New car opinions

warnerwh · « **Reply #100 on:** 23 Apr 2005, 04:14 am »

The above suggestion of a used C5 Corvette is an excellent one. It's one of the top rated cars for reliability, I believe over the current BMW's too. Performance per dollar it really has no peers. Do you like to drive? This car can do it if you can. If not take some racing classes and enjoy life even on the street where it's safe. The BMW M3 used can be a very good car too. Most of the people who own these two cars never race them but take very good care of them anyway. The M3 isn't nearly as much fun but it is a sedan. The Corvette is pure fun but will attract cops. And if you really want to have fun the Corvette is probably the best platform made to make better. It can be made into a Ferrari beater if you got the money.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #101 on:** 23 Apr 2005, 05:47 am »

Quote from: EProvenzano

Agree 100%
I also think the G35 styling is awsome....great lines through the rear window and headlights.

Spotted a four door G35 model today... nice !!

Carl...take a test drive in that one.[/list:u]

mcgsxr · « **Reply #102 on:** 23 Apr 2005, 11:38 am »

The Vette is a good car, but does it hold 4 adults...?

The G35 is a really nice sedan, though I soured at the interior - it just did not live up to the nice exterior for me.

One of the young guys at work just picked up a 1 year old G35 coupe, with 7K miles on it for US$32K... nice car, love the rims and Brembo calipers, but laughed out loud at the trunk...

As you said though, different stages of life!

Carlman · « **Reply #103 on:** 23 Apr 2005, 02:50 pm »

Quote from: mcgsxr

The Vette is a good car, but does it hold 4 adults...?

The G35 is a really nice sedan, though I soured at the interior - it just did not live up to the nice exterior for me.

One of the young guys at work just picked up a 1 year old G35 coupe, with 7K miles on it for US$32K... nice car, love the rims and Brembo calipers, but laughed out loud at the trunk...

As you said though, different stages of life!

The G35 sedan can be had in the mid 20's for an '04 that's still new, never titled. I'm sure I could get an '05 for a little under 30. However, the car does nothing for me. Sitting in it didn't make me want to drive it. In fact, it made me want to get out. The Coupe is too cramped for me.

Of the Infiniti's, the one I liked the most was the FX35. I wasn't nuts about the way the transmission shifted but I liked everything else. The trunk/hatch area was surprisingly small but enough for me.

If I get some free time I'll take a spin the G35 sedan... now that I've driven so many things, I'll have a good frame of reference... I haven't sat in on since Christmas.

-C

jackman · « **Reply #104 on:** 23 Apr 2005, 03:29 pm »

I drove the '04 G35 and loved the engine. It sounds cool, has tons of torque, tons of power and looks cool (except for the rear end which I'm getting used to). I really hated the cheap looking interior. It was very plastic looking on the base model. I believe this has been addressed in the new model.

It was faster than the 325i but I liked driving the B'mer more. The BMW's power seemed to be smoother, the BMW sounded better, and the interior on the B'mer was much nicer. I could have gotten the G35 for about $2,500 less than the 325 (comparibly equipped) but I chose the BMW. I would have liked the power of the G35 but it didn't feel as connected with the road as the BMW. Hard to explain. Just drive the G and let me know what you think. Maybe I'm nuts.

Carlman · « **Reply #105 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 04:56 pm »

FYI... I have comitted to buy a new 325i in Boston... (the only place left with new '05 models with manual transmissions) Going to fly up there and drive it home.

I may or may not have a driving companion... Also, it might work out that I could stop somewhere in NY for a few minutes.

bubba966 · « **Reply #106 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 04:58 pm »

Good to hear you found one that you wanted.

Enjoy the trip as well as your new 325!

Hantra · « **Reply #107 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 05:08 pm »

Details! What color?

BTW, here is the difference between the G35 and the Bimmer.

The G35 is a pretty car. Sexy even. Striking looks. . . It's fast as hell, and sounds good, and I've always liked Nissans. I even own one.

The difference is that in 5 years, the G35 is going to look like hell. It'll look dated. The E46 is going to look good forever. For some reason (up to this point) BMW has had timeless designs. Although the G35 is real pretty now, my prediction is that in 5 years or so, it's going to suck.

Grats on making the right decision.

eric the red · « **Reply #108 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 06:02 pm »

Hantra-Why do you think the G35 will look dated in a few years? I drove it's sibling last week, a Nissan 350z Track model, and while the performance is great, the cheap interior is a major turn off. Cheap cheap and more cheap everywhere you look. Every time I look at one I can't help but think that the designers missed something in the design where the roofline meets the rear end. I think the Z car is already looking dated .

