Time for a new car

  • Thread starter Thread starter LoudMusic
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Well for me, its a no contest the Evolution 8 will have to be number one... you cant go better with a 271hp AWD evo... STI is very nice too 300hp AWD but the Evolution would kill it on a race track.. STI tends to understeer but can go more speed in a corner than a evo... and yes 350z is really nice... my cousin has a 350z performance model cost him about 30599 or something along that line... i really like it... the 6 speed gear and man... that thing is fast... think about turbo charging a 350z is killer... 350z is a car you have to check out!! heres my list tho...

1. Mitsubishi Evolution VIII (around 30)
2. Subaru Impreza STI (around 30)
3. Used RX7 FD (depends)
4.Honda S2000 (around 28-30)
5. Nissan 350Z (around 30)
6. IS300
7. Used BMW M3 (depends)
8. G35 (sport coupe)
9. Used Integra Type R (depends)
10. Mazda RX8
11. RSX type S

i got a tons more but those are my top cars... i would suggest Evo or STI so nice!! go check it out at dealership... ull never leave ;)
 
My recommendations...

...for performance:
- 1 Subaru Impreza WRX STI ($31000)
- 2 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ($29000)
- 3 Infiniti G35 sedan ($27800)

...for luxury:
- 1 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro sedan ($32400)
- 2 Infiniti G35 w/ leather sedan ($29700)
- 3 Volvo S60 2.5T AWD ($31000)

...for value:
- 1 Mazda 6s ($21200)
- 2 Honda Accord EX V6 sedan ($25800)
- 3 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP ($25900)

I also whole-heartedly recommend the Volvo S60R, but it's about $1500 out of your price range. If you or anybody wants me to go in detail about why I chose one car over another, or why a certain car isn't on my list, I will, gladly.
 
Yeah, I see no BMWs. What's up with that?? (:

Everyone seems to really like the WRX in terms of performance. How is the quality of the car, though? And I still can't get over the G35 being under $30,000. I could have sworn it started around $38K


I also don't see any convertibles in your list. I guess those show up in the "... for fun:" catagory which you don't list.
 
Originally posted by M5Power
If you or anybody wants me to go in detail about why I chose one car over another, or why a certain car isn't on my list, I will, gladly.
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In that case, I'm wondering why you put the G35 sedan under "Performance" instead of the coupe? For practical reasons, I can understand needing the sedan more than the coupe, but from what I've read in several car magazines, the coupe has much better handling than the sedan, so it would seem to me a better choice for the performance-oriented type.

Just curious, since you opened it up. :)
 
S2000 is a great convertible...

Honda S2000 One of the secrets behind the S2000's clean exhaust emissions is air injection. When the engine is cold, a shot of air is fired into each exhaust port to help ignite unburnt exhaust gas particles. The burning particles heat the exhaust gases in the manifold, quickly bringing the smog-scrubbing catalytic converter to peak operating temperature.
Honda S2000 Holds the record for highest natrually aspirated hp/liter figure in the world. 120/liter

ROll
 
Originally posted by rollazn
S2000 is a great convertible...

Honda S2000 One of the secrets behind the S2000's clean exhaust emissions is air injection. When the engine is cold, a shot of air is fired into each exhaust port to help ignite unburnt exhaust gas particles. The burning particles heat the exhaust gases in the manifold, quickly bringing the smog-scrubbing catalytic converter to peak operating temperature.
Honda S2000 Holds the record for highest natrually aspirated hp/liter figure in the world. 120/liter

ROll
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And it needs to be revved up to 6500 rpm before you feel the slightest amount of performance out of it. I like the top two that Doug mentioned for performance but I would reverse it myself.
 
S2000 World record holder in hp/liter for a N/A production car. Winner of engine oscars 2 years in a row. Unbeatable performance for the money.

ROll
 
Originally posted by rollazn
S2000 World record holder in hp/liter for a N/A production car. Winner of engine oscars 2 years in a row. Unbeatable performance for the money.

ROll
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Have you ever driven one? I was personnally dissappointed in the S2000 as a car in general. It was not the most comfortable thing in the world for me, nor did it respond in the manner I was expecting it to. It was an Ok ride, but I feel it is not up to Par with the Evolution or the STI for that fact.
 
