![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:19 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
with $50,000?
So, quite often (more than I would like to admit), I daydream about what car I would buy if I had a spare $40-50k laying around to blow on a car.
For me, it always comes down to these two:
2004 Viper SRT-10 Mamba in white
2007 z06 Ron Fellows Edition (because white)
While the Viper may not be the best car for DD duties (or so I've read), it has always been a personal goal/dream of mine to own A viper, regardless of year/model/color/etc.; I love them all. It would be a disservice to myself not to at least drive/buy one and make my own opinions, and not base my decisions off of other people's reviews.
And the Z06 basically speaks for itself.
What would you guys buy with a budget of $50k? And by $50k, I mean $50k (not Doug Demuro's version of $50k).
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:21 |
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Morgan 3-Wheeler, preferably the Gulf Oil edition
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:22 |
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Answer has been the same for me for awhile now...used V-Wagon.
Sidenote, you in Raleigh?
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:23 |
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Unique, I like it. Makes my picks seem pretty bland now.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:24 |
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Uhhh.
Used W221 S65?
I think i can afford to runs it, altough i might have to sell all my cars and project. But it'll worth it.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:25 |
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I would buy a lightly used Lotus Evora S!
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:26 |
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Ah nice, if I could get my mind away from sports cars and into things more practical, the V and V wagon would definitely be at the top of my list.
Also, yep, NCSU grad and still living and working in Raleigh. I assume you are as well?
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:27 |
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a fleet of Panthers and superchargers for them :]
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:27 |
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Lotus Exige S:
That will be my next sports car.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:27 |
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http://www.sonnysracingengines.com/street-engines…
http://www.lencoracing.com/ST1200MasterPa…
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4341589401…
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:27 |
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This for me as well. Since it is free money though, I might even be tempted to order a new one and finance the rest.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:29 |
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Those things are under $50k used now? Hmmm very interesting.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:30 |
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I had a TBSS for a couple years and got rid of it to get my Vette. I kind of miss the practical sleeper. Not that my car isn't fun, it's just not a practical sleeper. As far as sports cars go, its about as practical as they come.
I live in between Durham and Chapel Hill, work in Durham. Moved down here about 5 months ago.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:30 |
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True story. There are things that are faster...but this is pretty close to being a master of all trades I think.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:31 |
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Classy! Maintenance would terrify me though. But if you could afford to buy the car for $50k, you would hopefully have enough cash to maintain it.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:32 |
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I like this answer
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:32 |
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A really nice Elise, or a lightly used C7 when they become available.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:35 |
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ULTIMATE sleeper.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:35 |
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And 5 speed swaps for all!
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:36 |
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unless it's running within several blocks of whoever you might be trying to fool.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:36 |
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Yes. Just yes.
Other words have escaped me right now.
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your future purchase.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:37 |
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Touche, sir. Touche.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:38 |
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To Autotrader I go!
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:40 |
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Why thank you. Sometimes I regret buying my 370z nismo instead of that, but the I am a bit more familiar with the Z and given that I was going to travel and live 1500 miles away from home, I needed something I knew worked. And a bit taller for fucks sake, I'm 6'3".
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:40 |
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Leave it stock + practicality to the wind? 996 GT3
Build it + practicality to the wind? 996 C2S w/a 4.0 M96
Leave it stock + be practical? E90 M3
Build it + be practical? G37 sedan with 4.3L build.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:40 |
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Great picks. Also, you could get a VERY lightly used C7 under $50k pretty soon I think.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:40 |
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This
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:41 |
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A little Alfa probably. Or a 1M.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:42 |
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All I needed to see was "Lenco". This.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:42 |
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heck yeah!!!!
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:42 |
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http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
Yep, here's one in laser blue (the color I'd want mine in) for only$49,200.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:45 |
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I love the 1M, but I have an internal struggle with the Power/Luxury scale in my head. For $50k you could have the luxurious, decently fast 1M, or you could have the insanely fast, plastic interior Z06.
I would like to have my cake AND eat it, please. IE 911 turbo. But clearly Luxury + Speed combination soars out of the $50k price range quite quickly.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:47 |
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Dam you and your variables! Why must you also make me consider cheaper cars that I can dump more money into?
But I digress, good point bringing up different scenarios. Good picks for each too, btw!
Also, my wife and I had an E90 for about 9 months before life happened (she went back to school) and we had to sell it. AW 6spd, bought it used with exhaust already on it. Too much fun. The wife has already said she will be getting another when she graduates (it was initially her DD).
