Update on the Search for my new, wife-approved ride

"revrseat70" (revrseat70) 09/01/2013 at 23:33 • Filed to: None

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I just want to start off by saying thank you. All the advice and conversation concerning my last post really helped us out, and I couldn't be happier with some of the new cars we are considering thanks to you guys. Cheers!

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/my-search-for-…

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As the search continues to expand and tighten, we also find that the finances and time are also. Not the way I would expect though. It would appear, as of right now, that when the purchasing time comes in October/November, the budget may be somewhere in the $23k-$29k area now (the old budget applies if I go with something too old or lacking a warranty). This is her new soap-box: the warranty (or at least a dealer/3rd party warranty). All this seems pretty fair, so the hunt continues. Feel free to chime in with advice, experience, or any cars I'm seriously in need of checking out. As you may have guessed, if the money is what is improving, time must not be. I am going to probably need all this time to get myself behind the wheel, with her, of all these cars. So let the hunt begin!

Priorities:

(driving pleasure>cost>performance>reliability>sexy yet low key>luxury)

Wifely Contingencies:

+'03*, $23k-$29k, 2-door, <60,000 miles, and a warranty of some kind

2014 Subaru BRZ ts

The BRZ is in the fold now. We have a fresh, zero miles, full warrantied sports car here, with more hype than just about any sports car in the last 45 years. But, I grew up around too much muscle to think 150 lbs.ft of torque is enough, so I will need a test drive like no other to change my mind. If I went this route, I'd be attempting to recreate the FRS that was featured on Tuned, with Matt Farrah, the first episode of season 3. (that would be long term... obviously)

~'10 Nissan Nismo 370Z

This is my own addition. We saw one of these last weekend and thought it looked and sounded pretty awesome. I realize these motors have a lot of cooling issues, and are pretty much maxed out, but I'm all about balance these days. And as a weekend/track toy, they seem pretty formidable. I have driven a 370 Base before, and thought it seemed pretty un-refined, fyi. The styling is a little loud too, but It is all functional...

2010 BMW 135i

These seem like great little cars, and a quick tune yields numbers around 400. However, I've seen these things in action and, without some suspension work, they seem like they can be a mess. Still, seems like a great platform that could be a GT for now and a decent platform for tracking later. (Stock, Randy Pobst was able to beat the 370 Nismo around Leguna Seca: who whoulda thought?)

Corvette C5 Z06 or C6

I'm more inclined to say the former because I'm looking for something more visceral and balanced. Plus, minus the need of some oil coolers, the Z06 is a track car. However, minus one or two examples, it can be tricky to find them in mint condition, at a dealer. The C6's might be a little more refined, however, and could be a smarter choice overall.

BMW M3 E46

I have to show my cards here. I have loved this car more than squints loved Ms. Peppercorn, from afar, for all of my post-pubescent life. That said, there are some great examples and horrible examples of this car in the price range. They are super hard to come by, and the maintenance would be expensive. But aren't all good things in life worth working the hardest for? I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't meet my hero and just leave emotion out of it. Hard to say.

2012 Mustang GT 5.0

The Mustang has come a long way with that solid rear end. However, this is a GT/Muscle Car. Besides the Boss, the Mustang, in my opinion, can be shoddy the second you throw curves at it. This would be throwing in the towel and getting a straight-up muscle car like I've been raised to love, and do respect. But just. don't. love ...

2005/6 Lotus Elise 111R

As far as I'm concerned, this is exactly what I'm looking for... If only I didn't live somewhere where everyone would assume it's a Ferrari and try to break into it, or scratch it, or breath on it wrong. Also, we are talking about a car that would, on occasion (ie anytime I left the parking lot), traverse the mountainous passes, crevasses, and shear cliffs that are found within the urban streets and parking lots of Ft. Worth. This is the one that makes me hurt that I know it's a stupid decision. But then again, all the best stories in life start with one.

2007/8 BMW Z4 M Coupe

Now this car makes me and my wife bite our knuckles. This is one of those cars that, in our eyes, is sexy, muscular, and understated all at the same time. The rearward cockpit: classic. This car makes us hurt, bad. However, if you thought the E46 was hard to find, this thing is Sasquatch. At least in our price range, this would be tough to find. Not to mention, expensive parts, and a badge that doesn't exactly carry a humble stigma. but what a car....