Originally posted by LoudMusic
Yeah, I see no BMWs. What's up with that?? (:
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They're overpriced (hugely). Base (with just 184bhp) starts at $27800, and that's the model with the cloth seats that doesn't seem to exist. I'd only recommend an all-wheel drive 3-series, and the base there begins at $29600 - with the same 184bhp! Audi starts their base A4 Quattro (AWD) a full $2800 lower, and it has just fourteen less horsepower (plus even more spec).

If you do BMW, do it right - 2001 330xi with fairly high mileage, and negotiate it down to $22000.

I also don't see any convertibles in your list. I guess those show up in the "... for fun:" catagory which you don't list.
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Convertibles suck. :D

Actually, at your price, good luck - the A4 cabrio (1.8T) starts at $35000, a base 325Ci convertible starts at $36700, the Thunderbird Deluxe starts at $36800, the 9-3 Arc (the base 9-3) starts at $40000, the base C70 (2.4L) starts at $39900, a base TT starts at $34500 (you don't strike me as a TT person anyway), and a base Z4 starts at $33100 (in your price range, but I don't like the Z4 - overpriced and underpowered).

An S2000 just makes your price range - the 03 model started at $32600 - but they're fairly gutless (torque is six lb-ft higher than on a Sonata 4-cylinder), a bit stiff, and very noisy. If you're really into sports cars, I'd suggest an STI before I suggested an S2000. The STI's just funner (and $1300 less); so's the Evo.
 
Originally posted by Klostrophobic
The S2000 also has negative 275 ft pounds of torque. Or something like that.
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Don't forget the extra additive you need to mix in with the gas. . . Uncle Ben's Rice :D
 
Originally posted by miata13B
And it needs to be revved up to 6500 rpm before you feel the slightest amount of performance out of it. I like the top two that Doug mentioned for performance but I would reverse it myself.
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Quite true.. but man how nice would it look with a kit on... even though it get its real power from 6500 and up... it still is very fast.. low 14s car out of a 240hp N/A Convertible is impresive... also consider the MR2 Turbo... it should keep up with the S2000 on the track... Midship engine at a budget price. Can't beat the deal.

ROll
 
A Beetle Turbo :lol: no, I am just pulling your leg. . . You will probably be going into used car territory for a good convertible.
 
Originally posted by miata13B
Have you ever driven one? I was personnally dissappointed in the S2000 as a car in general. It was not the most comfortable thing in the world for me, nor did it respond in the manner I was expecting it to. It was an Ok ride, but I feel it is not up to Par with the Evolution or the STI for that fact.
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Hm... you dislike the S2000? Anyways... yeah I agree I would choose a Evolution and STI over a s2000 anyday... and dang you guys post fast :lol: it wasnt built to be the most comfortable car you ever sat in... it was built to be a sport car which it is... S2000 has downfall like any other cars... also has its upside..

ROll
 
I have been in the passenger seat of a co-workers modded s2000 and driven a used S2000 before i got my ride. I would've gotten one if the insurance wasnt so damn HIGH! 900 for every six months just for one car(s2000):banghead: i still want one tho
 
Originally posted by LoudMusic
Ok, in that case, what would you guys recommend for a convertible in this price range?
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If I had to recommend a convertible, these are (honestly) my recommendations:

- 1 Chrysler Sebring Limited ($30300)
- 2 BMW Z4 2.5i ($33100)
- 3 Audi TT 1.8T ($34500)

If I had your price range and wanted a convertible, the only one I'd actually buy is the Sebring - all other convertibles are just depressingly overpriced.
 
Yes... one of the S2000 downfall as stated before is... its noisy... low torque... etc... but you have to think about the upside... IT LOOK GOOD, it handles well, and it can kill at the track ;).. seen a video.. can almost hang with a M3.. it is a very fast car no doubt... even though there is some up and down side..
 
A Z4 is a very good car too.. but me... i like S2000 more... guys im hooked on that car... i would like to see Z4 vs S2000 at track.. i am almost sure the S2000 would win... on teh 1/4 the S2000 is alittle quicker i think... not by much though... around same price range, So hard to choose

ROll
 
Originally posted by rollazn
Yes... one of the S2000 downfall as stated before is... its noisy... low torque... etc... but you have to think about the upside... IT LOOK GOOD, it handles well, and it can kill at the track ;).. seen a video.. can almost hang with a M3.. it is a very fast car no doubt... even though there is some up and down side..
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lol you have to leave it in 2nd gear when crusing around town to make up for lack of low end torque ! not good for gas mileage. It can hang with a M3 on a small curciut because it's so light weight.
 
