YSSMAN's Secret Invasion

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Bones Brigade
One thing to note, that I think may be worth noting, is that often, or at least sometimes, owners of hot family sedans like the S60R or even the Mazdaspeed 6, are owned by people who bought them because they were the top tier model. They weren't bought to be hooned, just bought to be someone's weird status symbol. If you can go private party, look for the sellers in the late 40's with full beards and I'm sure you'll be fine.
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Quite true. It's why over here you see stuff like 80-year old women driving around in a Focus RS or something, because they'll have been driving a small family Ford their whole life, Cortinas, then Escorts, then Foci, and go for the most expensive model regardless of what it is.
 
My insurance company, at least, will apparently charge more for anything with two doors than four or five. This can get surprising, as the rate for a 4 cylinder Accord Coupe is more than that for a BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G sedan, Subaru Legacy GT or Mazdaspeed 6. An Acura TSX is fairly inexpensive however. It looks like they've decide to price cars like the RSX-S and Supra nearly out of existence. I didn't ask for a quote on a Nissan Z or Infiniti G coupe. I wonder what those are.
 
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Buying a newer Saab 9-3 would be an awful idea, unless your hobby is replacing turbochargers every weekend. I have not met a single owner who hasn't had at least one replaced.

That's the kind of car you should be aiming for though. It's upscale, reasonably priced, but not too crazy. Somebody mentioned the RX8 and I originally disagreed with them, but the cars do have a great presence on the road and get a lot of attention for their style, I'm just concerned that its complete lack of efficiency will put a damper on your plans. Mazda 6s, especially Speed 6s, are great cars. I'd personally love to own a Speed 6, and my local dealer has one for sale actually, but it's got a few miles. Look at that price!

Still though, Mazda doesn't strike me as a car brand worth aspiring to. I like their stuff, don't get me wrong, but I don't want to be relegated to Mazdas for the rest of my life. One of these days I want to be driving Lexuses and BMWs. When I've finally got jobs lined up where I can afford what I actually want then this here RX7, or whatever I have, will be relegated to garage project status.

What's the nature of this "money" you've run into? Job promotion? Career advancement? Lottery?

Is this out of your price range?
 
Brad, just buy my TL out next year. You'll look grown up to some whilst still being able to hoon around. :p
Sertsa
My insurance company, at least, will apparently charge more for anything with two doors than four or five. This can get surprising, as the rate for a 4 cylinder Accord Coupe is less than that for a BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G sedan, Subaru Legacy GT or Mazdaspeed 6. An Acura TSX is fairly inexpensive however. It looks like they've decide to price cars like the RSX-S and Supra nearly out of existence. I didn't ask for a quote on a Nissan Z or Infiniti G coupe. I wonder what those are.
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Insurance companies never cease to amaze me, with the way they regard anything being a 2-door coupe as something that must be fast or sporty.
 
Yeah, my 08 Civic Si Sedan's insurance is like $10/mo more than my '99 Grand Am GT Coupe's was. I'm sure the Si Coupe's would've been higher.

Also, due to a recent circumstance with a friend cracking a ringland on his 08 STI, and the dealers not wanting to cover it, I would avoid any 07+ turbo Subaru.
 
Keef
Still though, Mazda doesn't strike me as a car brand worth aspiring to. I like their stuff, don't get me wrong, but I don't want to be relegated to Mazdas for the rest of my life. One of these days I want to be driving Lexuses and BMWs. When I've finally got jobs lined up where I can afford what I actually want then this here RX7, or whatever I have, will be relegated to garage project status.

What's the nature of this "money" you've run into? Job promotion? Career advancement? Lottery?

Is this out of your price range?
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In my opinion, the key to being a great car is that when you drive it, you don't care what someone else has or what other people think about you. You just giggle on the way to the grocery store.

Mazdas do that for a lot of people. Why? I really think it comes down to weight. Mazdas tend to be lighter than the competition, and at the very least, they feel lighter.