2010-12 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

I have loved this car on and off for years, and I'll never forget my first encounter: A rockstar soccer player at my high school got one from his folks during our senior year and wanted a race me in my supercharged IS300. I accepted, knowing I would lose... but... didn't. I beat him off the line like (insert rapper name here) beat up (insert famous woman here). So I offered to switch cars and see what's going on. We did and I destroyed him in my car. Obliterated it. Anyway... I think that was pride talking. My wife initially hated this car. But upon seeing a few in person last weekend, said: "there were a lot of cars I've considered she disliked more than the Evo X". So that's a start... This is the only non-coupe on the list, and will most likely remain that way.

Anyway, that's the list the way it stands as of 9/1/2013. If you made it this far, you are truly an automotive enthusiast, a Jalop, bored, or someone who just loves giving advice or expressing opinions. Either way, I'd appreciate some feedback: good, bad, ugly; on the cars, my life choices, how your Labor Day weekend was... whatever. I appreciate you guys, and will be thankful when this is all said and done and I can enjoy my new faithful steed.

Good night and God Bless!

GhostZ > revrseat70 09/01/2013 at 23:38

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Go for the Corvette or the E46. It will hold value the best and offer lots of room for improvement. Warranty be damned, if you're planning on breaking it, budget the money ahead of time or pay the money up front to make sure it can handle what you throw at it. Insurance should cover what you cannot control.

revrseat70 > GhostZ 09/01/2013 at 23:42

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Thanks for the feedback! Those are probably two of the top three most formidable track cars for the series junkie. They're on the list for a reason, and I intend on getting her in the passenger seat of both. However, that E46 is sooo hard to find. In Texas, the Corvette, not so much...

GhostZ > revrseat70 09/01/2013 at 23:55

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They also have the worst image. Balding middle-aged blue collar worker, VS yuppie/self-entitled college graduate.

I like the 370z, but there is a bit of a performance deficit between it and some of your other picks.

The Mustang is a great choice too, and is probably the most reliable/biggest aftermarket of all of them, but it would need some serious modification to be a reliable track weapon unless you can find a used Boss 302 or Laguna Seca version.

If you want a Track Mustang, maybe look into a 2001-2004 Cobra. They had as much power as a new GT (390HP vs 412) and less weight, plus they had IRS, which greatly improved the handling. Aero was a little better too, at least in shape, but I think they were worse for air flowing under the car (hence big front splitter).

Build quality was sketchy though, and they were squeaky as hell because of it. Interiors were comfortable, but nothing fancy. A good set of urethane bushings and some chassis reinforcement can do wonders if you want to track it though.

Since they came supercharged, and being a Mustang the aftermarket is absolutely huge, it can take pretty much any modifications you'd want to throw at it down the line, and they make roll cages for track days too.

When I was in high school, an upperclassmen's father owned a garage and they built a 2003 Mustang GT to Cobra R specs, and then some. It was putting down about 450-500 RWHP and had a killer suspension and tires. If you don't include the paint and aero, he built it for around 40k, back in 2008. Prices are a little lower now, but they don't seem to be dropping much. I would bet that it would keep its value as well as a C5 Zo6.

I don't mean to bombard you with new choices, but I would at least consider swapping the 2012 GT for an older "new edge" Cobra if you plan to track it. It seems to hit all of your wants (IRS, low weight, power, reliability) without costing much more.

icantremembermylastname > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 00:01

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I test-drove the BRZ a few weeks ago to see if it could finally convince me to turn in my old Ford Probe. I still have my Probe. Don't expect too much with that one.

BeaterGT > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 00:01

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C5Z

Big Bubba Ray > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 00:08

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Probably a stupid question, but have you considered a WRX? Pretty reliable, powerful, fun, and definitely within your budget.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 00:10

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I'd actually say the lotus. My dad has owned 3 (I wasn't old enough to drive any of them, but got a ton of rides). There's nothing that puts a smile on your face faster, from the go-kart like grip to the WAAAAAAH when you get on the VVT. Plus, it just looks happy. They're decently comfortable, pretty elegant even on the inside (Although there are not many luxuries-You're going to want to look into the little cubbies and cupholders that hook onto random bits on the interior that are sold on the forums), and really do feel like a racecar-you can hear the road, hear the rocks pinging up underneath, feel the engine buzzing behind you.

