Topic: Flinter's "What Car?" Thread

[Flinter]

The lease on my WRX is done at the end of April, so the new car shopping time has officially begun. Hooray!! 

Unofficially the new car shopping never stops. 

The start-up company that I have worked at for the past 4+ years was just acquired by a US company (If you are interested check out Kleer.com). Normally, being part of larger company is a good thing but I must admit I'm feeling a little unsettled about what the future holds for me.

For this reason, I've decided now is not the time to go hog wild and buy a Cayman, M3, etc.

Requirements
- I currently don't alot of time be traveling around looking for a good used vehicle. Therefore, it will have to be a new or a good CPO used vehicle.
- My target price limit is $30-35K.
- Emphasis is on fun to drive.
- While I've loved the practicality of the AWD of the WRX, I'm also willing to look at RWD options in order to increase my options.
- Must be a manual or automated manual type transmission.
- I hope to drive this vehicle in winter so soft tops are out.
- Bang for the buck is important as $$$ spent on this car are not being saved for the Cayman, M3, etc.

Potential Candidates (New - $30-35K price range)
- Subaru WRX (Base Model)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 (Base Model)
- Lexus IS250 manual
- BMW 128i (Sport package)


Initially, I had been thinking about a CPO 328i or 335i but IMHO the asking prices are a bit over the top.

All suggestions are welcomed. 

[rrocket]

I like the IS250...but really...it's a bit of a dog IMO and isn't terribly thrilling if you are used to the power of your WRX.  I think that will be your biggest problem.  Finding a car that doesn't feel flat compared to your Rex...

Maybe add the Audi S4 to your list...V8, 6 speed, AWD.

[Flinter]

I like the IS250...but really...it's a bit of a dog IMO and isn't terribly thrilling if you are used to the power of your WRX.  I think that will be your biggest problem.  Finding a car that doesn't feel flat compared to your Rex...

Maybe add the Audi S4 to your list...V8, 6 speed, AWD.

Hmm..I've never driven the previous gen S4. If I remember correctly, you were considering taking one for a scoot before you picked up the IS350. What were your impressions?

[wing]

First I was like Flinter?  Then saw the avatar -- haha

[rrocket]

I like the IS250...but really...it's a bit of a dog IMO and isn't terribly thrilling if you are used to the power of your WRX.  I think that will be your biggest problem.  Finding a car that doesn't feel flat compared to your Rex...

Maybe add the Audi S4 to your list...V8, 6 speed, AWD.

Hmm..I've never driven the previous gen S4. If I remember correctly, you were considering taking one for a scoot before you picked up the IS350. What were your impressions?

Beautiful interior, great engine (though IS350 is faster IMO).  Seemed a bit heavy in the nose though.  kinda like a FWD car when pushed.  But for an entertaining GT car...I liked it.

Even an Audi A4 with a re-flash would be a fun car for the list..

[Julie]

No front wheel contenders?  VW GTI out?

1-series will be re-designed soon btw (I think it's next year), if that makes any difference to you....  I actually like buying cars near the end of their cycle (all the bugs have been worked out, and stuff often gets added for free), but its look and performance features may change... 

[initial_D]

The IS350 w/ the paddles feels faster? ... How big small is the V8 in that S4?

[rrocket]

The IS350 w/ the paddles feels faster? ... How big small is the V8 in that S4?

IS350 is faster (not by a HUGE margin).  The S4 only has a 35HP advantage, yet is about 400lbs heavier.  It's a small V8..4.2 liters.

[Julie]

And how about a CPO Infiniti G35/ G37?

[Flinter]

No front wheel contenders?  VW GTI out?

1-series will be re-designed soon btw (I think it's next year), if that makes any difference to you....  I actually like buying cars near the end of their cycle (all the bugs have been worked out, and stuff often gets added for free), but its look and performance features may change... 

Thanks for the heads up on the 128i. To be honest I'm kinda torn on the exterior styling but I really liked the feel of BMW's inline 6 when I tested the 328 a couple of years ago. Plus, my neighbor a couple of doors down is a BMW salesman so I might see what kind of a deal he could get for me.

Agreed, there are some great FWD options out there like the GTI and Mazdaspeed3 but I've driven FWD cars most of my life so I'm interested in something different just for the sake of change.

[rrocket]

And how about a CPO Infiniti G35/ G37?

Good one!



I guess if you like I6s, you can check out an IS300....

[Flinter]

And how about a CPO Infiniti G35/ G37?

