What car would you get and why?

11Past9 · 12-16-2009, 08:03 PM

I am looking to buy a new (to me) car within the month. I have a MAX budget of $12,000 but in cash, no financing.

I have considered all of the following but would like some advice from those who may have experience (past or present) with owning or driving some of these cars. I too have driven all of them, but years apart and don't exactly remember them all so well.

I am in college, I have a Jeep that I can drive if I need to because of weather. I don't need to haul much, but I also do not have a garage either, no big deal.

I am looking for the most satisfying car overall for the price. It must be reliable, I understand certain maintenance needs to be done and I am ok with that but by no means do I want to get into a car that is going to be a handful. The car will see driving as much as possible, maybe an occassional track trip or two for fun. I want something that can with stand performance driving when I want to, and calm A to B driving when that's the job.

Here are the contenders:

2003-2004 Nissan 350z:

Pros:

They look and sound nice, handle pretty well and have a good amount of power for what it is. Rear wheel drive is a bonus too.

Cons:

Questionable reliability, I have heard of plenty of transmission problems and engine problems, people on their 2nd transmission and engine etc etc. VQ35's even early ones have had oil consumption issues and I wouldn't have one with a warranty. I can find one with fairly low mileage (50k+) for my price which would be nice

2000-2003 Honda s2000:

I love the car, I can find plenty in my price range but oil burning concerns me. They are said to be very reliable and there is no question of whether I want one or not but again I don't want to deal with engine problems that are significant if I don't have to...

2004-2005 Dodge SRT-4:

Yes it's a Neon, but it also has a great engine (tough too), tough transmission, a quaife LSD stock and responds to mods very well. It is FWD though which isn't ideal, and a lot of douche bags drive them... but it's a reliable car, fun to drive and Sport Compact cars project SRT-4 pulled a 1.01g with Mopar S2 coilovers. They are fast with bolt ons too (exhaust and WGA = low 13's)...

Acura RSX Type S:

Nicely built, look nice too but no torque, expensive to mod and get tromped by SRT-4's for a third of the modification price... Meh, I don't even know why it's on the list.

2002-2005 Subaru WRX:

I like the bugeye ones, because there is no STi version state side for it to be wannabeeing. Turbo lag sucks with the EJ20, but it handles pretty well, I love how it looks but the questionable drive train strength as well as the questionable longevity and strength of the EJ20 bothers me. Plenty are used and abused by kids doing differential crushing 5500rpm clutch dumps.

Acura Integra Type R:

Great car, scarce and cool but it's still FWD and probably going to get stolen... J/K

2004-2005 Pontiac GTO:

Cheap, reliable, surpisingly well built (Holden) and FAST with an LS1 for the 2004 and the 6.0L 400hp LS2 for 2005... I've found plenty in good condition for my price range. The Automatic transmission BLOWS however, it is often confused for a damn Grand Am or Grand Prix and...

Mazda RX-8:

No...

2006 VW GTI:

Overall good car, but questionable reliability and FWD kill it for me...

2005+ Subaru Legacy GT:

Cheap, good performer... I like the car a good deal but it is notorious for stock turbo issues which are expensive, unpredictable and there is no sollution beyond busting out $1,000 bucks for another one.

G35 Coupe 6MT:

I'd love to have one of these and I can find them in my price range with out a million miles on them but like the 350z issues I fear that the G35 will be plagued with the same.

I am open to other suggestions. Looking for help on the issue. Thanks

Labrada_Exoticz · 12-16-2009, 08:21 PM

I would get either the S2K or the 350Z.... Kinda leaning towards the S2K, I see one driving around every once in a while with a hardtop and I love it.

12-16-2009, 08:50 PM

Practicality factor, I would get the G35
for fun factor, the s2000
for the look factor, the 350z

Rawhyde · 12-16-2009, 09:15 PM

I like the GTO best from your group. Find one of the handful made with a 6 speed manual....

