by "Milky" (jordanmielke)
Published 01/06/2017 at 11:22
by "Milky" (jordanmielke)
Published 01/06/2017 at 11:22
Tags: What Car Would You Buy?
; Crossfire
; Car buying
STARS: 1
I am super unmotivated to buy a new car, even though I want/need to and can. My friends wisely pointed out that at my current rate of car shopping I’m going to drive my car into the ground and sell it for $500 on craigslist ... like I have for every vehicle in my past.
I shouldn’t buy a new car because you know, student loan debt, so no 124 Fiata. I like the idea of new experiences, so I shouldn’t get the best SC300/400 I can find. I like driving something different and I’m just not in love with the way the NC looks . For the price of a nice S2000 I should probably just get a 1 year old used ND Club.
That rebuilt, turbo’d E30 wagon is dope, but if it was a coupe I’d like it more. I don’t carry things so I want to be unpractical at this point in my life. Zs are nice , but its another V6 coupe that I personally don’t think looks as unique as the Crossfire.
I went to test drove a Solstice GXP that was just broke, but I probably shouldn’t let that detract from all of them or the Saturn Sky Redline. The only other cars I’ve test driven in the last 2 months of looking were the ND and 124.
TLDR - Crossfire is at 183k miles, and I want something unique, reliable, with a manual, preferably 2 door, under $20k. Halp with car buying.
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
01/06/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 1
Simple statement - fuck what anyone else thinks. If you want another SC< go get one. If you want to run your crossfire into the ground, do it. If you want to get a loan and can afford it, then it’s your call. Your life, your choices.
Just know that I will give you shit and talk smack no matter what you get. Even if you get a FiST (which you know you should)
"Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras" (jegoingout)
01/06/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 1
Fist
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
01/06/2017 at 11:29, STARS: 0
Also I vote for a toyota tacoma X-runner.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 0
Just know that I will give you shit and talk smack no matter what you get.
This is why our bond is so deep.
Honestly though, the idea of finding the perfect manual SC is tempting.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
01/06/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 2
Personally I vote for driving the Crossfire into the ground. That’s my go to strategy for car ownership. That’s why I’m 36, have owned 6 cars and currently own 2 of those 6.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 0
Turbo E30 wagon > FiST.
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
01/06/2017 at 11:35, STARS: 1
Unique seems to be the issue here. How about a Volvo C30? Don’t see many of these around. Can be had with manúel also. Reliable, that I’m not too sure of.
"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
01/06/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 0
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/5935531661.html
A built Subaru RS would be pretty cool and fit your criteria
"RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
01/06/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 0
BUY A ‘69 COUGAR WITH A SMALLBLOCK AND SWAP IN A T56
(
this has been a test of the RamblinRover emergency advice system. Had this been real advice, it would have been... about this silly too.)
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
01/06/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 0
635csi
"TheD0k_2many toys 2little time" (thed0ck)
01/06/2017 at 11:38, STARS: 0
Manual 7.3 powerstroke
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
01/06/2017 at 11:38, STARS: 0
Just get a Miata. I dont care if it isn’t unique. The smile on my face every time I drive mine makes me forget anything else. Not an NC though, dont do that unless you like monster trucks.
But if I step outside of my own life and since you have the budget, I would definitely recommend checking out a Cayman. Also the FRS. Those are the only cars that I have felt capture the essence of driving a Miata without actually being a Miata. Sure they arent convertibles, but that is probably the last feature on the list of reasons why I like Miatas.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:41, STARS: 1
27 and on car #4. Apparently its my strategy too.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:42, STARS: 0
Ha, this is a good suggestion ... but my roommate has a C30 Polestar.
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
01/06/2017 at 11:44, STARS: 0
Damn. Convince roomate he doesn’t like his C30 and make him sell it to you.
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
01/06/2017 at 11:48, STARS: 0
If you can comfortably fit in one, 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata with a hardtop. The nicest one you can afford. Far superior driving dynamics to the NC, a bit more comfortable ride than the ND, more practical than a Sky Redline or ND (seriously, the NB has a bigger trunk *and* a spare tire), very easy to work on and parts aren’t killer expensive (the Sky/Solstice hoods look cool until you have to do literally anything to them), and they aren’t horrid to insure. $10k will get you in a pretty damn nice one. Sure it’s “just another Miata” but it’s also a factory go-fast Miata that makes choo choo noises. Toss another $4 or whatever at a Flyin’ Miata “Big Enchilada” upgrade for a reliable 225whp.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
01/06/2017 at 11:49, STARS: 2
Seconded on the drive into ground strategy. You get every penny’s worth you spent on the car and don’t have to deal with depreciation. Plus, by the time you need a new car, the ND you like will cost even less.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:50, STARS: 0
I’d love a Cougar. Doesn’t daily driving a carb’d engine suck though?
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 0
But 20k miles a year. The reason that E30 is tempting is because it had been pretty much completely restored.
"S65" (granthp)
01/06/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 1
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 0
You do you boo, but that ain’t me. I’m what you would call a “hipster”.
"RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
01/06/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 0
Not really - I mean, people did it all the time up until the ‘80s. It’s far worse if you’re weekend/monthly driving a carbed engine, because a vast majority of the things that go wrong with carbed engines involve sitting too long.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:54, STARS: 0
This is nice. Rally bred with a newer drive train. Also not as common place a newer WRX/STI.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 11:55, STARS: 0
Are NC really that bad? Friend has a green over tan PRHT that he really likes.
I’d really love a Cayman but couldnt imagine putting 20k miles a year on one and having any money.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 12:00, STARS: 0
But no trunk. Actually thought about it and looked them up but damn, at least give me option to hold carry on luggage.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
01/06/2017 at 12:00, STARS: 0
Scion tC?
[Gets pelted with tomatoes]
"S65" (granthp)
01/06/2017 at 12:04, STARS: 0
SC300 then
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 12:05, STARS: 1
He loves the thing. Actually is planning out taking a job in Europe and bringing the car with him. So the US will be down to having only 249.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
01/06/2017 at 12:05, STARS: 0
with 183K on the crossfire you probably wont get much for it anyway. Keep it and put the money you would be paying per month in your new car account.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
01/06/2017 at 12:08, STARS: 0
this is what i was expecting from you
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
01/06/2017 at 12:17, STARS: 0
The NC is objectively a better car and platform for modifying than any NA/NB. But I just cannot stand how they look stock. There are some nice modified ones out there though. I feel like also, the ND completely fixes all of my qualms with the NC though which makes me dislike the NCs even more.
From what I understand, maintaining a Cayman shouldnt be a nightmare or anything like that. I have to imagine it is more complicated/expensive than something Japanese but that makes sense. I am going to rent an S2k from Turo soon so that I can form an opinion on how that compares. I imagine that would be cheaper to operate and may be just as fun.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 12:22, STARS: 1
I don’t know why I haven’t given them more thought. Seems like a perfect budget 124. I do love some good noises. *goes to autotrader*
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 12:26, STARS: 0
Rocks. I’m finding rocks to start throwing.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 12:30, STARS: 0
Lol. Thinking about it, just minus anime.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 12:39, STARS: 0
The issue is I’m spending about $500 a month on just keeping the thing on the road. Without a doubt something always comes up. Hence the “need to” buy a new car ... so I’m car shopping.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
01/06/2017 at 12:40, STARS: 1
ah well it is a Mercedes after all.
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
01/06/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 0
Boxster? $5k gets you an older one, and the top end of your budget has you looking at 2008 models with under 50k miles.
Or maybe a CTS coupe? Or if you want to accept 4 doors, a CTS-V?
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 12:46, STARS: 1
Everything you said about the NC is also how I feel. Regarding the Cayman, after 4 years of Crossfire I just want something that reliably works.
"S65" (granthp)
01/06/2017 at 12:47, STARS: 0
when you want to do something but not put any effort in it
"Mid Engine" (jdlogan2006)
01/06/2017 at 12:47, STARS: 0
Frunk on the Boxster. Frunk and trunk with the Cayman
"Mid Engine" (jdlogan2006)
01/06/2017 at 12:49, STARS: 1
Caymans are rock solid, just do the maintenance and you’re good to go. Source: I have a 2007 with 64k miles on it
"Out, but with a W - has found the answer" (belg)
01/06/2017 at 13:11, STARS: 0
Carry-ons (soft-sided) should work in the bins behind the seat. If you replace the spare with a repair kit, the frunk can hold a backpack or two as well.
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
01/06/2017 at 13:31, STARS: 0
My NB is non-turbo but otherwise fully optioned out and it’s a great daily. Good stereo, comfy, rides nice, it’s slow but doesn’t feel slow (0-60 for an ‘02 is I believe the mid-7-second range). Only thing really missing from the ND/124 is the fuel economy is far worse (I get 27mpg on a good day) and NVH is obviously higher, even with a hardtop.
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
01/06/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 0
Review from a guy on Reddit:
2004 Mazdaspeed owner chiming in.
The Mazdaspeed was made in 2004 and 2005, 4000 and 1428 units respectively due to a fire at the plant. They are powered by a non-VVTI turbocharged and intercooled 1840cc engine with a 9.5 compression ratio. The Turbo is an IHI RHF5 VJ35 pushing 7.25lbs of boost. The chassis is upgraded with Bilstein shocks, stiffer springs that lower the car 7mm, and a strut tower brace. Front and rear anti-roll bars were also beefed up a bit. They also have Bosch torque sensing LSD’s and 17x7 Racing Hart wheels. MSM’s were only available with the 6spd MT (which has shot-peened gears, whatever that is.) There are two trim levels, the standard and the “Grand Touring.” The GT adds leather seats and a canvas top. There are a lot of minor styling changes, including no less than 642 mentions of MAZDASPEED. OK, not that many, but they went a little overboard.
