350z,g35,c32 Amg,m3

  • Thread starter Thread starter skylineGTR_guy
  • 64 comments
  • 2,745 views

which one?

  • 350Z

    Votes: 9 20.5%

  • G35

    Votes: 4 9.1%

  • C32 AMG

    Votes: 4 9.1%

  • M3

    Votes: 19 43.2%

  • Other (please specify and why)

    Votes: 8 18.2%
  • Total voters
    44
skylineGTR_guy

skylineGTR_guy

Messages
5,677
So I'm in the market for a new (new to me, not necessarily brand new) car, around 30 something grand, I want something I can tune, and give an awesome experience all around.

I'm currently looking at the following:
nissan 350Z, infiniti G35, mercedes C32 AMG, or BMW M3

But I'm also open to ideas. So what are your suggestions? pros/cons both stock and tuning wise are appreciated if anyone has any experience with them.
 
Actually this is an interesting thread and gigantic kudos for checking out the C32 AMG - it's not a car many people are smart enough to consider, even though it's the quickest of the cars you mentioned. In fact, I should mention this: people will chime in "350Z" and "M3" constantly - the truth of the matter is, the majority of the people here will not know what a C32 AMG is.

For the record:

BMW M3: 333hp 3.2-liter 6-cylinder; 0-60 0-60 5.3sec; current price: $32k ('01), $35k ('02), $40k ('03)
Nissan 350Z: 287hp 3.5-liter V6; 0-60 6.0sec; current price: $21k ('03), $24k ('04)
Infiniti G35: 260hp 3.5-liter V6; 0-60 6.2sec; current price: $25k ('03), $27k ('04)
Mercedes C32 AMG: 349hp 3.2-liter supercharged V6; 0-60 5.1sec; current price: $30k ('02), $33k ('03)

Personally, I would eliminate the M3 right away due to price - even an '01 is more expensive than any of the others. I'd focus on the C32 AMG, if I could find one, and if prices were good - it's extremely quick, and it's really not that expensive, considering it's an AMG Mercedes. Frankly, you can't go wrong with ANY of the four cars though.

By the way, the C32 was replaced by the C55 in 2005, so you can't get a new C32 anymore. They're still selling new M3s, but I'd advise against it since it's about to get replaced. Obviously the G35 and 350Z are still being sold new, and are both good deals as new cars go, though I'd get a used one if it were me buying.

Do you need four seats?
 
its between the 350z and M3. The C32 is a highway cruiser, nothing more, nothing less, and you would be better of with a S4 than the AMG, if you want a highway cruiser and somewhat of a performance car.
 
if the c32 is the car im thinking of, they're beautiful, and I love 'em.
The G35 should be eliminated right away. It's a 350, with more weight and comfort, not for the performance oriented guy.

I'd recommend a '97-up Trans-Am WS6, or Camaro SS
if your worried about handling, their are loads of aftermarket parts to ease the most troubled mind. and the T/A's are beautiful. Obviously, power is not a concern with them.
Or, if you want newer, or more expensive, try a Z06.
That's right, a C5 Z06. right now, here in PA, there's an '01 going for 27grand. that'll get you 174mph, mid 12's, 1 g on a skidpad, and brakes nothing on the list could dream of.
though I'd look for an '02, or newer, for a little more.
You could get an old NSX.
You could get an old Viper. (I wouldnt recommend pre 95's though, due to lack of....anything more than seats and a steering wheel.) but they'll climb to mid 30's.
yup, those are the only cars I'd ever spend 30K on, above.
 
Viper as a daily driver? Nuh-uh. That extra wad of cash you're setting aside for tuning will go straight to the garage. Still, if you can find an affordable secondhand with nothing wrong with it...

That's probably a black mark on the M3, too. Nice car, supposedly expensive to maintain, especially if it's a secondhand out of warranty. If it's an old-school M3, though... go for it. :) :lol:

I'd say 350Z if you're interested in tuning, merely because of the affordability of aftermarket items for the car...

But that Corvette... $27k? Hell, I'd go for it in a heartbeat.
 
Pink_the_Floyd
My heart still goes to the Supra 👍
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Supras are a bit overpriced, and most examples are well-used in America. They were last sold in 1998, so you've got some work to do with them, unless it was a garage queen. It's proabbly the most overpriced used car on this side of the Atlantic today, thanks to F&F.

If you're split between the 350Z and the G35, there's a few theings to keep in mind between the Nissan and the Infiniti (dealer prices and loaner cars, for example). The handling and comfort is slightly different between the two, etc. The G is a little more anonymous compared to the Z, in my opinion, depending on your personality.

