long way through the hilly backroads (super stupid decision, my probation just expired), or racing another Corvette on the freeway with a female friend screaming her head off for more in the passenger seat, or stuffing two buddies in the passenger compartment because there were no back seats, or embarassing my girlfriend and her parents by doing a burnout in front of her house (super retarded, but very fun), or getting two hot chicks (which would probably wouldn't have given me the time of day otherwise) to sit in each other's laps in the passenger seat while I took them on a joy ride (good times), and more amusing and memorable moments than I can count now.  Life is too short to be wasted on putting off the excitement and enjoyment.  Sporty should live up to his name and purchase the sportiest and most exciting car he can for his money.  There were alot of headaches to own the Z06, always worrying about it, maintance costs, overall costs, stressful driving, etc, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.  You can always make more money, but time, time is always slipping away from you.  You can only hope to capture whatever you can, while you still can.

This man gets it.

I have all my life to buy a used Camry to send my son to do errands.

I have no responsibilities right now, I want to own a car I enjoy driving.

I think a TSX is a very reasonable compromise... but I really like the G. If I can find the info I need though (looks like the 03-04s are OK) I am going to look for a G...

I do absolutely love the G35 coupe.

I love the RSX, so my vote goes with that one.

Quote from: 565 on January 23, 2009, 06:05:59 PM
Totally agree.  I am infinitely glad I bought a sports car now in my youth instead of pining till I'm 50 and then trying to recapture that spirit.  Even if owning a high performance car isn't everything I dreamed it would be, I at least will never have the regret that I missed the youthful window to enjoy such a car to the fullest.  All the stupid and reckless adventures I had with my Z06 wouldn't nearly be as amusing or memorable if I owned the car at 50 instead of in my 20s.  Moments like getting pulled over and slapped with driving probation with my buddy in the passenger seat because I was trying to race my other buddy to his house by going the long way through the hilly backroads (super stupid decision, my probation just expired), or racing another Corvette on the freeway with a female friend screaming her head off for more in the passenger seat, or stuffing two buddies in the passenger compartment because there were no back seats, or embarassing my girlfriend and her parents by doing a burnout in front of her house (super retarded, but very fun), or getting two hot chicks (which would probably wouldn't have given me the time of day otherwise) to sit in each other's laps in the passenger seat while I took them on a joy ride (good times), and more amusing and memorable moments than I can count now.  Life is too short to be wasted on putting off the excitement and enjoyment.  Sporty should live up to his name and purchase the sportiest and most exciting car he can for his money.  There were alot of headaches to own the Z06, always worrying about it, maintance costs, overall costs, stressful driving, etc, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.  You can always make more money, but time, time is always slipping away from you.  You can only hope to capture whatever you can, while you still can.

POST OF THE MONTH! I've given the same speech over and over (about my Z28 and the bike) to older family members that just can't understand why I don't buy a "regular" car. I always get the "who needs a car that can do 150mph when the speed limit is 65" speech!   :banghead:

I hear new Volvos are a b!tch to work on. 7 sided bolts & nuts, etc.

Quote from: The Pirate on January 23, 2009, 07:59:04 PM
I do absolutely love the G35 coupe.

:hesaid:

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 24, 2009, 06:54:10 AM
I hear new Volvos are a b!tch to work on. 7 sided bolts & nuts, etc.

So?  Go buy yourself  a set of 7 point sockets.  Cars are cars are cars.

S2000 or BMW if you don't want to deal with a soft top.

I think GoCougs is right.  To get a decent example of most of the cars you're looking at, you're looking to spend well over $13,000.  You have what we call "champagne taste on a beer budget".

Are you saying he should buy Miller High Life?

Quote from: Raza  on January 26, 2009, 06:53:38 PM
Are you saying he should buy Miller High Life?

Exactly!

$13,000 on beer is definitely a better idea.

Quote from: MrH on January 26, 2009, 06:02:00 PM
I think GoCougs is right.  To get a decent example of most of the cars you're looking at, you're looking to spend well over $13,000.  You have what we call "champagne taste on a beer budget".

I am seeing quite a few 60-70K mile G35 coupes for about 15-16K

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 27, 2009, 05:35:42 PM
I am seeing quite a few 60-70K mile G35 coupes for about 15-16K

Used car are garbage. You can get a brand new Suzuki Forenza leftover 2008 model for $14K, loaded, with a 10 year 1000000000 mile warranty.

You can get a leftover Spectra5. 

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 27, 2009, 05:35:42 PM
I am seeing quite a few 60-70K mile G35 coupes for about 15-16K

That's 15-20% more than you wanted to originally spend.  I doubt you can haggle $3,000 off.

Quote from: MrH on January 27, 2009, 09:19:15 PM
That's 15-20% more than you wanted to originally spend.  I doubt you can haggle $3,000 off.

I could get a TSX for 13, or spend $60-70 more a month for ~2 years and get a G35. High mileage Gs are not problematic either. What's your agenda?

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 07:11:49 AM
I could get a TSX for 13, or spend $60-70 more a month for ~2 years and get a G35. High mileage Gs are not problematic either. What's your agenda?

So then your budget isn't $13,000.

I'm just saying if you're set on spending $13,000, I don't think a G35 is a good idea.  If you can swing $17,000, then it's a different story.

Why an S2000 and a G35, but not a 350Z?

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 10:53:06 AM
Why an S2000 and a G35, but not a 350Z?

Door handles...?

Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2009, 11:12:09 AM
Door handles...?

Really?

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 12:47:49 PM
Really?

I don't know, but didn't someone complain about the door handles of that car?

Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2009, 12:49:59 PM
I don't know, but didn't someone complain about the door handles of that car?

A lot of people do.  I wouldn't let something as small as door handles stop me from buying a car.  Stick 350Zs are cheap and plentiful compared to G35s, and if an S2000 is in play, the 350Z is noticeably more practical than it, so it should be in play as well.

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 12:51:57 PM
A lot of people do.  I wouldn't let something as small as door handles stop me from buying a car.  Stick 350Zs are cheap and plentiful compared to G35s, and if an S2000 is in play, the 350Z is noticeably more practical than it, so it should be in play as well.

No form of a sunroof... and I don't think an S2K is in question

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 01:06:20 PM
No form of a sunroof... and I don't think an S2K is in question

What's with you people and sunroofs?? Especially the ones living in snowy climates.  The sun's too hot here..

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 01:06:20 PM
No form of a sunroof... and I don't think an S2K is in question

Ah, I get it.  Don't like the 350 convertible?

Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2009, 01:08:23 PM
What's with you people and sunroofs?? Especially the ones living in snowy climates.  The sun's too hot here..

If you don't have a convertible, it's the best thing on a tin top. 

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 01:09:40 PM
If you don't have a convertible, it's the best thing on a tin top. 

Last time I had the top off on my car, the top of my head got numb from the wind and I got sunburned.. not fun.

Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2009, 01:23:34 PM
Last time I had the top off on my car, the top of my head got numb from the wind and I got sunburned.. not fun.

Good point, I've never experienced one in SoCal.  But on a fall day in upstate NY, it's absolutely sublime.  And I had mine open just a few days ago.  Crank the heat, and I'm good.

I have a sunroof and hate it.  I wish I didn't get one.

Honestly, what's the appeal?  The only way I can tell it's open is from the horrible wind noise.  I have to look up to even enjoy the sun.  Looking ahead, I can't even see it out of the corner of my eye.  It's straight above my head, about 2 inches.  It's pointless.

Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2009, 01:23:34 PM
Last time I had the top off on my car, the top of my head got numb from the wind and I got sunburned.. not fun.

Well, I don't get sunburn, so that doesn't really matter to me.

