New Car Dilemma

[Mikeymike]

My car died this past May and I can not borrow my sister's car for too much longer, so its time to make a new purchase. I bought my last (well first) used and it gave me nothing but problems (many reasons, the largest of which is because its a Ford) so I'd rather stick to new.

My budget is $25k, which I might be able to push a little if I go with a longer finance plan. Nothing really grabs me at that price range, so I conceded that I might have to consider a used car that can tickle the old fancy. I did like the new Acura RSX, but my good friend beat me to it.

Normally this wouldn't be such a big deal, but I'm a little bit of a car nut - a sports car nut at that. I'm 24 and I'm not ready for anything with 4 doors, plus the next time I'll be buying a car I'll be in my 30's and probably will have to be thinking more practically. You know, like a back seat that a human being could fit in, a trunk that can be used for trips to Home Depot with the wifey, or (No, I'm not ready!) something with 5-star crash protection for the little ones.

So then Infiniti goes and says they are releasing this car in November, around $29,500 to start and probably closer to $35,000 by the time it leaves the dealership.

And I would be able to accept that this car is simply out of my price range, if it weren't so freaking beautiful. I realize I'm a freak, but this car gives me the shivers. Granted I'm not nuts about the metallic baby blue or the spoiler (it only has limited pics online right now b/c its not out yet), but those lines just make me crazy.

280hp, 6-speed, 8 speaker premium Bose sound system, class act interior, sunroof, 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension (in English, it handles like a sonuvabitch), 52/48 weight distribution, Nissan dependability, ACK! Damn you Infiniti, damn you.

 

[Mikeymike]

Here's the pic

 

[FoundationOfRancor]

I will steal it for you.

 

[Mikeymike]

And I would be most appreciative. I'm sure you wouldn't mind the drive from MI to CT in it either. If you do there is a Foil Mudhole here with your name on it.

 

[Ura]

So your price range is $25k US.
I know alot of cars that you can get for that price both brand new and used depending on your taste. I'll stick to sports and performance cars though.

First thing to look at. The Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. I gaurantee that this car will impress. Its basically the North American version of the beloved Nissan Skyline GT-R that was only available in Japan and other south pacific countries. Not quite as hot to trot as the skyline but its gotten high marks from myself and my friends who've driven them. The only reason I don't get one is because I saving up for a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII when they come out here in January.
Don't be disuaded by four doors either, some of the greatest non-supercars in the world are four doors. Trust me though, the Sentra is well worth a look.
If that doesn't tickle your fancy though, the Toyota Celica GTR and Hyundai Tiburon GTR have both been making huge waves in the import scene as of late, both for performance and style.
I'd suggest the new Nissan 350Z (heaven on wheels that makes you do bad things ) but its a bit above your price range.
Why not just get the dealership to order another RSX though if thats what your into, type S prefered of course.
If you aren't into looking at imports and want to look at some domestics as well, the good old Ford Mustang is available in that price range and they're somewhat stylish. The Neon RT is also a sleeper on wheels as it has a surprisingly nice level of performance and comfort. The new Chev Cavaliers are out now, though they're butt ugly imho and the Sunfire GT's have a higher redline which means better performance unless you go with the ecotech engine.
Depending on what kind of dealerships are in your area you can also look at the Peugeot 206 or 209, both nice sport compacts.
Have you also considered looking into the Honda S2000? I'm not sure what they go for there, but up here they're only about $30K in Canadian money, so they should be cheaper in the US. The only problem is that they're convertibles and not much for winter driving if you get alot of snow.
Also Mazda has some nice offerings with the Protege5 and the special MazdaSpeed Protege.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions just ask.
Cheers

 

[Mikeymike]

Thanks for the hefty response Ura.

The RSX-S was my target initially (and still isn't out of the question). The problem is that 1 of my best friends got 1 and I'll feel like a schlub getting the same car. But in that price range/segment (Celica, Tiburon, MP3, Eclipse, etc.) it is so far ahead of the curve its not even fair to think that they can be afforded by the same audience. My buddy got the stock RSX and it still has tons of everything. Performance, silky smooth gear change, black leather, classy yet spartan interior, stylish Red LED backlighting. Plus the S-type comes with an in dash 6 CD changer (and a 0-60 around 6.3). I probably will break down and get it, possibly desert silver or the red pearl (which I've yet to see).

I definitely not getting an American car. If I'm going to put 50,000K on this in the next 4+ years I refuse to sit in an interior of plastic K-bin parts. They just can't seem to shade away from the friggin over-sized curved plastic - its like they are all Pontiacs on the inside. That said, American motor Co's. have done a better job recently of getting their interiors with the times, I think I'm just biased right now based on too many past and present experiences.

The Tiburon is becoming more and more attractive to due its bang for the buck - plus it is a looker of a car. I would strongly consider it because it is such a value. The Celica is solid, but like the typical Toyota you do not get enough for what you pay for (IMO).