Good point though on the Vettes, their resale value isn't all that spectacular, which is great for those of us in the used car market. I suppose Corvettes used to be produced in smaller numbers, but since the advent of the '84 Vette, mass-prduction is the order of the day. I still think it's quite the under-rated car, those C5s. It's still a daily driver, though that will make more expensive to maintain. Insurance isn't cheap for an under-35 driver with a Vette, though.
 
Poverty
its between the 350z and M3. The C32 is a highway cruiser, nothing more, nothing less, and you would be better of with a S4 than the AMG, if you want a highway cruiser and somewhat of a performance car.
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Did AMG firm up the suspension or just the engine? Dunno if it's in the price band but an RS4 is apparently a good drivers car, but it would have to be the new one and as I said I dunno if that's too expensive
 
engine and suspension. Dint read the bit about tuning potential, so Id say its between the 350Z and a Evo now. The germans are too expensive to tune.

Id probably go with a evo though as a chip and exhaust system later your knocking at the door of a very reliable 400hp.
 
If you want a 350Z, then buy the 350Z GT-S, but only when it is out to buy skylineGTR_guy.
 
TVR&Ferrari_Fan
If you want a 350Z, then buy the 350Z GT-S, but only when it is out to buy skylineGTR_guy.
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I reckon he should get it before it's out. Be the envy of all his friends.
 
I'm not currently going to suggest one car, but, if you are willing to put the work in, I would suggest getting an older car. you know, one that's "Collectible." These are usually a bit more work to operate, a bit more work to find a good deal on, (Hint: Be Picky, and know what you want, which is actually a good tip for buying any used car) and a bit harder to get parts for...in some cases. ('60s G.M. cars have a large aftermarket following, and are easier to get resto parts for.)

However, a little kid is more likely to say "OOH! LOOK AT THAT MOMMY!" to a collectable car than a G35, 350z, or even an M3 or C32.

Just a different way of looking at things. If you don't want an old car, that's fine by me. just don't take it out of consideration completely.
 
I don't know where you live but around here the C32 would be the much rarer choice. 350z and M3s are pretty popular here. I personally have never driven a C32 so I can't offer any expertise but I like the car, although take that with a grain of salt because I am a bit of a Benz fanboy. As far as tuning is concerned I am sure Brabus has something for you.

I have driven a 350z and I like it. I almost bought one myself. It's fun, it sounds good, and it's tunable if you know what you are doing. I don't really consider it a car for the average tuner though because it doesn't do well with bolt ons. Really FI is the way to go to get power out of the Z. That means TTs or a Supercharger and I don't know your tuning experience but those kind of installs aren't for a rookie. Of course you could always pay someone to do it for you.

The G35 is the same boat really. It does ride and accelerate differently so be aware of that. It's also a nicer cockpit to ride in.

I don't know much about the M3 really. I mean I know about the car, but I have no experience with it really.

I also suggest you look around at a Vette or maybe something with an LS1. Possibly a GTO. The tuning potential is very high for those cars and tuning them is cheap too. Plus they both go like stink right out of the box.
 
Used 2005 Lotus Elises are dropping down to the 35,000$ area. It takes a bit of a heart to drive it daily, but it's not impossible by any means. Other problems, such as fitting in the thing, could become an issue, but you are rewarded with easily better milage than anything on your list and roughly half second quicker to 60 than anything else up there. It will definitely have the public appeal that Jim is talking about, there's a decent tuning availability as well, both performance and aesthetic.

The Elise is a very touchy subject though, it is entirely possible to completely dislike its performance, phylosophee, looks and balance.
 
I voted for the M3's.

See if you can find an E30 M3 to make a track car out of, and an E36 M3 to debadge and turbocharge for a daily driver.

Heck with the E46, it's a blast, and I'd take a free one, but it isn't worth the money sadly.
 
Oh, it's worth the money, I think, but like I said, for a daily driver that you want to tune, those old ones are much better.
 
'06 Pontiac GTO, no questions there. Out the door you can pick one up for about $30K brand new with the full warranty, and given how relyable they have been, I can't really think of a better car.

The great thing about the GTO is that it can serve double duty as a daily-driven cruiser or a full-out musclecar that is still one of the best American cars you could buy right now. Added to that, it will do nearly 30 MPG on the highway, and given the 1 to 4 skip-shift feature on the manual models, you get to skip away from the gas guzzler tax as well (all of the others have it I belive).

The only problem is, the previous models were just as good and are MUCH cheaper to buy used. You could pick up an origional 5.7L LS1-powered GTO for right around $20K these days, and the performance differences between it and the current model are quite small. Granted, there is glory that comes with the LS2 and 400 BHP, but even I would be satisfied with the LS1's 350 BHP.
 
I voted for the M3, but nearly voted for the G35, but I love Bmw's especilly the M series
 
niky
Oh, it's worth the money, I think, but like I said, for a daily driver that you want to tune, those old ones are much better.
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The engine sound is almost worth the price of admission, but I don't like the looks as much, it's too...plain.

