Daily Driver's
Don't think G35 was on the list...
My choice would be the WRX. Just traded out of an '02. Very comfortable, well made, good gas mileage for the performance...The interior is a little cheap, but then again, the Evo's is too.
Don't get me wrong--I love my new Evo. But the WRX is a little more suited for daily driving--softer suspension and such.
A girl at work here has an S40. Good looking cars, but a little to "adult" (old-peopleish) for me.
My opinion.
My choice would be the WRX. Just traded out of an '02. Very comfortable, well made, good gas mileage for the performance...The interior is a little cheap, but then again, the Evo's is too.
Don't get me wrong--I love my new Evo. But the WRX is a little more suited for daily driving--softer suspension and such.
A girl at work here has an S40. Good looking cars, but a little to "adult" (old-peopleish) for me.
My opinion.
i agree with the is300. decent performance. very cushy. good styling. luxurious interior. VERY good customer service and maintenence. Can't go wrong. It the best of all worlds. If you have a little more dough, say the 35-40k range, I would consider the new TL. Best 3 all around 4door cars are TL, IS300, and G35, in no particular order. Evo is pure performance, no comofort. WRX is a pleasant mix of performance and comfort, but sacrifices a little on both sides. The others do everything well.
nice, well I'm thinking I'm going with the WRX I can get one with little money out of pocket and a lower monthly payment. I"ve driven it a few times and I think I'm going to like it, once I fix the turbo lag.
Originally Posted by Surfer_Sandman
nice, well I'm thinking I'm going with the WRX I can get one with little money out of pocket and a lower monthly payment. I"ve driven it a few times and I think I'm going to like it, once I fix the turbo lag.
Did you consider the Saab 9-2?
http://www.saabusa.com/main/US/en/index_flash.xml
It's $3K more than the Subie wagon, but the interior materials are significantly upgraded (or so says the mags). Only available in the wagon, but I think it looks much sharper than the Subie. Also, consider the fact that Saab is more of a 'luxury' marque, any warranty issues (ie. tranny) would probably be dealt with better.
Or you could do what I did, buy an FX45 (sold my IS300).
Last edited by mhgsx; May 25, 2004 at 11:36 AM.
Haha, I just noticed the list of cars you mentioned.
Volvo is offering a special $229/mth lease for their new S40 model. I don't think this applies to the T5 model, though. It's a pretty nice car on a really good chassis. I considered this car before I realized that they're not initially offering the T5 w/ AWD and manual tranny.
Since you're looking for automagic anyway, try the lease. You can find the details at Volvo's website. With the lease, you'll at least try a 'luxury' marque and if by the end of the term, you like tooling around in a better appointed car, you'll know where you stand as far as your priorities in automobiles.
I know I was spoiled by my Lexus. That car was really solidly built. Had just enough luxury combined w/ sportiness to make me happy.
While I love my Evo, there's no way I could see myself using that car as a daily driver.
Volvo is offering a special $229/mth lease for their new S40 model. I don't think this applies to the T5 model, though. It's a pretty nice car on a really good chassis. I considered this car before I realized that they're not initially offering the T5 w/ AWD and manual tranny.
Since you're looking for automagic anyway, try the lease. You can find the details at Volvo's website. With the lease, you'll at least try a 'luxury' marque and if by the end of the term, you like tooling around in a better appointed car, you'll know where you stand as far as your priorities in automobiles.
I know I was spoiled by my Lexus. That car was really solidly built. Had just enough luxury combined w/ sportiness to make me happy.
While I love my Evo, there's no way I could see myself using that car as a daily driver.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Northern NJ
I'd definately go with the Evo i mean you can get amazing gas mileage if you dont hit boost and it is a reliable car in my opinion other than the clutch which is a $60 fix(stainless steel clutch line and restrictor line removal) and I personally like to feel the road as opposed to the WRX's softer suspension
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: New Bedford, MA
Staying within the realm of reason, the Mazda 6s 5-door isn't bad. Looks like the sedan, but it's a hatch back there, not a regular decklid.
As for the IS300 -- eh. I used to want an A4, 3-series, or IS300, until I realized I'd be better off saving more dough for an A6, 5-series, or GS with a nice V8. In which I then realized I simply didn't ever want to pay that much for something that isn't a bonified sports car. The entry-level lux cars used to be well-priced about 5 years ago, but nowadays I just don't think they're worth it, all things considered.
As for the IS300 -- eh. I used to want an A4, 3-series, or IS300, until I realized I'd be better off saving more dough for an A6, 5-series, or GS with a nice V8. In which I then realized I simply didn't ever want to pay that much for something that isn't a bonified sports car. The entry-level lux cars used to be well-priced about 5 years ago, but nowadays I just don't think they're worth it, all things considered.
OKay so I'm thinking of a really nice 4 door, no wagon crap. I wouldn't mind a IS 300 but they are really expensive. plus I would rather have the IS430, or the Japanese altezza
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: New Bedford, MA
The 6s 5-door isn't a wagon. It'd be like having... an Eclipse with 4-doors. Pretty versatile if you ask me. Looks like the sedan, except the 5-door has more of the lines of a coupe instead.
There's not much under $30K new that I'd consider entry-level lux that'll break through a 7-second 0-60, new. The TSX perhaps? A gingerly used Maxima? Trying to think of when they revised the suspension, but I know a 2-year old Lincoln LS V8 usually runs in the low 20's. However if it isn't after the suspension change, they tend to trip over their own feet. The ones with the revised suspension are almost as capable as the last-generation BMW 5-series, and are a pretty good buy at 2 years old/
If you can live with pretty bland acceleration, Audi A6 2.8's are a dime-a-dozen nowadays, and you just can't complain about an A6's interior. The 4.2 was even nicer inside, but they hold their value much, much better than the 2.8s. You can probably find 2.8s in the high-teens, low 20s nowadays.
Maybe a used TL if that floats your boat? You might be able to find a Type-S in the low 20s, but in my opinion, hunt around for a used Accord V6 -- as there's not much different between the two.
After this, I'm grasping at straws.
There's not much under $30K new that I'd consider entry-level lux that'll break through a 7-second 0-60, new. The TSX perhaps? A gingerly used Maxima? Trying to think of when they revised the suspension, but I know a 2-year old Lincoln LS V8 usually runs in the low 20's. However if it isn't after the suspension change, they tend to trip over their own feet. The ones with the revised suspension are almost as capable as the last-generation BMW 5-series, and are a pretty good buy at 2 years old/
If you can live with pretty bland acceleration, Audi A6 2.8's are a dime-a-dozen nowadays, and you just can't complain about an A6's interior. The 4.2 was even nicer inside, but they hold their value much, much better than the 2.8s. You can probably find 2.8s in the high-teens, low 20s nowadays.
Maybe a used TL if that floats your boat? You might be able to find a Type-S in the low 20s, but in my opinion, hunt around for a used Accord V6 -- as there's not much different between the two.
After this, I'm grasping at straws.