help me pick, please!

[Green Gloves]

Dear members of GTP, can you please help me with this wonderful yet dreadful decision - I will buy a new car within the next 6 months. My budget is around 30k USD, or 3.2 m yen. I live in Japan.

(edit: stick shift/manual/standard transmission only)
various things I prefer:
(in these orders)

drivetrain
FR
AWD
FF

manufacturer
JP
EU
US

Engine
4-cylinder
6-
more/less

turbo-charged or not
NA
turbo-charged
something else

Horses
160+

torque
more the merrier

function
hug curves
get from A to B

 

[Rotary Junkie]

S2000, NB Miata, FD, a decent R32 or 33 GT-R or ER34...

Impreza/Evos are maybes, and... Well, Mazda 3/6...

There's not much that fits your criteria that ISN'T a good car. S13-15 Q's/Spec S....

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, off the top of my head...

The V36 Nissan Skyline Sedan comes to mind, as it is a pretty damn-good alternative to the 3-series here in the US as the Infiniti G35. I see that it can be had for well under 3M Yen across the Pacific, which sounds like a screaming good deal.

Obviously the Honda Accord is also a great choice. Although I am not completely sure if your options there match ours (badged as the Acura TSX in North America), the combination of the 200+ BHP I4, a manual gearbox, and an otherwise lively outlook on life still make it a winner in my book. No, its not "exciting," but its just a nice car.

Otherwise there can be only one:

The Mazda MX-5.

 

[RedTransAm]

How about a Z32 or Z33?

 

[Green Gloves]

First of all, thank you for all your replies!

S2000, NB Miata, FD, a decent R32 or 33 GT-R or ER34...

Impreza/Evos are maybes, and... Well, Mazda 3/6...

There's not much that fits your criteria that ISN'T a good car. S13-15 Q's/Spec S....

S2000 is considerable more expensive. It costs: http://www.honda.co.jp/S2000/webcatalog/type/

I'm driving a Miata already. I need some change. FD is not in production anymore. I can get a used one, but have to think about that. Same thing with R32 33, 34...
Impreza's new car is not really a looker, nor Evo X. They just look so hideous. Mazda 3/6 are not that sporty to be honest. S13-15 only available as used...

Well, off the top of my head...

The V36 Nissan Skyline Sedan comes to mind, as it is a pretty damn-good alternative to the 3-series here in the US as the Infiniti G35. I see that it can be had for well under 3M Yen across the Pacific, which sounds like a screaming good deal.

Obviously the Honda Accord is also a great choice. Although I am not completely sure if your options there match ours (badged as the Acura TSX in North America), the combination of the 200+ BHP I4, a manual gearbox, and an otherwise lively outlook on life still make it a winner in my book. No, its not "exciting," but its just a nice car.

Otherwise there can be only one:

The Mazda MX-5.

The V36 is the Skyline Coupe I thought, right? not Sedan. It doesn't seem sporty enough. Maybe I can put in a couple of aftermarket parts. I can't seem to find any MSPR for it either.

Honda Accord looks great, but an FF is going to kill a lot of the fun there. nonetheless a good choice I suppose.

And my daily driver is already an MX-5 (2nd gen)

How about a Z32 or Z33?

Fairlady Zs as they're known here. I like them a lot but they're a little heavy tho. They don't handle as well as other FRs.

Thanks again for the suggestions. If you think of something else or there is something to add, please don't hesitate.

 

[Leonidae]

Any BMW's available with that price range? some lower level 1 or 3-series maybe?

 

[RedTransAm]

How about an E36 or E46 BMW M3? I don't know how plentiful they are over there though, or if they were even exported to Japan.

 

[Leonidae]

M3 would probably have a wee bit high maintenance costs in japan.

 

[RedTransAm]

Couldn't be worse than they are in the US.

 

[Green Gloves]

Any BMW's available with that price range? some lower level 1 or 3-series maybe?

the least expensive BMW here costs 4.4M yen

How about an E36 or E46 BMW M3? I don't know how plentiful they are over there though, or if they were even exported to Japan.

E36 or E46 they don't make them anymore so you're referring to used cars, right? If yes they're available. There is a premium for BMWs in Japan. For that kind of money if I go for a used RX7 or GT-R they can be pretty fancy.

M3 would probably have a wee bit high maintenance costs in japan.

That's true.