Well I don't like the looks of any BMW convertibles - the 3s are strange as convertibles, and the Z3 is way girly. The Z4 ... too much money - it would have to be a few years old, which they aren't yet, and I don't like the looks of them.

The Miata would have to be fully assed out to make me happy, and they still come across semi-girly. If they'd drop a rotor in it I'd be plenty happy.

A Mustang might be cool, but it goes the same as a Miata - it would have to be really nice and then you're either getting expensive for a Mustang, or still girly.

Someone (Doug?) said a TT didn't seem my style - CORRECT! It's an old woman's car. There are a few other Audi convertibles but I really don't see myself in any of them. Most any other European manufacturer is going to be expensive for a topless car.

For sedans ... I really like the TSX, 325, A6, RX-8, and I could even do a Mazda 6.

I rode around in a TSX this week (friend just got one). Has anyone driven one? It seems nice, kind of like a fancy Honda (imagine that!).

I guess my only solid stipulations are

  • Manual Transmission
  • Prefer N/A
  • New in the range of $30K USD +/- a few
 
Originally posted by I6-4-eva
lol you have to leave it in 2nd gear when crusing around town to make up for lack of low end torque ! not good for gas mileage. It can hang with a M3 on a small curciut because it's so light weight.
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Why are you in so much need of huge torque if you're "crusing around town"? Sounds like you're always looking for a race. Got something to prove? small penis (:
 
Originally posted by LoudMusic
I really like the TSX,
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Ick - why? It starts at $26500 for 200bhp; the Mazda 6s starts at $21200 with 220bhp, and you can't get those over $24000 - with all options it's every bit as equipped as a TSX.

325,
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Overpriced. Very 'meh.' Check out an A4 1.8T.

A6,
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Outdated! Plus, the base model (3.0) starts at $35900, and they just build from there.

RX-8,
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But you've got the money - 238bhp is a disaster when you could have 300 and all-wheel drive in the Impreza STI...
 
To put things into perspective, I guess I could order the importance of things to me.

comfort
price
quality
'fun factor'
looks
performance


The MR-S would be a great car if it weren't so FUGLY. I'd take an MR2 MKII before a new MR-S (and save major cash at the same time). And the Miata would be great as well. My family has always been "a Honda Family" so perhaps that's why I like the S2000 so much.

Also, that issue of C&D that reviewed the five roadsters reported the S2000 ahead of all of them, and that was using the 2003 S2000 and 2004 models of the rest of them. It's had a few big improvements since then which would move it even further out in front as far as a perspective purchase.
 
Originally posted by M5Power
Ick - why? It starts at $26500 for 200bhp; the Mazda 6s starts at $21200 with 220bhp, and you can't get those over $24000 - with all options it's every bit as equipped as a TSX.
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I've not spent much time with Mazda's. Perhaps that's my hesitation. Though the numbers do scream "BUY THE SIX!".

Overpriced. Very 'meh.' Check out an A4 1.8T.
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... that's what I meant. (:

But you've got the money - 238bhp is a disaster when you could have 300 and all-wheel drive in the Impreza STI... [/B]
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Again, not real comfortable with a smaller manufacturer. I need to find someone local that has an Impreza they'll let me drive around for a few hours.
 
Originally posted by LoudMusic

Again, not real comfortable with a smaller manufacturer. I need to find someone local that has an Impreza they'll let me drive around for a few hours.
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Smaller?! I'll whip out my favourite statistic again - Subaru's Outback is one of the top five most popular cars in every single city west of the Mississippi River. Billings? Yep. Seattle? Yep. Denver? Yep. Las Vegas? Yep. LA? Yep. Dallas, Houston, St Louis, Omaha, Wichita - all yep. Out here, everybody's got an Outback.

And better yet, when the $24000 227bhp WRX came out for model year 2002, Subaru's brilliant sales predictions were actually tripled (which is why the Evo and STI are sold here now).

Trust me - Subaru's here to stay. Their warranty is nice, their cars are always very reliable, and the Impreza won't be replaced for at least another five years, so resale will remain good. Trust me - if I were in your position, I'd have it.
 

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