Topic: Another What Car Thread! Help Me Spend My $$

[TopGun]

Hey, I got to post this twice in one day!

How about one of the top 3 best handling cars in North America for less than $100,000? (Oh man I'm going to milk this one for months...)

[Mike]

I would go with the G37 personally.  I rented one awhile ago and was quite impressed

[Weexy]

I'm being too practical here but wouldn't the additional insurance cost for a Mustang 5.0 raise the monthly cash outlay significantly compared to the other vehicles?

Maybe.. but for a 40 something guy like me with a clean record, i don't think the insurance would be much different  (plus I work for an insurance co.)

[Weexy]

Hey, I got to post this twice in one day!

How about one of the top 3 best handling cars in North America for less than $100,000? (Oh man I'm going to milk this one for months...)

Only if that baby comes equipped with Hercules tires. Properly inflated. (speaking of milking things... ) 

[evil_twin]

Ya, I know its a mish-mash of a list... honestly, its probably between the GTI and 328, and mayyybe  the G37.  Don't really want a 2 door, although do agree the 'Stang is a nice choice, and that 5.0 would be awfully addictive...

Budget is in the $40-$50K range, which rules out the G37S and 335, but you know if you get behind the wheel of one of those the heart quicky overrules the brain (and wallet...)

The GTI as I mentioned, i really love.  Fully loaded around $37K leaves room for aftermarket goodies.  If I go the BMW route, will likely end up leasing, which i'd rather not do.

Sounds like you'd be stretching the budget of what you want to spend to get into a nicely equipped G or 3.  I was in a similar position and didn't want to allocate so much dough to car if it wasn't the model I'd TRULY want (G37S, 335).  I'd pocket the dough and get the GTI.

As soon as you start pricing out wheel options on tirerack, you've already sold yourself on the car anyways!

Would you get the upgraded leather sport interior?  Some like the plaid cloth, but I think those leather sport seats really make that car and bring the interior quality on par with a base 3.

p.s. The Ultraleggera's are A+.  One of favorites for sure.

[mmorriso]

Passat CC ??

[Julie]

Wxy, I was hoping you'd start a thread like this! 

Regarding BMW,
- for leasing, the residuals are no longer as attractive as they used to be, unfortunately.
- CPO BMWs are quite over-priced...  I wonder if it's because of those high residuals for those cars which are now on the CPO market or BMW is just able to get away with it or both.
- the 335's achilles heel is its high pressure fuel pump (HPFP).  That said, the issue seems to be much less prevalent in Canada and Europe.  It's been quietly recommended to me to fuel with no ethanol, which is possible in Canada (with Shell V-Power), but not possible in the States.  If I were buying a CPO 335i, I'd ask to see the service history.  Cars with previous HPFP failures seem to fail again at much higher rates than cars which have never had one.  If you're going CPO 335i, I'd also avoid the 2007's (first year productions; they were issues).
- a CPO 330i is also a nice option IMO.  No naturally aspirated 6 in the 3-series has been as powerful.  It has been fairly reliable.
- the 328's motor is fantastic.  If I was going manual, I'd have thought harder about getting a 328...  But the GM-supplied tranny in the 328's are not as well performing as the ZF trannies in the 335i's, which have an excellent reputation.  ETA:  I didn't like the GM tranny's delay in shifting when I was test driving the car (and this is the issue that is talked about on the forums).

More later, when I get another moment.

[Julie]

Forgot to add:
- If you're looking for lightly used, say 1-2 years, sedan, I'd personally get the 2009 or 2010 sedans.  2009+ sedans underwent a nice facelift (slightly more aggressive appearance with LED lights, etc.) with improved features, ergonomics, and (if you'd like), a vastly improved iDrive.  The previous and current generations of iDrive cannot compare IMO.

[Julie]

Excuse these multiple threads, I get these irregular moments of connectivity.

- I think the GTI is a great value, and would likely be my pick in that price.  The interior just says 'quality' everywhere.  I agree about the wheels; they're not my favorite - but hey, you'll have OEM winter wheelies. 
- Another car you'd need to try is the G37S.  Does it come in sedan form?  The coupe doesn't have much space in the back nor trunk.  The residual may be an issue though, I dunno.  I got a lease quote for the G37 sedan (non S) that was similiar to one for the 335i, which surprised me but I didn't look into it any further.

- I'd also look into the IS 350 CPO.

[rrocket]

Mustang GT
G37
370Z
WRX

[toolatecrew]

GTI Detroit 18s are a bit funny looking , kinda of played out (since it seems like 99% of GTIS come with the optional 18s and they are PIGS 28 lbs.

