I'm also in the market for a pony car, I have my eyes set on the V6 '11 Mustang, I don't find the car to be ugly at all, though I have to admit that the Camaro is the best looking one of the 3. ...and I'll probably get auto. /hides
My wife has an automatic RX-8. She likes driving manual, but says it's just easier to manipulate an automatic...and admits she didn't buy the car to race. Personally, I don't care one way or the other. I would encourage you to avoid the discouragement that somehow this choice defines you as a man, though. :grin: People are ridiculous about crap like this.
I think I would rate themfrom best looking to worst like this: 1) Challenger- Captures the essence of the original best. looks great at any angle. 2) Mustang- Love the more aggresive front facia and the profile of the car, I just can't get over the tailights. They have a Mitsubishi Eclipse thing going on. 3) Camaro- While not ugly, the front grill and open headlights don't do it for me. I was hoping for a 67 RS/SS type grill with covered headlights. The rear just looks unproportional to the rest of the vehicle. But I've seen some nicely modded ones with killer looks. I think it comes down to personal taste, just be sure to test drive all vehicles you may be interested in.
I'm pleasantly surprised with this thread. I really thought almost every response would be in favor of the automatic. I'm glad to see I was wrong. Having said that, I'll still stick with my automatic. I learned to drive on a stick and it was the only way I wanted to drive for years but I won't get an manual again unless I get a REAL sportscar or unless my situation changes to where I don't spend 2+ hours a day in traffic. My automatic still whips most of the kids and rednecks who want to race anyway
i have a acura TL..six speed MT. ive driven many manual cars bc a lot of my cousins have them..g35, 350z, rx8, etc stick is so much more fun to drive but can get tedious at times. im getting a new car soon. definitely going with paddle shifters.
Yeah seriously, an auto or manual transmission does not determine one's manhood. lol I currently drive a manual civic hybrid 40+ mpg and the wife drives the automatic lexus. When i'm not driving all around town in gas saving mode, it's quite nice driving the auto and feel like a lazy butt with the kids. But like the op suggested, he's looking for a sports car. A manual is without a doubt what brings out the sport, well that and the suspension of course. His choice seems to be force induction vehicles so if he's planning on modding like cranking up the boost, an auto tranny will have a hard time holding up where a manual he could just beef up the clutch. Prior to my little eco box, I've owned 8 cars all manual with 3 being turbo vehicles: Lexus SC300 (supra tt engine), Turbo Honda Prelude, and Audi S4 tt. I could never imagine any of those being auto slush box's .
Hyundai Genesis.. dont laugh cause its a hyundai but that car is the best value at 25k. Mustang and Camaro are nice also. I would seriously wait for the FT86.. its Toyota and Subaru. It's going to be a great quality car even if its a first year model.
People who drive automatics don't care enough to click on and/or post in a thread about cars. I don't know how to drive a stick (just got my license two years ago) and don't own a car with a manual, but I'm trying, dammit.
Just get the 135i or 335i and end it right there. Out of everything you're considering, those are the best options. I have a 335i e92 and freaking love it. I looked at plenty of cars before deciding, and even though there are some notable competitors out there, I felt the BMW was in a class of its own.
those are not in the OPs budget if its 25-30k Unless u buy used which I would avoid due to the engine problems that model has.
Yep. I looked HARD at the 335i but after doing online research and talking with two people that own one I decided to steer clear do to the fuel pump issue. BUT if the fuel pump issue doesn't scare you you can get "buy-back" with warranty for under 30k if you are ok with an 07 or 08 model. For me, reliability was too important so I went with an IS350 with the sport package although I almost never mess with the paddle shifters.
If you get one that's two years old and is a CPO, then you basically get a 4 year warranty, which is just as good as buying new. You'll also still have at least 2 years free maintenance. Yes, the HPFP is a problem, but mine was replaced when I bought my car and they gave me a 10 year warranty to go along with it. I'm not keeping the car for 10 years. The whole issue is completely blown out of proportion. I had an IS350 for a while and couldn't stand it. It just didn't feel right. I couldn't be happier with the BMW.
Warranties are great but they don't help much when your car breaks down on a highway with no shoulder to cost onto. My co-worker is on his third fuel pump. Still, it's a fantastic car to drive. No one will argue that.
I started with a manual, then auto, then manual, then auto again. You can get used to either. I went thru a time when I drove a stick with coffee and cigarette in hand, no big deal. That did not make me a man. If you are comfortable with an automatic, stay with it. If the car has enough horse power, it really does not matter. When people say they have more control with manual, what they don't understand is they have to do the controlling == the work. If you like to maneuver the car, go for it. If you want to sit back and enjoy the drive, go with auto.
MSRP on a Nismo is indeed 40k, but picking one up a year old can be had for substantially less. I had seen one one time for 25k, but could not find any others. I've seen another for 28k. Here's one at a dealer at SA for 32.9k http://austin.craigslist.org/ctd/2068878197.html Also a fellow Z owner myself. BPU though
how about a 2010 gti? Thoseare really fun to drive I heard? And they are well in your price range. That car has been getting alot of car of the year awards.
