need atot to help decide next car... UPDATED

[EngenZerO]

so, i went test driving cars yesterday... i ended up driving an 06 g35 coupe and a 06 lexus is350. both cars were awesome, but both a little too much (decided i want save one paycheck for savings)

so i am going today now to test drive a 04 g35 coupe and an 04 is300. The infiniti dealer told me that the g35 would differ quite a bit power wise and with the look and finish of the interior. I know what to expect with an 04 is300 cause my buddy had an 02 model.

i am having a hard time deciding... power isn't everything... i eventually do plan on doing just a few mods, intake, exhaust, springs... etc... i love the build quality of lexus, i think infiniti doesnt even compare... but i do like the styling of the g35... i don't know... so... my question is to atot... which car would you get and why?

update

sorry for lack of update... i was in vegas for 5 days... living teh life,

i ended up getting a 04 diamond graphite g35 (that i test drove on july 3). its fully decked out (areo kit, 18 in rims, premium sound system, etc)... 19K miles, 1 owner, full paperwork, 27K OTD. still had 2 years left on the manufacturer warranty.

the dealer ship overnighted my the papers i need to sign... my dad actually will be picking up my car thursday and keeping it in his garage till i can pick her up next week. so... pics will be posted next week...

btw... i live in va... i went home for the July 4 to visit.. then was in vegas for 5 days... nevertheless... i ended up test driving and buying a car in ohio... lol... i checked the nova area... and i couldnt find a car in prestine condition as the one i saw... minor chips on the bumper and great great condition)

edit... for the record... the infiniti dealer was full of it... the difference in power was marginal and the interior and exterior received minor changes... (i do miss the projector headlights in the 06 though).

 

[acemcmac]

I'd wait for the 07 MX-5 Power Hardtop and save the rest IMHO.

 

[iwantanewcomputer]

who mods a lexus? just get the plain toyota

 

[EngenZerO]

Originally posted by: acemcmac
I'd wait for the 07 MX-5 Power Hardtop and save the rest IMHO.

i am limiting my self to lexus and infiniti only... i removed bmw from the list (still may add it back... dunno...) aslo i am still debating on acura's tsx

Originally posted by: iwantanewcomputer
who mods a lexus? just get the plain toyota

uhm, altezza?

 

[Otaking]

One vote for the IS here.... but no modding please.

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: acemcmac
I'd wait for the 07 MX-5 Power Hardtop and save the rest IMHO.

i am limiting my self to lexus and infiniti only... i removed bmw from the list (still may add it back... dunno...) aslo i am still debating on acura's tsx

Originally posted by: iwantanewcomputer
who mods a lexus? just get the plain toyota

uhm, altezza?

Maybe the better rhetorical question would have been, "Who should mod a Lexus?"

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO
so, i went test driving cars yesterday... i ended up driving an 06 g35 coupe and a 06 lexus is350. both cars were awesome, but both a little too much (decided i want save one paycheck for savings)

so i am going today now to test drive a 04 g35 coupe and an 04 is300. The infiniti dealer told me that the g35 would differ quite a bit power wise and with the look and finish of the interior. I know what to expect with an 04 is300 cause my buddy had an 02 model.

i am having a hard time deciding... power isn't everything... i eventually do plan on doing just a few mods, intake, exhaust, springs... etc... i love the build quality of lexus, i think infiniti doesnt even compare... but i do like the styling of the g35... i don't know... so... my question is to atot... which car would you get and why?

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: acemcmac
I'd wait for the 07 MX-5 Power Hardtop and save the rest IMHO.

i am limiting my self to lexus and infiniti only... i removed bmw from the list (still may add it back... dunno...) aslo i am still debating on acura's tsx

Originally posted by: iwantanewcomputer
who mods a lexus? just get the plain toyota

uhm, altezza?

Why are you limiting yourself to Lexus and Infiniti?

Keeping up with the Jones?

 

[EngenZerO]

Originally posted by: Doboji

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

Why are you limiting yourself to Lexus and Infiniti?

25-26K used. I am not interested in getting a Mazda. I was actually going to get a civic si, but my rents insisted that I should get a thing with a little more class.