There's only two downsides. A), space. The only trunk you get is a leftover little cubby behind the engine, big enough for maybe a breifcase and a backpack. When I was 13, we took it up to the track. An e46 m3 that was racing got tagged from behind and lost its bumper, which I was given. We then drove the full two hours home with the bumper wedged between my legs and snaking into the passenger footwell. It was still worth it though, just to take that car through the mountain roads near the track.

Secondly, nothing takes the same smile OFF of your face as a speedbump. There is actually no way, physically possible to all of mankind, to take one sucessfully. And if you have a front license plate mount, forget it. My dad had one that was saffron yellow with a front license plate mount, and as we pulled over a speedbump the mount got caught. Two days later, we're underneath sealing up the cracked front bumper with fiberglass.

All bad things aside, it really is phenomenal. Nothing is more eyecatching, more fun, and more exciting for the price of a 111 elise. Plus, if you add a different intake, or even just remove the airbox, you're in for endless fun. You can not only hear the vtec kick in (yo), but you can feel it sucking on the back of your neck.

Good luck, and hope whatever you end up with is a ton of awesome!

#eliseforrevrseatandwife2013

Decay buys too many beaters > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 00:38

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All I can offer is that I have an 86 and love it.

shpuker > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 00:39

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New WRX. Boom. Add in a Cobb turbo back and Access port, good to go.

Vladelicious > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 00:40

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So... I've owned a few of these, and currently drive a modified 2012 Mustang GT. My three previous cars have been a Subaru WRX/STi, a 997 911 4S, and a BMW E46 M3, in that order... so the M3 was what I came to the hunt with, and was my immediate reference point.

Funny enough, I am going through exactly the same process you are, although I'm not sure about giving up the Mustang. I have it tuned pretty much exactly how I want it, but here are my thoughts:

WRX/STi - the bext 4 wheel drive I've ever driven, excellent performance for the cost and utility, tons of room in back and trunk. Absolute workhorse that nothing goes wrong with, and is very forgiving of douchebaggery.

911 997 4S - maybe the best car i've ever driven in terms of balance of exotic-level performance and daily driveability and reliability. The car is almost telepathic in terms of it ability to anticipate what you want to do, and the handling is truly unique. I'm surprised the 911 996 isn't on the list. Not only is it technically a 2+2 (as long as the back two are children, midgets, slender supermodels, or two small bags of groceries), but ifyou can live with the design (I'm not a huge fan of this particular model's front end) the performance is stellar, and the handling superb. I'm thinking of picking one of these up - they can get as low as $19k and if you do a PIP you'll have a good roadmap to everything wrong. On the con side - maintenance is EXPENSIVE.

e46M3 - Like you I loved this car for a long time. I bought it used, and loved it. But the biggest problem is that it is high maintenance, and has the classic BMW electrical issues. I also had to replace 4 sets of rear tires because the back wheel mounting is incredibly unique and precise and if some idiot doesn't know what he's doing and gets it wrong - you will pay the price with instantly shredded tires.

2012 Mustang GT. So... I never thought of this car, and then I drove it. FOr the price point, its incredible. What they got right: the engine. What needs work: everything else. I had to fly to richmond ca to pick mine up because i wanted a very specific set up (convertible, manual, brembos, 3.73 gear ratio, and nothing else) and drove it 500 miles south to san diego as its maiden voyage. So starting with the model I piked up, I've done the following: the suspension in this car SUCKS - tons of nosedive and rear-up which is maddening with this much torque and brembos. Its criminal. SO I put in a tokico d-spec adjustable set of shocks, and a set of racing springs from eibach. Much better. Might do the control arms and a few other small thigns, but the suspension is night and day and it handles much tighter. I also put in a new aluminum CAI, and reflashed the chip. Lastly, you HAVE TO buy an aftermarket shifter - the stock one is shit and hitting 3rd on quick switches a dance through mushy oatmeal. I put in a custom BArton short-shifter.

The car is now pretty killer. Last Dyno had it at around 468hp... and all of this for a price of 39k NEW...and the kicker is all teh aftermarket work was around $5k WITH labor. Thats the beauty of Mustangs - tons of aftermarket parts and they are priced well. Its still not the 911, and its not even the E46. Its still a little sloppy on corners, and the build quality is still not as tight as a wel-produced german racer. But its a screamer of a car in terms of power and flexibility, and super fun to drive.

Hope that helps.

