oppo approved girl cars

"JasonStern911" (JasonStern911) 02/16/2014 at 19:11 • Filed to: None

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so my girl has an RX-8 with all of the warranties up, so I am trying to convince her to sell it before the latest factory rebuild Renesis pops again. if I pick the right car, she's okay with me adding some cash (so that she can fix and help pay off her R230) and getting something we both can enjoy to replace it. unfortunately, she's has her demands which significantly reduces the pool from which to pick awesome cars

* Must be an automatic (sounds bad, but her not being able to drive a stick means that she will never drive my Carrera, so trade-offs)

* $3-8k price range (the higher it goes, the more I pay, which means the car has to be more awesome. thank you, RX-8 depreciation)

* Must be girl cute - no wagons :(

* Must be able to tolerate girl daily driving (why let the engine warm up? it drives just fine cold) :'(

* No Miatas, despite them being perfect for her.

So, what does that leave? So far, the top choices are:

SN95 Mustang GT - plentiful, cute enough for her, back seats to make it practical. rear-wheel drive V8 with enough suspension and engine modifications available to keep me interested.

Toyota SC300/SC400 - "Lexus" brand to sell her on with a fancy interior and all that jazz, rear-wheel drive V6/V8 for me. plus I have an irrational desire to own a 70s/80s rear-wheel drive Japanese car that I could at least partially fill with this.

Honda RSX - same "luxury brand" appeal as the SC300/400 to appeal to her, and a slightly peculiar interest to have as a winter beater for me. but I see this as a long shot, as every RSX on craigslist that I have seen either has been riced out, has crazy high mileage, or exceeds the price range requirement.

Porsche 944 - not my girl's first, second, third, fourth, etc. choice, but I love the body style and would incur the financial wrath of having to maintain one and the constant complaining of buying one despite it not being what she wants. unfortunately, the automatic 944s are as elusive as leprechauns as they tend to get horded by retired orthodontists that never drive them because they are too hard to get in and out of.

the cars I kind of want but would have a hard time justifying for cost of upkeep reasons as I would not be the primary driver:

BMW E39 - I would be lying if I said I haven't considered dumping her and using the money saved to by a manual E39 M5, as that would be the perfect compliment to my Carrera, but that doesn't align with my long-term life goals currently. an M52/M54 powered one is in the price range, but I have concerns about the long-term reliability with me not being the primary driver.

2G Eclipse Spyder Turbo - cute for her, convertible for her, front wheel drive for safety reasons in winter. and a turbocharged 4G63 for me! nearly perfect until she blows the motor driving the car mid-tune... :(

BMW Z3 - for whatever reason (*cough* brand *cough*), she hates the Miata but loves the Z3. this should be the choice. the 1.9L four banger is bulletproof and the car is close enough to a Miata that I could still occasionally enjoy it. but for whatever reason, Z3s are crazy overpriced.

WRX/Impreza RS - Would be perfect if not for the same overpriced nature as the Z3. however, unlike the Z3, this isn't a German sports car. it's a Japanese econobox that may or may not have a turbo strapped onto it. I live in Reno, and so all-wheel drive cars tend to commend a premium, and Subarus to an irrational level when 80% of the ads mention that the head gaskets have been replaced. while it is a very nice Japanese econobox, there is no way I would pay $8k for a 13 year old 200k mile WRX when I could buy an Audi A4 for nearly half of that and have enough money to replace the engine when it undoubtedly goes.

Other cars that failed the tests for some reason:

Any 1980s or earlier car - she refuses to drive a car older than her, despite G-bodies being f'n awesome

Boxster - she has an irrational hatred for Porsches due to my love of them, and views the Boxster as a guy car due to my previous ownership of one

MR2 Spyder- no automatic. close with the SMG option, but it's also the only SMG in the world without an ECU-controlled auto mode

Saabs/Volvos - "look funny"

Mini Cooper - long story irrational hatred

Honestly, I see her keeping the RX-8 until the motor blows again and she's stuck in the "it costs $4500 to fix my $5500 car!" dilemma. at which point I will say she was warned and buy a 1984 Celica GTS hatchback that she will refuse to drive. which, for me, wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. that said, any suggestions or opinions on the vehicles mentioned?

Tom McParland > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:15

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E46?

twinturbobmw > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:16

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How about an E36 328is? Sporty, comfy and it's a BMW.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:16

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The lexus SC would be my pick. Or an IS.

Personally, I'd try and steer her towards an infiniti G35 or M45 or really any of their cars from the late 90s/ early 2000s. They're different, but nothing too exotic or difficult. Especially compared to the RX-8.

BeaterGT > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:17

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Wow she sounds terrible. What about an A4? Bitches love A4s.