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:51 |
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Understood, but the 370 Nismo is no joke either. I have to do a double take every time I see one. Probably a much better traveling car though, so not a bad decision.
I know where you're coming from with the height. I'm 6'4. Elise is surprisingly bigger once you get into it though. Same with the S2000. I had one for about 9 months, couldn't believe I actually fit it one. Go-kart status for sure.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:53 |
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Because racecar. and you still have $20k left for something else. Truck + trailer maybe?
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:55 |
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It sure is a gorgeous machine, I still stare at it every morning while it warms up. She's purty :D Here she is last Auto-X
And yeah I still want an s2000. I test drove a couple of them and surprisingly they may even have more interior space than the Z. The thing that bothered me the most about the s2k was how high it revs at highway speeds. That's it. That is the one downside I ever found to it. Other than that it is such a great time to drive, nimble, quick, and with a decent exhaust it sounds mean. I've ridden an Exige once, its seriously is like yoga positions to get in it, and twist yourself into a knot getting out. Sooooooooooooooooooo worth it tho.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 09:56 |
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Ah, I do love the TBSS and the GC SRT-8. A friend of mine has a procharged GC SRT-8, it's no joke. Making around 500 at the wheels. Not insane amounts of HP, but enough.
Gotcha, I work on Centennial Campus @ NCSU and live pretty close to there. My wife is currently commuting basically daily (4 days/wk) from Raleigh to Durham do go to Duke. I'm spoiled, my commute is 3 miles each way. Make sure you come to Cars and Coffee if you haven't yet, there's a pretty good turnout. Haven't been to the one in Durham, but I imagine it's pretty good too. I always go to the one in Raleigh (Cary technically).
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:00 |
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I don't need an insanely fast car, 90% of the time I'm perfectly happy with what is left of my 165hp and I hate hard plastics. A S3 or M2 could be good alternatives too but knowing me if I stumble upon that amounth of money I'm most likely to buy a collection of Datsun's.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:03 |
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Very nice! I'm a sucker for white cars. I never got around to taking my S2k to the track or autox before I sold it. That might have been why I didn't fall in love with it as much as everyone else does theirs.
Yea, they are surprisingly big on the inside as long as the seat is always back. Yea, cruising at 80mph you're around 4k I believe. However, with mine I didn't do much highway driving with a 6 mile round trip commute. My gripe with it was that it also felt like I needed to be up high in the rev range to actually be enjoying it, which isn't really practical on a commute of 6 miles with a max speed of 55. At the time, we also had an E90 M3, and it was MUCH more fun on the short trips. Unfortunately, we have neither car now.
Getting over the hump at the door opening is a pain in the Elise, but once you're in, it's not bad at all. I would love to be able to ride in/drive one. I was just able to sit in one at a car show once.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:08 |
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My TBSS had full bolt-ons, hadn't gone internal or forced yet, and I was probably around 450-460 at the crank. The thing with the TBSS vs the GC SRT-8 was while the GC was faster out of the box, the aftermarket for the LS2 was stonger at the time. I've got nothing against the GC, and definitely would own one. I've found myself looking at used Saab 9-7x Aeros again...I've had seller's remorse for the last few years.
The way I can internally justify a high power sports sedan is simply, my car gets tracked about once a year...I can do that in a "big" car too and still have just as much fun...needless to say I won't ditch my car until I know some long term plans as far as my location.
I went out to Grille 57 for the New Year's Day cruise...that's where CnC is isn't it? I don't think I'll make it Saturday, my car is about half polished/waxed and the goal is to get it finished up this Saturday. I don't really like having the car uncovered or driven without at least a coat of sealant on the paint.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:10 |
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E90 M3 ZCP for sure. That's just me though. I'm sure there are better ways to spend 50k, I just love the M3.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:11 |
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I'd have a DB7.
http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:16 |
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450-460hp probably still felt like a rocket in the TB. You had a 9-7X Aero? It's basically a unicorn.
Very true, you can take anything to the track. It may also be better to have a fast & fun car/truck/suv that you can drive whenever vs a car that can only be taken out rarely and that gets barely driven.