Track tests have shown that the GTI performs better in pretty well every way with 17s (acceleration cornering etc) The 18s are for show not go. If really must have 18s then lighweight aftermarket will be the best bet but if it were me (and it was) I'd sell the OEM rims buy some aftermarket 17s and use cheap steels or alloy 16s for winters.

[Weexy]

GTI Detroit 18s are a bit funny looking , kinda of played out (since it seems like 99% of GTIS come with the optional 18s and they are PIGS 28 lbs.

Track tests have shown that the GTI performs better in pretty well every way with 17s (acceleration cornering etc) The 18s are for show not go. If really must have 18s then lighweight aftermarket will be the best bet but if it were me (and it was) I'd sell the OEM rims buy some aftermarket 17s and use cheap steels or alloy 16s for winters.

I was thinking the OEM's would be tough to sell?

[toolatecrew]

GTI Detroit 18s are a bit funny looking , kinda of played out (since it seems like 99% of GTIS come with the optional 18s and they are PIGS 28 lbs.

Track tests have shown that the GTI performs better in pretty well every way with 17s (acceleration cornering etc) The 18s are for show not go. If really must have 18s then lighweight aftermarket will be the best bet but if it were me (and it was) I'd sell the OEM rims buy some aftermarket 17s and use cheap steels or alloy 16s for winters.

I was thinking the OEM's would be tough to sell?

The 17s MIGHT be but 17 inch VW alloys with brand new tires can proably be sold to any number of people with Rabbit or Jetta that had stock 15 or 16s. When I sold the 18s (with 50% worn tires) off my GTI it took less than 2 days and I got 1300 for them paid just over 1400 from tire rack mounted balanced and shipped for 17 Inch Alloys and Yokahama tires (the wheels were clearouts) You should be able to get at least enough from the stock rims and tires to get some 16 inch snows I would think. If not then yeah I guess you could keep the 17s sell the tires and put snows on them. Would look decent, handel better on dray but I prefer 16 inch snows (the 205/55 16 snows are a common size and quite inexpensive pluss they cut through the snow better.

[Railton]

When you guys speak of a G37 are you really meaning 'G37S M6' or the "Hardly plain" yet still 'Jane' G37?
$50K CAD won't get you a new G37S M6 in Canada after taxes, you'll have to go stateside.
Importing a Late model used BMW into Canada is still rife with issues. The Mustang would be good though as you wouldn't pay duty on it.
Railton

[Weexy]

GTI Detroit 18s are a bit funny looking , kinda of played out (since it seems like 99% of GTIS come with the optional 18s and they are PIGS 28 lbs.

Track tests have shown that the GTI performs better in pretty well every way with 17s (acceleration cornering etc) The 18s are for show not go. If really must have 18s then lighweight aftermarket will be the best bet but if it were me (and it was) I'd sell the OEM rims buy some aftermarket 17s and use cheap steels or alloy 16s for winters.

I was thinking the OEM's would be tough to sell?

The 17s MIGHT be but 17 inch VW alloys with brand new tires can proably be sold to any number of people with Rabbit or Jetta that had stock 15 or 16s. When I sold the 18s (with 50% worn tires) off my GTI it took less than 2 days and I got 1300 for them paid just over 1400 from tire rack mounted balanced and shipped for 17 Inch Alloys and Yokahama tires (the wheels were clearouts) You should be able to get at least enough from the stock rims and tires to get some 16 inch snows I would think. If not then yeah I guess you could keep the 17s sell the tires and put snows on them. Would look decent, handel better on dray but I prefer 16 inch snows (the 205/55 16 snows are a common size and quite inexpensive pluss they cut through the snow better.

Good to know... thanks

[Weexy]

Ya, I know its a mish-mash of a list... honestly, its probably between the GTI and 328, and mayyybe  the G37.  Don't really want a 2 door, although do agree the 'Stang is a nice choice, and that 5.0 would be awfully addictive...

Budget is in the $40-$50K range, which rules out the G37S and 335, but you know if you get behind the wheel of one of those the heart quicky overrules the brain (and wallet...)

The GTI as I mentioned, i really love.  Fully loaded around $37K leaves room for aftermarket goodies.  If I go the BMW route, will likely end up leasing, which i'd rather not do.

Sounds like you'd be stretching the budget of what you want to spend to get into a nicely equipped G or 3.  I was in a similar position and didn't want to allocate so much dough to car if it wasn't the model I'd TRULY want (G37S, 335).  I'd pocket the dough and get the GTI.