Nerd-Vol > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:19

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Nissan 240sx
Volvo c70
Beetle turbo
Honda del sol
Chevy cavalier z24 convertible
Pontiac trans am convertible
Acura cl
Jaguar xk8 100

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Tom McParland 02/16/2014 at 19:20

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E46 is almost always the answer...especially here

Mike > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:20

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Okay, the Renesis might not be a reliable engine (although it will last far longer if you go through the little rituals associated with a rotary engine, and possibly sacrifice a virgin to the Wankelian gods), but when I read "convince her to sell her RX-8", I died a little inside. If I had more than $500 to my name I'd buy it from you in a heartbeat.

J. Drew Silvers > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 02/16/2014 at 19:21

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Agreed. I've always had a thing for the way they hold up style-wise and reliability also. The problem will be finding a lower mile example that isn't asking museum price. But that's my first choice from those options and the only Lexus I like other than the IS300.

JR1 > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:21

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Have you looked into safety on any of them? Being a daily driver that can be a big factor. That being said I'd gravitate towards the Mustang. They can be easily modified, common therefore cheap labor etc. but look into safety that's a big deal for a daily driver.

JasonStern911 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 02/16/2014 at 19:22

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the IS would be *PERFECT* - but any IS in the price range tends to either get snatched up immediately, be in the 200k+ mile range, or have some horrible mod gone bad. one in particular had a turbo setup with a hand-built header and no engine management mods/support. yeah...

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:23

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So you're saying your girl doesn't know how to work the stick?

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:25

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A girl is ok with a guy giving them some money? No way... I don't particularly care for any of the options, so I just say fuck it and go with the RSX.

JasonStern911 > Nerd-Vol 02/16/2014 at 19:30

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Nissan 240sx

Every 240SX available locally is someone's abandoned project that they expect to not only get what they paid for the car out of, but what they paid for in unnecessary/half assed mods.

Volvo c70

Looks too much like an old man's/old woman's car.

Beetle turbo

if that's an option, I'd rather go the A4 route and have a prettier body with all-wheel drive.

Honda del sol

Hah! I actually got her one of those a couple of years back. She wasn't impressed. I would have, but they modernized the Porsche 914 but then put the engine and transmission in the front for some strange reason!

Chevy cavalier z24 convertible

Those seem aesthetically unattractive to a point I would veto it. plus the whole front wheel drive, pre-bailout GM build quality...

Pontiac trans am convertible

If she'd let me get a 70s/80s version, I would totally be on board. :)

Acura cl

That is a good suggestion that I do not know enough about to comment on.

Jaguar xk8

beautiful cars! but dear lord! if the base engine E39 wasn't viewed as being reliable enough! :O If only LS swaps were free... :D

JasonStern911 > twinturbobmw 02/16/2014 at 19:32

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the problem with the E36 is finding a low mileage one. honestly, I'd be okay with spending a bit on an E36 M3. while the gimped US spec motor sucks compared to the European counterparts, I could see it getting some longevity when paired with an automatic transmission...

twinturbobmw > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:36

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What I would say is look on BMW forums and BMW enthusiast websites. Those are the people who take care of them and most of the time, keep the milage low. I would say buying it from somewhere like that is well worth the extra money.

Nerd-Vol > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:36

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Sounds like the cl might be worth looking at. Reliable, stylish, good motor, seats, it has it all.

JasonStern911 > BeaterGT 02/16/2014 at 19:37

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while she is terrible, I can't fault her for taking an interest in cars and wanting something attractive that is fun to drive. my main complaint is her writing off a car I suggest for some superficial reason before even taking one for a test drive.

a coworker has, I believe, a B5 A4. nearly everything has broken on it, but the motor was maintained and the car keeps on driving. and AUDI was smart enough to engineer the check engine light to not come on quick enough to get it smogged after clearing. while I personally love turbocharged, all-wheel drive cars, unless I can find a very well maintained model, I can see her doing more damage to one that I could justify fixing.

Ferrero1911 > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:38

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I think you should stop trying to make your girlfriend share your passion for cars and ask her what SHE wants to drive. You don't have to like the car that she drives. If she wants to keep the RX-8 until it dies then she have every right to do that. Oppo can certainly give you advice on what car is good for her, but you don't really seem to care, you want a second car for yourself, just go out and buy one.

JasonStern911 > Tom McParland 02/16/2014 at 19:38

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a solid suggestion. most in the price range mentioned tend to be high mileage with a lack of receipts proving maintenance, though. so finding one worth purchasing might require quite a bit of patience..

Nothing > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:40

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Audi TT?

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:41

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Mazda 3

CPT Speedbump > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:41

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"* Must be able to tolerate girl daily driving (why let the engine warm up? it drives just fine cold) :'(" <—so what you're saying is.. a engine that doesn't exist seeing as its good for every engine to warm up in the cold..so..the answer is..bicycle?

