me too...

 

sweet srt-4. bet its pretty fast.

 

I had a similar list when I was looking for something to use as a daily driver

The G35 I ruled out five minutes into the test drive for a bunch of reasons based mainly on the driving experience and an uncomfortable seat, then knowing that I could pickup a year old one for 60% of the cost of a new one made me fret about the depreciation levels so that ruled out the G35.

I had an early TT (coupe) in the UK, utterly unreliable POS, three gearboxes in six months, trim that 'fell off in my hand' on a regular basis and utterly horrific servicing costs. No way would I even think about one of those again. Luckily mine was stolen and the burnt out shell was discovered after it was used in a bank job. Not sure it the bank robbers burnt it out because it was terrible or if they where trying to destroy the evidence, either way it did me a huge favor.

Crossfire - another fast depreciator - Chrysler cannot shift them, maybe some good deals and if you keep it forever you are fine. I drove the base model and did not really enjoy the experience. Handled like a boat (the QE2).

Z4 - ugly as hell, but who cares I'd hold out for the Z4M Coupe though - even uglier but stunning to drive - the Z4 roadster is a great car though. I looked, but already had a roadster and wanted to add something a little more practical and Irvine BMW where being a little mean on the trade in numbers for my MR2.

GTO - drive one, then low-ball the dealer. You could get possibly the bargain of the century. I had a dealer offering me $6K in rebates and discounts on a 2k6 GTO. A friend of mine has the old 5.7 ? version, he just supercharged the thing - 625hp and enough torque to roast the rear tires in 4th. Loads of fun to drive, very stealthy too but the resale values are terrible though.

From that list I would probably get the Z4 roadster, I almost wish I had done the deal last year, but then again I do not have a payment on the MR2......

 

i dont know about this year, but since the release G35C's kept its
value very high with the MINI's and Civic's. i was complaining
about my LegacyWagon's depreciating value on another post
a few weeks ago. too bad. its okay, my wife and
i like the Legacy.

too bad you didn't find the G35C to be wat you're looking for, but
good thing you found something else you like. G35C's to me
are a 50/50 split between a dressup and a touring car, not cars that
you really get on it like you would on a MINI... thus why i have both.
The seats are fine for me... the car did take a little getting use to
at first due to its size and weight. it's been a great car for me.

 

But its still a neon

 

yah, but when you're young i would pursue those sport compact cars
before going into the near-lux type cars so that you learn how
to mod and also get all that naive street racing/ric0r mod crap
out of you. it was cool having all sorts of gauges in your face
that actually did something.

then you start looking at nicer cars, appreciate them for what
they are, and do only subtle mods.

then eventually you get an even nicer car... and then a nicer car
and the less and less you mod and more and more detailing you do...

 

OK, no debt, housing accounted for, $30k burning a hole in your wallet......

Any of these spring to mind: A Pontiac GTO, new or even better the first year's model, a complete sleeper as there is no external ram air scoops, etc. Supercharge the beastie and have a blast.... or.......A 2001 or 2002 Z3 based M Coupe. Unusual looking car, kind of like if a MINI was crossed with a Z3, but really powerful and fast.....or.....An AUDI S4 Avant from the early 00's with the twin turbo 2.7 ltr. 250 hp six and AWD, another great sleeper.....or.....that HEMI powered SRT8 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, INSANE!!!!! Got to find one at a bargain price though, um maybe too new for your price range....or...an E36 M3, 'nuff said.

 

How about an EVO? I'd suggest an STi, but I can't recommend cars that come with pink stickers on them...

 

and the interior looks so ..... well .... whats a nice way of saying "cheap"?

 

+1 for the Evo. Talk to Skippy

 

Whats the deal with buying new cars? Why waste the money?

Why not get something fast that you can enjoy, but will continue to appreciate for years to come.


Invest in a Muscle car. There are many of them that you can get very cheap restored now that will continue to appreciate quickly over the next few years.