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

25-26K used. I am not interested in getting a Mazda. I was actually going to get a civic si, but my rents insisted that I should get a thing with a little more class.

Are your parents buying the car?

 

[EngenZerO]

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

25-26K used. I am not interested in getting a Mazda. I was actually going to get a civic si, but my rents insisted that I should get a thing with a little more class.

Are your parents buying the car?

No I am. I am 25 and live in VA. Rents live in Ohio I was just visiting 4 the holiday.

I was also thinking s2000 but i need some room for my golf clubs... same goes with the Z need room for clubs...

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

25-26K used. I am not interested in getting a Mazda. I was actually going to get a civic si, but my rents insisted that I should get a thing with a little more class.

Are your parents buying the car?

No I am. I am 25 and live in VA. Rents live in Ohio I was just visiting 4 the weekend.

Then who gives a fvck what they say? Get the car you want. A car's name does not make it classy.... snobby maybe... but not classy.

 

[EngenZerO]

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

25-26K used. I am not interested in getting a Mazda. I was actually going to get a civic si, but my rents insisted that I should get a thing with a little more class.

Are your parents buying the car?

No I am. I am 25 and live in VA. Rents live in Ohio I was just visiting 4 the weekend.

Then who gives a fvck what they say? Get the car you want. A car's name does not make it classy.... snobby maybe... but not classy.

Not really a mazda fan boy... too be honest...

I checked out s2000's and 350z... but i need room to lug around golf stuff and people...

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

25-26K used. I am not interested in getting a Mazda. I was actually going to get a civic si, but my rents insisted that I should get a thing with a little more class.

Are your parents buying the car?

No I am. I am 25 and live in VA. Rents live in Ohio I was just visiting 4 the weekend.

Then who gives a fvck what they say? Get the car you want. A car's name does not make it classy.... snobby maybe... but not classy.

Not really a mazda fan boy... too be honest...

I checked out s2000's and 350z... but i need room to lug around golf stuff...

Fair... but is the only reason you're not considering the SI is because your parents say it's not classy enough? Sounds like you liked it...

I'm just saying... you lose out by being a brand snob... alot of good cars out there by companies that don't fit the "snob" bill. When you buy a car for the brand name... just remember there's a little weasely guy somewhere rubbing his hands together and laughing maniacally.

-Max

 

[misle]

When did parents become rents? It's two letters, does it really save that much time?

As for the car, buy what you want and what you'll be happy with. Tell your parents that they can chose your car when they make the payments.

 

[EngenZerO]

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

25-26K used. I am not interested in getting a Mazda. I was actually going to get a civic si, but my rents insisted that I should get a thing with a little more class.

Are your parents buying the car?

No I am. I am 25 and live in VA. Rents live in Ohio I was just visiting 4 the weekend.

Then who gives a fvck what they say? Get the car you want. A car's name does not make it classy.... snobby maybe... but not classy.

Not really a mazda fan boy... too be honest...

I checked out s2000's and 350z... but i need room to lug around golf stuff...

Fair... but is the only reason you're not considering the SI is because your parents say it's not classy enough? Sounds like you liked it...

I'm just saying... you lose out by being a brand snob... alot of good cars out there by companies that don't fit the "snob" bill. When you buy a car for the brand name... just remember there's a little weasely guy somewhere rubbing his hands together and laughing maniacally.

-Max

actually... reason I was going to get an SI was cause it was cheep and I could just mess around with it... and I didnt want to spend more than 20K. But my rents said... "why get an SI with your type of job... try getting a g35 or is350 like you always talk about..."

but I would like to save money for a house which is why I am looking at used versions of the newer models, .

I mean I have the money to get 06 models... but I really want to get a house later in the future and having a 700 dollar payment is not a good idea. This is why I was looking @ certified pre-owned versions and getting by with 450 payments. 250 extra a month goes to my 1200 I am putting away for a house every month. Its just I guess I could but I want a house too... I dunno, LOL. I hate trying to be responsible.