Axial > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:42

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Mustang.

Every other option on this list except for the WRX is going to make you hate your life's choices at some point not too long after acquisition. The WRX, I am not sure she'd go for because they are the factory-stock epitome of "boy racer."

Second place is the Lexus, because Toyota. It also doesn't look half bad.

Dsscats > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:43

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Get an Eclipse or WRX if you can. My mom's coworker has an 2001 Eclipse with 350,000 miles, running strong with no major issues.

Dsscats > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:47

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Sorry, but I need to call BS on the "US spec sucks" thing. It had 46 less horsepower, but still waaay more than an E30. The reason why we love these cars is because they handle great and make an amazing sound, not because they are fast in a straight line. They still sound great, handle better and have a great gearbox.

JasonStern911 > twinturbobmw 02/16/2014 at 19:48

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solid advice.

I have a personal desire to own a BMW at some point, as I have owned a BMW R1150R motorcycle for years that has more than justified its purchase price. likewise, my grandpa had a 1977 BMW 530i that I borrowed for a while in college when my daily driver project cars were more projects than cars, and that thing was a tank!

one of my coworkers is a huge BMW enthusiast. I think I might just warn him that unless he helps me find a BMW worth purchasing, my girl is going to buy a non-Abarth Fiat 500! ;)

JasonStern911 > Nerd-Vol 02/16/2014 at 19:50

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the enthusiast in me keeps saying that if I am going to look at Acuras, I should be looking for an RSX Type S.

unfortunately, I imagine *every* enthusiast is saying the same thing.

as such, there are probably some great cars from Acura that I am unaware of that slip through the cracks. I will definitely look into the Acura CL.

JasonStern911 > Tom McParland 02/16/2014 at 19:51

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in before, "you know, for a few thousands more, you could get an E46 M3 SMG!" :)

JasonStern911 > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 02/16/2014 at 19:55

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I wouldn't be giving her money. it would more be like her selling her time-bomb of an RX-8 (piston engines go boing-boing-boing, rotary engines go hmmmmm- F*** YOU APEX SEAL!! EAT OIL AND COOLANT!!), and us going in on a joint-owned car together. which honestly I am warming up to the idea of because I don't want to waste my Carrera's life on one mile trips to the grocery store. but if I did that, it would have to be a car I would enjoy driving, which is difficult due to not being some quirky old car, not having a manual transmission, etc.

samssun > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 19:57

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None of these are very good girl cars, or cars that'll handle girl-abuse that well. How about a Mazda 3s or MS3? Or better yet, to avoid FWD, go with a Mazda 6 or Legacy GT (flat 6, not the turbo 4).

JasonStern911 > Ferrero1911 02/16/2014 at 20:00

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a valid point, but she has her fun weekend car. she doesn't want to drive her Mercedes all of the time, in part because the upkeep costs. with that being a concern, either sharing a car with me so that the maintenance costs are split, or owning only one car known for horrifically horrible reliability makes a lot of sense.

plus, if she did keep the RX-8 until the motor blew, she will either come to me for help because she does not want to convert her Mercedes into a daily driver, or come to me once her daily driver converted Mercedes has issues due to not addressing mechanical issues as soon as symptoms first arise.

and for personal wanderlust reasons, fooling around with a new car is likely cheaper than fooling around with a new woman. :D

JasonStern911 > Dsscats 02/16/2014 at 20:04

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and she really likes the third generation Eclipse. I just have an irrational dislike for them as I am a huge DSM guy, having owned a Starion, 1G Talon, and 2G Eclipse...

had Mitsubishi only put a current generation Evo powertrain into the 3G Eclipse instead of some common platform V6, this wouldn't even be a conversation.

JasonStern911 > Nothing 02/16/2014 at 20:08

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another option I have looked into.

she'd love it.

but most, if not all, of the automatics are front-wheel drive. and since it's the same powertrain as the A4, and the A4 can be obtained for about half of the price, I'd much rather go that route (especially in A4 wagon form so our dog can hop in the back).

but it's definitely an option should one show up on craigslist reasonably priced locally.

JasonStern911 > Mike 02/16/2014 at 20:10

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the rotary engine is a great engine presuming reliability, fuel consumption, power, emissions, oil consumption, availability of competent mechanics to perform repairs, reusability of common parts, etc. is not a factor.

Computerbudda > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:11

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Back seats practical for what? I've got one and other than collecting dust, I don't see the point.

Computerbudda > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:13

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This is the choice to make. Look good, run forever.

Barbarian772 > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:14

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why no miata`? How is a Miata not everything she wants? HOW??? ARGH...