Numbers from Car and Driver:
Curb Weight: 2540lbs
178 bhp @ 6000rpm
166 lb-ft @ 4500rpm
0-60 6.7s
0-100 8.3s
1/4mile 15.2s @ 91mph
300ft skidpad 0.90 lateral G’s
20/26 mpg
I got mine in 2008, it is my daily driver. The only upgrade that I have added is the FM complete intake kit mentioned above. Back when I got the kit, it was around $300.00US, as it did not include the O2 signal modifier. Car runs great, I have turned up the boost a smidge. It is nice and smooth. Prior to the kit it was not smooth, stumbled quite a bit. Oh I also junked the old tyres in favor of 215/40/17 Yoko Parada Spec2's. One of the Toyos it had from the factory came apart.
Problems I have had:
Speed sensor broke. I have the $216.00US OEM part, I’m just lazy.
Drivers door window motor and regulator went bad. (WHO THE HELL DESIGNED THAT CRAP BTW!? IT WAS LIKE TRYING TO BIND AN OCTOPUS WITH GUITAR STRINGS!)
Minor gripes:
I love the leather seats but MSM’s with leather have canvas tops. The top is holding up great, but tiny little white fuzzy things are always sticking to it.
The shift knob is dissolving, but it is hot down here and I have sweaty man hands.
Setting the clock is impossibru.
Overall it is my favorite thus far. I have also owned a 91 with a 1.8 swap and FM2, and a 99 set up for autox. The MSM is nice and balanced as a daily driver. I’m getting older, so I don’t really feel like tinkering with a daily driver much. I should probably also note that I don’t beat on it, no racing, no sick jumps, I’ve never boffed in it, and I’ve never gone 125mph in it. 100mph in a Miata feels like 485mph anyways.
Edit: I fixed it.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 13:39, STARS: 0
I park by 2 CTS coupes daily, though I do like the way they look. An older Porsche just scares me.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/06/2017 at 13:42, STARS: 0
I have to imagine that when they do break its not cheap to fix. Just to be that guy, 64k isnt that much. My completely uniformed opinion is that over 20k miles a year is just too many for a cayman.
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
01/06/2017 at 14:02, STARS: 0
Two CTS coupes?! I almost never see them. Well that’s not going to feel unique.
The Boxster is probably a different proposition than most cars. High parts costs, high cost for catastrophes, but from everything I’ve heard, very little day to day problems; most people report good reliability.
I guess I got nothing... Unless Z3 Coupe!
"Mid Engine" (jdlogan2006)
01/06/2017 at 14:57, STARS: 1
The parts can be expensive, no doubt. It’s pretty easy to wrench on though..
Think about this for a moment: Pretty much every year JD Power rates Lexus #1 in reliability, and Porsche is #2. The cars are very well built
"awmaster10" (awmaster10)
01/06/2017 at 16:03, STARS: 0
You kinda already answered your own question. Just get a ridiculously clean sc400, have a bunch of money for mods or maintenance or just because money is cool.
You mentioned you dont think the g35 or g37 are cool looking enough, but come on...they fit the bill perfectly.
Another not so special looking contender that makes up for it with performance would be an LS2 powered GTO.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/09/2017 at 10:04, STARS: 1
This is good to hear (er, read). I would still be driving something a bit different that makes fun noises but It’d be a Miata with good reliability.
I could road trip across the country for the right one .
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/09/2017 at 10:09, STARS: 0
Yea Detroit life. For the last year there has not been one opportunity to park 3 wide with one of the CTS coupes, my Crossfire and a Magnum. I think it’d be a funny picture of Detroit car failures.
But I honestly think I’m just going to avoid German for this next car purchase. It’d be nice to have less things go wrong while I get a hold on adulthood.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/09/2017 at 10:16, STARS: 1
Regarding the Gs, just don’t see why I should get back seats I wont use when the Zs are (probably) better handling cars.
Getting the best SC I can find is becoming more tempting the more i think about it.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/09/2017 at 10:46, STARS: 1
Tempted.
https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1967/mercury/cougar/100817098
"RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
01/09/2017 at 10:48, STARS: 0
Noice.
"awmaster10" (awmaster10)
01/09/2017 at 20:23, STARS: 0
The Gs handle about as well as the Zs, but because they are a 2+2 and a sedan its much more impressive. Ive driven a 350z and g35 sedan and coupe, and g37 coupe. The 350z feels just as large, yet is a 2 seater sports car, which makes it just kinda feel less special. The g37 coupe is actually my favorite. Miles ahead of the sc400 interior wise, pretty new so easier maintenance, the stock exhaust with minor modification sounds near exotic (Sounds just like the jag v6 in the f type and f pace), and it handles great stock.
I owned a 1998 gs300 which has pretty much identical interior materials to an SC, and it was amazingly put together, with high quality materials, but looks extremely dated. Also, i believe the earlier model year SCs only made like 260hp, vs like 330 in a g37. Not a HUGE difference, but still significant. SC has the weight advantage, and is a lot more unique...Id say you cant go wrong with either.