My top picks: '10 Charger SRT8, '08 Audi S5, '06 BMW M3

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alkemyst

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Feb 13, 2001
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Each has some pros and cons...

I am targetting $30-40k for the car purchase.

The Charger would be the newest...pretty easy to find, I like it but it is 'big' feeling. Surprisingly pushing it in to turns and hard brakes makes the car feel more nimble than it looks.

Not crazy about the finish inside. Also not so crazy that even on test drives you get attention of some types that I don't really care for. Plus every other non-SRT8 charger has tried to race, one got freaking insane on I95 when I wasn't biting.

The Audi S5 is awesome looking and comforable. AWD is new to me...don't know if it's as much fun in a corner. I'd definitely want to tune the suspension to make the balance a little more towards oversteer under throttle than understeer.

It's the most expensive of the bunch...I'd be into the mid 40's...not sure if it's worth it. It's a very civil driving car as well...not as connected as the SRT8 and definitely not the M3.

The M3 was off my list since they are a bit common down here and they don't sound M3 like to me. I ran into a nicely modified one with the black interior which does look more M3 like than Lexus...still not crazy about the lighting color and looks...just like a 3 series back in the 80's almost.

With an exhaust it did sound a bit nicer...the guy also had custom offset wheels which gave the car a nicer stance. Not so crazy that many rolling around in them here look like contestants for Jersey Shore...the rest have been business professional. Oddly not many old people are seen in these. We have a lot rolling around in 911's and Ferraris here.

The Audi still sounds the best out of all with the SRT8 second.

I'd be targeting a 05-06 M3...that's as new as I can get. I don't like the latest E92 enough to warrant the price. The older M3 actually feels more quick even though it's really not....I was hoping for a newer car. Hopefully I can find a garaged example while mileage is one thing, Florida sun takes a beating on many cars. I remember when I was looking for 944 Turbos back in the late 90's, I'd find them around here with 20k or less, but the interiors were fried to hell.

The problem is going to be finding a non-convertible in the M3 as well....it seems like 75% of them are 'vert. Also 75% of the ones that have the Comp. pack are SMG.

The Audi I also worry about the more plush interior and my dog which will be transported.

As much as I'd love to have a second dog park car, the logistics just won't work. The BMW and SRT8 seem to be a bit more durable for lack of a better work.

The C6 Corvette I debated, but I don't want to deal with a two-seater. It gets the best mileage out of all of these.

I am open to some other suggestions. Definitely don't like the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang.

Closed due to reasons I have already PM`d you about...

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Demo24

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Aug 5, 2004
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Why not wait on the newer version SRT8, improved in a variety of ways including the interior.
 
May 13, 2009
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Seems like a no brainer to me. Srt8 charger ftw. Warranty, cheaper cost of ownership, you stated you'd like something to take the dogs to the park and I'm sure it's the roomiest, nothing like listening to the V8 growl while driving around, and you're buying American.
 

DaTT

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The A5 is abeatiful car. Get the S model for fun
 

DaTT

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Just noticed you were talking about the S
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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Why not wait on the newer version SRT8, improved in a variety of ways including the interior.

Definitely like the new interior...not crazy about the body changes though especially that scalloping on the side. I will test drive one if they are out prior to my final purchase.

The mileage is greatly improved as well with cylinder deactivation.
 

SearchMaster

Diamond Member
Jun 6, 2002
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Definitely like the new interior...not crazy about the body changes though especially that scalloping on the side. I will test drive one if they are out prior to my final purchase.

The mileage is greatly improved as well with cylinder deactivation.

I wonder how much it actually improves. Cylinder deactivation on my wife's Odyssey has <10% impact on MPG, primarily on highway driving, so I certainly couldn't say it "greatly improves" mileage. Maybe Chrysler has done a better job with it but it seems like one of those things that helps in the EPA cycle but not as much in the real world.
 