JasonStern911 > Dsscats 02/16/2014 at 20:14

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okay - clarification is needed.

from personal experience, I meant it sucks compared to the S54, which, at least in Z4M Coupe form, is an amazing motor.

from an ownership standpoint, the S52 might actually be a better buy as the cars equipped with it are valued less and the fact the motor is less high-strung hopefully means greater long-term reliability.

JasonStern911 > Axial 02/16/2014 at 20:18

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in non-weekend toy fun car form, the Mustang definitely seems to be the most practical choice. my question to Oppo then is how much fun are they with an automatic transmission? if it can still do the occcasional burnout/power slide, I'd probably be happy, even if I'd have to make excuses about how tires just don't seem to last long on those cars... :)

JasonStern911 > CPT Speedbump 02/16/2014 at 20:19

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nonsense. plenty of women drive Honda Camrys and Toyota Accords daily without catastrophic engine failure.

JasonStern911 > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 02/16/2014 at 20:22

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surprisingly awesome cars for an econobox car. I'm just not seeing her want to get an econobox car for pretentious girl reasons, and unless it was in Mazdaspeed3 form, I'm not seeing why I would argue against a rear-wheel drive V8 Mustang for an econobox car, perception justified or not.

JasonStern911 > samssun 02/16/2014 at 20:23

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If any Mazda is the answer, it's Miata. I just wish she'd realize that. Maybe if I could find one with one of those irrational Z3 body kits....

My eyes!!!

Jedidiah > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:28

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Based on what you described; she doesn't sound like a car person. Not at all. She only seems to care about brand image and doesn't seem to consider anything else. Get here a beige-mobile with a reliable reputation. Is there any reason why your girlfriend having a beige car should make you miserable? It would save you some trouble and free up time for you to work on your jalop stuff. IMO, just wait for the right-priced used Acura to show up on CL and don't invest money or time in anything other than basic maintenance and repairs.

 V8 Rustler > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:30

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A3 drivetrain

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:30

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It's all what you make of it. I manage to have a ton of fun with a Panther. Other's only ride in (the back of) one when they've had too much fun elsewhere. I also used to daily a Cavalier. Pushing a little POS to its limits can be fun.

JasonStern911 > Computerbudda 02/16/2014 at 20:30

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practical for emergency cramming of people. on a closed course, privately owned road with proper safety provisions taken, I managed to fit six people, including a 6'8" person in the back, into my RX-8. it's not like it mattered to me as I was driving and thus immune from said uncomforts. :)

but the main benefit is reduced insurance premiums and additional storage - not comfortably hauling additional people.

JasonStern911 >  V8 Rustler 02/16/2014 at 20:33

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not super familiar with the AUDI/VW power plants, so I'm probably mistaking. what I meant was, and correct me if I'm wrong, they have the same 1.8L turbocharged motor as the A4...? (yes, I said drivetrain, but I say lots of things incorrectly)

yamahog > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:33

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ITT: people extrapolating the OP's girlfriend's opinion across half the human population.

Axial > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:34

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You can do light-brake burnouts with the automatic SN95s, though it'll be easier if you improve the power-plant. Drifting can also be done, again easier with improved power, but it'll never be as certain as with a manual because of the torque converter. You could also lock the gears in 3 if you are comfortable with that.

At the end of the day, it'll at least be a dependable, easily-fixed daily driver that can haul ass when you want.

JasonStern911 > Jedidiah 02/16/2014 at 20:37

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well, yeah...

but then I don't get a toy to have fun with under the pretense that it's doing her a favor.

I guess the main question I was trying to ask is if there is a relatively cheap car with an automatic transmission that is fun to drive and also looks good. And the real answer is "automatic transmission"/"fun to drive" - pick one.

Jedidiah > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 20:43

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If you already have cool toys, then I don't think you'd be missing out on any fun if your girlfriend drives something beige. She'd probably like a Jetta; it's cutesy and had German badge. I don't know how much they sell for, but I haven't heard great things about their reliability.

JasonStern911 > yamahog 02/16/2014 at 20:46

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JasonStern911 > Jedidiah 02/16/2014 at 20:53

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replace Jetta with Miata, and I am 100% on board. now, to think of ways to sell the Miata as Japan's Jetta... :)

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 21:15

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Cls are kinda Ugly IMO but TLs one the other hand are pretty and have powerful V6s.

a 2005 like this one has 260-270 hp

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/433330…

1337HPMustang > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 21:20

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Those mustangs will have the best sound if you want my biased opinion. Slap on some sweet ass axle backs, maybe swap out the cams (this is what I did, great $600 investment) and you'll have a lopey, mean sounding brawler.

