Looking for a new car

[healer677]

I was wondering if anyone out there drove either the 350Z or the RX 8. I'm considering a new car for the new year and I'm stuck between these two.

I've researched the important things, but; have been too busy to test drive either. Any suggestions?

 

[mr. x]

these 2 cars are quite different - the rx has a backseat, which makes it more paractical, but its performance isn't as good as the 350.

is this your only car or do you have something else to drive in the winter or if you have more than 2 people? start at square 1 and tell us what you need a car for and what you can afford.

 

[poorboy]

I don't know how much consideration maintenance would be, but the 350Z would be easier to take care of as it is a conventional 4 stroke as opposed to a wankel rotary. As well, the bigger the engine, the more torque there is, so you'll get more of that feeling of being pushed into the back of the seat.

Personally, I'd look at the Corvette. Best bang for the buck performance wise, and a consistent Car and Driver ten best car. The 6 liter Corvette engine actually only gets 1 mpg less than the 2.2 liter Honda S2000. Quite a feat.

If you buy a Corvette and are really enthusiastic about it, you'll discover it's not just a car, but can be a lifestyle. National Corvette Restorers Society meetings, Bloomington Gold competitions, swap meets, etc.

 

[youngent]

If you buy a Corvette and are really enthusiastic about it, you'll discover it's not just a car, but can be a lifestyle. National Corvette Restorers Society meetings, Bloomington Gold competitions, swap meets, etc.

A bit one sided there. Many cars have devout followers and automotive clubs world-wide. Not just Vettes.

If you like the 350Z but wish for 2 more seats then go for the Infinity G35. It's the same platform,comes in sporty-2 door configuration, has 2 more seats in the back, same engine, and has a much nicer looking rear-end.

And if you're able to hold on to your money a little longer, Nissan and Toyota will be realeasing some sporty/ier models in 2006/2007.

 

[GIMME]

I was wondering if anyone out there drove either the 350Z or the RX 8. I'm considering a new car for the new year and I'm stuck between these two.

I've researched the important things, but; have been too busy to test drive either. Any suggestions?

If you were limited to the two of them, I would go with the RX 8.

I've driven the 350Z and it just plain sucks. For me it didn't handle good, and I found the ride cramped.

I am perfectly happy with my 500 series BMW.

 

[DateMasamune]

Forget about the 350Z, go for the original Fairlady Z fully restored with a rebult engine.

 

[BiggieE]

If I were in the market for a new car, I'd be at my Chrysler dealer checking into a new 300C- Hurst....can you say 400hp.....hehe

 

[james t kirk]

Forget about the 350Z, go for the original Fairlady Z fully restored with a rebult engine.

Wow, I am impressed.

I thought I was the only person who knew what a Fairlady was.

Hard to find though.

I have only seen 2 on the road in Toronto.

 

[anon1]

Forget about the 350Z, go for the original Fairlady Z fully restored with a rebult engine.

Hell, just get a 510, the car that started it all.

 

[DateMasamune]

Not to mention a used but in good condition 240SX. It used to be a cheap rear wheel drive car from Japan. But now it is a really sought after commodity thanks to the drift scene. I want one so bad myself!

 

[Booya]

If you're considering the 350Z, then take a look at the G35. Same car but much better finish. It also has a small back seat. It's probably one of the best cars I've driven... and I've driven a bunch. I'm looking at getting one this year.

 

[DateMasamune]

inferior German quality and reliability

I would agree with so-so reliability but not quality. Have you seen the new M5 with a naturally aspirated 507HP? Them Teutons are still superior in terms of mechanics and engineering.

 

[DateMasamune]

If you're considering the 350Z, then take a look at the G35. Same car but much better finish. It also has a small back seat. It's probably one of the best cars I've driven... and I've driven a bunch. I'm looking at getting one this year.

Yeah, I would definitely choose the G35 over the 350. But I don't like how the information centre in the G35 sits on top of everything and the buttons are isolated from the displays. I know the philosophy behind it is so that your eyes don't have to leave the road, but, it looks weird. Not to mention how crammed the driver's seat is too. The cockpit is so small, it's like driving a IS 300 which I think has a smaller cockpit then a Civic.

But the G35 has a very very nice stock exhaust tone to it. Sounds beautifuly aggressive with the deep bass sound!

Oh, and did I mention that the new Nissan GT-R will be based on the G35? Some have said that the G35 IS a Skyline ... but I doubt that ...

 

[james t kirk]

I would agree with so-so reliability but not quality. Have you seen the new M5 with a naturally aspirated 507HP? Them Teutons are still superior in terms of mechanics and engineering.

Quality and reliability seem to go hand in hand.

Though I admire the German cars, I have to admit their reliability is waaaayyyy down of late.

I think VW was given the worst overall rating by JD Power (not that Power is a ringing endorsement). My ex has a 2 year old Jetta that actually breaks down more than my Buick (I thought that that would be just about impossible, but VW proved me wrong.

For reliability, nothing comes close to Japanese.

Mind you, when they do break down, bend over cause parts are going to be expensive.

 

[tryitonce]

my self being a vette guy i would go for a vette this may seam alittle over the top but i have a 69 79 89 99 and a 2004 they hold there value if u ever want to sell and get another one i am looking for a a older one right now to restore or maybe even another 69 love that yr and not for the postion lol

 

[DateMasamune]

Hey hey ... just went to test drive a TL at Acura North Toronto and I love it!!! I am trading in my BMW 325 for down payment.

Though the TL is American made, it felt very European. When I stepped on the gas, it was insane. It pushed me to the back of the seat and it was pretty insane.

It, the TL is very cheap at $45,000 with GPS compared to it's German counterparts. Yet, on the inside, I think it (TL) is more luxurious then a E-Class or 5-Series.

I am getting my new car in two days!!! YAH!!!

So, the Japanese are still providing cheap high quailty cars, which was and still is their philosophy, as should any export led economy.

 

[poorboy]

Are you going to drive these cars in the winter? Most of the cars mentioned aren't too good for that.

I swear I don't work for GM, but both the 355 hp 5.7 liter C5 and the 6 liter 400 hp C6 Corvettes are really great cars. Both made the Car and Driver 10 best list, and they deliver great fuel economy for thier engine size. The 6 liter 400 hp LS2 gets 18 mpg city. That's identical to the 1.3 liter 250 hp Wankel in the Mazda RX-8. Tires are a pretty penny though because they are 18 inches in the rear for the C5 and I believe 19 inches on the C6.

The 1997 and up Corvettes are a quantum leap from the 84 to 96 generation. They are high tech machines with hydroformed frame rails, balsa wood composite floors, rear mounted transmissions and all aluminum engines. Some have adjustable magnetic suspensions and head up displays. They are even easy to get in and out of.

You should be able to pick up a 1999 50,000 km C5 coupe for around the $30,000 range.

 

[[ALIMEISTER]]

I wanna buy the new 05 Mustang. That car looks sweet!

 

[DateMasamune]

I wanna buy the new 05 Mustang. That car looks sweet!

Yeah, and it's reasonably priced too! That car is definitely a MILF magnet bringing back the nostalgia of the wild days gone by for those chicks ... hehe ...

 

[healer677]

Thanks for all the input guys - actually, my work is flipping the bill for this one and they'll be leasing it for me.

I dont think they'll go for the vette , but; I'm pretty sure they'll bite on a G35. Definitely on the Mustang and the 350.

So, I guess it's down to three choices.