 

[Doboji]

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

Originally posted by: EngenZerO

Originally posted by: Doboji

How much are you looking to spend? And why haven't you checked out the Mazdaspeed6?

25-26K used. I am not interested in getting a Mazda. I was actually going to get a civic si, but my rents insisted that I should get a thing with a little more class.

Are your parents buying the car?

No I am. I am 25 and live in VA. Rents live in Ohio I was just visiting 4 the weekend.

Then who gives a fvck what they say? Get the car you want. A car's name does not make it classy.... snobby maybe... but not classy.

Not really a mazda fan boy... too be honest...

I checked out s2000's and 350z... but i need room to lug around golf stuff...

Fair... but is the only reason you're not considering the SI is because your parents say it's not classy enough? Sounds like you liked it...

I'm just saying... you lose out by being a brand snob... alot of good cars out there by companies that don't fit the "snob" bill. When you buy a car for the brand name... just remember there's a little weasely guy somewhere rubbing his hands together and laughing maniacally.

-Max

actually... reason I was going to get an SI was cause it was cheep and I could just mess around with it... and I didnt want to spend more than 20K. But my rents said... "why get an SI with your type of job... try getting a g35 or is350 like you always talk about..."

but I would like to save money for a house which is why I am looking at used versions of the newer models, .

I mean I have the money to get 06 models... but I really want to get a house later in the future and having a 700 dollar payment is not a good idea. This is why I was looking @ certified pre-owned versions and getting by with 450 payments. 250 extra a month goes to my 1200 I am putting away for a house every month. Its just I guess I could but I want a house too... I dunno, LOL. I hate trying to be responsible.

Get the house before the nice car. Seriously... Get the Civic now... maybe even lease it. In 3 years when you've settled into your home, and your income has risen... buy the car you really want.

-Max

 

[vi edit]

One of the hardest things about getting old is realizing that your parents *truely* aren't always right.

It's your money. Buy what you are happy with. Save the rest for your home.

 

[Theguynextdoor]

It seems you seem to be intrested in only Imports. I would suggets you get what you want.

As for my recommendation it sounds like you're looking for something fun. I wouldn't recommend the G35. It's not so much that it's underpowered as it's overweight. A side-effect of luxury.

I've test drove the 350z and was a unimpressed with it's power also. It needed to shed about 200lbs and beef up about 30HP.

I ended up settling with a Domestic Car. A Fifth Chevrolet Corvette.

Fun car to drive, good gas mileage (I get 16 pure chicago city, 21 mixed, 28 highway speeding. Auto 4speed), can fit three golf bags and luggage. (Only two bags if you have the Convertable or Z06). If you get the Coupe you can also remove the roof on sunny days. Hard to believe for some but it's also very safe.

Because it's a GM, the interior QUALITY suffers a little bit. But it holds together fine (mine is now 6 years old) and I like the look of the console.

Currently it's my only car and you can pick a low milage one in the price range you're looking for.

And before the GM haters come in and bash me and the car check out

www.corvetteforum.com

and ask the C5 gen how many peopl have hit 100k and 200k on original engine and trans and regular maintenance.

I'm not saying it's a perfect car by any means, but it's getting me from A to B daily to work and college.

Go test drive an 2000-2004 coupe. I'm sure you'll love it. A low mileage 2000-2002 should be in your price range. If you're in the Round Lake/Gurnee/Lake Villa IL area I'll let you drive mine.

Peace,
Khoa

Also, although I think they're ugly. Suburu makes some great fun cars that are affordable to buy. However insurance is a little more for them.

The S2000 trunk might be able to hold one golf kit. It's GREAT car. Serious. Although the one I got the pleasure of driving was a turbocharged on, the stock on should be able to run 14's. And with it's already EXCELLENT handling. It should be a VERY fun car to drive.

There will probably be one in my garage in the future.