Also the aftermarket support is insane. So much so that with just about any bolt on, a custom tune can be written without putting the stang on a dyno, just based on the predictability of thousands of previous tunes. If you're curious, you can window shop here http://www.americanmuscle.com/94-98-mustang-…

Montalvo > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 21:47

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I would lean towards the rsx, but I do see your point, finding a decent one could be a challenge especially on CL. Second choice would be a wrx but the prices for some of them are just stupid money. Mustang isn't a bad choice either, probably one of the better choices. Parts are fairly cheap and practically any shop can work on them. Additional bonus would be the ridiculous aftermarket for it so she can personalize it to her hearts content. Stay away from the Porsche, as glorious as it is it is your girl's car and having something go bust fairly often isn't going to make her too happy. Can't comment on the SCs at all because I have never known anyone with one nor have I really ever looked at them too much.

Jedidiah > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 21:56

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Get an na, debadge it, and put a bmw badge on it?

ihbase > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 22:15

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So… the question is: What kind of car to recommend to a boorish and condescending dude so he can tell his girlfriend what to replace her car with so long as said dude hasn't dumped her and "used the money saved to by a manual E39 M5."

Such a lucky lucky girl. You get a warm body to fit your "lifetime goals" and she gets to drive a used piece of shit around Reno.

Does she realize that she is living the dream?

-Michael

Ian Duer (320b) > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 22:47

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I died a little when I heard V6 in the Soarer. Pretty sure it was an NA 2jz in that car. Son, I am disappoint.

CPT Speedbump > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 22:56

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And Acura Murano's too?

revrseat70 > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 23:00

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I agree. The IS300 is the answer here. Even in an Auto, they're a fantastic medium of luxury and hoonability at that price range. Be patient to find the right one, but they're worth it.

BeaterGT > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 23:11

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Then definitely don't consider a WRX or a 944.

hethoughtofcars > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 23:22

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She owns an AUTOMATIC RX-8?!? OH DEAR GOD THE HUMANITY!!!!!

Otherwise, I don't know...a 5 series I guess. Just make it a 540i with a 6 speed and surprise her with it :) Your relationship is strong enough to handle it, I can tell.

JasonStern911 > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 02/16/2014 at 23:27

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if a G-Body Regal Turbo or late model Grand Marquis was an option, I'd be more than content. fast, reliable, and comfy? what else could you want in a non-daily driver?

CUTE! SOMETHING THAT MAKES PEOPLE JEALOUS!

those cars do! it's just a certain crowd they appeal to! :)

JasonStern911 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/16/2014 at 23:31

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cars are so overpriced where I live. the dealer price is what most private parties ask.

that said, a good suggestion that I will have to push for a test drive should one worth looking at come up for sale.

JasonStern911 > BeaterGT 02/16/2014 at 23:34

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the overpriced nature of Subarus where I live pretty much eliminated WRXs.

the 944s would be a personal labor of love. I know how irrational they would be, but I'm a huge Porsche fan and want to own one in my life. that said, I'd probably be better off buying a manual transmission 944 for myself and pulling the whole, "a friend from work needed money, so I lent it to him and am holding onto his car until he repays me" excuse to buy a car without a girl knowing/complaining...

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 23:36

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Solstice/Sky?

JasonStern911 > CPT Speedbump 02/16/2014 at 23:36

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funny enough, her initial suggestion was to sell her RX-8 and my XTerra and buy a Murano to replace them. lucky, or unlucky, for me, my XTerra isn't worth anything so it would be stupid for me to get rid of it.

JasonStern911 > Jedidiah 02/16/2014 at 23:37

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if I can find kidney grill decal stickers, you might be on to something... :)

JasonStern911 > hethoughtofcars 02/16/2014 at 23:39

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an automatic RX-8 isn't any worse of a car than... awe, who am I kidding? :)

like I said, if I was going down that route, it'd be a E39 M5. I don't get the 540i - either get the more reliable 528i/530i, or if you're going for broke, go all out M5 style. :D

JasonStern911 > Ian Duer (320b) 02/16/2014 at 23:41

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nice catch. a hat tip to you, good sir.

JasonStern911 > ihbase 02/16/2014 at 23:42

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well, girls can't all be lucky enough to find guys trolling people on a car forum talking about cars, now can they?

may your life be blessed enough that you don't waste it posting hate like this in the future.

JasonStern911 > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 02/16/2014 at 23:47

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I'm not sure that they have dropped down into the sub $8k price range, but if so, that is an excellent suggestion. respect!

BadMotorScooter > JasonStern911 02/16/2014 at 23:49

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C5 Corvette auto. Bulletproof and cheap enough with some looking.

JasonStern911 > BadMotorScooter 02/17/2014 at 00:21

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No. No C5 Corvette is in the sub-$8k price range. And if one is, there's a reason for it. And even the $10k Corvettes seem to have appreciated a bit recently. :(

Although, before I bought my 996, I nearly bought a C5 Z06, so that might be a car worth saving for. The question then is whether or not an automatic non-Z06 C5 is anywhere near as much fun..?