Turin39789

Lifer
Nov 21, 2000
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Is this the 3rd or 4th thread on this decision? It seems like your mind was made up on the Charger awhile ago. Pull the trigger already.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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Is this the 3rd or 4th thread on this decision? It seems like your mind was made up on the Charger awhile ago. Pull the trigger already.

how about a fuck you instead, beat it piss ant...

Not acceptable, not even close.

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LTC8K6

Lifer
Mar 10, 2004
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It's a 25% improvement to Highway.

My 08 Grand Cherokee 5.7L with MDS runs on 4 cylinders a lot.

But MDS does not make anywhere near a 25% improvement on the highway.

More like 5-10%.

If mileage on the SRT-8 is up 25%, it's not from MDS.
 
May 13, 2009
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Is this the 3rd or 4th thread on this decision? It seems like your mind was made up on the Charger awhile ago. Pull the trigger already.

I'm the same way. I dragged on a truck purchase for nearly a month before finally deciding to do it. I think he should take as long as he needs. Nothing worse than rushing into a car and finding out you screwed up and have to live with a bad decision.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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I am about 3 months out on the purchase anyway. I will be debtfree in July and buying two cars.

I will buy my wife a new Audi A3 and then narrow down my selection.
 

Turin39789

Lifer
Nov 21, 2000
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I'm the same way. I dragged on a truck purchase for nearly a month before finally deciding to do it. I think he should take as long as he needs. Nothing worse than rushing into a car and finding out you screwed up and have to live with a bad decision.

I understand wanting to be sure. I really thought this was the 4th thread, it is only the third in the past 3 months.

Looking at a longer commute, best MPG vs Performance car
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2144374&highlight=alkemyst

2010 Dodge Charger SRT8 vs ???, looking at $600 a month or so for a payment
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2161379&highlight=alkemyst


I was just trying to give him a push in the direction he is obviously leaning, Every time he brings it up he seems dead set on the charger and doesn't seem to sway to any other car. Sometimes you need someone to tell you to shit or get off the pot.


how about a fuck you instead, beat it piss ant...


Lolkemyst.

Guess we have three more threads coming.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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don't know where you get I have decided on the Charger anymore than the other three. It's apparent you are either jealous or in doubt.

If the Audi was about $10k it'd be a no brainer I think.
 

Turin39789

Lifer
Nov 21, 2000
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don't know where you get I have decided on the Charger anymore than the other three. It's apparent you are either jealous or in doubt.

If the Audi was about $10k it'd be a no brainer I think.


I'm jealous of what exactly? and I'm in doubt about?
 

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
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Out of the three, I'm gonna go with SRT here. They are really pretty solidly built, and far better than the run of the mill Dodge products. Good comfy cruiser with a good bit of power. It's not Vette fast, but it moves well.

I'm a huge M fan, but an older M3 is just gonna be extra headaches with maintenance in comparison. The S5 even more so.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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Exactly.


Enjoy your new car, and your ego.

It's not my ego that knows I am simply better than you.

Don't cry emo kid, one day you will your chance to shine....maybe.


Back to the topic.

Maintenance is one BIG PLUS of the SRT8. The Audi probably the worst...insurance surprisingly favors the Audi...my rates will go up between $200 and 300 every six months between top to bottom...hardly brain damage, but a significant difference on a current $600 policy.
 

DaTT

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Have you considered a GT500? In that price range and much nicer to look at than an SRT8. IMO
 

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
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Have you considered a GT500? In that price range and much nicer to look at than an SRT8. IMO

OP doesn't like Mustangs, which is fine. I agree though, a beast of a car. I wasn't a fan really until the new revision, which is insanely solid.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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I may revisit the newer ones seeing MPG has improved as well. The Shelby's are at least different enough from the base models, the recaros look nice. Some of the ergonomics I don't really care for in though...power port in the center of the upper air vents, door handle design on the inside...pebble-look dash.
 

DaTT

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Plus the supercharger whine will give you an instant boner.
 
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