Unnecessary Car Shopping with DaftRyosuke: The Shortlist

"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
10/01/2018 at 22:57 • Filed to: None

A couple of days ago, I regaled the tale that I am looking to buy (or finance) a new car. The car in particular I was talking about then was the newest Honda Civic, a car that I feel is quite a looker, inside and out, especially considering its segment. But, since then, I’ve opened up my mind to nine (or rather ten) other possibilities, and compiled a short list of cars I’m considering to buy, whether from my own desire for them, or from other people’s recommendations. Here’s what I’ve come up with in no particular order.

1. 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V

As I’ve made painfully obvious in the past, I love Cadillac. I love everything they’ve ever done. But, many don’t know the reason why. Well, the exact reason Cadillac stays so firmly in my heart is because my first car was a fully loaded 2003 CTS in Sable Black over Ebony. It was, and still is, my most favorite car that I have owned.

My old CTS, feat. A-12 Oxcart.

Ever since the day I brought that car home, its more-powerful sister, the CTS-V, has been long imprinted on my consciousness as a dream car. However, the third-generation CTS-V is too new, and the second-generation is not quite cheap enough for me to justify buying one, so that leaves me with the first-generation of V.

But that’s not much of a thing to complain about, honestly. The first generation of V is one of those cars that ticks all of the right boxes for what a performance sedan should be: it’s front engine, rear-wheel drive, powered by a naturally aspirated V8, and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Luckily they’re not all that expensive either, but I do expect prices to start climbing within a couple of years. It’s very probable that I won’t get one of these, but it would be a fair continuation of my CTS’s legacy.

2. 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS 2.0T

Within the same vein of the CTS-V sits the Cadillac ATS, a car I’ve fawned over as well since its debut. The ATS is a logical spiritual successor to my CTS...it’s the same size, sports the same power, and has the same overall attitude in my opinion. The 2.0T is the one to get in my eyes, as it sports an ideal 270 bhp, a perfect amount for a car this size and with this compact RWD layout, however, I am not opposed to a 3.6 model either.

The prices on these are about the same as the CTS-Vs from before, but it’s definitely a more daily-friendly idea than the harder, performance-oriented V. I’m looking at early models, which are on the lower end of the price range, and feature the more attractive pre-facelift look. It’s a car I’ve really wanted to get my hands on for a long time, and is a strong front-runner in my list.

3. 1997-2003 BMW 530i/535i

The E39 is a car that I’ve talked a lot about, and for good reason: it is my favorite generation of BMW anything, better than any E30, E46, 2002, M1, whatever (bite me). BMW has yet to create a design as beautiful as this, not to mention how perfectly balanced the chassis is. The E39 M5 writes the book on how a performance sedan should be, one of the reasons I like the aforementioned CTS-V.

I’ve always been a little skittish about E39s, but after doing research (and asking you all for your advice), it’s very possible that the problems of an E39 could be problems I can handle. They’re quite cheap as well, with very few even coming close to the 10k mark, but I’m willing to fish out the money for a good one. An M5 would be an ideal one to get, but as their prices go up, I’m left to looking at non-M versions, the 6 cylinder models of which many people have said are the best to get.

Since I was young, my family have always sung the praises of BMW. I feel like it’s my half-German duty to buy a Roundel some day, but is it time to face my heritage? Maybe.

4. 2017-2018 Honda Civic Hatchback

I’ve already spoken once before in an article and before in this post about how I’d like to get a new Civic, so I’ll keep my talking about this one short. I’ve decided that I’d really like a hatchback in either Sport, Touring, or Si trim. These three trims have the best aesthetics in my opinion, with the Sport and Si definitely having more pep for your step, and the Touring being well optioned for the price. It’s still a great looking machine to me, and I could definitely see one in my driveway.

5. 2014-2018 Mazda3 Hatchback

This one was recommended to me by a personal friend who owned a 3 Grand Touring sedan briefly last year. He told me a lot about how great the 3 drives, and I honestly believe him. Plus I really appreciate the fact that you can spec out an otherwise fully loaded trim of the 3 and still get a manual transmission, as my friend did. Plus the styling is jaw-droppingly beautiful...I mean, just look at it.

However...there are a few things that kind of turn me off about the 3, and one of them is the interior. Some might find it to be nice, and it sure is built pretty well, I’m just not really a big fan of the aesthetic, having seen it up close many times before at work. I don’t know if I could live with a car I’m not a fan of the interior of. Sure, the CTS’s interior wasn’t the greatest, but I soon learned to live with it. Maybe after some test driving, I may come around to enjoying it. Who knows?