The other question this brings up is just how bad is the C4 Corvette? Those are available starting in the ~$3k range, so a mechanically sound model with relatively low mileage can be had for $5-6k. Aesthetically, they are lacking, but the platform certainly has potential, as the ZR1 has proven...

BeaterGT > JasonStern911 02/17/2014 at 00:36

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That sounds like way too much work for a 944.

JDMatt > JasonStern911 02/17/2014 at 00:48

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I agree with the mustang and RSX options.

JasonStern911 > BeaterGT 02/17/2014 at 01:01

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probably true, but if creating a second drive shaft to connect the motor to the transmission wasn't too much work for Porsche and their engineers, is fabricating a series of lies to tell someone in a relationship that is supposed to be founded on trust really asking that much? :D

d00mZ > JasonStern911 02/17/2014 at 04:53

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I'm late to contribute, but with girls that come and go and some female friends that hang around, I think I can add to that list. I'll point out the friends and ex's and current.
Toyota Altezza/Lexus IS 300 08' (Friend)
Mazda 3 08' (EX)
Civic Si 08' (Friend)
Infiniti G20 o2' (Current)
Civic Ex 08' (EX)
Infinity G37 (EX)
I agree with your Mustang and DC5 Integra suggestion, but also a lot of people always say the 2nd Gen MR2 is also a girls car.
I think the last, 3rd gen MR2 is for both sexes and its utterly awesome... if swapped with 2zzge of course lol

CPT Speedbump > JasonStern911 02/17/2014 at 05:04

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Murano's or ok, beast in the snow (if you get a AWD), but soooooo gutless (my mum has one). It's oddly decent at towing though I must say.. just crazy gutless for sharing a engine with the Z, lol

Computerbudda > JasonStern911 02/17/2014 at 07:11

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Yes, it works good for hauling my crap. Mine's a convertible so I drop the top to load and unload it. Too bad you didn't have a video of the your RX8 unloading 6 people. Would have looked like one of those clown cars.

BadMotorScooter > JasonStern911 02/17/2014 at 08:45

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The base C5 is a great car, but yeah a sub $10k example might be a problem. A C5 Z06 is an awesome car, but stick only and you're looking at mid teens for a warn example. The LS6 and chassis have so much potential that they are worth money even if one or both needs work.

C4 is not as bad as its reputation. If you can get by with their looks then they handle pretty well and can be tuned as far as you can spend. You can find plenty of examples in your price range. Probably even a 96 LT4 (not a Grand Sport though), which dynos with more HP than the C5.

A base auto C5 or C4 is the ultimate non-girly girl car...

ihbase > JasonStern911 02/17/2014 at 16:00

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Ok. I admit, that was a bit harsh. But it is not "hate" to point out that you were running down the very person you portend to be "helping" with a new car. How about you drop the pretext of dumping her so you can afford to buy tires and a month of insurance for a used M5 and instead ask this question:

My girlfriend and I have a 911 and an RX-8. We would like to trade the RX-8 for something more reliable. The only restrictions are that the replacement car has an automatic transmission, because she can not drive a manual transmission (yet), and that it costs less than $8k. I'm considering (Insert: list of cars).

This way you get input about your options, you do not come across as a chauvinist and your girlfriend does't get rundown for no reason. Everyone wins.

-Michael

JasonStern911 > ihbase 02/19/2014 at 00:09

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by life choices, I meant saving for a kid/retirement instead of blowing all of my cash on cars when I already have a 996. while I am a huge car enthusiast, it isn't my life. and going into great details about how adjusting my personal investment portfolio to include more real estate investment trusts as they seem to be undervalued in the current market, diversify my portfolio, and provide solid dividends seemed like a horribly off-topic remark to make on a car enthusiast forum, whereas making a joke regarding the awesomeness of the E39 M5 seemed quite appropriate.

as far as her learning to drive a stick, her exact words: "why make it harder than it has to be? they made automatic transmissions for a reason." but yes, not teaching her is at least a Porsche preservation mechanism on my part. but in my defense, I did try to teach her on a NB Miata. while I am sure she could learn, she has no interest and I don't see value in trying to make her learn when she has an interest and, for the most part, likes cool cars.

honestly, am I being chauvinist or are you just being overly sensitive? who cares if someone works hard and takes care of themselves and is rewarded with nice car(s) and the company of a woman? we have millions of years of evolution to back up our current social behavior, and thanks to the advancements of a select few people, the majority seems to think they can use their gifted free time to dictate social norms in a way that discourages people from making a difference and motivates them to try to strive for the lowest common denominator.

cam427r > JasonStern911 02/19/2014 at 00:15

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Your best option is the RSX. Perfect girl car with decent driving credentials.