Cars and Coffee in Cary is actually at Waverly Place Shopping Center near Tryon Rd and Kildaire Farm Rd. First Saturday of every month. I've actually never been to the Grille 57 meet, but been by there a couple times when it has been going on. I think there was a Gallardo there last time I drove past.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:22 |
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Oh yeah, I figured as much. The C7 starts at $55k, give it a year and you'll easily find one under $50k I think.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:28 |
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White cars still hold a soft spot in my heart. Something about the pearly whites, ya know?
I would love to Autox an s2k. One guy in the area did once, I wanted to ride with him but he had his lady in the car. Understandable. And surprisingly I feel like mine has its best power at 3-5k, which is right in between and I kind of like it. Its great to be able to stay in gear in the highway (5th or 6th) and know if you slam your booth you are going to get moving without waiting an eternity for RPMs to climb and gain power. That is also why I can't get a Turbo/Superchrger as a main source of power, I like continuous lines of acceleration. Yes I know there are variable geometry turbo kits.
An E90 M3, that is quite a ride. I've always lusted over them, but figured I would never own one so why bother.
So I don't think you actually mention it in your article but what is your actual choice? If you had to get one car, and it was an only car.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:34 |
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Nooo, I just had a regular TBSS (3LT, AWD). It was a damn rocket, AWD plus the fact they all had 4.10s got it off the line in a hurry. If I were to get another, I'd get the Saab.
Yeah, I mean I practically DD the Vette, but the parking lot at work sucks to get in and out of...and that just makes for no fun.
That's right, someone showed me where that was once. The NYD thing at Grille 57 had a turbo'd Gallardo Spyder, an SLS Black, an SL65 Black, and bunch of other slightly less exotic but "damn" worthy things. I'll post pictures at some point in the next few days now that I remember. I got in with some of the Vette guys in Charlotte and was going to CnC there until it got shut down, but it looks like it's back on for the 8th...
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:49 |
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Yep, I always gravitate towards white in sports cars. It can tend to look boring on normal cars though.
I kept meaning to take it to a track of some sort, but never got the chance before I sold it. I'm sure that would have changed my perception of the car. I felt like I had to always be in VTEC to enjoy it, and that wasn't very doable on my daily commute. 3-5k rpm is a good range, just above cruising range so if you step on it, it's there.
The E90 was a blast, picked it up used for $35k fully loaded (6 spd, nav, heated seats, rear power shade, etc.) with 82k miles on it.
Ah, you're right. I did forget to specifically make my choice. I kind of alluded to it, but didn't actually say what I meant. My choice would definitely be the Viper, just because that has always been my dream car. However, the Z06 would be the backup if the Viper was far too harsh for DD duties (which I've heard it can be). But I would have to at least buy the Viper and give it a shot before just passing on it.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:53 |
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Oh ok, I gotcha now. I didn't realize the Aero had the TBSS powertrain until now (thank you wikipedia). I thought you meant you had owned and 9-7x and sold it. I now realize the Aero is the same as the TBSS. I also didn't know they made the TBSS in AWD, I thought they were all RWD and the GC SRT was AWD.
It would be hard for me to buy something nice and not be able to DD it. I would probably attempt to DD the Viper. Our parking lot/deck at work is also very small with very tight spaces. However, there is another we can park at that is less crowded but is a little farther away. I used to park the M3 there. Worth the walk.
The Grill 57 meet sounds solid too, I'll have to try to start going to that too. Why did they shutdown the one in Charlotte?
![]() 02/27/2014 at 10:59 |
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Oh man I can totally see the VTEC seeing much action in autox. I spend most of my time near red line, in 2nd. Depending on the gearing tho it might be too much or too low.
That is a steal! I still want an M3, but I know its never going to happen. And I am totally okay with it haha.
So the viper huh? What year is the one you like the most? Regardless of cost. Out of the Viper and the Z06 I'd choose the Viper simply because it is so raw and hairy-chested. They're decently cheap as well, I'd pick up an 06 droptop in black with red stripes.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:08 |
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Yea, we were out looking for cars as usual (even if we're not in the market) and stumbled upon the AW E90. It already had exhaust on it, and once they cranked it for us and we took it for a test drive, we were hooked. We got lucky and found one that had been 90% highway miles and the interior was still spotless. It was online for sale a couple weeks ago still (sold it in June) for $27,900 with 96k miles.
