Help me pick my next car/decision!

[xAMD4Lifex]

I'm looking around for a car after saving at a very young age. I drive a 91 Civic right now so this is going to be quite an upgrade for me... I have narrowed my choices down to the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra, and Acura NSX. They are all more or less around the same price ($30,000) and are all outstanding cars. Just wanted to see what you guys have to say about the cars listed. (I realize that the Skyline is going to have to be registered, but I can get it done for $3000).

OR

I can just save my money and put it into some long term (short term possibly) security and let the money accumulate while I'm in college and hope that I get something back in the end. I kind of don't want to go this route as you're only young once but if this is going to be ALOT more beneficial for me, I rather have more money to spend once I'm done with school. What would you guys do?!?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

None of the above, you sound young and like you can't even afford it

If you have the money, you probably wouldn't be asking in this way. I suppose if the money just fell into your hands... well, that's a different story if your parents gave it or something.

First, insurance will be insane, don't bother with any.
Second, I'm a huge NSX fan and will tell you to not bother - when something breaks, it'll cost a lot to repair. Yeah, it's a Honda, it'll take a while, but when stuff needs work, it won't be cheap.
Supra - don't waste your time on this either, the MKIV TT's are hard to come by, especially one that hasn't been modded to hell and back, you're too late to join the bandwagon.
Skyline - oh please, have you thought about it at all? Finding parts won't be the easiest thing and so you'll probably be ordering overseas all the time.

Basically, forget it. If you want a car in that price range, look at the Evo's, STI's, etc. or even the WRX with room for modding.

I've been there, done that, like many AT'ers, driven cars ranging from a Civic Si to M5's, 996 911's, Evo's, STi's, Vettes, M3's, whatever. I'll say that if you really do have the cash, look at Evo's and STi's and don't think twice.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

By the way, having 10 posts, the default avatar, and a username that sounds like a fanboy, etc. doesn't help with your credibility... or lack of credibility...

 

[foghorn67]

agaboogaboo speaks the truth.

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

I'll make sure to change my avatar. I have just been saving for quite some time and received some amounts for graduating highschool, b-days, etc. My parents are going to cover my insurance (I'm with State Farm on their "Good Driver's list") so my insurance isn't going to skyrocket until I get a ticket or an accident. I've been thinking about Evo's and have driven quite a few, but they just don't seem to do it for me. The interior is very plain and the reliability of the 4G63's aren't so high. Yes, there aren't any stories of Evo's breaking down but they started coming out in 2003. I say give it a few more years before many people start ranting about their quality.

I was thinking about an E46 M3 as well, but there seem to be problems associated with those that are manufactored before 2003.5. Btw, what car do you drive now? Must have been nice to have multiples of each (M5, Evo, 911, M3, STI, etc.).

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Just buy yourself a bag of rice and pocket the rest.

EDIT for serious answer:

If you have enough for a 30k car and you're not hurting for some serious transportation, you might as well save and invest a good amount of that money and buy yourself some toys to hold you over. It'll be a much better decision.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

By the way, sorry if I burst your bubble or something... you sound young and I really didn't mean to kill the excitement

It never hurts to look around at cars and maybe test drive whatever you want to, but let's be realistic for the time being heh. If you do have the cash, stash it away for the future or even just for other hobbies, you might find new things you wish you had cash for.

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

I sort of run a small business with my dad so I make a large enough portion to be able to keep up with maintenance and such.

Don't worry about your comment, you just introduced alternative ways that I should consider before dropping money on something so expensive.

I've driven my fair share of cars. Modded S2000's, 350z's, RSX's, Evo's, Civic's, and some stock ones as well but I haven't gotten the feeling of attachment to any of the cars listed. I just don't know what to do and being a conservative spender all my life, I think that it's time to live it up!

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

Originally posted by: xSkyDrAx
Just buy yourself a bag of rice and pocket the rest.

EDIT for serious answer:

If you have enough for a 30k car and you're not hurting for some serious transportation, you might as well save and invest a good amount of that money and buy yourself some toys to hold you over. It'll be a much better decision.

Toys as in motorcycles? Just wondering what you meant.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: xAMD4Lifex
I'll make sure to change my avatar. I have just been saving for quite some time and received some amounts for graduating highschool, b-days, etc. My parents are going to cover my insurance (I'm with State Farm on their "Good Driver's list") so my insurance isn't going to skyrocket until I get a ticket or an accident. I've been thinking about Evo's and have driven quite a few, but they just don't seem to do it for me. The interior is very plain and the reliability of the 4G63's aren't so high. Yes, there aren't any stories of Evo's breaking down but they started coming out in 2003. I say give it a few more years before many people start ranting about their quality.