Quote from: MrH on January 28, 2009, 01:27:49 PM
I have a sunroof and hate it.  I wish I didn't get one.

Honestly, what's the appeal?  The only way I can tell it's open is from the horrible wind noise.  I have to look up to even enjoy the sun.  Looking ahead, I can't even see it out of the corner of my eye.  It's straight above my head, about 2 inches.  It's pointless.

Sun and light and wind. 

Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2009, 01:08:23 PM
What's with you people and sunroofs?? Especially the ones living in snowy climates.  The sun's too hot here..

When the weather is perfect, I can just cruise down the avenue, windows down, sunroof open... it's nice

But at the same time, I don't have to worry about someone hating and cutting my roof. And I know there have been advances in cloth roof tech, but in the winter I just want a solid roof.

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 01:09:07 PM
Ah, I get it.  Don't like the 350 convertible?

My gf has enough ass. Plus as much as I hate to say it I do need more than 2 seats on a regular basis.

RX-8s are getting to be really cheap on the used market.

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 01:29:15 PM
Sun and light and wind. 

Maybe my long torso just makes them unappealing to me.  No air gets into the cabin really.  It just creates a ton of noise.

And I can't even see the sunlight unless I look down at the passenger seat, or up to see it's open.  The sun just beats down on the top of my head, and I can't even notice it when looking forward and driving.

At speed on the highway, sunroofs are a much warmer and quiter alternative to an open window.

Quote from: MrH on January 28, 2009, 01:56:16 PM
Maybe my long torso just makes them unappealing to me.  No air gets into the cabin really.  It just creates a ton of noise.

And I can't even see the sunlight unless I look down at the passenger seat, or up to see it's open.  The sun just beats down on the top of my head, and I can't even notice it when looking forward and driving.

You don't LOOK at the sunlight, you let the sunlight brighten up the interior. When I close the sunroof shade on my car, it gets much darker overall in there.

Oh, and that's another thing: if it IS too bright, or too hot, you simply slide that shade closed. So you have the same effect as a closed roof. But, unlike a closed roof, you ALSO have the options of letting light, wind, etc in and getting an open feeling when you want it. That's what it's all about, the OPTION to do that. I don't open the sunroof in winter or in the rain, but I'm not stuck with a permanently closed car when it's nice.

Quote from: ChrisV on January 28, 2009, 02:08:55 PM
You don't LOOK at the sunlight, you let the sunlight brighten up the interior. When I close the sunroof shade on my car, it gets much darker overall in there.

Oh, and that's another thing: if it IS too bright, or too hot, you simply slide that shade closed. So you have the same effect as a closed roof. But, unlike a closed roof, you ALSO have the options of letting light, wind, etc in and getting an open feeling when you want it. That's what it's all about, the OPTION to do that. I don't open the sunroof in winter or in the rain, but I'm not stuck with a permanently closed car when it's nice.

My car doesn't really get noticeably brighter when I open the sunroof.  I'm thinking my sunroof is too small, and I sit too far forward to really appreciate it like you guys do.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 01:06:20 PM
No form of a sunroof... and I don't think an S2K is in question

I always thought it would be cool to see if a sliding glass roof panel could be fabricated for the Nissan Z similar to what's on the Porsche Targa. The panel would probably be too heavy to be lifted while attached to the rear hatch, so it would probably have to remain behind the seats with something holding it in place.

(http://www.tuningblogger.de/uploaded_images/Porsche_2006_911_997_Targa_rot_1)

It really annoys me that new Targas are only sold with AWD.

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 02:49:55 PM
It really annoys me that new Targas are only sold with AWD.

Same here. I really like the Targa, but not when it costs more than a C2 convertible.

Quote from: Vinsanity on January 28, 2009, 02:54:08 PM
Same here. I really like the Targa, but not when it costs more than a C2 convertible.

I really like the Targa, I just don't want an AWD 911 unless it comes with turbochargers.

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 01:40:01 PM
RX-8s are getting to be really cheap on the used market.

Bad gas mileage + so so straight line performance + phenomenal handling I'll never get to use...

Mazda had the right idea w/the RX-8 and I think the sum of the parts is greater than each piece added up. But IMO it doesn't have the bite or timeless good looks of the G.


And people get pop out sunroofs on Zs regularly.... but they're aftermarket. I'd rather go with the factory one on a G.

So so straightline?  Sure, you have to rev the piss out of it, but it's about as quick as my car, which I wouldn't call "so so".  Unless your Accord Frankensteins were a lot faster than I think they were, you're being awfully hard on cars that are generally considered quite quick.

And it's all city driving.  Who cares about the gas mileage?

EDIT:  City EPA on the G35 and RX-8 are the same.
EDIT 2:  Whoopsie daisy, the G35 gets 1mpg more city and 2 highway.  I was looking at the automatic numbers.

Better looking, more practical, better handling.  I'd take the RX-8 every time over the G35 if highway mileage doesn't matter.

Sporty get yourself one of these and call it a day.




(http://motoaus.com/images/stories/triumph/thruxton-2008-r.jpg)

Quote from: Vinsanity on January 28, 2009, 02:47:17 PM
I always thought it would be cool to see if a sliding glass roof panel could be fabricated for the Nissan Z similar to what's on the Porsche Targa. The panel would probably be too heavy to be lifted while attached to the rear hatch, so it would probably have to remain behind the seats with something holding it in place.

(http://www.tuningblogger.de/uploaded_images/Porsche_2006_911_997_Targa_rot_1)

I never liked glass roofs but then again, the sun hurts here during the summer, I like staying in the shades.

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 04:44:01 PM
So so straightline?  Sure, you have to rev the piss out of it, but it's about as quick as my car, which I wouldn't call "so so".  Unless your Accord Frankensteins were a lot faster than I think they were, you're being awfully hard on cars that are generally considered quite quick.

And it's all city driving.  Who cares about the gas mileage?

EDIT:  City EPA on the G35 and RX-8 are the same.
EDIT 2:  Whoopsie daisy, the G35 gets 1mpg more city and 2 highway.  I was looking at the automatic numbers.

Better looking, more practical, better handling.  I'd take the RX-8 every time over the G35 if highway mileage doesn't matter.

+1

RX-8 is the best bet IMO.

Quote from: thecarnut on January 28, 2009, 04:55:56 PM
+1

RX-8 is the best bet IMO.

+1, how can G look better.. it looked dated after 3 years, otoh, the Rx8 still looks pretty fresh today..

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 04:44:01 PM
So so straightline?  Sure, you have to rev the piss out of it, but it's about as quick as my car, which I wouldn't call "so so".  Unless your Accord Frankensteins were a lot faster than I think they were, you're being awfully hard on cars that are generally considered quite quick.

And it's all city driving.  Who cares about the gas mileage?

EDIT:  City EPA on the G35 and RX-8 are the same.
EDIT 2:  Whoopsie daisy, the G35 gets 1mpg more city and 2 highway.  I was looking at the automatic numbers.

Better looking, more practical, better handling.  I'd take the RX-8 every time over the G35 if highway mileage doesn't matter.

I'm tired of having to rev the piss out of a car to enjoy it. I drove an S2000 and a G35 on separate occasions... the S was quick, no doubt, but only when you kept it above 6000 RPM. It's like a mix of the movies Groundhog Day and Speed...

The G has the kind of broad, brutal (to me) torque spread I like more. Plus to me it looks better. The RX-8 is too busy.

Quote from: NomisR on January 28, 2009, 05:04:30 PM
+1, how can G look better.. it looked dated after 3 years, otoh, the Rx8 still looks pretty fresh today..