I'm an old school BMW type of guy.

BMW's should be funny looking, and they should require a good driver, not make you a better driver.

Z4M Coupe for the win.


Oh, YSS is absolutely right, the GTO is far and away the best choice out of those mentioned.

Merc reliability is crap, the 350Z isn't that fast, the M3 costs too much for what you get, even though you get a lot.

The GTO will run and run, cost pocket change to modify (how much of an after market does any chevy small block engine have?) you can easily work on them yourself, and it won't set off Police Officers "I should bust them" alarms.
 
I would say the G35. The performance of the Coupe is far and away good enough to make up for the fact that it is a little slower and a whole lot more practical than the 350Z.
 
His mom should be driving the G35.

Seriously, the only respectable G35 is the Sedan, so you can get the engine, a 6 speed, and haul the kids around.
 
I'm liking YSSMAN's GTO suggestion, too. An elegant an inexpensive way to get Corvette power and better day-to-day useability at a very low price. And I'd imagine that aftermarket is humongous.

There is something to be said of the marginal tuneability of the Nissan VQ if you're not willing to go forced induction... it's just too close to optimum breathing out of the box. :lol: Not like those nice big US motors... sneeze on them and you'll gain another 20hp. :) Good suggestion, YSSMAN! 👍
 
Onikaze
The engine sound is almost worth the price of admission, but I don't like the looks as much, it's too...plain.

I'm an old school BMW type of guy.

BMW's should be funny looking, and they should require a good driver, not make you a better driver.

Z4M Coupe for the win.


Oh, YSS is absolutely right, the GTO is far and away the best choice out of those mentioned.

Merc reliability is crap, the 350Z isn't that fast, the M3 costs too much for what you get, even though you get a lot.

The GTO will run and run, cost pocket change to modify (how much of an after market does any chevy small block engine have?) you can easily work on them yourself, and it won't set off Police Officers "I should bust them" alarms.
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I disagree. If you want straight line speed, get a american V8, but if you want something a bit more special, and a superb handler the M3's the best bet.

Such cars like the 350z might not seem fast on paper anymore, but 10-15 years ago it would have been in supercar territory.

Anyway the M3 would also hold its value the best once your ready to sell it on.👍

Oh and generally AMG's are bulletproof.
 
Well of course the M3 is going to outhandle the GTO, but by comparison to the C32 and the two FM twins, the GTO is a far better car.

I look at it from this point: The GTO would be cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, cheaper to fuel up, and is faster than everything with the exception of the M3.

(@ Niky: The GTO's aftermarket is a so-so thing right now. Performance parts are easy to get given that it shares so many pieces with the Corvette, but in terms of other things, depends on where you're shopping. GM High Performance, RK Sport, and SLP have pretty much been the frontrunners in GTO performance along with the regulars that include Lingenfelter and Mallett).
 
YSSMAN
Well of course the M3 is going to outhandle the GTO, but by comparison to the C32 and the two FM twins, the GTO is a far better car.
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No. The GTO is a far better performance value, yes. But it still suffers from the current GM foibles of build and interior quality, not to mention what some seem to view as a too-unrefined chassis for the power the car has. In that respect, the FM cars are better than the GTO.
 
Well I'd say a Subaru Impreza WRX STi...no big Surprise (Arizona ;) ) since I always recommend that car.... :D
 
Merc reliability is crap
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Horror stories abound in Edmunds' inside line for the current models. However I haven't heard any problems in the past models as recent as 2001.

I would love to have a SLK 32 in contrast to the C32 however. Not practical in american roads, but excellent saturday rush. Good mileage too, although premium is required. But if I wanted 'new' luxury a Lexus ES 350 would be just as fine.

I now drive a G1 legend alongside with the accord as beaters to school. F'ing cheap insurance, cost, and good suspension even though it's rather slow and small by today's standards. Plus I can't deny that the u-pick junkyard is like Disneyland for me - breaking windows and kicking wires with no supervision is awesome for anger management.
 
Isn't the GTO a bit faster than the M3 in a straight line?

It really isn't as far behind in the corners, it's always been a surprisingly good handling car for a big Oz brute.

The Interior on the GTO's I've sat in was nice, the M3 had a more functional set too it, which was nice as well, but the E46 cars just leave me cold, I've never actually lusted after one.

Yeah, I love hearing them go, and they are pleasant looking....but it isn't weird enough, maybe the E90 version with the flame surfacing will prove more odd, either way I think the Z4M is a far superior car to the E46 M3, but it's out of his price range.

So, get an older M3 and something cheap on gas to run about it, or get a GTO, that can do the gas mileage thing on the highway, and can stoplight drag with the best of them.

Really, if I had that money, I'd be torn between a new Mustang GT and a 5.7 GTO.
 

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