"Luxury sports car..."

[passedpawn]

stick in NYC sounds like a b*tch.

I just got back from San Francisco. My bro said he'd borrow a car for me... I went to pick it up and it was an old manual shift SUV. Major PITA in San Francisco let me tell you.

 

[motobrewer]

yeah i've driven in San Fran. insane. heck, walking is insane in san fran.

i've never driven in NYC but i just got back from jersey. not as bad as i imagined, but I missed my on ramp, so the GPS had me take the 1&9 all the way to edison from newark. seriously, there wasn't another on-ramp the entire way?

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Stick leaving NYC sounds like fun tho.

One of the things I would also keep an eye on that seems to be a trend with sports cars. A lot of sports cars seem to be using "Run on Flat" tires. If you want a sport's experience you're compromising for convenience. I have used the functionality and it's great but there's a lot of invalid arguments on why you want them. To me they lessen the sports handling, are heavy/noisy. Give me a spare in the trunk.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Also, I am always kinda intrigued by the Volvo turbo models. They had a 300hp station wagon a number of years ago and seem to have some pretty hot cars that rank pretty high on the luxury scale... Though service could be an issue.

We have a 190hp Volvo Turbo wagon. It was fun for the first year or two (drove like it was on rails) but now it's at 130K+ and it isn't even worth the cost of a match to burn it to the ground. Problems everywhere, starter, headliner, auto climate control, door handles, headlamps every 3 to 4 months, etc...

I'll never buy Volvo again. The older box turbos were indestructible. The newer models are disposable (lifetime non serviceable transmission, wtf?)

 

[passedpawn]

My buddy had a BMW 5 series that had complete interior meltdown. Headliners, ally the vinyl on doors and dash, everything. Yes, FL is hot, but he was disgusted and said never again. Since then he has owned a new Infinity G coupe and Luxus IS.

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Depends on the year and yes that is a manufacturer's reputation but the 5 series was in the crapper for a while for some reason. I hear they are better now. I have a 3 series. Just 70k but very dependable. Wish I got the turbo tho but due to insurance reasons I toned myself down and got the AWD ;-) No more driving retraining classes from the state of Massachusetts in a while.

 

[bluemoose]

You might look at Volvo. S80 has 268 hp, better numbers than the 3 series BMW. Super comfortable and virtually maintanance free. Sounds like Gila had problems, but I never have. I drive them to 200+ and get rid of them. Never do much more than scheduled maintenance. Wish the C70 was a bit more powerful, now that would be perfect for you. Hard top convertible. I suggest you drive a bunch of cars. That is the fun part. Decide what you want it to do, drive the same route each time and evaluate on its merits.

Plus the S80 fits a car seat with ease.

 

[TheDudeLebowski]

Fits car seats? Man card revoked!

 

[WhiteEagle1]

Not really a sports "car"..... I have a Grand Cherokee SRT8, 370 cu in, 6.1 420hp HEMI. I absolutely love it. Power all over the place, stiff supension & low profile tires. All leather w/ suede inserts, fully functional rear seat (baby seat) w/ storage in the rear...... Probably find a nice 08' or 09' with less than 50K miles on it for around 30K. Think that covers your list. May want to take one for a test drive....

 

[bluemoose]

Fits car seats? Man card revoked!

My Alfa fits a car seat too.

 

[Airborneguy]

stick in NYC sounds like a b*tch.

It's not too bad, especially if you're doing it for performance reasons. I've had 2 stick cars and 2 stick trucks since I came back from the Army. I definitely wouldn't get a stick just to save the $1000 or so it usually takes off. It did kind of suck with my most recent Jeep Wrangler once I started commuting to Manhattan.

Where were you in Jersey? You should have said something. I'm like 15 minutes from Newark Airport and some parts of Edison and even closer. We could have had a Packers Owner convention.