Do you know what sucks? Going way above the speed limit yet thinking/feeling like you're going 55mph. Being a quick car and feeling like a quick car are 2 different things. The original M3 is a slow car, it'll get its doors blown off by a Camry. However, it feels really-really quick and makes all the right noises to make driving an experience instead of a mode of transportation.

3-4yrs down the road, the electronic gadgets & prestige of the badge will wear off as something newer, more techy, and more prestigious will be on the roads. This is why leasing is appealing to a lot of people. Honeymoons never last long as what was new & exciting is now yesterday's news.

How do you combat this? You need a nympho of a car. Something a bit bonkers, something with character, and something that stands out of a crowd. Vintage cars are great for a weekend romp or to spice up a commute. Winter? Forget it. Get a beater w/a heater - a car that if you get in an accident, you win regardless of fault. Beater cars are great, especially if they're parked in a garage next to some 60's Detroit iron or a pre-smog 911.

But if you're looking to only own 1-car; test drive an RX-8 before you do anything else. You'll either get all gitty and start shopping for track-day tires or hate everything about it w/a passion and think it's an utter turd. From there, you can make a better decision in what you'd like; sporty, agile, fun vs. stump pulling torque & V8 noises vs. upscale (heavier) sports sedans.

Like the way the RX-8 drives but don't like the looks & interior: 3-Series
Hate the way the RX-8 drives, looks, and the lack of power: Hello American V8!
Like everything about the RX-8 but worried about that engine: S2K/Miata
Can't wait to sign the paperwork on the RX-8: welcome to the club
 
Just my $.02:

GLI/GTI: If you plan on keeping the car a while, try and pick up a late model one. You can get cars with low miles for $20k, and that'll give you 90k miles of warranty covered driving. By 2008/2009, I'm sure VW would have had a lot of the issues worked out with these. Plus, a $800 chip will get you 300 lb-ft of torque on race gas, and 230 on pump gas. I still think that mine is a near perfect car, reliability aside. Also, it's been a whole 5000 miles since the last thing on my car went wrong. Now I have a headlight out.

LGT/OBXT: My parents were looking at one, and the advice from the Subie dealer that I worked at is that these eat through turbos. There's something on them that blows the turbo after ~70k miles. Fun cars other than that though.

IS300: Awesome car, but finding one that isn't beat up will probably be hard. A lot of kids will have bought the manual ones up, and I have heard that they have some rear suspension issues or something. It would be worth looking up stuff on this car before buying.

WRX: Could you afford a hawkeye one? Those will probably have fewer miles on them... And I'm sure you could find one that hasn't been beat on by some kid.

E46 M3: Might be worth looking at. I don't know that much about it, or what kind of shape they'd be in at your price range, but they are really awesome cars. Although I think you'd look ridiculous rolling up to college in one of these.

These sorts of cars are what I've been keeping my eye on for the last while. I'll be interested to see what you come up with.
 
I'm surprised by how much image-consciousness there is here. Certainly, I knew it existed, I see it every day, but maybe it's just that some of you are more likely to admit it. Of course, this is a great deal why nearly all the BMWs at the closest dealer to me are automatics, which runs counter to the "ultimate driving machine" idea, and why nearly all Lexuses are so detached feeling.

Maybe it's just that I've always looked to find unique, fun cars that I like driving and taking along a back road for a little speed therapy to reduce the clutter of daily life.

I'm in the position and stage where I'm generally expected to have a BMW or Lexus, but I have trouble seeing myself getting one. I am seriously considering a BMW, but that's because I drove one and was surprised by how good it really is. But the long term costs (especially given the climate where I live), lack of a spare tire and a dipstick bother me (I can't imagine calling a tow truck because I have a flat tire). It's also fun to see the look on people's faces if I tell them I'm cross-shopping BMW, Infiniti and Mazda. Then add I'm also watching for non-abused Preludes or Integras, especially since the tests of recent Acuras and Subarus didn't go as well as I had hoped.