Couldn't be worse than they are in the US.

no, come to Japan. A watermelon was bought for record-breaking half a million yen 2 months ago.

Thanks. keep 'em comin'

 

[Bones Brigade]

so...that watermelon cost 1/6 of your car budget? he could have purchased a 30k USD car, or 6 watermelons....

 

[Jim Prower]

Okay...you're making this difficult.

For one, I don't live in Japan, but I have done a great deal of research. I'm wondering...

What about a Mazda RX-8?

 

[YSSMAN]

The V36 is the Skyline Coupe I thought, right? not Sedan. It doesn't seem sporty enough. Maybe I can put in a couple of aftermarket parts. I can't seem to find any MSPR for it either.

The V36 name is correct, as it applies to both the sedan and the coupe. As for it being "not sporty enough," I'd say that is subjective at best. By most measuring sticks, its every bit as sporty as the BMW 335i, albeit a bit more "barbaric" in nature compared to the finely crafted BMW. As for the price, the Nissan.co.jp website had it showing for less than 3M Yen (closer to 2.8M) to start, but I believe basic models have you stuck to a 5-speed automatic. Option it up, its going to get pricey, but the sporting qualities generally improve.

Honda Accord looks great, but an FF is going to kill a lot of the fun there. nonetheless a good choice I suppose.

Booo. The Accord/TSX is an amazing car, the press absolutely loves the car here.

===

I tend to have a bit of a bias towards budget FF hatchbacks these days, so that's where I'd be shopping. Given that Japan gets quite a few of the great cars we don't receive here, you've got a lot of great options.

What does the new Cadillac CTS go for over there these days? The Cadillac Japan website is refusing to work for me...

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Since you live in JDMland, I might suggest of the following:

-> Getting a brand new car in Japan proves to be very expensive, you can look at sites like Car Sensor to get a good idea on the market. Y3.2 million won't get you too far unless you get a used one.

1. 2004-2005 Honda S2000 [AP2/F20C] base or Type-V - You can't go worng with these roadsters.

2. 2003-2006 Honda Intergra [DC5] Type-R - One of the best FWD in the world.

3. 2004-2005 Nissan Skyline [V35] 350GT series - A very good cruiser.

4. 2003-2005 Nissan Fairlady [Z33] 350GT - Only if the Skyline is too refined/luxurious.

5. 2004-2006 Honda Accord [CL7] Euro-R - Very capable FWD sedan, high tuning potential.

-> If you want to stick to your guns of going B-New:

1. Honda Civic [FD] Type-R

2. Mazdaspeed Axela

3. Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart

4. Suzuki Swift Sport

5. BMW 120i M-Sport

-> Honsetly, you can still get a mint condition AE86 Levin/Trueno. That car is more fun than any of these (except the S2000) without hurting you budget.

 

[Green Gloves]

so...that watermelon cost 1/6 of your car budget? he could have purchased a 30k USD car, or 6 watermelons....

seriously...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24997464/

Okay...you're making this difficult.

For one, I don't live in Japan, but I have done a great deal of research. I'm wondering...

What about a Mazda RX-8?

I'm loving the RX8 Type RS, priced right, good ride, fun to drive, and it has a care-free boyracer feel. It doesn't want to compete with the others, you know, have some fun under the sun. But with all that said, it just doesn't look that good and there is the gas-hungry rotary engine.

The V36 name is correct, as it applies to both the sedan and the coupe. As for it being "not sporty enough," I'd say that is subjective at best. By most measuring sticks, its every bit as sporty as the BMW 335i, albeit a bit more "barbaric" in nature compared to the finely crafted BMW. As for the price, the Nissan.co.jp website had it showing for less than 3M Yen (closer to 2.8M) to start, but I believe basic models have you stuck to a 5-speed automatic. Option it up, its going to get pricey, but the sporting qualities generally improve.



Booo. The Accord/TSX is an amazing car, the press absolutely loves the car here.

===

I tend to have a bit of a bias towards budget FF hatchbacks these days, so that's where I'd be shopping. Given that Japan gets quite a few of the great cars we don't receive here, you've got a lot of great options.

What does the new Cadillac CTS go for over there these days? The Cadillac Japan website is refusing to work for me...

Thanks for digging up the MSRP for the Nissan. It does get a little pricey beyond its absolute base model.

I didn't say the TSX isn't a nice car. I heard there is quite a bit of under steer. To me the most interesting thing in the world is how a car handles itself around a tight corner, especially those that are sharper than you initially perceive at entry.