 

[Airborneguy]

White eagle, awesome truck, but the gas mileage is definitely not what I'm looking for. This has to be a commuter sports car in the 20-25 mpg range. The Infiniti is on the low end of what I'm willing to take on as far as gas mileage goes. We might be moving about 65 miles from my job in the next year or two, so mpg is a major factor in my decision.

 

[passedpawn]

Tesla!

 

[motobrewer]

It's not too bad, especially if you're doing it for performance reasons. I've had 2 stick cars and 2 stick trucks since I came back from the Army. I definitely wouldn't get a stick just to save the $1000 or so it usually takes off. It did kind of suck with my most recent Jeep Wrangler once I started commuting to Manhattan.

Where were you in Jersey? You should have said something. I'm like 15 minutes from Newark Airport and some parts of Edison and even closer. We could have had a Packers Owner convention.

I would have, but I was only in town for like 36 hours or something. no time for anything.

i'm also, ah, not an owner, lol. my grandpa and cousins are, tho.

 

[Sir Humpsalot]

Figure out how many miles you drive a year. Figure out how much money you save at 30mpg vs. 20. If it is a passionate purchase, the mileage isn't much of a financial factor.

15k miles @ 30mpg = 500gal
15k miles @ 20mpg = 750gal

Thats a difference of $20 a week @ $4.00/gal.

Not really worth worrying about if you really like the car.

OTOH if you don't intend to enjoy the car, you can always buy a Prius.

 

[bottlebomber]

yeah i've driven in San Fran. insane. heck, walking is insane in san fran.

Driving SF isn't so bad... I've been in smaller towns that are worse. I'm with you on the walking though. Last time I was down 19th Ave they had a traffic detour around someone who was lay'ed out in a body bag. If you ride a bike you may as well just drive into oncoming traffic to save yourself the suspense.

 

[bottlebomber]

Fits car seats? Man card revoked!

It doesn't get any more manly than having a gang of kids IMO.. As long as it's you thats raising them.

 

[motobrewer]

If you ride a bike you may as well just drive into oncoming traffic to save yourself the suspense.

yeah no kidding. they honestly need a topographical map to get around there. it might be shorter to go in a straight line but if you detour a block you could save yourself a major climb and descent!

i heard stories of fixie ("authentic" fixie, no brake) riders in san fran...just straight up suicidal.

 

[Chipster27]

How is BMW's gas mileage in comparison to similar cars? The Genesis is so high on my list because nothing I've seen compares with its mpg rating.

My I6s were averaging lower to mid 20s. My 540 (V8) right now is averaging 19.7, but I do a fair amount of highway driving. I can tell you this, with a 6 speed I can run to the lake (230 miles) averaging 80 MPH and get high 20s, usually 26-27 MPG and that includes "spirited" runs at 90-100. My V8 actually gets better highway mileage at high speeds than my girlfriend's 4 banger Accord, and at 80 it has the power to pass with ease.

I spoke about manual to my wife today

IMHO a stick is the only way to drive :rockin:. In the BMW line I've had a slush box, my M3 was SMG (before they double clutched them - and I'd probably never do another) and two 6 speeds.

The Genesis is a nice looking car. Another import I like is the Kia Optima. Not sure what the HP is, but it's a nice looking car. I've also driven a number of Hyundai Sonatas, drove nice, but at speed the just seemed like they were not planted on the road.

For the money, I'd honestly consider something that is three years old (like someone did a 3 year lease and turn the car in). You can probably get a better car, you won't take a big hit on depreciation, all the "factory" bugs will be worked out and it will still have a warranty (assuming you buy it CPO from a dealer). Many premium car manufacturers will extend the warranty for free on their CPO cars.

BTW, congrats on the baby

 

[Chipster27]

**deleted duplicate post**

 

[DangerRoss]

2. A usable back seat


...and I prefer a coupe.

This is an oxymoron. I would recommend the Cadillac CTS-V with a 5.7 liter LS6 V-8 and a Tremec 6speed manual trans. You get the ride comfort of the Caddie but will blow the doors off most cars at the light!