Opinion. I guarantee the G will age better RX-8

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 05:47:01 PM
I'm tired of having to rev the piss out of a car to enjoy it. I drove an S2000 and a G35 on separate occasions... the S was quick, no doubt, but only when you kept it above 6000 RPM. It's like a mix of the movies Groundhog Day and Speed...

The G has the kind of broad, brutal (to me) torque spread I like more. Plus to me it looks better. The RX-8 is too busy.

Opinion. I guarantee the G will age better RX-8

Driving a Rotary car means you rev the piss out of it but it's effortless.  I've caught myself driving around in 4th gear coasting along at 75mph because it felt so right.  The engine feels right at home there, doesn't sound like it's straining like with a piston engine..   If you were driving a piston car, you'd be looking to shift because of the noise..

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 05:47:01 PM
I'm tired of having to rev the piss out of a car to enjoy it. I drove an S2000 and a G35 on separate occasions... the S was quick, no doubt, but only when you kept it above 6000 RPM. It's like a mix of the movies Groundhog Day and Speed...

The G has the kind of broad, brutal (to me) torque spread I like more. Plus to me it looks better. The RX-8 is too busy.

Opinion. I guarantee the G will age better RX-8

Not this argument again! :rage: :cry:

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 05:47:01 PM

Opinion. I guarantee the G will age better RX-8

I never knew someone could be so hypocritical in so few words.

Quote from: MrH on January 28, 2009, 06:14:56 PM
I never knew someone could be so hypocritical in so few words.

LOL!

The G35 looks nice but no where as nice as the RX-8.

Seriously, the only downsides to the RX-8 are the oil and gas consumption. It's more practical and better driving than the G.

Quote from: thecarnut on January 28, 2009, 06:24:18 PM
LOL!

The G35 looks nice but no where as nice as the RX-8.

Seriously, the only downsides to the RX-8 are the oil and gas consumption. It's more practical and better driving than the G.

Seriously though, I like how the G looks more than the RX-8.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 06:33:07 PM
Seriously though, I like how the G looks more than the RX-8.

I agree. The G looks more expensive. The RX-8 is a bit too busy and fussy.

It really sounds like you're set on a G. 

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 06:33:07 PM
Seriously though, I like how the G looks more than the RX-8.

Still can't get around the fact that the RX-8 drives better than the G and is more practical to boot.

Quote from: thecarnut on January 28, 2009, 06:48:22 PM
Still can't get around the fact that the RX-8 drives better than the G and is more practical to boot.

Marginally. Yes the RX-8 has rear access doors, but it's not exactly spacious. He just likes the G. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe he doesn't like the lack of torque the rotary has, but the torquey VQ in the G. Nothing wrong with that.

Quote from: thecarnut on January 28, 2009, 06:48:22 PM
Still can't get around the fact that the RX-8 drives better than the G and is more practical to boot.

How does the RX-8 drive better than the G?

And the rear doors are not that much of a dealbreaker. Again they are part of the whole 'too busy' thing.

Honestly, buying a G over an RX-8 isn't some tragic mistake. I've always liked the G, I never liked the RX-8.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 07:16:44 PM
How does the RX-8 drive better than the G?

And the rear doors are not that much of a dealbreaker. Again they are part of the whole 'too busy' thing.

Honestly, buying a G over an RX-8 isn't some tragic mistake. I've always liked the G, I never liked the RX-8.

Lighter and better handling. :huh:

What's the poitn of this thread when you had your mind set already at the beginning?

Quote from: thecarnut on January 28, 2009, 07:19:50 PM
Lighter and better handling. :huh:

What's the poitn of this thread when you had your mind set already at the beginning?

He didn't. Even if the RX-8 handles better, the 1.3L Renesis is strangled by emissions standards and fuel economy will be in the toilet. It's also torqueless.

I'm tired of all this "it doesn't have any torque" bitching.  With proper gearing, who cares?  It's still pretty quick.

Quote from: thecarnut on January 28, 2009, 07:19:50 PM
Lighter and better handling. :huh:

What's the poitn of this thread when you had your mind set already at the beginning?

I didn't then, but I do now.

Quote from: MrH on January 28, 2009, 07:28:30 PM
I'm tired of all this "it doesn't have any torque" bitching.  With proper gearing, who cares?  It's still pretty quick.

Because the piss must be revved out of it for the car to even move! :rolleyes:

:rage:

Quote from: MrH on January 28, 2009, 07:28:30 PM
I'm tired of all this "it doesn't have any torque" bitching.  With proper gearing, who cares?  It's still pretty quick.

Car buying is an emotional decision. Sporty, do what feels right.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 28, 2009, 07:30:37 PM
Car buying is an emotional decision. Sporty, do what feels right.

But doing it on wrong assumptions is dumb.

Quote from: thecarnut on January 28, 2009, 07:31:56 PM
But doing it on wrong assumptions is dumb.

If he's driven it, then he's feeling that it's slow.

Quote from: 2o6 on January 28, 2009, 06:38:07 PM
I agree. The G looks more expensive. The RX-8 is a bit too busy and fussy.

See?  2o6 agreed with you that G looks better than the Rx8, that means your opinion is no longer valid since we know what kind of taste he has.. and you have the same taste as him... :lol:

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 07:16:44 PM
How does the RX-8 drive better than the G?

Crisper sharper handling, easier to drive, better ride. 

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 28, 2009, 07:16:44 PM
How does the RX-8 drive better than the G?

And the rear doors are not that much of a dealbreaker. Again they are part of the whole 'too busy' thing.

Honestly, buying a G over an RX-8 isn't some tragic mistake. I've always liked the G, I never liked the RX-8.

Well, the RX-8 drives better than the 350Z, and I think it's a safe assumption that the more focused, smaller, and lighter 350Z is better to drive than the G35.  Ergo...

Quote from: 2o6 on January 28, 2009, 07:22:40 PM
He didn't. Even if the RX-8 handles better, the 1.3L Renesis is strangled by emissions standards and fuel economy will be in the toilet. It's also torqueless.

City fuel economy is about the same as the G35.  The G35 has a high displacement V6 in a heavy car.  It's not a fucking hybrid. 

TT?

If you're worried about gas mileage in the least, buying a new/other car probably isn't a good idea.

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 04:44:01 PM
I'd take the RX-8 every time over the G35 if highway mileage doesn't matter.

Maybe Sporty just doesn't want this?  :huh:

(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/morgangibb/IMG00054.jpg)
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/morgangibb/Picture207.jpg)

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=132272.0


In all seriousness I really like the RX-8. It was really down to the Rx-8 and the Z06 for me at the end (yes I know, totally different cars).  What Nomis said about the engine being super smooth is true.  When I first test drove it, I was wondering why I suddenly stopped accelerating.  Then I realized it was because I was bouncing off the 9k redline.  The car feels effortless reving to those RPMs, mostly because the rotor is actually turning at 3000RPM at redline.  The shifter was very smooth and very short throw, if you like effortless shifting and quick, accurate throws it was probably the "best" shifter, even better than the S2000's.  Though I will say there was a toy like aspect to the shifter, unlike say the 350Z and definitely the Z06, there was no feeling that you were handling a serious heavy piece machinery.  When you shift those cars, you can feel you are moving those heavy gears around.  The RX-8 was more like flipping a switch around.  I guess I have weird tastes.  The RX-8 definitely did feel softer and more refined than the other cars I tested.  You also really have to drive it to decide if the steering feel is for you.  There is more feel than my Z06, but the way it's transmitted felt a bit odd to me.   Maybe it's just me, you'll have to test it for yourself.

I will say that the G35 is worlds better looking.  The RX-8 was awkward at best with busy details here and there.
The G35 is clean and elegant, I still like it better than the new G37s.

You can get RX-8's pretty cheap these days as they've held pretty absymal resales.