I also know that RX8 pain. When I got ready to sell it I never knew a car could depreciate so quickly. At least I got rid of it before anything other than the coils & cat went out. (Repeatedly on both accounts, though.)

JasonStern911 > BadMotorScooter 02/19/2014 at 01:16

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the sad thing was that C5s in decent - not good or great, but decent - shape used to be in that $12k range, where I might be able to justify buying one. hell, I remember before my girl bought her SL500, we looked at a red automatic convertible C5 Corvette with less miles than hers and a dealer cool with getting a pre-purchase inspection for, if I recall correctly, high $11s. but now that same car, at least locally, would go for $15k...

the car wouldn't be my daily driver, so I'm fine with the C4 looks. honestly, I think the C4s fly under the radar because their looks didn't age so gracefully. plus I have read - no idea if it's true - that the C4 automatics actually make great autocross cars, which has appeal to me even though there would be zero chance she would let me autocross it. although that might be a fun couple hobby... :)

JasonStern911 > Computerbudda 02/19/2014 at 01:23

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in all fairness, that happened once. three in the back and three in the front (two passenger side and one driver side). the trick is to date and associate yourself with skinny girls... ;)

but the Mustang is honestly a front runner. personally, I would prefer paying more for a well maintained V8 SN95, but I accidentally made the mistake of looking at Mustangs in San Diego, and there were a couple of higher mileage V6 S197s in our price range, which she is really interested in.

several good options, which was what I was hoping for. now the "hard" part of test driving some to see what we- I mean she- but really me likes. :D

JasonStern911 > CPT Speedbump 02/19/2014 at 01:27

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my XTerra shares the same engine as the 300ZX, and if you drive one, there's no way you would ever guess that. even my sister's first response after driving it was, "I thought you bought the V6 version..?" :)

but if the Murano is anything like the XTerra as far as build quality, I'm sure it's a solid SUV. we're just a little too young right now to be a two SUV family, and I use the XTerra to tow motorcycles, haul crap, and do light offroading, so it wouldn't make sense to get rid of it.

JasonStern911 > d00mZ 02/19/2014 at 01:35

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haha! every time I suggest an SC300/400, she says, "but the IS300 is so much prettier!"

she *loves* the MR2 Spyder's looks, and if it was available in an automatic that would probably be one of the leading choices. I'm trying to convince her to at least test drive the SMG model, but no luck with a 2ZZGE swap if she can deal with the SMG. :(

Stef Schrader > JasonStern911 02/19/2014 at 09:38

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This is the only answer.

J/K. Slap some sense into that woman, man! Not literally, but you know what I mean. RX-8s pop on their own, no prob, but cold starts and other pesky habits probably didn't help. Here's where you point out "if you don't want to replace your car every few years, here's what you have to do."

The 914 might be a "cuter" cheap Porsche option. Also, no coolant lines. The 944's coolant line layout was designed by Satan himself.

I like the Z3, too. Especially the Z3 Coupe, heh.

Also, the 911 is my favorite girl car. I will have one someday. I will fill it with girly, frilly, pastel Puffalumps.

And it's probably gonna have three pedals. Just sayin'. It's worth nuking a little clutch to teach her how to drive a stick—there's always that off-chance that a manual's the only ride home and its driver is too drunk/incapacitated/sick/ftagn'd to drive it. Consider it a survival skill.

CPT Speedbump > JasonStern911 02/19/2014 at 10:36

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Lol, we used to have a Pathfinder with that same engine, speaking of gutless, that thing makes the Murano look like a.. iuno, something with a butt load of power, lol.

And yeah, seems to be, better then the Equinox she had before it for sure. And makes sense, I miss off roading :/ probably look for a truck or SUV next myself, as my Z33 and Beetle don't make good winter vehicles.. and when I go insane and put all the power in the world into my Z, I'll need something to tow it with, lol

JasonStern911 > CPT Speedbump 02/19/2014 at 23:11

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see, I wanted an extended cab truck, but the XTerra was supposed to be this perfect blend of an SUV she would drive most of the time and something I could use to haul my toys around. unfortunately, it only took her a couple of drives after purchasing it to realize most SUVs aren't exactly fun to drive. if I knew the XTerra was going to be mostly just for me, I would have at least gone with the supercharged version. although, I did trade my RX-8 for the XTerra before (insert something that should never break on a 50k mile car) broke... again.

JasonStern911 > Stef Schrader 02/19/2014 at 23:22

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zero chance she's interested in a 914, which is actually quite sad. my dad is a huge 914 enthusiast, so much so that he even has a 914-6 appreciating. and recently, every time one pops up on Craigslist I have the urge to at least go check it out, as they seem to be coming up for sale less and less frequently. honestly, half of the reason I haven't impulse bought one is a lack of garage space, which is huge when it comes to rust concerns.

oh well. in a few months, it will warm up and I'll have an irrational desire to collect every quirky street legal motorcycle Honda released in the 80s (Reflex, Hawk GT, GB500) before they appreciate to a point I will never own one.