And, if it matters to anyone, BMWs, Audis, Lexuses or other luxury brands are not all that exclusive. There are so many of them in the parking garage I use while at work, in fact, that I wonder how people can figure out which car is theirs (especially those with a silver 335i). The most unique cars I've regularly seen in there are probably the DB9, RX-8 and a bright orange Mazda 6. Well, and my car. But I'm biased.

But back to your regularly scheduled thread.

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Edit / add: Phiily - From what I understand, a lot of the Legacy GTs use a "banjo bolt" oil filter which can get clogged, starve the turbo of oil and then destroy it. The turbo can then pretty much take out the engine. Besides that, the turbo on the car is fairly high pressure, increasing the wear. Speaking of this, I was wondering the other day if there is even such a thing as a very high milage turbo engine?
 
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Keef
Mazda 6s, especially Speed 6s, are great cars. I'd personally love to own a Speed 6, and my local dealer has one for sale actually, but it's got a few miles. Look at that price!
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That is stupid-cheap. Holy cow. I've heard both good and bad things about the MS6, and I'd love to have one. The kind of car that no one knows about, but those who do, it's pretty awesome. I just never see too many of them rolling around. I can't imagine parts are too affordable either. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled at some of the dealers.

Keef
What's the nature of this "money" you've run into? Job promotion? Career advancement? Lottery?
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I managed to grab an open spot in our store after a manager stepped down, now I'm officially a part of the "Middle Class." I'm just short of doubling my income while also working fewer hours. So, enough to be more than comfortable, even after I get my apartment in the spring and continue to pay for school.


[RE: Image and So On]

It's not a primary goal to be a cock with an Audi or BMW, because that's not what I want to be. I want to own a nice car because it's nice, it drives well, and shows that I know a thing or two about what's out there in the market. Those of you who know my postings over the years know that I love nonsense cars. Especially nonsense mid-size sedans that were loved by no one. The Volkswagen Passat W8 is a prime example. As well as the Saab 9-3 TurboX. Or the Nissan Altima SE-R (Hey! There's an idea!). I love cars that are unique in their own way, but there should also be a point to it. Saying that I've got some kind of special car that neither looks/drives/feels special, well, it just does nothing for me.



What really sucks is that we're on the teetering edge of winter here in Michigan. Car shopping is going to go to pot in less than a month. I'm not dying to get anything too soon, after all, things might be more expensive than I expect after getting my own place. I'm dead-set on paying off the Celica before Christmas, that's for sure. I'm ready to sell it to my friend if he has the cash. After that, it's all up in the air.


Although, my Grandpa said the other day he wants to sell me his '89 Prelude Si. It's almost too nice to let go, frankly.
 
Get a Mustang. It fits your 3-part criteria the best and you'll grow to love it :D

+The street presence on a Mustang is completely unmatched by anything in this price range. Camaros have weaker aftermarket support, which will effect upkeep costs.

- Driving pleasure leaves much to be desired in the corners. If you want to enjoy the car, find a freeway on-ramp and floor it until you chicken out.

Also: You get an old car! It's refreshing

Cavernous trunk, loads of space inside, six windows to play with on a two door car, and you have a little pedal next to the clutch that can operate the windscreen wipers and right below that is a little button to activate the high-beams. It's SO COOOOL!

I can't recommend it any higher. It's by far my favorite car I've ever driven/owned.

EDIT: Insurance was the same price as a Camry
 
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Keef
Buying a newer Saab 9-3 would be an awful idea, unless your hobby is replacing turbochargers every weekend. I have not met a single owner who hasn't had at least one replaced.
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*cough*

Key is oil changes. Every 5,000km and you're fine.
 