I mean there is a 2006 with 50k miles for 13k buy it now

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazda-RX-8-06-RX-8-6-Speed-4-Door-Coupe-Great-Sports-Car-Value_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a3Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1308QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem370150818075QQitemZ370150818075QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I wouldnt be surprised if you can get a decent one for say 11K.

Quote from: Raza  on January 28, 2009, 08:16:43 PM
Well, the RX-8 drives better than the 350Z, and I think it's a safe assumption that the more focused, smaller, and lighter 350Z is better to drive than the G35.  Ergo...

If I wanted a super focused driver's car over all else, I'd go with the S.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 29, 2009, 08:09:15 AM
If I wanted a super focused driver's car over all else, I'd go with the S.

Yeah, but you don't want a super focused driver's car.  You want a driver's car with utility.  That's the RX-8.

I'm 5'8" and uncomfortable in the backseat of a G35 coupe.  My friend is 6'2" and comfortable in the back of an RX-8. 

Think about it.  Drive one before you make your final decision. 

Quote from: Raza  on January 29, 2009, 09:00:37 AM
Yeah, but you don't want a super focused driver's car.  You want a driver's car with utility.  That's the RX-8.

I'm 5'8" and uncomfortable in the backseat of a G35 coupe.  My friend is 6'2" and comfortable in the back of an RX-8. 

Think about it.  Drive one before you make your final decision. 

They are cheap & smaller than the G which is a plus for me.

But they get the same gas mileage, and put down 80WHP less. I'd be surprised if it were any faster than my Accord. I am sure it's an excellent handler, but I live in NYC... outside of the occasional off ramp or aggressively taken corner, I hate to say it, but handling isn't really that important. This is all I need: 4 seats, good looks, more power than necessary, a nice engine note, a good stereo, a sunroof, a length around 180" and a stickshift. You look at the list of cars I put up... only the G fits the bill

If he thinks the car is ugly he isn't going to buy it so just give up.

I sure wouldn't buy a car whose looks I didn't care for.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 29, 2009, 09:33:29 AM
They are cheap & smaller than the G which is a plus for me.

But they get the same gas mileage, and put down 80WHP less. I'd be surprised if it were any faster than my Accord. I am sure it's an excellent handler, but I live in NYC... outside of the occasional off ramp or aggressively taken corner, I hate to say it, but handling isn't really that important. This is all I need: 4 seats, good looks, more power than necessary, a nice engine note, a good stereo, a sunroof, a length around 180" and a stickshift. You look at the list of cars I put up... only the G fits the bill

VQ with a good engine note? 

I'd say the Rx8 fits too, you have way more power than necessary to sit around in bumper to bumper traffic, you don't even need an engine to do that.  :lol: 

Length falls a bit short but nothing sounds better than a Rotary engine at WOT.  Even better with no cat!

Quote from: NomisR on January 29, 2009, 10:12:12 AM
Length falls a bit short but nothing sounds better than a Rotary engine at WOT.  Even better with no cat!

While I like rotary engines in cool cars, I'm going to disagree with you here. My RX3 with the Racing Beat header and fairly open exhaust sounded like nothing more than strapping a chainsaw to your shoulder next to your ear and revving it. One of the most ungodly loud and earsplitting rackets in automobiledom. Not pleasant to listen to for any length of time. My rotary race cars, and the ones I crewed for,were all loud SOBs. the Formula Libre that I crewed for had a muffler on it and it was still loud, but when the muffler blew apart (as pretty much any muffler on a ported rotary will tend to do) on the track, it got so loud that you could hear it a long ways away.

In the '70s and early '80s, when drag racers often didn't have mufflers on at the track, the rotary cars were the only ones REQUIRED to have them on.

Quote from: ChrisV on January 29, 2009, 10:45:03 AM
While I like rotary engines in cool cars, I'm going to disagree with you here. My RX3 with the Racing Beat header and fairly open exhaust sounded like nothing more than strapping a chainsaw to your shoulder next to your ear and revving it. One of the most ungodly loud and earsplitting rackets in automobiledom. Not pleasant to listen to for any length of time. My rotary race cars, and the ones I crewed for,were all loud SOBs. the Formula Libre that I crewed for had a muffler on it and it was still loud, but when the muffler blew apart (as pretty much any muffler on a ported rotary will tend to do) on the track, it got so loud that you could hear it a long ways away.

In the '70s and early '80s, when drag racers often didn't have mufflers on at the track, the rotary cars were the only ones REQUIRED to have them on.

Yeah i know, I was kidding about the Rotary with no cat, they scare me.  But the whine of the Rotary is cool though.  Of course you wouldn't be able to hear it w/o a cat.

yea, they don't whine without muffling/cats.

Love the seamless power delivery, however. But get 'em ported and they lose a lot of their smoothness.

I like how FDs sound but that's about it. And I def. wouldn't want to have a turbo'd RX-8 for a DD

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 29, 2009, 09:33:29 AM
They are cheap & smaller than the G which is a plus for me.

But they get the same gas mileage, and put down 80WHP less. I'd be surprised if it were any faster than my Accord. I am sure it's an excellent handler, but I live in NYC... outside of the occasional off ramp or aggressively taken corner, I hate to say it, but handling isn't really that important. This is all I need: 4 seats, good looks, more power than necessary, a nice engine note, a good stereo, a sunroof, a length around 180" and a stickshift. You look at the list of cars I put up... only the G fits the bill

Hmm....

This is pretty much the same place I was in when I had decided on a G35 coupe for my car (this was some time ago, as you can imagine). 

I think since it's an Infiniti branded four place, the lack of driver involvement may be more acceptable (if it does indeed lack the involvement the way the 350Z does below 9/10ths).  It's certainly a good car. 

I'd take the RX-8 and move out of the city, but the G does seem right for you.
:lol:

Quote from: Raza  on January 29, 2009, 12:43:30 PM
Hmm....

This is pretty much the same place I was in when I had decided on a G35 coupe for my car (this was some time ago, as you can imagine). 

I think since it's an Infiniti branded four place, the lack of driver involvement may be more acceptable (if it does indeed lack the involvement the way the 350Z does below 9/10ths).  It's certainly a good car. 

I'd take the RX-8 and move out of the city, but the G does seem right for you.
:lol:

Out of the city, I would get my girl a beater (w/a sunroof) and prob. get a Z

I heard a first gen RX-7 (was a GSL-LE I think, the fuel injected one) without nothing but headers on it.  It was absolutely ridiculous.  A friend bought a racing beat exhaust, but they sent him the wrong one.  So in between swapping them out, he drove 2 miles up the road from his house to a parking lot for me to hear.  It was ridiculous.  At first he didn't even rev it above 3,000 RPM and my ears hurt, so I stood back about 30 yards, and plugged my ears.  When he revved it, I could just feel my body shaking.

Rotaries are ridiculous.

GSL-SE, but close.

If I want a weed whacker motor, I'll buy a weed whacker.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 29, 2009, 06:34:52 PM
If I want a weed whacker motor, I'll buy a weed whacker.

Well, at least it'll be the upgrade from the hamster wheel you've got now.

;)

Quote from: Raza  on January 29, 2009, 07:11:46 PM
Well, at least it'll be the upgrade from the hamster wheel you've got now.

;)

The sad thing is that in a sense, it actually does move like one, and depending on the size of the hamster, it might only have the power of one.

But it's the only 4 banger style that burbles instead of whining.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 29, 2009, 08:20:12 PM
The sad thing is that in a sense, it actually does move like one, and depending on the size of the hamster, it might only have the power of one.

But it's the only 4 banger style that burbles instead of whining.

Mine whooshes and sounds like half a V8 when pushed hard.