 

[landshark]

I would never consider Nissan or Hyundai "Luxury", only as a driver's car.

Infinity I have always thought were beautiful (newer models). Acura also makes some good stuff too with some decent power.

I currently have an 08 BMW 535xi, I6 300hp twin turbo, 25 mpg all day, and I can drive in the snow. Fairly reliable, I am horrible about maintenance on my own cars, so majority of issues I've had I look back after the initial cussing and can say, "Yeah, that was my own fault." I'm at 90K miles and only serious issue I've had were injectors failing, which was covered under warranty. It's 4 doors though, but has a usable back seat; which was wife's only requirement when I picked it out. Otherwise I'd have had something with only 2.

I test drove a MB C-300 Sport. wasn't impressed. Lacked power, not real responsive, and rode rough. BMW was hands down the better car. Got mine used on sale at around $28k. If you go w/ a 3-series such as a 335 it's a lighter car and typically lower priced as well. Also if you love modding, the Turbo'd BMW's offer tons of mods.

 

[Airborneguy]

I've been reading Hyundai's website for a little bit and I'm really getting close to deciding on the Genesis. The 3.8 R-spec puts out 341hp, it's rear wheel drive, estimated 31 mpg, not much of a sacrifice as far as luxury, and comes in just under $30k. I'm going to test drive one in the next few weeks I think.

 

[motobrewer]

booooo!

convert.....convert to the dark side!

Inline 6 is a much, much better engine config than a silly V6 anyway

 

[knuckleheadbrewing]

My wife and I have a Altima Coupe 3.5SE leather, nav...basically a Infinity G35 badged as a Nissan with 17" wheels instead of 19" wheels...
Car flys....

Specs:

3.5L V6, 24 valves, 270 hp @ 6000 rpm
6 speed CVT transmission
19 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy

Has tinted windows now...

 

[passedpawn]

I've been reading Hyundai's website for a little bit and I'm really getting close to deciding on the Genesis. The 3.8 R-spec puts out 341hp, it's rear wheel drive, estimated 31 mpg, not much of a sacrifice as far as luxury, and comes in just under $30k. I'm going to test drive one in the next few weeks I think.

I've walked up to black Genesis' thinking it was my Infinity G35

The styling on these Hyundai cars keeps getting better, though I still like the lines on the G better. I hate the very fake vents on the hood, but the rest of it is great. I haven't seen the interior of the Gen. That R-Spec and the Track model are very fast, but if you are really concerned with track reviews you should check out the Motor Trend review, which had some issues with the gearbox.

It's a great VALUE if you are comparing stickers. But make sure you are looking at the take-home price. The Infinity is an older model, so you might get invoice or below, whereas the Gen is a new model and maybe you will have to fight to get the price down, especially on the sports models (3.8L).

Also, note that the inifinity requires 91 octane and above, which is always the premium down here. Don't know about the Gen; probably does too.

 

[Airborneguy]

Interestingly, the Genesis only performs slightly less with regular unleaded and has sensors specifically for the purpose of using lower grade gas. I like that aspect of it a lot. I really like the Infinitis, but the only way I could get one brand new would be to lease. I really can't justify spending that much to buy. I really want to buy whatever I end up with.

 

[autobaun70]

have you given any thought to an accord coupe? the HP #'s of the V6 are slightly off what you are looking for, but they are no slouch. you could even go with a 4 door and get a V6/6 speed if you order it.

you can get into a 30-40k mile car for well under 20K with it loaded.

 

[motobrewer]

yeah you might get slightly less performance and mileage but any car since like 1996 won't "knock" or have a problem running lower grade.

 

[Airborneguy]

Possible plan change (of course). What does everyone think of the 3000GT VR4? I found one for $1500 that is in almost perfect condition but needs an engine. I'm thinking total cost $8500 or so when all is said and done. Remember, I have a pro mechanic on staff.