I'm not sure what you mean when you say the 911 is a girl car. if you mean it's the type of car girls drive, then you know some pretty tough women. if you mean it's a girl car because when you try to do something sensible (like lift off the throttle to correct the line when cornering), it acts completely irrational (by oversteering), then yeah, the 911 can PMS with the best of them... :)

and a cab ride home is cheaper than the insurance premium if she wrecked my Carrera (let alone the mental anguish, suffering, time off from work to mourn, etc.). honestly, I'm okay teaching her to drive a stick - just not on my car. and having a cheap car to learn to drive a stick with ended when I sold my Miata, which she irrationally refuses to get as a replacement daily driver.

JasonStern911 > cam427r 02/19/2014 at 23:35

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smart move. I got an early production 2004 model with 3,800 miles on it from a dealership that was closing down for what they paid for it (about $10k less than the sticker price). it was such a steal and the perfect daily driver - until the ECU went out (covered under emissions warranty), motor blew (covered under don't class action lawsuit us and we'll extend the engine warranty), motor mount cracked (not covered), coil packs went out (not covered), transmission and torque converter went out (not covered, but probably my fault for getting an automatic), and, the last straw, the starter went out leaving me stranded in a snow storm (not covered again, although the tow was cheap having had plenty of chances to shop around). so even if it had depreciated normally, I would have lost my *** off when factoring in the cost of repairs. :(

amazing chassis, but plagued by early build quality issues to reach a lower price point than the 350Z and S2000, and a quirky-fun motor that ultimately had problems with reliability, fuel economy, emissions, and oil consumption.

my girl purchased her RX-8 right before mine practically fell apart. she luckily got an extended warranty and had the motor replaced under it, but those warranties are up so I've been trying to pressure her to sell it before it becomes a lawn ornament in our driveway.

cam427r > JasonStern911 02/20/2014 at 11:08

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Mine was a late '04. My experience sounds lucky compared to yours, especially since I've heard your story time and again with others. Like I said, the coils were the most troublesome thing for me, having to be replaced 4 times. It got bad enough to where I couldn't take road trips in it because they would essentially just burn up after 200 miles of consistent driving.

I loved the hell out of that car. The way it drove was fantastic and the motor, while not doing much under 4k RPM, was a ton of fun once you revved it like it wanted to be.

Stef Schrader > JasonStern911 02/20/2014 at 12:52

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Aw, man. The Miata is pretty much the perfect loaner. I think they look like goofy little turd cars, but they're still fun and easy to learn on.

The 911's a "girl's car" insofar as I am female and I must own one, haha. I hate the term "girl's car." People like what they like. Oh, and lift-off oversteer != incapable of being driven by women. FYI. ;o)

JasonStern911 > Stef Schrader 02/20/2014 at 17:46

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I hate the term "girl's car."

That's fairly context specific. Calling a car a girl's car in an attempt to emasculate a guy obviously has a negative context associated with it that makes girl's cars seem inherently lesser. But I don't see any negativity in calling my girl's car a girl car in the context that she prioritized finding one with a red leather interior over one with a sport handling package. Just because there are gender differences doesn't have to mean that one is superior and one is inferior.

Oh, and lift-off oversteer != incapable of being driven by women. FYI. ;o)

It does mean they are incapable of being driven at the limit by anyone that doesn't really know what they are doing and haven't practiced enough to instinctively do the exact opposite of what feels natural. It's not like a modern 911 loses traction at sane speeds. Of course, I'm sure tons of internet people drift 901s and 991s all day and never had any problems... :)

JasonStern911 > cam427r 02/20/2014 at 18:03

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Ignoring the shortfalls of the Renesis, the coil packs are a perfect example of what's wrong with the RX-8. The first model year was 2004, and yet Mazda couldn't, or didn't for cost reasons, come up with an ignition system with the reliability as the one used in a 1978 RX-7.

Sure, most of the parts that commonly failed were revised again and again, but that just means that the more reliable 2011 RX-8s had a body and chassis that were dated eight years. Meanwhile, Nissan had moved on from the 350Z to the much improved 370Z...

And, again, ignoring the shortfalls of the Renesis, that corner cutting cost Mazda huge in warranty repairs further reducing any chance of seeing another production rotary powered car.

Stef Schrader > JasonStern911 02/20/2014 at 23:43

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Ah, gotcha. Cool.

JasonStern911 > Stef Schrader 02/21/2014 at 00:02

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Eighty million people recommended my drunken/break from work posts (I can't count - that sounds accurate), and the *one* response I get is, "Ah, gotcha. Cool."

:)