:lol: :ohyeah:

Quote from: the Teuton on January 29, 2009, 08:20:12 PM
The sad thing is that in a sense, it actually does move like one, and depending on the size of the hamster, it might only have the power of one.

But it's the only 4 banger style that burbles instead of whining.

No one likes the tuna here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UP0WKwMkbo

Quote from: Raza  on January 29, 2009, 08:25:33 PM
Mine whooshes and sounds like half a V8 when pushed hard.

:lol: :ohyeah:

It doesn't whine at all?  It doesn't sound high strung?  Even a 2.0 is still considered small.

Quote from: NACar on January 29, 2009, 08:25:53 PM
No one likes the tuna here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UP0WKwMkbo

Motorcycles really don't count.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 29, 2009, 08:35:27 PM
It doesn't whine at all?  It doesn't sound high strung?  Even a 2.0 is still considered small.

Motorcycles really don't count.

Sure it does. It's not like there hasn't been a few cars with V-4 engines, either.

Quote from: the Teuton on January 29, 2009, 08:35:27 PM
It doesn't whine at all?  It doesn't sound high strung?  Even a 2.0 is still considered small.

Motorcycles really don't count.

Nope.  You push it hard, it just sounds like a scaled down V8.  It's throatier than my raspy 1.8T was.  I miss the rasp, but the car does sound rather nice.

And then there's this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP30iiI9hw4

turbos always make things sound better

although, the Volvo definitely has more of the typical 4-cyl rasp, it has two 3" dynomax mufflers to keep it quiet

This isn't a really good example, but it sounds a lot deeper than that SRT-4.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl3PCxLF-5k

Quote from: NACar on January 29, 2009, 08:25:53 PM
No one likes the tuna here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UP0WKwMkbo

Posted before, but it's awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNklzkv5J_I

Quote from: The Pirate on January 29, 2009, 10:45:34 PM
Posted before, but it's awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNklzkv5J_I

+1
but I think the V-Max is infinitely moar awesome :wub:

I could get a decent car w/my down payment....

Dont know if I wanna make this commitment right now after reading "The Savage Truth Abt $$$"

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 31, 2009, 09:26:33 AM
I could get a decent car w/my down payment....

Dont know if I wanna make this commitment right now after reading "The Savage Truth Abt $$$"

Right, so just buy a whole car with your down payment.

Quote from: NACar on January 31, 2009, 10:20:01 AM
Right, so just buy a whole car with your down payment.

depending on how much that is, he'll probably continue the perpetual cycle you both are on with buying beaters every 6 months

Quote from: Vinsanity on January 31, 2009, 12:38:17 PM
depending on how much that is, he'll probably continue the perpetual cycle you both are on with buying beaters every 6 months

The only reason I wouldn't continue the "perpetual cycle" is if I financed a car and could not afford to sell it due to the negative equity.

Quote from: NACar on January 31, 2009, 01:11:18 PM
The only reason I wouldn't continue the "perpetual cycle" is if I financed a car and could not afford to sell it due to the negative equity.

Right...

I can get about 6-7K together for this car. Prelude, 328iS or 240SX.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 31, 2009, 01:47:14 PM
Right...

I can get about 6-7K together for this car. Prelude, 328iS or 240SX.

Audi TT
http://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/cto/1010585508.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/ctd/1009412987.html

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 31, 2009, 01:47:14 PM
Right...

I can get about 6-7K together for this car. Prelude, 328iS or 240SX.

Prelude.

You'll have a hard time getting a decent 328iS or 240SX for that money. The Celica might be worth a look as well.

Quote from: TBR on January 31, 2009, 02:41:43 PM
Prelude.

You'll have a hard time getting a decent 328iS or 240SX for that money. The Celica might be worth a look as well.

S14s go for that much & pop up every now and then. I do really like the Prelude though.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 31, 2009, 04:06:34 PM
S14s go for that much & pop up every now and then. I do really like the Prelude though.

Thought you were done with FWD?

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 31, 2009, 04:06:34 PM
S14s go for that much & pop up every now and then. I do really like the Prelude though.

Really? When I have looked it seems like all of the good ones are in the five digits.

Are you thinking about the 4th or 5th gen Prelude? I personally prefer the styling of the 4th (particularly the interior, it's very different and innovative while the 5th gen's is just generic Honda), but unless you get the hard to find Vtec the 5th gen is more powerful.

.........Celica. Or an EK2 civic.

Quote from: thecarnut on January 31, 2009, 04:32:46 PM
Thought you were done with FWD?

2 of the cars in the poll are FWD : :huh:

Sporty............


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=257093125&dealer_id=100021998&car_year=1995&rdm=1233445944083&model=240SX&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=NISSAN&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=44320&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=5000&cardist=104&standard=false


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=255490282&dealer_id=6580165&car_year=1995&rdm=1233445944083&model=240SX&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=NISSAN&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=44320&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=5000&cardist=101&standard=false

Quote from: TBR on January 31, 2009, 04:41:36 PM
Really? When I have looked it seems like all of the good ones are in the five digits.

Are you thinking about the 4th or 5th gen Prelude? I personally prefer the styling of the 4th (particularly the interior, it's very different and innovative while the 5th gen's is just generic Honda), but unless you get the hard to find Vtec the 5th gen is more powerful.

I like the last Prelude the best.  But they're fucking expensive on the used market.

With 7 grand, I'm buying an SVT Focus or EP3 Civic Si.

Quote from: Raza  on January 31, 2009, 09:49:05 PM
I like the last Prelude the best.  But they're fucking expensive on the used market.

With 7 grand, I'm buying an SVT Focus or EP3 Civic Si.

Focus is a no freaking go, I have never seen a good looking non RS Focus.

The 4th gen Prelude is nice, I have a friend with one that has the EL gauges & an H22A. They have nicer interiors IMO & handle really really well but they're old. 5th gen has a nicer exterior IMO & will be easier to find in good condition. Only gripe for those is the bitch back seat but that's not really my problem.

Can't you get a 5th gen Prelude for $7k? The 4th gen looks like a dildo.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 31, 2009, 01:47:14 PM
Right...

I can get about 6-7K together for this car. Prelude, 328iS or 240SX.

Sporty, you are heading for trouble again, the qualude and 240sx will be over ten years old, hardly a trouble free at this point.

The 240sx will be hard to find since silly boys seem to think it is a great drift car.  Which it is, except in stock form it has a weak engine in the US version.  Overall, it is really slow and will be old, as well as overpriced.  At least it will be hard to get yourself in oversteer trouble with this car since you are not really used to rwd.

A 300zx of the same year will probably be a better bargain and faster to boot.

Possibly just consider something else for a minute that would run rings around any of the above, just think Change.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/1006902269.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/cto/1015910850.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/ctd/1012465411.html

S14 240SXs really weren't all that sporty (compared to S13s and the S15 that never saw American shores).  Unless you're planning on dropping a bunch of money into suspension and engine upgrades, I don't think you'll find them especially gratifying to drive.  The '95-'96 models are also about as exciting to look at as a Camry coupe of that vintage.  In thinking about it, what Nissan did with the S14 240SX is essentially what Subaru did with the '08 WRX.  They took a fun enthusiast's car and tried to make it a more "mature" (boring), refined vehicle.

They're pretty rare, too.  The last 2 years especially.  '95 was the only year for the S14 in which more than 10K units were sold.  In contrast, the only year in which the S13 sold in numbers less than 20K was '94, in which only the convertible model was sold.  In order of rarity:

1998 - 1232 units
1994 - 1391 units (limited production, convertible only for that year)
1997 - 3655 units

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 01, 2009, 08:26:50 AM
Focus is a no freaking go, I have never seen a good looking non RS Focus.