I was thinking about an E46 M3 as well, but there seem to be problems associated with those that are manufactored before 2003.5. Btw, what car do you drive now? Must have been nice to have multiples of each (M5, Evo, 911, M3, STI, etc.).

Ok, since we're talking specifics now, I'll give you my more detailed thoughts.

I drove an NSX and it doesn't have nearly the rush and excitement as an Evo, IMO. The NSX is a simple 6 banger mid engine design, that in itself is pretty neat, but acceleration is pretty linear and best used on a track. The Evo has a turbo... I really shouldn't need to say more, but it's almost like a normal 4 banger in an accord or something till you hit 3500 rpm or so, at which point it turns into a beast and you're put into a completely different world. If you want to do *any* modding at all and/or get more power out of the cars, the NSX will be hard to modify because of its design apart from the pointless I/H/E upgrades. The Evo OTOH, will see many improvements from ECU tuning, swapping out parts to increase boost, etc.

M3 - Too many electronics and I don't like the handling of it. When it goes in reverse, the side mirrors move around or something to make it easier to see. I don't want all that pointless stuff, just asking for more stuff to go wrong. Upkeep and maintenence of an M3 will be even higher than any of these other cars.

What car do I drive now? 91 Accord LX, and so I'm in a somewhat similar situation. I definitely plan on keeping it too, it's a great car not to mention it was given to me for *free*. Before coming on AT I was actually cleaning the car, started around 1AM or so and spent an hour and half on the interior. I do this every few months.

Here's my almost-full list of cars I've driven so far on test drives:
Mercedes C55 AMG - Auto
Infiniti G35 Coupe - 6 Speed Manual
Lexus IS300 - Auto
BMW M3 - SMG & 6 Speed Manual
BMW M5 - 6 Speed Manual
Honda S2000 - 6 Speed Manual
Roush Mustang GT - 5 Speed Manual
Toyota MR2 Spyder - 5 Speed Manual
Acura NSX - 6 Speed Manual
Porsche 996 911 - 6 Speed Manual
Audi S4 - 6 Speed Manual
Chevy C5 Corvette - 6 Speed Manual
Chevy C6 Corvette - 6 Speed Manual
Volvo S60R - Auto
Subaru WRX STi - 6 Speed Manual
Mitsubishi Evo - 6 Speed Manual
Lexus IS350 - 6 Speed Automatic
Pontiac GTO - 6 Speed Manual
07 Civic Si - 6 Speed Manual
06 VW GTi - 6 Speed Manual

I did most of thoes a year or two ago, with a second attempt at the Evo last week and hopefully another with the STi tomorrow or the day after.

What I like about the Evo and STi so much is that they're fun to drive and are AWD. You know that feeling when you're going down a huge drop on a rollercoaster? Well, that's what it feels like the whole time you drive these cars, there's a ton of power above 2500-3000 rpm, just push the pedal to the floor and as you cross 2500 rpm or whatever, you're tossed into the back of your seat and have tons of room for speed.

I don't have the whole "boy racer" attitude or whatever, but I do like to have fun on a car and so when I can afford one of these cars, I'll buy it. I'll be at tracks and such for sure.

The only other car I've thought about is a Porsche 944 because of their handling and what I hear about them, but haven't actually driven one yet.

What cars have you driven and in what situations? Incase someone let you drive their Evo but you didn't feel the rush of power I'm describing, then you need to try it again.

Just for the record: The last time I posted about my experiences driving the Porsche 911, most AT'ers called me out on it and so I offered for any of them to call up the salesman I was working with and confirm this, however no one took me up on this.

 

[chuckywang]

How exactly are you gonna import a Nissan Skyline?

 

[foghorn67]

Ever seriously wrenched a car? Or would you take it to a shop for most work? Serious question...

 

[IGBT]

..put the money into a 401k and retire early.

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo

Originally posted by: xAMD4Lifex
I'll make sure to change my avatar. I have just been saving for quite some time and received some amounts for graduating highschool, b-days, etc. My parents are going to cover my insurance (I'm with State Farm on their "Good Driver's list") so my insurance isn't going to skyrocket until I get a ticket or an accident. I've been thinking about Evo's and have driven quite a few, but they just don't seem to do it for me. The interior is very plain and the reliability of the 4G63's aren't so high. Yes, there aren't any stories of Evo's breaking down but they started coming out in 2003. I say give it a few more years before many people start ranting about their quality.

I was thinking about an E46 M3 as well, but there seem to be problems associated with those that are manufactored before 2003.5. Btw, what car do you drive now? Must have been nice to have multiples of each (M5, Evo, 911, M3, STI, etc.).

Ok, since we're talking specifics now, I'll give you my more detailed thoughts.