Yea, I've always been a viper fanatic. I love the new SRT Viper, but as far as within the $50k limit, I love the white 04, but would love an 06 coupe in Blue/white. If there was an 06 coupe in solid white, I'd be sold. $50k will get you a really low mileage 03-05 and probably a decently low mileage 06.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:15 |
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Having owned one for a brief period of time (not a ZCP though), I agree with this choice. We had an AW E90 6spd for about 9 months. It was so much fun on the road without getting into too much trouble. Accelerating from 0-50 is all you need to make you grin like a madman.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:17 |
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Thats how I found my Z. Just driving through the auto mall I spotted it. Had to drive it, was hooked.
If you like the viper a lot, what do you think of the F-type? I am personally head over heels for that car. And I promised my wife two things: Next car we buy is gonna be a BRZ for her, and then a Range Rover (doesn't cost to dream). And then we are going to treat ourselves with an F-type when she graduates from Medical School in exactly 4 years from now. That thing is sex. the exhaust, ermergerd. I need a towel.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:30 |
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Agreed, luckily my wife is into cars almost as much as I am, so she rarely argues when I want to go riding around car lots to kill time.
Man, I love the F-type. Really liked the convertible, LOVE the coupe. Game over. We also have similar plans. Current cars are 2014 CX-5 and 97 328is (my DD). She is in an accelerated bachelor's of Nursing program at Duke currently and has already said she wants either an E46 M3 or another E9X when she graduates in a little over a year. At that point, I'll be saving for/getting a Viper as well. But yes, the exhaust on the F-type V8 is teh sex. Nothing else like it currently. The only problem is we currently own a townhouse with no garage. So a house with a garage is a must as well.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:35 |
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Honestly, I'm quite happy with the cars I currently have, so I'd likely use the money to finish out the Miata build completely and get her looking pretty as well (likely to be around $10k - 12K all told), then pay off the fiance's car ($27k), then pay off my Focus ST (~$8k or so left on that). This brings the total to about $47k leaving me with 3k left, and that would go towards re-landscaping the house.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:38 |
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Nice choce classic styling. Any idea how the maintenance is on these things?
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:41 |
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That is totally awesome, I only got my wife into cars enough to make her want an LFA, know the F-type sex and watch Top Gear UK with me. She used to not only not know much about cars, but not care. Now every time we drive past a BRZ she literally breaks her neck staring.
That is more than a great start tho man, seems like you both know what you want. Does she want a stick shift E9x? Wagon it if possible! haha. How do you like your CX5? I've never owned one but I rode in one once. Those are so comfy. Here's where we stand: 2013 307Z Nismo, 2012 Scion TC and a 3 bed/ 2 bath house with a large 2 car garage and enough space in the front for another 4 cars. But before we dump more money into cars since I bought my Z like 6 months ago, we want to spend money on the house a little, gain a little equity you know?
And if you're in the boat of not having a place with garage, I suggest paying for one. It is a lot cheaper than buying a house and easier to find.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:43 |
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Agreed, sounds like a nice well-rounded stable of cars. Looks like you played a real life game of "What to buy for $50k?". Miata build, you say? What are you doing to it? How do you like the Focus ST? I've read rave reviews about both that and the Fiesta ST, but would love an opinion from someone that actually bought one. Heard about the new Focus RS that's supposedly coming to the US now?
![]() 02/27/2014 at 11:57 |
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Yea, her dad is a huge car fanatic, so she's grown up around cars her whole life. Being around me has just gotten her more into them. I've even got her sending me pictures of nice cars she sees out places, since I rarely see anything cool on my short commute.
I think she wants and E92 M3 6spd. Our last M3 was a 6 spd and she basically learned how to drive a manual in that and never wants another automatic. She already knew how to, but had never done so on a daily basis. We love the CX-5. Bought it slightly used to save a little money. Got it with 12k in June, it currently has around 32k. She has a pretty decent commute to school and we travel to our parents houses a decent amount, so the miles rack up quick. (Main reason we sold the M3.) We actually looked at a newer TC (specifically the special edition yellow one) before we got the CX-5, but at the time she was still a full time nanny and the SUV made more sense space-wise. Our townhouse (3br 2.5 ba) only has 2 parking spots and no room for a garage. So unforunately, the next best thing is that the neighborhood right beside ours (same builder) is full of marginally larger houses but have 1-2 car garages, which would work perfect for us. We don't need more space right now, she just wants a back yard for our dog, and I want a garage.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 12:19 |
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Eventually the plan is for a nicely streetable turbo build. The car is going to be a fun street car that is well sorted enough to be a fun on the track but still be comfortable enough to drive on the street and up in the hillcountry on the weekends. But before that Will be suspension work, chassis bracing, roll bar, and some restoration work since the folks who owned it before me weren't exactly fastidious about keeping her clean. For this year she'll be getting a set of Flying Miata Vmaxx Sport coilovers, FM swaybars, poly suspension bushings, a new top, Hawk HPS front brake pads, steel braided brake lines, cryo-treated front rotors, and the interior will be treated to a thorough cleaning and the seats given a "foamectomy" as a temporary measure until I get a pair of nice buckets.