The 4th gen Prelude is nice, I have a friend with one that has the EL gauges & an H22A. They have nicer interiors IMO & handle really really well but they're old. 5th gen has a nicer exterior IMO & will be easier to find in good condition. Only gripe for those is the bitch back seat but that's not really my problem.

It isn't like the 4th gen back seat is much better. Putting anyone over 4' tall back there requires moving the front seat all the way up. I used to prefer the 5th gen's exterior as well.

Quote from: SVT32V on February 01, 2009, 09:04:58 AM
Sporty, you are heading for trouble again, the qualude and 240sx will be over ten years old, hardly a trouble free at this point.

The 240sx will be hard to find since silly boys seem to think it is a great drift car.  Which it is, except in stock form it has a weak engine in the US version.  Overall, it is really slow and will be old, as well as overpriced.  At least it will be hard to get yourself in oversteer trouble with this car since you are not really used to rwd.

A 300zx of the same year will probably be a better bargain and faster to boot.

Possibly just consider something else for a minute that would run rings around any of the above, just think Change.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/1006902269.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/cto/1015910850.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/ctd/1012465411.html

A Mustang would be cool if they weren't so damn ugly (sorry). A C4 shows promise but is only a 2 seater. The Miata just wouldn't be enjoyable in the city. Handling would go to waste, and from what I know they're not fast (outside of the MS version).

Quote from: SVT32V on February 01, 2009, 09:04:58 AM
At least it will be hard to get yourself in oversteer trouble with this car since you are not really used to rwd.

The differences I've noticed between a 250hp FWD car and a 250hp RWD car both weighing 3500-3600 lbs:

- RWD has an awesomely tighter turning radius; I don't remember the last time I had to make a 3-point turn in this car
- the steering wheel on RWD doesn't "fight back" when I'm accelerating around an onramp
- the tires wear more evenly with RWD

If you don't drive like a moron, you shouldn't get into any oversteer trouble at all in any RWD car costing $7,000. Yes, even that Vette.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 01, 2009, 11:19:45 AM
A Mustang would be cool if they weren't so damn ugly (sorry). A C4 shows promise but is only a 2 seater. The Miata just wouldn't be enjoyable in the city. Handling would go to waste, and from what I know they're not fast (outside of the MS version).

Doesn't the NB Miata have as much hp as the S14 240, while being lighter?

Quote from: Vinsanity on February 01, 2009, 11:24:12 AM
Doesn't the NB Miata have as much hp as the S14 240, while being lighter?

240s had 155 hp (except the SOHC '89-'90 models).  1.8L Miatas were only 140.  The Nissan also has quite a bit more torque.  Miatas are lighter, though.

Quote from: Vinsanity on February 01, 2009, 11:22:54 AM
The differences I've noticed between a 250hp FWD car and a 250hp RWD car both weighing 3500-3600 lbs:

- RWD has an awesomely tighter turning radius; I don't remember the last time I had to make a 3-point turn in this car
- the steering wheel on RWD doesn't "fight back" when I'm accelerating around an onramp
- the tires wear more evenly with RWD

If you don't drive like a moron, you shouldn't get into any oversteer trouble at all in any RWD car costing $7,000. Yes, even that Vette.

In the dry, no.  In the snow, a car like a Corvette would be a real handful.

Quote from: MX793 on February 01, 2009, 11:32:12 AM
240s had 155 hp (except the SOHC '89-'90 models).  1.8L Miatas were only 140.  The Nissan also has quite a bit more torque.  Miatas are lighter, though.

I thought NB Miatas also had 155 hp, but I just remembered the power ratings fiasco that happened when the car came out. My bad.

Quote from: MX793 on February 01, 2009, 11:34:08 AM
In the dry, no.  In the snow, a car like a Corvette would be a real handful.

I just realized after my last post that Sporty does indeed live in a northern clime, but I would imagine they keep the streets in the 5 boroughs well plowed, so I would hope that helps a bit. In any case, I totally agree that driving a Vette in NYC in the winter is less than ideal.

Quote from: Vinsanity on February 01, 2009, 11:40:23 AM
I thought NB Miatas also had 155 hp, but I just remembered the power ratings fiasco that happened when the car came out. My bad.


I just realized after my last post that Sporty does indeed live in a northern clime, but I would imagine they keep the streets in the 5 boroughs well plowed, so I would hope that helps a bit. In any case, I totally agree that driving a Vette in NYC in the winter is less than ideal.

Main streets get plowed but the back streets are neglected.

So this thread started because you wanted something that wasn't a pain like your Accord was, and now we're talking about 240's with 200,000 miles...

Your life apparently needs car problems.

Sporty, don't you have a nice bike?

If you don't even use your car that much, save yourself the money and the headache and just ride your bike. :huh:

Quote from: thecarnut on February 01, 2009, 12:27:11 PM
Sporty, don't you have a nice bike?

If you don't even use your car that much, save yourself the money and the headache and just ride your bike. :huh:

Have you ever ridden a bicycle when it's 0 degrees out and snowing, or on roads that are covered in salty/sandy slush and patches of ice?

Quote from: MX793 on February 01, 2009, 01:25:35 PM
Have you ever ridden a bicycle when it's 0 degrees out and snowing, or on roads that are covered in salty/sandy slush and patches of ice?

That's what public transport is for. :huh:

Quote from: thecarnut on February 01, 2009, 01:59:06 PM
That's what public transport is for. :huh:

Public transport isn't always convenient, especially when you want to leave the city on the weekend to visit family or whatever.

Or buy groceries

Quote from: MrH on February 01, 2009, 12:25:25 PM
So this thread started because you wanted something that wasn't a pain like your Accord was, and now we're talking about 240's with 200,000 miles...

Your life apparently needs car problems.

A 6-7K 240SX will not have 200K miles, and if I can't find one with decent mileage I won't buy one.

B15 SE-R's, as ugly as they are, are not looking too bad either.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 01, 2009, 04:24:33 PM
A 6-7K 240SX will not have 200K miles, and if I can't find one with decent mileage I won't buy one.

B15 SE-R's, as ugly as they are, are not looking too bad either.

Lancer Ralliart?

Volvo 940 Turbo?  Spend the rest on suspension goodies, engine goodies, and you're good to go.

Quote from: MrH on February 01, 2009, 12:25:25 PM
So this thread started because you wanted something that wasn't a pain like your Accord was, and now we're talking about 240's with 200,000 miles...

Your life apparently needs car problems.

Like I keep saying - he's drawn like the dingbat who keeps going back to her abusive husband - she says she wants to get away but she simply can't live without the drama.

It's one thing to be about project cars and the like, but his life at present simply isn't built for it.

2006 Civic EX sedan, 5sp MT, 40k miles or less. Anything else will be a mistake.

Quote from: GoCougs on February 01, 2009, 08:20:09 PM
Like I keep saying - he's drawn like the dingbat who keeps going back to her abusive husband - she says she wants to get away but she simply can't live without the drama.

It's one thing to be about project cars and the like, but his life at present simply isn't built for it.

2006 Civic EX sedan, 5sp MT, 40k miles or less. Anything else will be a mistake.

Not at all. Civics have fair better resale than their competitors, he would be better off going with a Mazda3. Additionally, why would he get the top of the line model if he's being sensible?

Your suggestion is little better than the cars he's looking at, the most sensible thing financially would be to fix the car he has, though I can understand why he wouldn't want to do that (I am sure he is quite frustrated with it).

Quote from: TBR on February 01, 2009, 08:27:40 PM
Not at all. Civics have fair better resale than their competitors, he would be better off going with a Mazda3. Additionally, why would he get the top of the line model if he's being sensible?

