NO ITS A HOLDEN......Only has Pontiac badges....

 

Yeah, I saw a white one at the local dealer. I stopped and looked at it even though I know its too big and expensive for my tastes. I have to admit, it does look much better in person, but a little over 29k for the V6 seems a little steep. I think it had the sport package and leather, but still. If it had the V8 for that price, maybe...

 

I went and check a couple of the them out today... G8 GT V8 for $31,xxx

 

If I saw a 335i for 32K, I would definitely consider it. The lowest price I've seen so far is 35K for a used 2007. The Benz is a joke, starting price of 39K and it's got a 268 hp V6? No thanks. Or even the C300 - 33K starting and 228 hp? I'm sorry, but when you're trying to play in this price range, you need a lot more than that! The Evo X is on my list, just haven't driven one yet.

Someone mentioned the Infiniti G, those are a great value for what you get, and also on my list.

Perhaps I should have just done a car shopping thread with the cars I'm considering, then updated it with my thoughts as I drive each one? Anyway, I'll go ahead give you my current list of considerations:

Pontiac G8
Infiniti G35 sedan
Evo X or Ralliart

Those are the strongest contenders currently, but will also look at:
Mazdaspeed 3
'05 WRX STi

Ones that I've dropped from my list:
used S4
used M3
new STi
Acura TL

 

Your list looks very similar to the one my wife has.

The Mazdaspeed3 was VERY good. Just a couple things held her back from it: not bluetooth, nav is hard to find, and the seat wasn't quite what she was looking for. She said it was fun to drive and very quick, but not as aggressive in the turns as my EvoX.

She's not a huge hatch fan either.

She liked the Mazdaspeed6 that she saw at a car show, but they are hard to find in good condition. They had the keyless-go thing (no key to enter or start the car) and that's appealing. You might add it to your list as well.

Save $10k with the Mazdas -- that's a lot of mods, gas, and tires.

 

You hit the nail on the head with the MS3. If I'm looking at it sensibly from a cost/performance perspective, you can't beat the MS3 for a new car. Plus, a good friend has one and he loves it, always telling me to check one out. Bluetooth and nav are non-issues for me, so that's not a problem. But I'm not crazy about it being FWD and it doesn't get me excited just thinking about it, or looking at pics of it, like some of the others do. But I will drive one before I decide.

 

If you want a 335i, there's a guy in AL that buys them wholesale and then flips them for $34-35k. He doesn't have any right now though.

The 2007 335i coupes, here in Dallas are going for 33-34k at the auction with 6MT transmissions, just to give you an indication of the pricing.

Honestly, for $35k I'd rather have a brand new Infiniti G35/7 with a full warranty and no possiblity of it having the **** ragged out of it by someone who defaulted on their note (why wouldn't an 07 be CPO'ed?)

 

Exactly! That's why the G is on my list and not the 335i. Plus, some Atlanta dealers are offering great lease deals on G sedans, like $1999 down and $349 a month/24 mo.

 

Thats a very good price to be at with a G35. Work the down payment a little more and you have a winner for sure.

And if your just loving the sweet ls3 v-8, consider a Vette, 38k or less.

I have tried the idea of a 4 seasons Vette a few times and kept coming up with a NAAAAAaaaaaa.

 

I should mention that I'm married and we have a 3 1/2 y.o., so 4 seats are a requirement and 4 doors most likely.

 

The lease deals on the 08 G35 sedans were better last month. This month, not nearly so good.

Right now, if you bring your own financing, you can get a $2,000 rebate (otherwise 1.9%). Because we want a very particular car, we're not getting quite as good a deal as we could if we were getting one off the lot, but it's not unheard of for people to be getting $2,000 under invoice for the G35 sedans (basically the dealer makes holdback + bonus for clearing the lot).

Remember the G37 sedans will be here next month. Bigger engine, 7 speed auto, bigger brakes (to compensate for the more weight), different paint ("self healing").

Bigger price too (the G37 coupes went up about $2k when the G37's came out).

Since our trade is paid off ($32k) we're going to take the $2k rebate. Also we're getting the stick shift, so the 7AT doesn't matter and really my wife could care less about 30 more HP.

There are very few 6MT G35S sedans left in the US. VERY few if you want Nav. So if you want an 08 stick 6MT G35S, I would suggest you begin your search now.

 

goofygrin - in the thread about Evo X as a DD, you mention not liking the torque converter in automatics bogging down in a turn. Is the auto on the G35s a regular 5 speed? I assumed it had a CVT.

 

BMW of Dallas has a few used 08 335's on their lot priced around 40k-44k depending on the options (Nav/ no Nav). They also have a black 07 335 sedan with 11k or 14k miles on it and it's priced at 42k(?). Those cars sure do hold their value if their selling for those prices at local dealerships.

 

yes I would take the G8 with the GXP. I use to have an 03 grand prix and tehy were pretty neat. I'm excited to see the rear wheel drive car back in the sedan. I think here in denver it might not be the best choice.

 

Sorry I didn't see this earlier.

In 08 they are a 5 speed. In 09 they are 7 speed autos.

We got the 6 speed manual, so there is no torque converter

They really don't hold their value that well, it's just that the dealers here are asshats.

We were going to buy an 07 335i coupe, loaded except for nav for $36k in San Antonio. CPO (so 6 year, 100k warranty) with 18k? miles on it.

Moritz wanted $500 over invoice for a demo with 5500 miles on it. I told them to shove it.

There was an 07 335i coupe in Houston, fully loaded, stick shift with 10k miles on it for $38k from a private party. Beautiful car (blue with brown interior).