 

[Alienwho]

My friend also has an 02 IS300. It's a beautiful car all around. To my shame I've never driven a G35 coupe but I've always wanted one. The styling is great but I've never sat in one so I don't know about the interior. Performance wise The G35 should simply man handle the IS300, but that doesn't mean the IS300 is a slouch by any means. It's still got great power that suits the car fine. I have a chipped '01 Jetta 1.8T and I always beat my friends IS300 in drags, but his car is a hell of a lot more fun in the twisties and has great suspension and is just a lot funner to drive in general. I really like the IS300.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: Theguynextdoor
It seems you seem to be intrested in only Imports. I would suggets you get what you want.

As for my recommendation it sounds like you're looking for something fun. I wouldn't recommend the G35. It's not so much that it's underpowered as it's overweight. A side-effect of luxury.

I've test drove the 350z and was a unimpressed with it's power also. It needed to shed about 200lbs and beef up about 30HP.

I ended up settling with a Domestic Car. A Fifth Chevrolet Corvette.

Fun car to drive, good gas mileage (I get 16 pure chicago city, 21 mixed, 28 highway speeding. Auto 4speed), can fit three golf bags and luggage. (Only two bags if you have the Convertable or Z06). If you get the Coupe you can also remove the roof on sunny days. Hard to believe for some but it's also very safe.

Because it's a GM, the interior QUALITY suffers a little bit. But it holds together fine (mine is now 6 years old) and I like the look of the console.

Currently it's my only car and you can pick a low milage one in the price range you're looking for.

And before the GM haters come in and bash me and the car check out

www.corvetteforum.com

and ask the C5 gen how many peopl have hit 100k and 200k on original engine and trans and regular maintenance.

I'm not saying it's a perfect car by any means, but it's getting me from A to B daily to work and college.

Go test drive an 2000-2004 coupe. I'm sure you'll love it. A low mileage 2000-2002 should be in your price range. If you're in the Round Lake/Gurnee/Lake Villa IL area I'll let you drive mine.

Peace,
Khoa

Also, although I think they're ugly. Suburu makes some great fun cars that are affordable to buy. However insurance is a little more for them.

The S2000 trunk might be able to hold one golf kit. It's GREAT car. Serious. Although the one I got the pleasure of driving was a turbocharged on, the stock on should be able to run 14's. And with it's already EXCELLENT handling. It should be a VERY fun car to drive.

There will probably be one in my garage in the future.

Hmm. I didn't know C5 Corvette prices were so low. I just glanced at some prices at the sales section of that corvette forum and prices are very cheap and reasonable. Lot of low mileage vettes for sale. Wife might kill me but I see C5 vette as my next toy in the near future. Now I just have to wait for the right deal on a convertible c5 auto.

 

[Theguynextdoor]

Originally posted by: Naustica


Hmm. I didn't know C5 Corvette prices were so low. I just glanced at some prices at the sales section of that corvette forum and prices are very cheap and reasonable. Lot of low mileage vettes for sale. Wife might kill me but I see C5 vette as my next toy in the near future. Now I just have to wait for the right deal on a convertible c5 auto.

The C5 is a great bang for buck car. However I should warn you the prices on the forum are all private sale prices and do not refelct KBB, NADA, or dealer pricing.

For this reason I would buy from a forum member. Mainly because they already took the care of the possible problems and that the chances of them taking care of the car is a hell of a lot better then a dealer car (which could be a repo/auction car).

A C5 A4 Vert with a about 30k mi will fetch around $25-28k for the 1999-2000. 2001-2004 will be around $29k-35k. 1997-1998 will be around $23k-26k.

01's and up are preferred because they have lots of upgrades (10 more HP and 30 more torque, lighter curb weight, better quality parts) and parts for them are cheaper.

2000 is the odd duck year (I have this year). A lot of the electronical parts for this year will not work with any other years.

If you have any questions feel free to ask or PM!

 

[DainBramaged]

G35

 

[Conky]

I'd get something else. Those are both suck.

If you are gonna throw down that kinda green at least go Mercedes or BMW. Heaven forbid, maybe a Cadillac or a Lincoln. Blaze your own path and don't be a sheep. (and yes, I am saying Lexus and Infiniti drivers are sheep)

Or not... somebody has to drive those fruitwagons, lol.

 

[Theguynextdoor]

Bump to see what you ended up getting.