I do have lots of options and there is where I'm a little frustrated, in a good way of course. Cadillac costs a small fortune, around 8M yen for an STS, and V series is over 10M.

-> Since you live in JDMland, I might suggest of the following:

-> Getting a brand new car in Japan proves to be very expensive, you can look at sites like Car Sensor to get a good idea on the market. Y3.2 million won't get you too far unless you get a used one.

1. 2004-2005 Honda S2000 [AP2/F20C] base or Type-V - You can't go worng with these roadsters.

2. 2003-2006 Honda Intergra [DC5] Type-R - One of the best FWD in the world.

3. 2004-2005 Nissan Skyline [V35] 350GT series - A very good cruiser.

4. 2003-2005 Nissan Fairlady [Z33] 350GT - Only if the Skyline is too refined/luxurious.

5. 2004-2006 Honda Accord [CL7] Euro-R - Very capable FWD sedan, high tuning potential.

-> If you want to stick to your guns of going B-New:

1. Honda Civic [FD] Type-R

2. Mazdaspeed Axela

3. Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart

4. Suzuki Swift Sport

5. BMW 120i M-Sport

-> Honsetly, you can still get a mint condition AE86 Levin/Trueno. That car is more fun than any of these (except the S2000) without hurting you budget.

I'm 31 years old and will probably be 32 when I purchase the next car. I have a decent job and can support my family without too much stress. Now, I have had used cars my whole life. Some of them really good rides, mind you.

I'm at a point in my life where I can afford a few shiny toys and I want them new, for the first time, I'm a little tired of buying used. Well we're not talking about Porsche or Ferrari here. Hopefully before I die, I'll have a shot at those. The resell values for JDMs in their local markets are pretty decent. So I'm not really spending too much.

Your list is impressive. I like them all. Mazdaspeed Axela is great value for its package. It's cheaper than the RX8 and has considerably more horses as well as torque. I have driven the Suzuki Swift sport, I don't like its shifting. It's really soft. The BM M-sport costs more. Civic Type-R is a really sharp ride but since Mugen RR came out, I can't look at other civic the same way. And as your know RR was sold out in a matter of minutes. A Colt doesn't really float my boat.

I love the HachiRoku, but I seriously don't think it's even relevant anymore. Fixing it every 2 months is not exactly fun.

Thanks again for all of your suggestions. At the moment, I'm leaning towards getting the RX8 Type RS with the bucket seats, new dampers, model-only aeros, and gunmetal forged aluminum wheels. I wish they would fix the bonnet design and the bits above the wheels.

 

[Blackbird.]

Maybe an Evolution?

 

[tfujiwara]

The RX8 is a good choice, their very fun to drive. Especialy when you say
"'ha, I'm the only one on the road with a Rotary engine"

Although they are a preety heavy car for a 1.3 litter. But then you can just take the carpet away so It could be lighter, faster, less gasoline wasting, and a RX8 always looks cool striped, like a racing machine.

I say its a perfect car for your age:tup:, but hey its your choice.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

The RX8 is a good choice, their very fun to drive. Especialy when you say
"'ha, I'm the only one on the road with a Rotary engine"

Although they are a preety heavy car for a 1.3 litter. But then you can just take the carpet away so It could be lighter, faster, less gasoline wasting, and a RX8 always looks cool striped, like a racing machine.

I say its a perfect car for your age:tup:, but hey its your choice.

👎

The RX-8 isn't even 2900lbs. It has 250hpish in Japanese-spec..

The only issue it has really is that it doesn't have much torque so fuel economy suffers quite a bit. Well, that and that the rotary isn't all that efficient.

Stripping the car out? Seriously? Fail. I don't think anyone aside from the average overenthusiastic teenager wants to drive something noisy and uncomfortable every time they want to go somewhere.

Now then... If you can stomach the somewhat inferior fuel economy and comparative lack of power next to some vehicles that you can also afford, get an RX-8. But the Mazdaspeed 3/Axela looks mighty tempting as well.

 

[Leonidae]

what about DIY/kit cars? any choices/chances?

 

[Jim Prower]

ASL Garaiya, on that note?

 

[Leonidae]

or Tommykaira ZZ-S ehich is basically S1 Elise but better..

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> I would think TK ZZ and the Gariya would be too exotic (and expensive) for his preference.