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The only modern hatch that really gives the Civic a run for its money in my possible purchases is the current GTI. I’ve always been a rather huge fan of the GTI, and the MkVII is no different. It’s a great looking machine with a comfortable interior and is definitely a classier alternative to the other hatches on the market. I’d prefer an R, but we can’t always get what we want...mostly because I’m not that rich.

There is, of course, the question of VAG reliability, which is a bit of a downside. I would definitely have to invest in some sort of warranty for the long run if these are truly as unreliable as legend suggests. But, compared to some of my other possibilities, I feel like the nannies with this choice kinda pale in comparison. Nevertheless, I like the new GTI and would love to give it a try.

7. 1997-2000 Lexus SC400

The refreshed Z30-chassis Soarer is a car that I’ve said many times over is one of my dream cars, and that statement still stands today. Up until recently, I stood firm that it would be my next car, and it’s still a possibility. The SC has aged ever so gracefully, it’s a timeless design that’s matched with a great chassis and set of engines, but the V8 is the one I yearn for the most. I’ve loved this car since I was a kid, and today, at 23, it’s no different.

8. 2006-2011 Lexus GS

The second of three Lexuses I’m thinking about is the third generation of the GS. While not my most favorite generation of this model, there is definitely something alluring about it. It’s got a very iconic shape, with that fastback roof and epic RWD proportions. The GS430 was apparently the fastest sedan in the world at one point, which is a very, very interesting claim considering the fact that this is a Lexus , for god’s sakes.

Having driven a few GS350s from this era, I can definitely see the draw to them. They’re built very, very well, are comfortable, can get out of their own way very easily, and are extremely reliable. Plus, pricing is just right in my ballpark, so in all actuality, this might be one of the most probable picks on this list. It ’s a package almost too nice to pass up.

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The third and final Lexus on my list is yet another deal too nice to pass up. At the time in the early 2000s, the LS430 was most certainly the best and one of the nicest full-size luxury cars you could buy, with its bulletproof reliability, dead quiet road manners, and well-appointed interior. The sheer amount of features makes it such an alluring machine to me, plus the fact that its got a design which I believe has stood the test of time, still looking $70,000 only 18 years later.

In fact, the 430s are so nice, that like the E39 and SC400, it’s been on my want list for some time. But, before now, they never quite hit the right place in the market, and I never had the money to really justify the purchase. Now that I do have the means, however, the 430 is quite a treat to think about, and one that I’m actually nearly ready to pull the trigger on.

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Controversial opinion incoming: I think this is the best generation of 4Runner. Yes, some of the older models are probably better off-roaders, and the new one is quite a beast, but something about these fourth-generation 4Runners speaks to me. Maybe it’s the oddly pretty styling, maybe it’s the optional V8 powerplant. All I do know is that between the three generations of 4Runners that I’ve driven, this, the one before, and the one after, this one hits me in a perfect way.

An SUV like this may not be the most logical choice for someone like me, but it does have its benefits as someone who lives in a very...rural part of the southeast. Plus it’s got tons of space and towing capacity in case anything needs to be moved from one place to another. And just like the Lexuses, reliability is another huuuuge factor that turns me onto it compared to its counterparts from America or Europe. Basically, I’m ready to be part of the T4R family, but is it ready for me?

And...I think there’s one more car I should throw in that I’ve been considering.

Bear with me here, though...you might think I’m crazy.

Honorable Mention: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Look, it’s been well over a year since I sung my praises for this fine Italian machine, and its a car that still has a place in my heart. Say what you will about unreliability and all that, I still want a Giulia...badly.

Prices for the earliest models are coming down decently enough that I might just be able to swing a model...but there is a catch. The cheapest ones I could find in my price range are all base models, which I find to be okay but not quite what I’m looking for. Plus, yes...the elephant in the room about unreliability, but I have my own set of car wizards to help me if I need it. And if I have the paycheck to compensate for it.

But that’s more or less a big old...”What if?”

Anyway, that’s my short list of cars that I might end up buying. There is definitely a chance I might be the first person in the history of forever that cross-shopped most of these models, but hey, I’m weird like that. Anyway, give me your tips, tricks, thoughts, suggestions, and check out my article on Autotrader.com/oversteer for a list of the top ten...you get the joke.

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DISCUSSION (40)

Spanfeller is a twat > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:02

civic or 4runner.

we’ve talked about this before.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:17

Here’s an idea for the Giulia--get that base and swap out the wheels and tires.

nj959 > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:18

Kinja'd!!!