ZJP · 12-16-2009, 10:29 PM

S2000 hands down.

jayely1 · 12-16-2009, 10:35 PM

All depends what your looking for, your comparing apples and oranges. I had an Srt-4 and loved it!! Very fun car, but they do have tranny problems. 3rd gear sychros would wear to the point where It would just pop out of gear, happened to me so I had to get it rebuilt But there is a ton of dbag drivers. GTO would be your best bet to go with if you don't care about gas mileage id say..

b0bab0i · 12-16-2009, 11:46 PM

93-98 Supra, Non turbo ones or TT auto ones because they are cheaper.

IS300

Mini Cooper S

Schumacher · 12-17-2009, 02:40 AM

S2000 First. Lovingly built with typical Honda engine madness and precision gearbox coupled with rare RWD. Drives well.

GTi a very far away second. You cant beat the torquey engine and the way the thing drives for a Econobox.

11Past9 · 12-17-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benmoooon

93-98 Supra, Non turbo ones or TT auto ones because they are cheaper.

IS300

Mini Cooper S

Where in the hell do you find an MKIV TT that hasn't been hit by a tractor trailer for $12,000...

gonzo · 12-17-2009, 08:00 AM

IMO when you narrow down the list you need to check the insurance rates.

If you have a set budget your age can make a jump from one car to another.

I am middle aged with a good driving record and about choked when I asked GEICO my rate for an 07 Z06.

graider · 12-17-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my92

Practicality factor, I would get the G35
for fun factor, the s2000
for the look factor, the 350z

one of these three. nothing else

mtla4 · 12-17-2009, 10:23 AM

S2K
1.Good car
2.Reliable
3.Fun to drive
4.Good resale
5.Tons mods available(performance wise)

I had 2 RSX-S so far it was the car that I enjoyed the most even if it wasn't the most expensive. The Vtec sound was addictive (had a few mods). I will buy an other one down the road.

MisterSkiMask · 12-17-2009, 10:53 AM

When someone says "MAX budget" that makes me think that they mean, 'I have this much money to buy the car and make any necessary repairs for the next six months or so.' With that in mind, I would buy the GTO, or the G35 off of that list. I would lean toward the GTO with a stick (if you can find one). Both of these cars would be reliable, and the GTO would be the cheapest to repair. Both are cars that you can use every day. For a purely fun car I like the S2K, but as a DD you will eventually have to repair or replace the top, and a two seat roadster can be a bit limiting.

Scorpion · 12-17-2009, 11:17 AM

I would choose between the 350Z and the S2K, both are good looking cars. Could be modded pretty easily.

anthony @ eas · 12-17-2009, 11:22 AM

S2K

flyinb501 · 12-17-2009, 12:16 PM

WRX, G35, or GTO. Although, I'm skeptical of the condition on some of those cars for that price range...

Muffnbluff · 12-17-2009, 12:23 PM

You can get a 2005+ Subaru Legacy GT for 12k?!?

I don't know why you'd be worried about turbos for that car, you can buy a used VF39 from an old STi for about $300-350 and have a 300whp grocery getter.

MassBimmer · 12-17-2009, 01:41 PM

G35 is a jack of all trades and very well built

11Past9 · 12-17-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

G35 is a jack of all trades and very well built

and has transmission, engine failure problems, oil leaking into spark plug holes and oil consumption issues...

b0bab0i · 12-17-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Past9

Where in the hell do you find an MKIV TT that hasn't been hit by a tractor trailer for $12,000...

i said MKIV TT AUTO

http://www.supraforums.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=566099

Kream · 12-17-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Past9

and has transmission, engine failure problems, oil leaking into spark plug holes and oil consumption issues...

If you do regular maintenance on the VQ motor it will last you a long time. I own a G37 and I'm very active in the Central Texas VQ club. We have guys with pre-HR motors with 120k+ miles. I've yet heard anyone in the club with engine failure other than the guys that boost without proper tuning.

tke344 · 12-17-2009, 04:03 PM

The oil consumption on the G35/350z are pretty limited to the rev-up motors of 05(?) - 07' 6spd manual, and most of the cars with the issue were fixed under warranty. I own an 06' but with an automatic, my car was affected by a common tranny problem. The valve body was defective and replaced under warranty, it's been fine ever since. Obviously not something that you would need to worry about with a manual. Used, I think it's a good value. I'd go with the s2k if you can fit and don't need the back seat though.