Hantra · « **Reply #109 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 06:09 pm »

Quote from: eric the red

Hantra-Why do you think the G35 will look dated in a few years?

I dunno. . . It's just that the majority of the time, striking and timeless are mutually exclusive when it comes to cars. There are going to be a few exceptions of course, but I don't see the G35 being one.

Carlman · « **Reply #110 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 06:40 pm »

I have a choice in color but I'm leaning towards the bright silver with black interior. I can also have dark blue or dark silver. I don't want a dark colored car and the darker silver looks too much like asphalt. (i.e. the car blends with the road, a safety concern to me)

It's a totally base model but with heated seats. I really wanted the sport package but I also really wanted the manual and an '05.

I test drove the '06 or 'E90' and it's just way too luxurious. It's like they tried to make the 3 more like the 5... and overshot it a bit. It's ultra-refined... When I drove it, it seemed like I was driving someone else's car... when I drove the '05, I felt right at home... and was much more confident driving it.

The '06 has a lot of great features and the engine is certainly improved. The newly upped horsepower are all there and you can feel every one of them... and it feels like a smoother power band than the previous model. The new model is ultra smooth and refined beyond being a sports car. It's a luxury car now with some sportiness... kind of like the new Toyota Avalon.

I'm pretty psyched. I'll get to see some friends in Boston... hopefully stop in to see a few in NY... and then D.C. as well. Should be fun!!!

-C

P.S.... the deal... 28,k plus tax and title in NC... no extra fees at all.

bubba966 · « **Reply #111 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 06:54 pm »

Now you should talk to these guys http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/ and get a short throw shifter for your 325i.

Put one in my buddies M5 last year after the stock shifter broke on me (man did that suck). Not only is it insanely better build quality than the stock piece, but it shifts a whole hell of a lot nicer than the stock piece.

I can't say that I know you or your driving style very well, but I bet you wouldn't be dissappointed...

eric the red · « **Reply #112 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 07:01 pm »

Timeless is the shape of the 911

Carlman · « **Reply #113 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 07:50 pm »

Striking and timeless is indeed tough... the 911 being a good example of it. However, other than that, not sure... maybe a Lamborghini? But to me they all look kind of '80's-ish... but probably not to most.

BTW, I kind of felt the same way as Hantra about the G35... However, I think it already looks dated. (Sorry to already sound like a 'BMW snob') ...but... Sometimes I see 2002 330's and think they're brand new.... the 2004 G35's look like they're at least 2 years old...

In contrast, I thought the Acura interiors were awesome.... beautiful, well thought out and cohesive design elements in the TSX, TL, and RL. Going back and sitting in the G35 just seemed like they hadn't designed it with 1 car in mind.... sort of all stuck together... an 89 Cadillac Eldorado steering wheel, Maxima gauges, and whatnot... Not my cup o' tea. I haven't sat in the 2005 G35, though... I heard they changed it.

-C

eric the red · « **Reply #114 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 09:04 pm »

I've always thought that the Lamborghini Countach was a timeless looking brute. I've seen them in person and nothing on the road looks like a Countach. I'm also partial to the Audi TT's looks and interior plus they are alot fun to drive

Here's a nice 911 with some factory upgrades on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4545436390&category=10156

Hantra · « **Reply #115 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 11:24 pm »

Where the hell did you find an E90? I seeked out an E90 in DC and MD, but didn't find one.

Silver and black sounds ultra nice man! I just went with my wife looking at 4Runners, so I guess I'll be in the creek soon too.

Carlman · « **Reply #116 on:** 30 Apr 2005, 11:46 pm »

Quote from: Hantra

Where the hell did you find an E90? I seeked out an E90 in DC and MD, but didn't find one.

Seek no longer... Leith BMW (in Raleigh) has an '06 330 6-speed, a 325 auto, and I think another one but it was being prepped for a sale. There's no discounting (yet) on the E90. Most everyone at least has a demo or 2 by now... I would expect 'Performance BMW' to have one now or very soon as well. Have you checked the dealer in Winston-Salem?

It's a nice car... just not for me.

Hantra · « **Reply #117 on:** 1 May 2005, 12:11 am »

Yeah GSO, and Winston-Salem. . . Neither have them.

Jay S · « **Reply #118 on:** 1 May 2005, 02:48 pm »

Congrats on your new car! The bright silver is a timeless color on the E46. I esp like black interiors.

I have not yet driven the new 3 (E90) but I do think of it as a 5 series and do hope that they make a 1 series sedan for those who want sporty 4 door sedans.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #119 on:** 24 May 2005, 03:09 am »

So Carl...what's the good , bad, or ugly on the BMW ? Holding up well on those roads down there ? And...how's the sound system...any mods yet ?

Chris[/list:u]