I drove an NSX and it doesn't have nearly the rush and excitement as an Evo, IMO. The NSX is a simple 6 banger mid engine design, that in itself is pretty neat, but acceleration is pretty linear and best used on a track. The Evo has a turbo... I really shouldn't need to say more, but it's almost like a normal 4 banger in an accord or something till you hit 3500 rpm or so, at which point it turns into a beast and you're put into a completely different world. If you want to do *any* modding at all and/or get more power out of the cars, the NSX will be hard to modify because of its design apart from the pointless I/H/E upgrades. The Evo OTOH, will see many improvements from ECU tuning, swapping out parts to increase boost, etc.

M3 - Too many electronics and I don't like the handling of it. When it goes in reverse, the side mirrors move around or something to make it easier to see. I don't want all that pointless stuff, just asking for more stuff to go wrong. Upkeep and maintenence of an M3 will be even higher than any of these other cars.

What car do I drive now? 91 Accord LX, and so I'm in a somewhat similar situation. I definitely plan on keeping it too, it's a great car not to mention it was given to me for *free*. Before coming on AT I was actually cleaning the car, started around 1AM or so and spent an hour and half on the interior. I do this every few months.

Here's my almost-full list of cars I've driven so far on test drives:
Mercedes C55 AMG - Auto
Infiniti G35 Coupe - 6 Speed Manual
Lexus IS300 - Auto
BMW M3 - SMG & 6 Speed Manual
BMW M5 - 6 Speed Manual
Honda S2000 - 6 Speed Manual
Roush Mustang GT - 5 Speed Manual
Toyota MR2 Spyder - 5 Speed Manual
Acura NSX - 6 Speed Manual
Porsche 996 911 - 6 Speed Manual
Audi S4 - 6 Speed Manual
Chevy C5 Corvette - 6 Speed Manual
Chevy C6 Corvette - 6 Speed Manual
Volvo S60R - Auto
Subaru WRX STi - 6 Speed Manual
Mitsubishi Evo - 6 Speed Manual
Lexus IS350 - 6 Speed Automatic
Pontiac GTO - 6 Speed Manual
07 Civic Si - 6 Speed Manual
06 VW GTi - 6 Speed Manual

I did most of thoes a year or two ago, with a second attempt at the Evo last week and hopefully another with the STi tomorrow or the day after.

What I like about the Evo and STi so much is that they're fun to drive and are AWD. You know that feeling when you're going down a huge drop on a rollercoaster? Well, that's what it feels like the whole time you drive these cars, there's a ton of power above 2500-3000 rpm, just push the pedal to the floor and as you cross 2500 rpm or whatever, you're tossed into the back of your seat and have tons of room for speed.

I don't have the whole "boy racer" attitude or whatever, but I do like to have fun on a car and so when I can afford one of these cars, I'll buy it. I'll be at tracks and such for sure.

The only other car I've thought about is a Porsche 944 because of their handling and what I hear about them, but haven't actually driven one yet.

What cars have you driven and in what situations? Incase someone let you drive their Evo but you didn't feel the rush of power I'm describing, then you need to try it again.

Just for the record: The last time I posted about my experiences driving the Porsche 911, most AT'ers called me out on it and so I offered for any of them to call up the salesman I was working with and confirm this, however no one took me up on this.

I thought you had owned all of the cars that you listed in the post right after the origional :Q . Thanks for the very detailed post. As for people not believing that you have driven a 911... That's ridiculous.

I drove all of these cars for a good amount of time; long enough to get on it through the first few gears. The Evo that I drove is an 11 second car (not much to get there... All bolt ons, EBC, and a Vishnu tune). The car pulls like there is no tomorrow in first and second, and brings a grin onto my face but that is what any turbo'd car should do.

I forgot to list that I have driven a 300ZX TT with bolt ons and a EBC and wow..., that thing hauled with the rear end sliding out. Turbo'd cars are fun for a limited amount of time. I know that after a month or two I'll be used to the power, and will want to get more out of the car, leading me to purchase more parts. Well, on a turbo'd car, parts need to work coherently so upgrading the turbo means that I have to upgrade the injectors, fuel pump, and at least get a tune. This "supposed to be $1500 upgrade (for a GT35R or something)" is now a $2500 upgrade. Not to mention, if I was to get the car street tuned, I would have to purchase a wideband and EGT gauge to keep an eye on how the engine is doing internally. For this reason, I mostly wanted the NSX since the only F/I done on this car is a supercharger. Well, Comptech just shut down so the prices are going to be sky rocketing. What about the N/A route? I/H/E is BALLS expensive...

Whatever car I get will be stock for quite some time so I'm not focused on mods. Just want decent stock performance .