-Vlad

Forgetful > Decay buys too many beaters 09/02/2013 at 02:03

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2nd'd

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > shpuker 09/02/2013 at 02:38

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THAT, is not a bad idea at all....

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 02:39

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If you can find it, I would go for the Z4 M, however, the FRS could be your own little project if you're into that kinda stuff. I'm getting my driver's license in October, and have been looking around, so I'm glad to have taken part in this lol.

Alex87f > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 06:40

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You're talking about cars who MPG range from 15 to 30, isn't that a parameter too?

I think I'd get the BRZ...

-Corvette Z06: nah, too middle-aged-man, terrible MPG, too much power, too in-your-face
-135i: I don't know how I feel about a sports, twin-turbocharged, 2nd hand, 40-60 000 miles BMW
-M3 / Z4M: same comment as above (obviously you'd have to replace twin-turbo by 8500rpm-lover), but their exclusivity makes it somewhat worth it. Careful on the maintenance though, I assume it can get pretty expensive on M cars, especially with the SMG gearbox. A Z4M coupe would be a fantastic choice provided you can afford the maintenance and find a pristine one
-Nismo 370Z: well it's a good all-rounder. Not too expensive, acceptable MPG, good performer, but it's a 2-seater, I don't like its looks, and I've never quite grown to love this car.
-Lotus: don't be fooled by the toyota engine. Maintenance isn't cheap in Europe, so I don't think it can be any better in the States. My source is a person who owned two (on a forum, that is), apparently cat's are weak and cost 1000+$, gear synchros tend to die quite young, tires don't last forever, and all the specific parts are not cheap.
-Mustang: yeah, why not! Again, just not my type of car.
-EVO: I like it more than the Mustang, though not a huge fan.

I'm trying to think of USA-available cars you haven't mentioned.. WRX STI? Audi TT S? Miata?

Averyrm - GTI YUP > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 10:29

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I bought an Elise, and TRADED IT IN it two years later for what I paid for it. I miss that car every day. Parallel parking is scary, you get a lot of attention (universally good) and my wife loved it.

It's cheap to run, cheap to buy, cheap to insure, and gorgeous.

revrseat70 > GhostZ 09/02/2013 at 10:46

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It's something to start researching. I have built 2 different Mustangs in my life. A '96 and a friends '98* Cobra. I think it was a 98. I could be off. Anyway, they are both great cars and can be anything you want. A terminator was actually the first car I looked at buying way back when. They were a lot more expensive back then and couldn't even dream about affording it. Speaking on versatility: That '96 we built became a drag car, and my friend's became a full fledged track car.

revrseat70 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/02/2013 at 10:53

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Hahaha brilliant hashtag. I absolutely love that you have had the chance to connect with your dad in such an amazing car. I cannot wait to find one in the area to test drive. I have been hearing about that car for so long, and in my mind it has been built up to be the experience that I'm looking for. We will just have to wait and see. I can think on two speed bumps in this whole area. I'll just have to find another way home ;)

revrseat70 > Decay buys too many beaters 09/02/2013 at 10:55

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simple. Just like the car. I keep seeing them EVERYWHERE, so they must be pretty close to as good as people say! It's not counted out by any means!

revrseat70 > Big Bubba Ray 09/02/2013 at 10:58

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Absolutely. I prefer the interior and build quality of Subies over Evos. However, the Evo is an extremely proven track car (nor does it have the Subies' chocolate engine parts) , and according to my wife: better looking. I'm pretty much indifferent on looks for either though.

revrseat70 > shpuker 09/02/2013 at 10:59

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Why is your avatar so hypnotic? Anyway, I think I responded to Big Bubba Ray about the same thing. There's love for the STI especially. But just not from the wife. I'd love to check out a RSti that was done immaculately, if I'm honest. Those are some animals on the track.

revrseat70 > BeaterGT 09/02/2013 at 11:00

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Still one of my favorite choices.

revrseat70 > Alex87f 09/02/2013 at 11:06

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The Audi isn't a bad thought...

you'd be surprised though: C5 Z06's actually perform better in fuel economy than advertised. And with an exhaust upgrade, they are more like 29-30 mpg cars. The rpm is so low in 6th gear at 70, it's almost idling the whole time you're cruising. I totally understand the BMW comment. It also applies to the Lotus, as well as your Lotus comment applies to the Lotus. Good thoughts. However, 40 year old doctors own these cars just as well as 25-year-old flat-brimmed-hat wearers. How it was driven and kept up has a lot more to do with quality than mileage does nowadays. And there's no way I am getting an SMG gear box. So no worries there. The ONLY auto I'm considering is the Evo MR.