Just a few exapmles... 71-74 B body mopars, 71-73 mustangs, mid to late 70's camaros and firebirds, mid 70's to early 80's C3 corvettes etc. There are lots of these lower end Muscle cars that will continue to gain value.

Just an example... my car, a 1973 Mach 1, has nearly doubled in value since I bought it in early 2000. The average price for a 71-73 Mach 1 in 2000 was around 12k. Now, I see them sell on ebay for anywhere from 20-30k! In only 6 years!

I was able to pick up a 1981 C3 Corvette for $7,000 2 years ago. It needed some work, but it was well worth it. It was a MUCH more fun car than any C4 or C5 ive ever driven. It gives you a reason to appreciate how far car technology has come in only a few years. If it didnt snow here, I would be driving muscle cars year round. These new cars are to nice and quiet, and easy to drive. Muscle cars come with a certain ambiance.

You will be able to enjoy a classic Muscle car much more than any M3 or Elise or Neon-with-a-big-motor-thats-still-JUST-a-Neon.

How many cars can you buy today, then sell next year for a profit? Not a new car, thats for sure.

 

If you want a car to play around with (and don't mind possibly having to learn about the inner workings of it) then follow Rick's advice. An old car can be a lot of fun and has a much better chance of appreciating. If you want a car that you don't have to mantain (as much) and sell in the future for a loss, then get a new one. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. For a daily driver, I'd definitely suggest a new(er) one but since this is a weekend fun car, it's your choice.

A low-mileage used Elise looks pretty good if you can afford maintaining it. The M3 is a great all-around sports tourer. If you want to consider an old muscle car (or any old car for that matter), it's up to your tastes.

 

Where do you rank the MINI?

I'm already **** about detailing, I just drive it everyday and make a comprimise.


Back on Topic J checked out the Z4 again today, this time they had the M variety int he showroom only a cheap 57k.

Take aserious look into a significantly modded MCSc and I think you'll find what oyu're looking for

 

Well the search is done. I just bought a 2004 Infiniti G35 with 12k miles, Navigation, 6 speed manuel, and brembo brakes. Total Beast! Love it! Im thinking about breeding it with my Mini.

 

well done.

 

You forgot the important part.....







PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

i speak highly of my lightly modded MCS, it might be one
of the last cars you end up with after trying many different
cars and your quest to find 'the fun one.'

 

+1 where's the picts?

 

sure is...same as an EVo is still a Lancer, an STi is still an Imreza, a Cobra is still a mustang, a Z06 is still a vette, shall i go on?

incindently, my old srt4 placed 8th in the 2006 one lap of america...you think all those other guys were thinking like you? LOL



I'd say 126mph trap speed is fairly fast...

 

Nice timeslip, but what was it sitting on when you took the picture?? Please tell me that's not your car's paint?!?

 

i doubt its the paint. It looks like the granite countertops in my kitchen.

 

Thats sad ... cars come and go ... LAND is forever. The almighty is NOT making any more land (except in Hawaii)

Congrats ... Ken is now your best friend

But its still a neon ... no getting around it. Dont care if it goes 2,000 mph ... its a neon

BTW, and the Z06 interior ... its still a Chevy.

 

No, not all of them anyways, just the ones in 1st,2nd and 3rd

A GP is still a MINI, an M5 is still a 5-series, CSL is still a M3 so I'm really lost as to your point. Esp. when it come to the Neon as the other cars listed still have some sort of respect. (BTW EVO and the STi never did it for me, at all, same gripes as the Neon)


Psst Chows, wasn't CA supposed to sink any day now??

C'mon J you promise pics!!!

 

it looks like a Mazda to me.

 

Yeah but I wouldn't mind driving a MINI, 5 series or an M3 (which is a 3 series). I wouldn't drive a Neon, srt4 or not.

And that Z06... you have to go watch that Clarkson vid that was just posted today