12-16-2009, 08:03 PM	#1
11Past9 First Lieutenant 187 Rep 307 Posts Drives: A stolen one Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: U.S.A. iTrader: (0)	What car would you get and why? I am looking to buy a new (to me) car within the month. I have a MAX budget of $12,000 but in cash, no financing. I have considered all of the following but would like some advice from those who may have experience (past or present) with owning or driving some of these cars. I too have driven all of them, but years apart and don't exactly remember them all so well. I am in college, I have a Jeep that I can drive if I need to because of weather. I don't need to haul much, but I also do not have a garage either, no big deal. I am looking for the most satisfying car overall for the price. It must be reliable, I understand certain maintenance needs to be done and I am ok with that but by no means do I want to get into a car that is going to be a handful. The car will see driving as much as possible, maybe an occassional track trip or two for fun. I want something that can with stand performance driving when I want to, and calm A to B driving when that's the job. Here are the contenders: 2003-2004 Nissan 350z: Pros: They look and sound nice, handle pretty well and have a good amount of power for what it is. Rear wheel drive is a bonus too. Cons: Questionable reliability, I have heard of plenty of transmission problems and engine problems, people on their 2nd transmission and engine etc etc. VQ35's even early ones have had oil consumption issues and I wouldn't have one with a warranty. I can find one with fairly low mileage (50k+) for my price which would be nice 2000-2003 Honda s2000: I love the car, I can find plenty in my price range but oil burning concerns me. They are said to be very reliable and there is no question of whether I want one or not but again I don't want to deal with engine problems that are significant if I don't have to... 2004-2005 Dodge SRT-4: Yes it's a Neon, but it also has a great engine (tough too), tough transmission, a quaife LSD stock and responds to mods very well. It is FWD though which isn't ideal, and a lot of douche bags drive them... but it's a reliable car, fun to drive and Sport Compact cars project SRT-4 pulled a 1.01g with Mopar S2 coilovers. They are fast with bolt ons too (exhaust and WGA = low 13's)... Acura RSX Type S: Nicely built, look nice too but no torque, expensive to mod and get tromped by SRT-4's for a third of the modification price... Meh, I don't even know why it's on the list. 2002-2005 Subaru WRX: I like the bugeye ones, because there is no STi version state side for it to be wannabeeing. Turbo lag sucks with the EJ20, but it handles pretty well, I love how it looks but the questionable drive train strength as well as the questionable longevity and strength of the EJ20 bothers me. Plenty are used and abused by kids doing differential crushing 5500rpm clutch dumps. Acura Integra Type R: Great car, scarce and cool but it's still FWD and probably going to get stolen... J/K 2004-2005 Pontiac GTO: Cheap, reliable, surpisingly well built (Holden) and FAST with an LS1 for the 2004 and the 6.0L 400hp LS2 for 2005... I've found plenty in good condition for my price range. The Automatic transmission BLOWS however, it is often confused for a damn Grand Am or Grand Prix and... Mazda RX-8: No... 2006 VW GTI: Overall good car, but questionable reliability and FWD kill it for me... 2005+ Subaru Legacy GT: Cheap, good performer... I like the car a good deal but it is notorious for stock turbo issues which are expensive, unpredictable and there is no sollution beyond busting out $1,000 bucks for another one. G35 Coupe 6MT: I'd love to have one of these and I can find them in my price range with out a million miles on them but like the 350z issues I fear that the G35 will be plagued with the same. I am open to other suggestions. Looking for help on the issue. Thanks __________________ gentle now the tender breeze blows, whispers through my Gran Torino, whistling another tired song, engine humms and bitter dreams grow, heart locked in a Gran Torino, it beats a lonely rhythm all night long
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12-16-2009, 08:21 PM	#2
Labrada_Exoticz Subscribed 124 Rep 1,179 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miami iTrader: (4)	I would get either the S2K or the 350Z.... Kinda leaning towards the S2K, I see one driving around every once in a while with a hardtop and I love it.
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12-16-2009, 08:50 PM	#3
my92 Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	Practicality factor, I would get the G35 for fun factor, the s2000 for the look factor, the 350z
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12-16-2009, 09:15 PM	#4
Rawhyde Private First Class 4 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2005 MINI Cooper S JCW Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Georgia iTrader: (0)	I like the GTO best from your group. Find one of the handful made with a 6 speed manual....