As soon as you start pricing out wheel options on tirerack, you've already sold yourself on the car anyways!

Would you get the upgraded leather sport interior?  Some like the plaid cloth, but I think those leather sport seats really make that car and bring the interior quality on par with a base 3.

p.s. The Ultraleggera's are A+.  One of favorites for sure.

Very likely, yes.  I don't really like the jacky all that much.



Railton - i'd likely be looking at the plain ol' run of the mill G37.   I think the S is about $55k taxes in, so out of my comfort zone, but could pull one in from US as you did....

[Railton]

Ya, I know its a mish-mash of a list... honestly, its probably between the GTI and 328, and mayyybe  the G37.  Don't really want a 2 door, although do agree the 'Stang is a nice choice, and that 5.0 would be awfully addictive...

Budget is in the $40-$50K range, which rules out the G37S and 335, but you know if you get behind the wheel of one of those the heart quicky overrules the brain (and wallet...)

The GTI as I mentioned, i really love.  Fully loaded around $37K leaves room for aftermarket goodies.  If I go the BMW route, will likely end up leasing, which i'd rather not do.

Sounds like you'd be stretching the budget of what you want to spend to get into a nicely equipped G or 3.  I was in a similar position and didn't want to allocate so much dough to car if it wasn't the model I'd TRULY want (G37S, 335).  I'd pocket the dough and get the GTI.

As soon as you start pricing out wheel options on tirerack, you've already sold yourself on the car anyways!

Would you get the upgraded leather sport interior?  Some like the plaid cloth, but I think those leather sport seats really make that car and bring the interior quality on par with a base 3.

p.s. The Ultraleggera's are A+.  One of favorites for sure.

Very likely, yes.  I don't really like the jacky all that much.



Railton - i'd likely be looking at the plain ol' run of the mill G37.   I think the S is about $55k taxes in, so out of my comfort zone, but could pull one in from US as you did....

The S lsts with Nav at $62k taxes in but I'm sure you could likely get it to $55K as you say.
Railton

[mmorriso]

I was thinking the OEM's would be tough to sell?

you could keep the stockers that come with all-season tires for spring and fall and get a nice set of summer performance tires for you aftermarket rims.  16" steelies for the winter.

[Weexy]

I was thinking the OEM's would be tough to sell?

you could keep the stockers that come with all-season tires for spring and fall and get a nice set of summer performance tires for you aftermarket rims.  16" steelies for the winter.

Don't want to deal with three sets of wheels... most appealing option would be to sell the 18" Detroits and use that $$ to fund the aftermarket wheels. 
I'd talk to the VW dealer to see if they could do something as well... i highly doubt i'd be the first person looking at a GTI that wanted some different wheels.

Anyway,, if I end up with something other than a GTI, then wouldn't have to worry about any of this... would just need to pick up some winters (US road trip!)

[sirAQUAMAN64]

GTI Detroit 18s are a bit funny looking , kinda of played out (since it seems like 99% of GTIS come with the optional 18s and they are PIGS 28 lbs.

Track tests have shown that the GTI performs better in pretty well every way with 17s (acceleration cornering etc) The 18s are for show not go. If really must have 18s then lighweight aftermarket will be the best bet but if it were me (and it was) I'd sell the OEM rims buy some aftermarket 17s and use cheap steels or alloy 16s for winters.

I was thinking the OEM's would be tough to sell?

The 17s MIGHT be but 17 inch VW alloys with brand new tires can proably be sold to any number of people with Rabbit or Jetta that had stock 15 or 16s. When I sold the 18s (with 50% worn tires) off my GTI it took less than 2 days and I got 1300 for them paid just over 1400 from tire rack mounted balanced and shipped for 17 Inch Alloys and Yokahama tires (the wheels were clearouts) You should be able to get at least enough from the stock rims and tires to get some 16 inch snows I would think. If not then yeah I guess you could keep the 17s sell the tires and put snows on them. Would look decent, handel better on dray but I prefer 16 inch snows (the 205/55 16 snows are a common size and quite inexpensive pluss they cut through the snow better.

Good to know... thanks

I've been on the hunt for a different set of VW alloys (16" Sedona's, or 17" Classix's), and those 18" Detroits could easily net you $1,200. Even the 17" Denvers would sell, although they're not as sought after.

I happen to LOVE the Detroits (and miss the Jacky/Interlagos cloth). If my commute wasn't as long, would have offered to buy them off you if you go that route - love them on the Wagens too.

Happy hunting!