Eric.
The C5 Vette idea crossed my mind when I made the last GTO post, but seeing as YSSMAN had said he didn't want one in the OP I didn't mention it. Also, practicality sucks. And I think getting a V6 Camaro would be a bad decision. And it seems more of a midlife crisis car to me. I've actually yet to see a young male driving one. All older guys or high school girls.
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Zenith013
Get a Mustang. It fits your 3-part criteria the best and you'll grow to love it :D

+The street presence on a Mustang is completely unmatched by anything in this price range. Camaros have weaker aftermarket support, which will effect upkeep costs.
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You've got something mixed up here, how can a brand new car with a brand new engine to this model year have more aftermarket support than a car that's a couple years old and has engines that have been around even longer?
 
How about a Altima SER? It's more "I'm boring and average but like to have fun." But it might be worth a look.
 
I'm very interested in the Altima SE-R, if I can find one. Prices seem to be coming down a bit, and it's well known how much of a gem that VQ is. I do occasionally wonder though if jumping up to a Maxima SE would almost be a better deal. I'm not sure. We had a 2003 Altima S for a short while, the same generation as the SE-R, and it wasn't bad. It just wasn't that good.

I've done some reading on the Mazdaspeed 6 as well, and I have to admit that I'm a little hesitant. A lot of the reviews on Edmunds, and a lot of talk on the Mazda 6 forums suggest that there are issues with differentials, clutches, turbos and ECU programing. That doesn't sound cheap if things go wrong.
 
If you like the 6 how about going one step down from the MS6? Don't you guys get a V6 with a manual 'box?
 
I'm pretty sure the 6s was slushbox only, and if he was going to get an I4 he would be much better off getting an Acura TSX. The only car that I know that you can get the V6 version with a manual is the Accord. You can't even get the Passat V6 with a manual anymore.
 
Toronado
I'm pretty sure the 6s was slushbox only, and if he was going to get an I4 he would be much better off getting an Acura TSX. The only car that I know that you can get the V6 version with a manual is the Accord. You can't even get the Passat V6 with a manual anymore.
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Bones Brigade
The 6s was available with a manual for the first 1 or two years.
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6s (the V6) was available with a manual transmission through 2007 if I'm not mistaken. Automatic 6ses went from a 5-speed to a 6-speed in 2005, 4cyl autos went from a 4-speed to a 5-speed in 2006.
 
There we go then. A 6 V6 manual. Looks fantastic, probably goes fairly well, handles very well and more than likely sounds okay too.
 
With the amount of snow they get on that side of the state I'd have to imagine a Miata, even with snow tires, would struggle during the winter.
 
Which is why in my scenario he bought a Mazda6 and used the extra money to get the Miata as a fun car.
 
homeforsummer
There we go then. A 6 V6 manual. Looks fantastic, probably goes fairly well, handles very well and more than likely sounds okay too.
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They sound okay in stock form... 20 minutes with a socket set and screw driver later they sound awesome. Thank you Mazda for making your intake silencing solution easily removable.

The V6s are very solid cars, if you plan on keeping it long enough to hit 90k+ miles look for an '06+ though, they revised the manifolds and cat placement a bit and it seems to have generally cured the older cars' problems with cat failure (which likes to result in blown motors). Then again, there's also people who hit 200k miles on the OEM cats in an '03-5 without issue.

Edit: Also, as far as snow use goes... The 6 should definitely suffice, haven't had any issue here with getting around in the snow. Traction control likes to be a bit of a pain but there's an off button that most definitely means off.
 
Meh, the snow isn't that bad here. I mean, yeah, it is. But, not that bad. My neighbor drives his GTO year 'round. The guy down the street has a NB he pilots through the snow as well. Be safe, use snow tires, and you'll get there. That's why I'm buying a set of Blizzaks for the Celica this year.


If I have some time, I'm thinking I'm going to check out a Juke on Friday. One of the local dealers has a SV with the AWD setup. If we're lucky, they'll toss the same incentives on it like they are with the Rogue right now.
 
You don't want a Mazda. Cool people don't drive Mazda's. Especially re the MX-5/Miata, what's the point of a soft top when you can only use it a few months of the year.
 

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