The S2000 starts at $32,000+ in the States, believe that? I've wanted one from the day it came out, and it would be the 1 car that would cause me to abandon any concerns about practicality. But I can't stretch my budget that far on a car that has such winter questions, and really is soooo impractical. But I'll always pull up to one at a stop light and ask the driver to gun it for me so I can sweet that glorious engine - freaking 10,000 RPM redline.

The 350Z...oh how I can go on (shares the platform with the G35 coupe BTW). 0-60 in 5.4, $28,600 pre dealer costs with the options I want (saddle leather, Bose system). It is still in the big picture, although unlikely. It doesn't have a backseat, a glovebox, or a trunk that can fit anything larger than 2 grocery bags. I might be willing to deal with it now, but I know the first time I want to drive into NYC with my Girlfriend and my best friend I won't be able to take it.

Can't get Peugeot's in the States, which is a shame b/c I love the 406 Coupe.
------
Regarding the SE-R and especially the Evo 7, they are quite sporty sedans (especially that Evo with AWD) but they are still boxey looking sedans - made moreso by their short wheelbase. I like sedans long to balance out the distance between the pillars, which means I usually only happen to like ones that start around $40K (S8 is my dream sedan). The one car that does make me reconsider my sedanophobia is the Subaru WRX - that thing is a freaking rocket.

I know many consider the importance of the physical appearance of a car to be as shallow an attribute as judging a woman on her curves, but I can't help it. Even as a kid, I've always thought exotic coupes were the sexiest thing mankind ever invented (intentional use of 'man'kind). I finally have that opportunity to get a car that just makes me swoon in and out of it, and I didn't think I was going to be able to afford it.

The G35 Coupe makes me weak in the knees. It is a gruff 350Z that went and studied abroad for 2 years and came back a stud. I know after seeing this thing nothing will truly satisfy me, which is a damn shame b/c I know it will end up being out of my price range.

Sigh

 

[Ura]

Wow, I'm shocked the 350Z is so cheap down there. They cost about $50K a shot up here, they're soooo expensive. @_@
But then they're a race car for regular people pretty much. Considering the size and design of the stock strut bars Nissan was really thinking when they said, "Hey! Lets make a supercar!"

I can certainly understand the distaste of the sedan look, though personally I think the Se-R really pushes the edge as far as sedans go. The Evo personally I think just looks mean like it glares at other cars on the road, and just to note, it beat the tar out of the Subaru WRX STi in performance, road, and track tests. Much higher quality, but also a higher price tag. That and I just can't get past the bug eye look of all the WRX's I've seen. Gives me the creeps.
I've never found the wheel base to be a problem with either. The SE-R I test drove handled better then most sports cars I've driven except for the tiny ones like the Toyota MR-2 or the almost famous Fiero GT. The Evo VII is practically a god when it comes to handling. Its gotten better reviews then just about every other car in its class except the highest quality BMW's and the like.

Have you seen the newest Eclipse? (footnote: I am a Mitsubishi/Nissan addict.) I personally like them far more then that RSX. Mostly because of the higher power output, 4WD, and I just like the look more. The RSX has much more luxury in it which is sweet, but every car I've owned has been tuned for racing and having a nice stereo, so I'm not to worried about extras like leather seats or the like. Unless they happen to say Sparco on them of course.

S2000's are just frightening at the line. One of the local guys around here has one with a T40 turbo installed on it and some other bits to push his red line up to 13,000. On top of that its on the bottle. Only raced him once, and I was never so happy to lose in my entire life.

I can hardly say buying a car on its looks is shallow considering what I would do to get a Skyline GT-R 34 SpecV II. Up to and including giving up my first born and maybe selling an organ or two on the black market.

Otherwise, who cares what your friend bought, get what you want and don't worry about it. Myself and my friends racing team has 2 Acura Integra's and 2 Mazda RX-7's on it. Soon to be 3 RX-7's if my roommate gets the one he's looking at. Add that to the 240 running a 300Z turbo engine and my Corrola GTS. Its an odd mixture.
The RSX is a great deal for what it is, though they are more expensive up here because they're a price bracket ahead of the Celica, Tiburon, and MP3. About the same price as the Eclipse.
I can't agree with you more on the American motor companies opinion. I'm an import guy and proud of it.

 

[Spiderman]

if you're set on a foreign 2 door car. I was going to suggest Saturn as I've had a '94 and currently have a '98 4 door and it's been no problems for me...

 

[train]

I'd like to mention Insurance!!!!!!

You're not only going to have a new car payment, but the insurance that goes with it... Until you turn 25 - unless you purchase insurance by the month - you'll be stuck paying the higher rate for 6-12 months...

Now, Working in the Gas business - That's my company's pride and joy - it isn't going to go down soon, so make sure you take into account your gas cost... My guess would be that these sportsters get 20-25 mpg. so beware...

I don't think flooding in CT is too bad, but these are low vehicles and if it's hot and you hit water you could crack your transmission casing. They're very sensitive... so be careful...

Other than that....

Mi familia, este cartel, could let you have a car like 'dis if you let us transport some stuff from Colombia in it... Let me know if you want to deel, man....