Your suggestion is little better than the cars he's looking at, the most sensible thing financially would be to fix the car he has, though I can understand why he wouldn't want to do that (I am sure he is quite frustrated with it).

Because it's Cougs' (read: Dwight from the Office) way or the highway.

My Maxima, with all 130K of its miles, was pretty reliable.

My 1st Accord had 93K miles when I got it, but was also 12 years old... had I not hit a mega pothole and sprung a slow oil leak it would prob. still be running today. I put about 30K miles on it over about 2 years, very few problems.

My problems with cars don't come from age, they come from my modifications. If I leave the car alone, unless it's a total dud it will be fine. The bulk of the problems I've faced have almost always come directly from modifications.

Yeah, the fact that my Prelude with 353,000 miles has left me stranded just once (hole in a radiator hose, it wasn't even a major problem) has taught me that old cars can be very reliable if properly maintained.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 01, 2009, 08:33:38 PM
Because it's Cougs' (read: Dwight from the Office) way or the highway.

My Maxima, with all 130K of its miles, was pretty reliable.

My 1st Accord had 93K miles when I got it, but was also 12 years old... had I not hit a mega pothole and sprung a slow oil leak it would prob. still be running today. I put about 30K miles on it over about 2 years, very few problems.

My problems with cars don't come from age, they come from my modifications. If I leave the car alone, unless it's a total dud it will be fine. The bulk of the problems I've faced have almost always come directly from modifications.

How is your recent engine failure a result of modifications? Was the engine torn apart and rebuilt by a monkey?

Quote from: NACar on February 01, 2009, 09:14:31 PM
How is your recent engine failure a result of modifications? Was the engine torn apart and rebuilt by a monkey?

Racist.  :rolleyes: :lol:

DO NOT FIX THE CURRENT CAR. IT IS A GONNER.

Dwight (that actor) is from Washington state, BTW.

Quote from: GoCougs on February 01, 2009, 08:20:09 PM
2006 Civic EX sedan, 5sp MT, 40k miles or less. Anything else will be a mistake.

You say that with idiotic levels of certainty.

Quote from: 2o6 on February 01, 2009, 09:19:58 PM

Racist.  :rolleyes: :lol:

Monkeys are a group of species, not a race. I think they're an order, or a genus.

Quote from: NACar on February 01, 2009, 09:14:31 PM
How is your recent engine failure a result of modifications? Was the engine torn apart and rebuilt by a monkey?

Car was low enough that the oil pan might have taken a hit or two on bad BK streets

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 02, 2009, 06:15:55 AM
Car was low enough that the oil pan might have taken a hit or two on bad BK streets

How does a dented oil pan cause your engine to fail? Was the oil pickup damaged? Was there a giant leak that you never noticed?

Quote from: NACar on February 02, 2009, 08:30:25 AM
How does a dented oil pan cause your engine to fail? Was the oil pickup damaged? Was there a giant leak that you never noticed?

Oil pan dents, leak at the gasket from deformation, snow + cold = scarcely look under the car.

And Cougs I'm fixing it and selling it to someone who knows about the car.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 02, 2009, 08:46:14 AM
Oil pan dents, leak at the gasket from deformation, snow + cold = scarcely look under the car.

And Cougs I'm fixing it and selling it to someone who knows about the car.

If you never check your oil, you can hardly blame it on the car being modified.
Anyway, you're just going to lower the next car you get. That's what you always do.

Quote from: Soup DeVille on February 01, 2009, 10:59:26 PM
Monkeys are a group of species, not a race. I think they're an order, or a genus.

http://www.carspin.net/forums/index.php?topic=14199.0

Quote from: Vinsanity on February 01, 2009, 11:22:54 AM
The differences I've noticed between a 250hp FWD car and a 250hp RWD car both weighing 3500-3600 lbs:

- RWD has an awesomely tighter turning radius; I don't remember the last time I had to make a 3-point turn in this car
- the steering wheel on RWD doesn't "fight back" when I'm accelerating around an onramp
- the tires wear more evenly with RWD

If you don't drive like a moron, you shouldn't get into any oversteer trouble at all in any RWD car costing $7,000. Yes, even that Vette.

Wet roads and rwd without experience can lead to bad results. 
The mustang and vette would be more than a handful for a lad weaned on low power fwd cars. 

Quote from: Soup DeVille on February 01, 2009, 10:59:26 PM
Monkeys are a group of species, not a race. I think they're an order, or a genus.

That would mean we can make monkey-man babies.

Quote from: MrH on February 01, 2009, 12:25:25 PM
So this thread started because you wanted something that wasn't a pain like your Accord was, and now we're talking about 240's with 200,000 miles...

Your life apparently needs car problems.

If his car needs to bug the shit out of him for him to enjoy it, I wonder if his relationships are similar. ;)

Quote from: the Teuton on February 02, 2009, 10:42:37 PM
If his car needs to bug the shit out of him for him to enjoy it, I wonder if his relationships are similar. ;)

this should keep you busy, Sporty (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=247481921&dealer_id=38859321&car_year=1999&rdm=1233640082742&model=COUGAR&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1999&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=6+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=MERC&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=11238&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=6000&cardist=50&standard=false)

Quote from: SVT32V on February 01, 2009, 09:04:58 AM
Sporty, you are heading for trouble again, the qualude and 240sx will be over ten years old, hardly a trouble free at this point.

The 240sx will be hard to find since silly boys seem to think it is a great drift car.  Which it is, except in stock form it has a weak engine in the US version.  Overall, it is really slow and will be old, as well as overpriced.  At least it will be hard to get yourself in oversteer trouble with this car since you are not really used to rwd.

A 300zx of the same year will probably be a better bargain and faster to boot.

Possibly just consider something else for a minute that would run rings around any of the above, just think Change.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/1006902269.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/cto/1015910850.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/ctd/1012465411.html

The cost per mile to own a 10 year old $5k car will be a lot less than it would be to own a 5 year old $15k car.

Quote from: Vinsanity on February 02, 2009, 10:51:25 PM
this should keep you busy, Sporty (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=247481921&dealer_id=38859321&car_year=1999&rdm=1233640082742&model=COUGAR&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1999&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=6+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=MERC&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=11238&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=6000&cardist=50&standard=false)

Would rather do a Contour SVT & avoid growing a vag

Quote from: TBR on February 03, 2009, 07:39:23 AM
The cost per mile to own a 10 year old $5k car will be a lot less than it would be to own a 5 year old $15k car.

None of the cars there are $15K, cost of ownership is relative.  I would gladly spend $15K on a good used car (2-4yrs old) than $5K on a car that will need work, maintenance etc.
As much as I love cars and working on them, I don't have time in a busy schedule to always be able to th emyriad of little problems that arise with an older car.
Living in NYC is so conducive to being able to work on cars, nothing like replacing a motor/clutch other major work on the street.
Plus it is nice to have the peace of mind on business trips etc.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 03, 2009, 08:53:32 AM
Would rather do a Contour SVT & avoid growing a vag

Dude you drive an accordian, how can the cougar be worse than the requisite mommy-mobile, or a mustang uglier.

Quote from: SVT32V on February 03, 2009, 09:31:06 AM
None of the cars there are $15K, cost of ownership is relative.  I would gladly spend $15K on a good used car (2-4yrs old) than $5K on a car that will need work, maintenance etc.
As much as I love cars and working on them, I don't have time in a busy schedule to always be able to th emyriad of little problems that arise with an older car.
Living in NYC is so conducive to being able to work on cars, nothing like replacing a motor/clutch other major work on the street.
Plus it is nice to have the peace of mind on business trips etc.

$15k, $13k, whatever.