Do it. It’s the right choice. I know it, you know it, everybody knows it.

Chariotoflove > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:22

That’s a pretty Jalop list.

I’m not gonna tell you what to buy. No one knows better than I how you leave the house thinking you’ll buy one thing and come home with another.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:23

I’m envisioning you doing the Riker Maneuver in each car.

ciscokidinsf > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:24

I can help, my car shopping lists sometimes end up like this too. The BS the sentimentality and the practicality hate each other:

CTS - You already had one. Time for new experiences

BMW e39 5 series - most are now beaten to hell, or carefully cared for 220K miles. Decent e39 M5s go for half a kidney at Bring A Trailer. Either way, you can’ t afford a nice one, much less a bargain one.

SC400 - you are kidding. Most good ones go for major coin now. Supra in drag. The rest are beaters from Jersey.

The other Lexusii - Zzzzzzzzz wait til you get older. Why retire now?

MKVII GTI - Psst, Buddy, the 2013 MKVI GTI is 85% the exact same car. Check it out. Save some money. I got one with 85 K miles, all the bells and whistles for $12K. All good.

Mazda 3/Civic - All the hot girls outside the club will ask you when they see you : ‘ are you....... . my Uber driver?’

Your real short List: Toyota 4Runner or Caddy ATS - These are your real choices. Caddy ATS coz you love caddies and its a better, more reliable, less gas hungry alternative to an older CTS-V. RWD FTW! 4Runner because it will do all you need, forever and you’ll feel good .

Done. Stop the craigslist mindless surfing! Focus on those 2 or an older GTI.

Tapas > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:25

Best thing you can do is see g et seat time in these cars. That will make your ch oice easier.

CompactLuxuryFan > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:27

I’d go for the LS or the E39, depending on what the budget actually ends up being (I’m assuming the Lexus is way more expensive). Sounds like those two are the ones that will feel the most special to you.

Matt Nichelson > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:29

Here’s my two cents, also in no particular order :

I’ve driven the new Civic. It’s nice, but I just can’t get past the CVT. I dunno which if any of them still offer a manual, but if it has one, go for that one if you decide on that car.

The SC is a lovely car that I wanted for quite a while when I was younger. I dunno how many are left that are in decent shape though.

I owned an E39 540i M-Sport for a short time and absolutely loved it. I’m sure one with the 6 is nice too, but l ike the SC though, not sure how many in decent shape are left.

Alfa = no more money

Do you really want an older car with more miles that may need work right after you get it, or do you want something newer with less miles that may not cause you any issues for a while?

Out of you list, I would personally g o with the ATS. Good luck with whatever you choose though!

ToyotaFamily > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:33

I have a 4th gen 4runner. It does everything pretty well, gas mileage isn’t all that bad either.

An Ls430 would be worth it if it’s an 04-06. Slight facelift and 6 speed auto with some extra power. I’ve been looking for the “one” (black or saddle interior, any exterior color except black ) for about a year. I’d drop my 4runner asap for one.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/01/2018 at 23:54

CTS-V: good choice, although I’ve heard the manual isn’t great but depreciation should be minimal, plus attainable dream car and all that

ATS: I like them, but I feel like the CTS-V would be a better option for the price. Plus spiraling depreciation that makes them affordable now could hurt later. Still, not a bad choice.

E39: No, it’s an overrated car and reliability is an obvious concern. You’re rural and don’t want to be left stranded.

Civic: meh, styling is obviously how you feel about it so no comments here (personally I don’t find it offensive, but also not exciting or good looking). If you get one, Si for sure. Otherwise it might be a little underpowered.

Mazda3: again, compared to the other options, a little boring. I’d rather have an ATS if you want a newer car.

Golf GTi: solid choice, really can’t go wrong, although a bit cliche.

SC400: I want to say no, but I can’t. Yes it’s older but I’m guessing well under budget so plan a little more for repairs and you’re good to go.

GS: Get the 430 (or 460, if you can find one). One of my personal favorite attainable cars, they look great and are very reliable and fast. What more could you want? (manual blah blah blah)

LS430: I’d go for the GS430 instead, all the same features, almost as comfortable, but quicker and more fun to drive.

4Runner: I love that generation, just watch for rust (especially on the frame). Plus it’s not a great value like some of the others.

Guilia: As pretty as it is, we both know the answer is no.

TL;DR my shortlist would be, in order, CTS-V, GS430, SC400, ATS, GTi

fintail > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 00:03

Lexus GS fastest sedan? That’ s kind of kooky - fastest Lexus of the era, maybe?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 00:08

Get the SC400 before they start selling on BaT for $25,000....