EDIT: The NSX and S2000 were well designed from the factory and put out adequate head flow so bolt-ons don't really do much for these cars. They do add to the bling and sound factor though .

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

Originally posted by: foghorn67
Ever seriously wrenched a car? Or would you take it to a shop for most work? Serious question...

Yes I have. I had a 240SX with an RB20DET, bolt-ons, FMIC, Z32 5 lug conversion, and misc other things. I did everything with a few buddies of mine.

As for the Skyline question, I was actually planning to find one on Autotrader (there are quite a few) and take the trip to check it out. Only problem is that there are lots of R32's and not that many R33's.

 

[FleshLight]

Why not just pay for 2 years of college?

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

I'm already in a decent college and have money on the side to pay for tuition and such. I recieved scholarships and grants so school is pretty much done for.

I actually have a final tomorrow and am studying/anandtech'ing at the same time. w00t for multitasking!

EDIT: Is anyone good at QMeth?!?

 

[RiDE]

Out of those I would pick the dyno queen Supra.

 

[zerocool84]

3 cars that they don't make anymore and will cost you that much just to get the car. But hey more power to you

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

Yah, but there goes this joke...

"What do 500HP and 1000HP Supras have in common?"

"They both run 11's."


Supra's are nice. They have VERY strong bottom ends and can push insane amounts of power on the stock rods/pistons but due to the nature of coverting to a single turbo charger, the lag is horrendous. People are using T67's, T88's, etc, and aren't able to put the power to the ground because it comes so fast at high RPM's.

The sound that flows out of the exhaust from the straight 6 is so NNNOOIICEE!!

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
3 cars that they don't make anymore and will cost you that much just to get the car. But hey more power to you

They aren't made anymore but the support from the manufactorer's are readily available. So many variables when considering cars of this age. What the heck do I do...

 

[theblackbox]

Originally posted by: xAMD4Lifex


The sound that flows out of the exhaust from the straight 6 is so NNNOOIICEE!!

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

the term "exhaust sound" and the three cars you have listed should not be used in the same sentence.

Why not just rent the fast and the furious, get your fix, and put the rest in the bank. a 29,996.50 start on your future is a good bet.

But hey, do as you will. I can tell you though, it's nice when you can take a couple of years off in your 30's while everyone else you know is busy raising families, trying to do the career thing, and doing whatever the heck you want to do because you didn't blow a start when you were out of highschool because you had a hard on for a car.

Or, you could be like those people that buy the most prestigious car they can't afford, live above their means in some neighborhood, so they can impress people but the truth is those people are made fun of by everyone they know for their pitiful existence.

Be smart, plan your future.

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

Originally posted by: theblackbox

Originally posted by: xAMD4Lifex


The sound that flows out of the exhaust from the straight 6 is so NNNOOIICEE!!

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

the term "exhaust sound" and the three cars you have listed should not be used in the same sentence.

Why not just rent the fast and the furious, get your fix, and put the rest in the bank. a 29,996.50 start on your future is a good bet.

But hey, do as you will. I can tell you though, it's nice when you can take a couple of years off in your 30's while everyone else you know is busy raising families, trying to do the career thing, and doing whatever the heck you want to do because you didn't blow a start when you were out of highschool because you had a hard on for a car.

Or, you could be like those people that buy the most prestigious car they can't afford, live above their means in some neighborhood, so they can impress people but the truth is those people are made fun of by everyone they know for their pitiful existence.

Be smart, plan your future.

I'll take that into consideration and am actually leaning more into saving the money and just picking up something alot cheaper. Why do people start making assumptions when someone says "exhaust note/sound"? Ferrari's make outstanding sounds but people don't run around calling Ferrari owners silly for purchasing their car due to it's "noise" or to showoff their wealth and such. I just wanted to emphasize that the sound of an inline 6 is nice, not that it is the basis for my decision...

 

[theblackbox]

i would just as well make fun of a ferrari owner. As a matter of fact, on my way to the santa monica pier today, we poked fun at a guy friving a porsche that had it's top down, but it's tinted windows up... We had smiles and giggles about tha for almost an hour. The only difference is they paid more, and when it comes to maintence, they pay way more. That in itself is worth a laugh or two.

 

[xAMD4Lifex]

Originally posted by: theblackbox
i would just as well make fun of a ferrari owner. As a matter of fact, on my way to the santa monica pier today, we poked fun at a guy friving a porsche that had it's top down, but it's tinted windows up... We had smiles and giggles about tha for almost an hour. The only difference is they paid more, and when it comes to maintence, they pay way more. That in itself is worth a laugh or two.

I see. Basically, you enjoy making fun of people when they worked hard to have something that you don't? That's the only way I'm seeing it... Please feel free to let me know otherwise.