What you would rather do isn't really relevant to what is best for him. You act like a 10 year old car is going to break down on a regular basis and need to be worked on on a consistent basis. That simply isn't true.

Quote from: TBR on February 03, 2009, 10:08:57 AM
$15k, $13k, whatever.

What you would rather do isn't really relevant to what is best for him. You act like a 10 year old car is going to break down on a regular basis and need to be worked on on a consistent basis. That simply isn't true.

Actually, between this and his other threads he has gone back and forth between wanting something reliable and his old habits of old less than reliable modified cars. Almost to the point of Dr jekyl and mr hyde.

A ten yr old car can be reliable depending on make and upkeep, abuse etc., or it can be a nightmare.  Most cars need nothing before 125K at this point so by default a newer car should be more reliable (on avg).

A ten yr old car today is much better than a 10 yr old car in 1995, but still, age matters especially in the northeast where a car sees snow, salt etc.  Hoses, seals etc. have a finite lifetime.

At nearly 30 yrs of age, sporty probably needs to be more mature with his cars needs if he has to rely on it for his professional/personal life.

If it is a 95% just a toy/luxury, well then turbo a crx and have fun.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 03, 2009, 08:53:32 AM
Would rather do a Contour SVT & avoid growing a vag

A V6 cougar would outhandle and out accelerate your car. Cougars are regarded one of the best handling FWD cars of all time.

Quote from: 2o6 on February 03, 2009, 11:47:06 AM

A V6 cougar would outhandle and out accelerate your car. Cougars are regarded one of the best handling FWD cars of all time.

I almost bought one when I bought my last Mustang.  Great handling car.

Quote from: SVT32V on February 03, 2009, 10:51:51 AM
Actually, between this and his other threads he has gone back and forth between wanting something reliable and his old habits of old less than reliable modified cars. Almost to the point of Dr jekyl and mr hyde.

A ten yr old car can be reliable depending on make and upkeep, abuse etc., or it can be a nightmare.  Most cars need nothing before 125K at this point so by default a newer car should be more reliable (on avg).

A ten yr old car today is much better than a 10 yr old car in 1995, but still, age matters especially in the northeast where a car sees snow, salt etc.  Hoses, seals etc. have a finite lifetime.

At nearly 30 yrs of age, sporty probably needs to be more mature with his cars needs if he has to rely on it for his professional/personal life.

If it is a 95% just a toy/luxury, well then turbo a crx and have fun.

I don't think he does have to rely on it for anything.

I didn't think about the geographical aspect though.

My 10 year old, 165k mile daily driver came from the northeast, and has cost me an average of $400 a year since I bought it.

I'd rather buy the used car and save the ton of money in depreciation and purchase cost, even if there are needed repairs occasionally.

Quote from: ChrisV on February 03, 2009, 12:32:32 PM
My 10 year old, 165k mile daily driver came from the northeast, and has cost me an average of $400 a year since I bought it.

I'd rather buy the used car and save the ton of money in depreciation and purchase cost, even if there are needed repairs occasionally.

Me too.

Quote from: Vinsanity on January 31, 2009, 12:38:17 PM
depending on how much that is, he'll probably continue the perpetual cycle you both are on with buying beaters every 6 months

The right beater will last longer than 6 months

(http://rama0929.smugmug.com/photos/105309382_5Nity-M.jpg)

:praise:

Quote from: SVT32V on February 03, 2009, 09:31:06 AM
Living in NYC is so conducive to being able to work on cars, nothing like replacing a motor/clutch other major work on the street.

FWIW, some stuff I do on the street, other stuff I schedule shop time or driveway time to do.

Quote from: L. ed foote on February 03, 2009, 01:33:25 PM
The right beater will last longer than 6 months

:praise:

:rockon:

Ah, yes. RLS's Jekyll and Hyde - very apt metaphor.

At this point, given all the drama he's given himself, Sporty needs to heed that advice.

Quote from: SVT32V on February 03, 2009, 10:51:51 AM

At nearly 30 yrs of age, sporty probably needs to be more mature with his cars needs if he has to rely on it for his professional/personal life.

Wait, Sporty's pushing 30?  I thought he was like 24-25?

Quote from: Lebowski on February 04, 2009, 07:12:27 AM
Wait, Sporty's pushing 30?  I thought he was like 24-25?

Take that estimated 30 and average it with that 25 to get Sporty's age.

I am only 25

Cars seem to have dropped $1G in prices. I'm seeing multiple TSXs for like 9K now.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 14, 2009, 11:55:33 AM
I am only 25

Cars seem to have dropped $1G in prices. I'm seeing multiple TSXs for like 9K now.

Multiple?  I see 2 under $14,000 within 200 miles of me, and they both have over 100,000 miles.

Quote from: MrH on February 14, 2009, 12:37:04 PM
Multiple?  I see 2 under $14,000 within 200 miles of me, and they both have over 100,000 miles.

YEa the ones I'm seeing here are over 100K miles too... but like I said before thats not a huge concern for me right now, I would drive the car 50-60 miles a week at most

http://newyork.craigslist.org/search/cta?query=tsx&srchType=T&minAsk=min&maxAsk=10000

i love my friends 325i he just picked up... he paid a bit over $20k though

G35 coupes are getting more and more affordable

But on the flipside I could just wait a little longer and get an E36 M3 or 328iS cash

Or be a cheap ass and drive this into the ground

Decisions

Quote from: sportyaccordy on March 16, 2009, 08:33:51 AM
G35 coupes are getting more and more affordable

But on the flipside I could just wait a little longer and get an E36 M3 or 328iS cash

Or be a cheap ass and drive this into the ground

Decisions

The newer G is quicker, cheaper to maintain, newer, more luxurious, and your womanfriend will probably like it more.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on March 16, 2009, 08:33:51 AM
G35 coupes are getting more and more affordable

But on the flipside I could just wait a little longer and get an E36 M3 or 328iS cash

Or be a cheap ass and drive this into the ground

Decisions

That's the right answer.

Aren't you moving to a new city next year? Perhaps you should wait until then :huh:

Your woman will love you.  And you'll love yourself, too.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/1077683852.html

Or better yet.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/1066851644.html

If you have the $$ to dump into an ///M car.

Quote from: the Teuton on March 16, 2009, 07:36:02 PM
Or better yet.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/1066851644.html

If you have the $$ to dump into an ///M car.

If that were around in July, I might have bought it.

Quote from: Vinsanity on March 16, 2009, 10:46:11 AM
Aren't you moving to a new city next year? Perhaps you should wait until then :huh:

It wont really make a difference

But parking is so bad here, I'm thinking of leaving my car at my parents place till the weekends

So to that end yea financing a car to drive it 2-3 days a week doesn't make sense. Even upgrading doesn't make sense till I can actually drive.

Quote from: sportyaccordy on March 17, 2009, 05:26:33 PM
It wont really make a difference

But parking is so bad here, I'm thinking of leaving my car at my parents place till the weekends

So to that end yea financing a car to drive it 2-3 days a week doesn't make sense. Even upgrading doesn't make sense till I can actually drive.

You're coming around.

It's really the only sensible thing to do until you know what your situation is.

Besides, just think about how much more money you'll have once you get out of the city, particularly if you move to Texas rather than the northwest.

Quote from: TBR on March 17, 2009, 06:32:15 PM
You're coming around.

It's really the only sensible thing to do until you know what your situation is.

Besides, just think about how much more money you'll have once you get out of the city, particularly if you move to Texas rather than the northwest.

About $200-300/mo... just enough for a decent car payment...

Quote from: sportyaccordy on March 17, 2009, 07:29:10 PM
About $200-300/mo... just enough for a decent car payment...

Or an awesome monthly contribution to your savings/ retirement fund.