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fintail
10/02/2018 at 00:47

I’m going to assume there’s a critical adjective he omitted.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > fintail
10/02/2018 at 06:03

It’s mostly heresay, but apparently it held that crown for like two months until another sedan took it from it.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 07:17

Please don’t get a GS.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 07:26

LS430. Or SC400.

Either will need to be straight piped........

McMike > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 07:32

I love it when my photoshops find their way back to me.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > McMike
10/02/2018 at 07:49

Wait...which photoshop? I threw that header image together in photoshop last night.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
10/02/2018 at 07:50

Why tho

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
10/02/2018 at 07:50

If I get the LS, it’s staying quiet.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
10/02/2018 at 07:50

You’re damn right.

RT > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 07:53

It was never the fastest, the 177mph Lotus Carlton from 1990 was faster.

The previous gen GS did hold a record for best stopping distance on a production car though. That’s something at least.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > RT
10/02/2018 at 08:00

Hey don’t shoot the messenger. A friend told me this.

McMike > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 08:03

I made this thumbnail for Doug.

https://www.autotrader.com/car-video/help-me-choose-what-car-should-doug-demuro-buy-nex-261621

Fun fact: this was the source image for it.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > McMike
10/02/2018 at 08:06

Ahhhhh okay.

RT > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 08:07

I love Cadillac. I love everything they’ve ever done.

Even the 1976 Eldorado with 23 horsepower per litre? Also downsizing.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > RT
10/02/2018 at 08:10

Yes. And yes. My love for Cadillac knows no bounds.

nerd_racing > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 08:17

Let me start by saying I’m a huge Mazda fanboy who owns a 2015 Mazda 3 i sport hatch. I have some buyers remorse, the 2015 3 is one of the few automotive purchases I have regretted. The sport model is pretty slow and uninspired, the paint scratches easily (waterborne paint), the rear brakes tend to hang up, it already has a clicking front CV shaft (less than 50k miles), and the car has been hit a couple times, one my fault, one not. People don’t tend to see the darker color at night. Also the low beams are kinda weak. I’m not sure if the touring models received better lighting.

Things I do like about it, 6MT is good, 40 mpg highway, I haul tons of stuff with it (earlier this week I had a 1.3L engine in it, an air compressor, and 4 wheels in the back), and it is generally comfortable to ride in and drive. It handles well for it’s segment too.

McMike > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 08:36

I just think it’s funny when I see them again. I often wonder about their journey.

RT > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 09:14

That’s some dedication, but I can’t blame you - these cars have their charm.

That being said, at the time, they were outclassed in every area. Cadillac was never the same after the fuel crisis. I’m still happy people preserve them though, they’re an interesting piece of history at least .

fintail > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 09:28

I have just a little doubt it would be faster than say an E55-63 /S55-63 /S65/M5 et al. I think there’s a missing caveat.

fintail > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/02/2018 at 09:29

Is it “built in a Toyota factory between 2006-2007"?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
10/02/2018 at 10:00

Gotta open up that V8 rumble!?!?!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > fintail
10/06/2018 at 11:12

For a very limited period of time the GS400 was the fastest accelerating new sedan you could buy as the E34 M5 was phased out and the W210 E55 didn’t exist yet.

fintail > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
10/06/2018 at 17:59

Must have been indeed a minute sliver of time between the E60 and E50 (I think they came in that order), as the E55 wasn’t until maybe spring 98. Unless the claim is based on US market only, which would be a weak qualifier.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > fintail
10/08/2018 at 00:08

The GS400 was actually quicker than the E50. Technically the E60 wasn’t actually a car, it was a special tuning program for the E50 which is why all E60s have E50 data cards and the only way to tell if it’s an E60 is to look at the engine serial number .

fintail > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
10/08/2018 at 00:27

I had heard E60 were just a special order car that very few people ordered.

This is a simple 0-60/0-100 kmh “quicker”, right? What’s the metric here, anyway?

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > fintail
10/08/2018 at 13:33

0-60 is the metric. I was also pretty shocked when I learned that the E60 wasn’t really a production car but instead a crazy tuning package .

fintail > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
10/08/2018 at 20:13

What was the delta in this? Like 5.5 vs 5.7? Reminds me of an ad campaign for the current GS a few years ago, touting that it had more hp than equivalent E/5/A6. It had four more hp. Four.

I’ve never seen an E60, but I have seen a federalized E50 in the US, so at least one made it over. I think I have seen a pic of a period E60 promotional sheet, so they made it that far. But if one wants the obscure 210, just go for an E73.