Thanks for the suggestion...definitely a good option. I've never driven the G35/G37 but this car is fairly affordable as a CPO. However, I was not impressed with the interior of the previous generation G35. It still feels upscale compared to the WRX but I expected more from the G35.

I'll add the G37 (CPO) to the list. I'm not sure if I'll be able to find one here in the Ottawa region.

[Flinter]

First I was like Flinter?  Then saw the avatar -- haha

My avatar is a shot I took at the Toronto Zoo... just before it tried to spit at me 

[rrocket]

First I was like Flinter?  Then saw the avatar -- haha

My avatar is a shot I took at the Toronto Zoo... just before it tried to spit at me 

Did you spit at it first?  Or did you use your ninja blocking skills?

[Julie]

And how about a CPO Infiniti G35/ G37?

Thanks for the suggestion...definitely a good option. I've never driven the G35/G37 but this car is fairly affordable as a CPO. However, I was not impressed with the interior of the previous generation G35. It still feels upscale compared to the WRX but I expected more from the G35.

I'll add the G37 (CPO) to the list. I'm not sure if I'll be able to find one here in the Ottawa region.

G37 is awesome.  Interior is much better.  A great value.  Yes, it might be difficult to find.  I don't know how you feel about possibly getting a car from out of your region, but I could be on the look-out here for you in the KW-Guelph area if you'd like.

Also, there's been a lot of talk about the BMW inline-6 being replaced by twin scroll turbos (e.g. twin scroll 4) in the next gen, for power:fuel economy reasons.  That's sad IMO, because the 328's inline 6 is beautiful IMO (with the 6 MT)

[Turbo Bob]

135i (CPO or good new deal)
Genesis Coupe  
WRX 265 (+Cobb Accessport)

[Flinter]

First I was like Flinter?  Then saw the avatar -- haha

My avatar is a shot I took at the Toronto Zoo... just before it tried to spit at me 

Did you spit at it first?  Or did you use your ninja blocking skills?

Luckily I was out of range so the ninja blocking skills were not necessary. After about 4 hours walking around the Zoo in 35C weather that day, I couldn't manage to create enough ammunition to fire back.   I considered throwing a rock but I figured a Newfie throwing rocks at the animals would result in the IFAW hounding me for life

[EV Dan]

G25 new would fit in the range, if you could walk for a few months that is 

[Flinter]

And how about a CPO Infiniti G35/ G37?

Thanks for the suggestion...definitely a good option. I've never driven the G35/G37 but this car is fairly affordable as a CPO. However, I was not impressed with the interior of the previous generation G35. It still feels upscale compared to the WRX but I expected more from the G35.

I'll add the G37 (CPO) to the list. I'm not sure if I'll be able to find one here in the Ottawa region.

G37 is awesome.  Interior is much better.  A great value.  Yes, it might be difficult to find.  I don't know how you feel about possibly getting a car from out of your region, but I could be on the look-out here for you in the KW-Guelph area if you'd like.

Also, there's been a lot of talk about the BMW inline-6 being replaced by twin scroll turbos (e.g. twin scroll 4) in the next gen, for power:fuel economy reasons.  That's sad IMO, because the 328's inline 6 is beautiful IMO (with the 6 MT)

I would definitely be open to a CPO G37 outside the Ottawa region. My concerns about buying used outside of the Ottawa region has more to do with me not being very familiar with the various used dealers in Southern Ontario, the quality/history of the vehicles they stock and all the leg work to get them inspected by a reputable mechanic etc. I think the dealer CPO programs eliminates most of that concern. If you see something in the KW-Guelph area, please do let me know.

Agreed on the BMW 3L inline 6 with the 6MT. That engine definitely tickled me in the right spot It would be a shame to see it replaced by a twin scroll 4.

[Flinter]

135i (CPO or good new deal)
Genesis Coupe  
WRX 265 (+Cobb Accessport)

I'd love to get my hands on a 135i, new or CPO. Must admit though, I'm not too optimistic about finding one in my price range.

I continue to feel that the WRX is an incredible value and I was really impressed with the 2010 model I drove. The biggest concern I had with my 08 model was the soft suspension and this has been noticeably improved in the 09+ models. That said, It would be nice to try something different.

I haven't yet driven the Genesis Coupe but I'm really excited by what I read. I dropped by the dealer this past weekend and took a closer look. This car looks like the real deal. During your recent purchase, did you get a chance to compare the 3.8 to the 2.0T? The 2.0T looks like an insane value but even the 3.8 (base model) is not a bad deal for a 300+hp RWD coupe.