revrseat70 > Vladelicious 09/02/2013 at 11:13

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Tell me more. I seriously want to just hear more because every one of those cars has been considered in the last few months. The 996 was something I looked into for a while. But I was thinking they are out of the price range. Maybe I'm wrong... Either way, maintenance might be a killer. I appreciate your honest praise of the Mustang. It was pretty low on the list to be honest. Its main redeeming quality being that it would be new. However, that is now a test drive I'm looking forward to. Did you test drive all these cars locally before going across the states to pick up?

revrseat70 > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash 09/02/2013 at 11:22

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Absolutely! These comments could definitely help you out! In all honesty, we love the Z4M. My only hang up with the BRZ is that it is a car to be modified... I did a lot of work to my IS300. A LOT of work. I could keep up with old corvettes, GTO's, and all sorts of others, by the time I was done. The problem is, once you upgrade one part on a car, you surpass the engineering on about 8 other parts. So my thought is: why not get a car that's engineered to be what I want from the get go. Then, all upgrades are just a bonus, or compliment what's already there (rather than forcing a car to be something it's not, having it fight you every step of the way, while draining your wallet). This interview makes a whole lot of since to anyone who has tried to do a heavy amount of upgrades to a car:

revrseat70 > Averyrm - GTI YUP 09/02/2013 at 11:23

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Cheap to insure? Seriously?! I would have never thought that. I will say urban driving and attention are my only two genuine fears about that car. I'm so sorry you are in a position to miss it. Maybe some day you can get back into one!

revrseat70 > icantremembermylastname 09/02/2013 at 11:24

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Thanks for the honest feedback. What turned you away? Hype couldn't live up?

Averyrm - GTI YUP > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 11:46

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Yeah, it was the same to insure as my wife's Scion xA, if not slightly less.

Averyrm - GTI YUP > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 11:47

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Ended up with an RX8. It's like an Elise station wagon. Not as fast, but nearly as fun. Easier to fit the kid in too.

Milky > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 12:00

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Soo this is my opinion, because beautiful and great drivers cars.

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 12:00

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Well, if you don't want to modify the BRZ, then either don't modify it or don't buy it. (depending on the test drive I guess lol). As for the video, it makes total sense, and talking about the connection between the car and the driver, that's something ultimately for you to decide really, and that >$1000 Camaro isn't the circumstances you're under right now haha. Other than that, I think you've got a nice list, and if the BRZ is out of the question, then maybe the Lotus would be a better substitute if you can't find a suitable Z4M.

revrseat70 > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash 09/02/2013 at 12:11

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Exactly. I understand this community can't make the decisions for me. I'm just looking for feedback. it's all going to come down to circumstances and test drives from here. But thanks for the feedback, and I believe your verdict is a very valid one.

revrseat70 > Milky 09/02/2013 at 12:12

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mmmmmm made my 11:11 wish :)

revrseat70 > Averyrm - GTI YUP 09/02/2013 at 12:14

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Wow, that is unexpected. Very good info to know. Yeah the RX-8, like the 7 before it, is a fantastic car. I helped a guy with his 500hp E85 Turbo RX-8. What a screamer! I'm just not sold on Rotaries. Otherwise, an extremely well thought out car with the suicide doors and all.

Averyrm - GTI YUP > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 12:16

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I'd never recommend an RX8. Terrible mpg, engines average only 100k miles or so.

That said, I really like it.

icantremembermylastname > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 12:28

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I have been having trouble putting my finger on it, but I think the best way of saying it is that it fails at being a car.

That doesn't make sense, but it's how I felt being in it. I also drove a Focus ST that day, and although the Focus was slower, would never really be a sports car, can't really be upgraded or made better than stock, it felt like a car I would drive.

The BRZ/FRS left me with a few problems. It has a back seat. You cannot use the backseat, not if you want to sit in the front seat. My testdrive was spoiled because my cousin sat behind me, and it made it next to impossible to shift, or do anything else really. So the backseat is so horrible it shouldn't exist. It's frustrating to me.

Powerwise it was okay. Underwhelming. The problem? It feels very similar to my FWD Probe. Which was built in 1994. And has a usable back seat. And the back seat can be folded to fit a matress inside the storage. Basically, the BRZ is a car that drives like my current one, but isn't useful as a car.