Green Gloves-> How about this one, the Toyota Caldina GT-Four:

^ I would think this would go within your price range, and looks way better than the similar equipped but uglier Impreza S-GT. Turbo plus AWD, a good balance of sport and refinement.

 

[homeforsummer]

or Tommykaira ZZ-S ehich is basically S1 Elise but better..

Not according to contemporary road tests. Faster yes, better no 👍

 

[Green Gloves]

Maybe an Evolution?

I really don't like the new EvoX. It's.....too tame.

The RX8 is a good choice, their very fun to drive. Especialy when you say
"'ha, I'm the only one on the road with a Rotary engine"

Although they are a preety heavy car for a 1.3 litter. But then you can just take the carpet away so It could be lighter, faster, less gasoline wasting, and a RX8 always looks cool striped, like a racing machine.

I say its a perfect car for your age:tup:, but hey its your choice.

I'm still liking the 8 a lot but rumors about a new rotary engine coming in 2010 sound legit and tempting.

👎

The RX-8 isn't even 2900lbs. It has 250hpish in Japanese-spec..

The only issue it has really is that it doesn't have much torque so fuel economy suffers quite a bit. Well, that and that the rotary isn't all that efficient.

Now then... If you can stomach the somewhat inferior fuel economy and comparative lack of power next to some vehicles that you can also afford, get an RX-8. But the Mazdaspeed 3/Axela looks mighty tempting as well.

Torque-wise is a lackluster, even if I can get past the over-design. Axela is prefect on paper, but it doesn't go around corners as well.

what about DIY/kit cars? any choices/chances?

Do you know any?

ASL Garaiya, on that note?

Your post is the first time I've ever heard of the Garaiya. I googled it but it seems to be out of production 2 years ago, plus it is too expensive.

or Tommykaira ZZ-S ehich is basically S1 Elise but better..

similar but both too expensive. I'd love to have my way with either of them.

-> I would think TK ZZ and the Gariya would be too exotic (and expensive) for his preference.

Green Gloves-> How about this one, the Toyota Caldina GT-Four:

^ I would think this would go within your price range, and looks way better than the similar equipped but uglier Impreza S-GT. Turbo plus AWD, a good balance of sport and refinement.

Toyota stopped making Caldina in Japan in 2007 as far as I know. It's only available in automatic transmission as 3ed gen. It does look like a sweet ride!

Not according to contemporary road tests. Faster yes, better no 👍

I don't know about better, but Tommykaira still does a couple of modified cars nowadays:
http://tommykaira.com/tkcars/tkcars.htm
The Z looks delicious!

 

[Leonidae]

what about GTi-class? Golf, Polo, Yaris RS Turbo etc etc?

 

[Tornado]

What about a Civic Type-R? Its like a TSX minus a few hundred pounds.

 

[Blackbird.]

I really don't like the new EvoX. It's.....too tame.

Well wasn't suggesting a X thought that'd be too expensive maybe a IX or VIII... but too tame? I've driven one (an 8 slightly modified) and tame is not a word that comes to mind when the pedal is too the floor. But to each his own.

 

[Green Gloves]

what about GTi-class? Golf, Polo, Yaris RS Turbo etc etc?

They're good daily drivers, but I want something more edgy.

What about a Civic Type-R? Its like a TSX minus a few hundred pounds.

I thought Civic Type R was badass but what I really want is the already sold out Mugen RR.

Well wasn't suggesting a X thought that'd be too expensive maybe a IX or VIII... but too tame? I've driven one (an 8 slightly modified) and tame is not a word that comes to mind when the pedal is too the floor. But to each his own.

LanEvos have been the craziest AWD sedan ever. Arguably the IV is the best of them all. But every other gen is in a class of its own. When it comes to acceleration and taking corners, even Subaru Impreza WRX STIs take second place. Although the Subaru always provides better ride comfort.

HOWEVER, the new X takes a backseat. The new gen of Subaru and Mitsubishi road warriors, almost as if the executives from both sides sat down and signed a secret agreement, leave behind the "fun factors" so as to make them more realistic, hence buy-able, for the general public.

I would happily go for any of the Evo IV to IX, but I'm focusing on what's new right now.

If the world were perfect, engineers, not executives, would make all automotive decisions.

 

[Tornado]

If the world were perfect, engineers, not executives, would make all decisions.

Fixed, though you were quite close.

 

[Green Gloves]

Fixed, though you were quite close.

touché