As for the ST, I love it! She makes for a great DD. Plenty of power for passing on the freeway, the clutch is nice and light, and the shifter is very direct with little to no slop. Suspension is firm and controls body movement well, but it's not what I would call harsh, more like firm. It's got plenty of space for 4 adults, and a decent amount of luggage room (though my fiance's Mazda3 hatch has more due to the rear being less sloped and the car only having a space saver spare vs the fullsize spare int he Focus). Gas mileage is...so so, I usually see 22 mixed, with 29mpg being the best I've gotten on the freeway. The sound system is very good for the price point, and the SYNC system works fine for me, though voice entry with the nav system is usually an exercise in frustration, voice commands for the phone and such all work well. The Recaro seats......well you'll honestly have to sit in them and decide for yourself. They are snug, and provide excellent support in cornering and I find them supremely comfortable, but if you don't "fit" they can evidently be very uncomfortable. I have not driven the Fiesta ST, so I really can't comment on that one.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 12:21 |
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If you don't mind me asking, how old are you and what do you do for a living? No need to get specific. Just curious
![]() 02/27/2014 at 12:54 |
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No, not at all. I'm 26 and a designer/drafter at an engineering firm. What about you?
![]() 02/27/2014 at 13:03 |
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That is awesome. I am 23 and I an a System Engineer for Cerner, healthcare IT company.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 13:05 |
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Yup...and a marginally nicer interior too. The thing was a pig, which ultimately was a contributing factor to it going away, at the time at least...was driving a LOT. It was a blast in the snow though, esepcially on blizzaks.
The problem with my parking lot is that there's a very steep ramp into it, which means to be able to pull in I need to be able to come across traffic diagonally to come up it at a shallow enough angle to not be picking up fiberglass shards from the road. I always park in the same spot though, farthest corner next to a wall, hugging the wall so that way unsuspecting doors don't find their way over to me.
I only went once, but it was pretty legit. Charlotte had an issue with an assclown in a 5.0 Mustang that gave in to the crowd egging people on for a burnout. Which he did. Right into a fire hydrant.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 13:22 |
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No clue. Likely very bad. But I'd have 8k left over for the first tune up!
![]() 02/27/2014 at 13:39 |
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At least it's not a Ferrari.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 14:46 |
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Ah right, interior too.
Our lot has a decently steep ramp down into the deck, AND has a small speed bump at the bottom of the ramp.
Gotcha, I remember that now. One person ruining it for everyone. Video became an instant classic.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 14:46 |
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No, THAT sounds awesome.
![]() 02/27/2014 at 14:51 |
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That sounds like a blast. Power to weight FTW. I'm in the process of semi restoring my 97 328is. It's not in the greatest shape, but it has a salvage title, so I'm trying not to put too much money into it.
That's cool man, sounds like the SRT-4 I used to have. Fun for a DD but with good gas mileage. I watched Matt Farah's review of the Fiesta ST (not sure if they have the same front seats), but they were a little tight for him and I am about the same size 6'4, 250ish. That's good to know about the SYNC. Of course every article talks about how bad it is, but it's probably better once you get used to it.
![]() 02/28/2014 at 12:34 |
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Neither. Just buy a new Corvette.
![]() 02/28/2014 at 12:35 |
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So you can buy a new Corvette for under $50k? No.
![]() 02/28/2014 at 12:37 |
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http://jalopnik.com/the-cheapest-h…
![]() 02/28/2014 at 12:42 |
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So technically, no. Someone said a lightly used C7, and I allowed it. But new, no. Especially with the superior Z51 package. You're looking at around $55k. But point taken. Very good car nonetheless. I was more going for cars that used to be well over $50k but are now in the $40-50k range.
![]() 02/28/2014 at 17:49 |
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It appears I may be going to CnC tomorrow morning. Got car stuff finished up last night after work. Not sure what I'm going to drive yet, since it could be craptacular out...but then again...it is CnC.