No matter how much work you do to make it faster, it will still fail in its primary function, as a people and stuff transporter. I would buy a Focus ST, and never upgrade the power, before I would buy a BRZ.

But that's just me. Having a just for show back seat would drive me nuts, no matter how well the car drives.

For you? The fact that it feels like a Probe might be good enough to convince you to get it. It feels like a pre-1997 car. But don't get it if you ever expect to use it as a car. It will only ever be a track-rat. Personally, on your list I'd suggest the BMWs.

revrseat70 > icantremembermylastname 09/02/2013 at 12:42

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Great explanation. I was actually planning on taking out any back seat any future car I might get comes with. I had a four door, and the back seat was just trunk space as far as I'm concerned. If I'm looking at suspension upgrades, four people would make me bottom out everywhere, so why even have something that makes people think they could ride with me. I'd rather just not even give people the impression the car could handle all the extra weight. I don't think it's selfish. Just saves me from explaining to people why they can't ride with me that doesn't make it sound like I'm calling them fat. Hahaha I'm with you though. I have trouble justifying a BRZ over an ST if you plan on keeping both stock. Upgrading is probably the only reason to choose the former over the latter.

revrseat70 > Averyrm - GTI YUP 09/02/2013 at 12:43

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Hahahah well then... I'm glad you said it, because I wasn't going to.

shpuker > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 13:30

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Because Panda Snaps. Gotta love the Subies though, no love from the wife though? Shitty.

Hmm, Mustang's still a good option, not the 135i though. Great fun but damn sure not cheap to keep up.

As a fan of big cars I wanna say Challenger, though I know a lot of people aren't a big fan of the whole nimble cruise liner coupe thing. Fucking awesome cars though, and they happen to have a ton of room.

revrseat70 > shpuker 09/02/2013 at 15:16

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I hear ya about the Subie. I would say it's not the end of the world though. I think I would go Mustang out of any of the Muscle Cars though.

Alex87f > revrseat70 09/02/2013 at 17:34

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Thanks!

You're right, quality > mileage, but the former is -sadly- much harder to assess than the latter.

Now that I think about it, I really like the idea of a Z4M. Otherwise, there's also the Z4 Coupe 3.0 Si with 265hp, cheaper to buy and to maintain, and assume it's no slouch. I wonder if you had it in the USA though.. We had it in Europe but finding a 6MT one is next to impossible!

Oh and I forgot to mention the BRZ's pros: fits within your budget, new, probably reliable, good looking (apart from taillights but than can be fixed with red wrapping), quite understated, seats 4, lots of potential for future modifications, very driver focused yet modern, and probably quite economical by US standards.

revrseat70 > Alex87f 09/02/2013 at 23:30

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Actually the 3.0 Si's are for sale by the dozen here. I never see them on the road though. Seems odd. I would be happy to take a look at one, if for nothing more than to feel the interior and compare it to the M. Although the M is hard to find at those prices, it can be done. And like the Mustang GT to the Boss, there's this thorn in my side about not getting the model that the engineers got to dominate the creation of. The one where the engineers were given the ability to make the car the way they originally invisioned it before the bean-counters stepped in.

The BRZ is still a decent option because it is new, and I acknowledge that. I wouldn't be opposed to having one for a few years and upgrading later. I would probably upgrade to another car before completely transforming it into a track beast with forced induction and all. I've been down the road of supercharging an N/A motor before (actually I even sourced and fabricated the supercharger kit), and I would not really be interested in doing it again, unless I had more time, space, and a dedicated daily driver.

Vladelicious > revrseat70 09/03/2013 at 01:27

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So... I will say that I would not buy the e46 again. I loved it, but man... too many little things. I swear the next company I start will supply nothing but electrical components to german car manufacturers who are unable to find good ones for decades.

Mine also had the SMG - which is an amazing transmission. Quick shifts, precise, the paddle shifters are excellent. But... I still missed stick, and I lived in constant fear that something would go wrong with the SMG - and replacing it is a $7k proposition.

The WRX was created to appeal to driving purists, and to piss off their significant others. The car is so awesome in so many ways - except for cosmetics. The last model year being maaaaaybe an exception, every other model year that car is just ugly. You learn to love it because of its performance and insane reliability and durability - but so many times i found myself wondering - why....why couldn't it be just a little prettier, sexier, sleeker? Why does it have to have ugly scoops and ridiculous headlights, and ugly bumpers, etc. etc.