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12-16-2009, 10:29 PM	#5
ZJP Lieutenant Colonel 125 Rep 1,759 Posts Drives: F10 535xi / B6 S4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: LI, NY iTrader: (7)	S2000 hands down.
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12-16-2009, 10:35 PM	#6
jayely1 Colonel 223 Rep 2,076 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New Mexico/Illinois iTrader: (1)	All depends what your looking for, your comparing apples and oranges. I had an Srt-4 and loved it!! Very fun car, but they do have tranny problems. 3rd gear sychros would wear to the point where It would just pop out of gear, happened to me so I had to get it rebuilt But there is a ton of dbag drivers. GTO would be your best bet to go with if you don't care about gas mileage id say..
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12-16-2009, 11:46 PM	#7
b0bab0i Major 24 Rep 1,033 Posts Drives: 03 TiAG z4 3.0i w/ hardtop Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	93-98 Supra, Non turbo ones or TT auto ones because they are cheaper. IS300 Mini Cooper S
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12-17-2009, 02:40 AM	#8
Schumacher Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 219 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: A Box iTrader: (0)	S2000 First. Lovingly built with typical Honda engine madness and precision gearbox coupled with rare RWD. Drives well. GTi a very far away second. You cant beat the torquey engine and the way the thing drives for a Econobox.
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12-17-2009, 08:00 AM	#10
gonzo Lieutenant General 10202 Rep 14,398 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	IMO when you narrow down the list you need to check the insurance rates. If you have a set budget your age can make a jump from one car to another. I am middle aged with a good driving record and about choked when I asked GEICO my rate for an 07 Z06. __________________ Crazy Diamond
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12-17-2009, 10:53 AM	#13
MisterSkiMask Banned 147 Rep 2,014 Posts Drives: I Can not say Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: you must not know iTrader: (0)	When someone says "MAX budget" that makes me think that they mean, 'I have this much money to buy the car and make any necessary repairs for the next six months or so.' With that in mind, I would buy the GTO, or the G35 off of that list. I would lean toward the GTO with a stick (if you can find one). Both of these cars would be reliable, and the GTO would be the cheapest to repair. Both are cars that you can use every day. For a purely fun car I like the S2K, but as a DD you will eventually have to repair or replace the top, and a two seat roadster can be a bit limiting.
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12-17-2009, 11:17 AM	#14
Scorpion Major 162 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: Nothing Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nowhere iTrader: (0)	I would choose between the 350Z and the S2K, both are good looking cars. Could be modded pretty easily.
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12-17-2009, 11:22 AM	#15
anthony @ eas 309 Rep 3,635 Posts Drives: R56 Cooper S Join Date: May 2009 Location: 4015 E Leaverton Court, Anahiem, CA 92807 iTrader: (0)	S2K
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12-17-2009, 12:16 PM	#16
flyinb501 Captain 72 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (1)	WRX, G35, or GTO. Although, I'm skeptical of the condition on some of those cars for that price range...
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12-17-2009, 12:23 PM	#17
Muffnbluff Redline Addict 21 Rep 783 Posts Drives: '14 BMW 335 xdrive Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	You can get a 2005+ Subaru Legacy GT for 12k?!? I don't know why you'd be worried about turbos for that car, you can buy a used VF39 from an old STi for about $300-350 and have a 300whp grocery getter.
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12-17-2009, 01:41 PM	#18
MassBimmer Major General 306 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW [9.24]	G35 is a jack of all trades and very well built
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12-17-2009, 04:03 PM	#22
tke344 Lieutenant 38 Rep 463 Posts Drives: f15 X5 50i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (1)	The oil consumption on the G35/350z are pretty limited to the rev-up motors of 05(?) - 07' 6spd manual, and most of the cars with the issue were fixed under warranty. I own an 06' but with an automatic, my car was affected by a common tranny problem. The valve body was defective and replaced under warranty, it's been fine ever since. Obviously not something that you would need to worry about with a manual. Used, I think it's a good value. I'd go with the s2k if you can fit and don't need the back seat though.
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