I would definitely urge you to test drive some used 996s. They are currently, in my opinion, a pretty great buy. Mostly because so many people hate that design year, and it hasn't really reached "classic" stage. So its artificially low in terms of price vs peformance. I'd avoid '99 and 2000 models as those are the first years of production and Porsche had some serious build quality issues. Unless you know the owner and know that they have done the necessary work, I'd stay clear. But 2001-2005... I think there is quite a bit of inventory in your pricerange, and at the end of the day, its a f$%^ing porsche 911. Its performance is legend... but the big consideration is cost of maintenance with this choice. Porsche is obnoxious. If you go this way I'd build a good relationship with a private mechanic.

The only negative to the Mustang, once you do some of the work I outlined, is the detail work. Every single other Ford - and I'm talking fusion, focus, etc - has a nicer interior. Cheap plastic everywhere. They put so much effort and money into the engine - that they literally skimped everywhere else. That said... I've driven 23k miles with NOTHING but oil changes and the mechanical upgrades. The car has literally needed nothing else.

As far as other models I've considered and I'm kind of looking at now... I love the Lotus suggestion. I have kids so I'd need to find a well-priced Evora (which I think is gorgeous) but I doubt I can find one at a reasonable price. Its a really fun car though.

I've looked at a few Maserati Spyder coupes. Those are in the high 20s/low 30s now. Cool car. But has a ferrari engine in it, and you'd have to budget essentially an amount equal to the purchase price if something goes wrong. Oil changes are a grand.

I might be the only person here who isn't nuts about the FRS (et al). I appreciate the achievement - but after driving a few, I feel like its a stripped down version of an evo/wrx class car. I also feel like its a little underpowered for all the hoopla. Great handling and some really nice touches, but it isn't as refined as an m3 or s4, and it isn't as unique or truly raw as the lotus. I think I'd need to invest at least 3-4k to tighten it up and get the power up. At which point - i'm in a price category on the used side that features some pretty nice choices...

Everything being said and done... even with its shortcomings, I'm surprisingly happy with the Mustang. And seriously, not only was it not on the list - but I actively fought the choice because I was convinced I only loved certain types of cars. The proof is that I usually switch cars every year because I have total car ADD and absolutely love the process, and I'm coming up on 2 years of owning the Mustang.

Anyway...apologies if I'm rambling. Fun subject. Good luck with the search...:)

-Vlad

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > revrseat70 09/03/2013 at 11:48

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Track down, and capture, the elusive Sasquatch.

Big decision, but do not settle on a car you don't absolutely love.

revrseat70 > Vladelicious 09/03/2013 at 19:49

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Well said sir. Well said. I really appreciate the feedback. Although the Mustang is a car that i'm still leery of, I'll be sure to test drive it based on your testimony. Thanks for all the rambling (I enjoyed it). I'm really looking forward to seeing how this all turns out!

And I think if I switched cars every year, I'd go insane with all the choices. However, if I had the time, money, and patience. Who wouldn't?

revrseat70 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/03/2013 at 19:52

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Thanks for the encouragement. We seriously look forward to driving that car if we ever get the chance. My last car was a compromise. After 8 years with it, the small prick in my side became a huge thorn. I patiently waited for this opportunity and she and I both know it would be better to be patient and land something we love.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > revrseat70 09/04/2013 at 08:41

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I almost settled on an '11 G37 sedan, but decided to buy one of my dream cars instead - an '08 E90 M3. And I don't regret that decision every single day .

revrseat70 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/04/2013 at 09:02

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Well done sir. I couldn't agree more with that decision on so many levels.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > revrseat70 09/04/2013 at 09:06

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Thanks. To quote Clarkson: "It is... pretty much perfect."

Now go get yours!

revrseat70 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 09/04/2013 at 19:35

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Actually Clarkson HATED the Z4 M Coupe. I think he said that about the 1M. Now that's the car I'd have... if it wasn't so expensive. Well I'll keep looking for one, but I'd still need to love driving it before I call it "the one".

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > revrseat70 10/10/2013 at 17:05

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He said it about the E92 M3 (in the Worst Car in the World episode, just before they verbally crushed the X3).

Any update on your hunt?

*just saw your post - congrats! Must be nice to actually fit in one of those...