A shame folks feel that way about the 3-series. I've had a G35 for 3 years and even though it's a great car (and I wouldn't be opposed to getting another), I've never exeperienced anything like the drive of the BMW. Guess you could go with a 5 series but it's size makes it look more family sedan than sporty.
Let me ask you single guys this: Is it impractical and/or just plain stupid to own 2 cars when you're not married? Its days like yesterday and today where I'm so happy I have a convertible. Plus, with the fact that American cars depreciate so fast, I feel like I may as well keep my mustang and buy a new car on top of that. I floated this idea by my 1 friend and my family. My dad loved it. Everyone else said I was a moron. I know I'm a moron already, but anyone have thoughts on this concept? Let me preface by saying my idea all along was to buy a hulking SUV b/c I've always wanted a big car with power that I can use to intimidate slow drivers, and to lug crap around town in... but with recent trends in gas prices, I've decided to give that idea up...
Depends on the reason why you need two vehicles. If you just want two vehicles because you can, then yes its impractical. My reason is because I own the highest theft vehicle per production. Limited production in a 4 year cycle, less then 5,000 total. Some people need a second vehicle for their job or need the extra space. If you can think of a valid reason why you need another vehicle, keep the convertible. If you cant, sell it or trade it in.
Unless one of your cars is some $60k+ vehicle, I don't see why you'd want to do this. You'd have the additional insurance, repairs, maintenances, and general costs of owning a 2nd car. I mean, if you can swing it, go for it. I had considered doing something similar, but in the end couldn't justify it. I wanted to get the G35 coupe, but knew there'd be days I actually needed to bring something home from the store or work and it just wasn't going to fit in that thing. That led me to the G35 sedan and Acura TL sedan. The TL sedan ended up winning out for me based on the interior and looks alone. I still think about that coupe, though... I've been told I'm too practical for a guy in his 30's. lol.
Im not really in the market for a new Spyder. The package of the vehicle isn't worth the 26-27k msrp. I rather spend 4k more for a new S2000. Hid's, automatic top, 240hp 2.2L engine, a useable trunk, etc etc. If you can find me a new 04 for 20k, I'll be willing to purchase that.
You wouldn't be the only one willing to do that deal. drapg, I hear what you are saying about the 2 vehicles. In a perfect world, I would have kept my Maxima when I got my Z and just used the Z on weekends, but trying to justify making 2 insurance payments for a one person household was too much for me.
"I've always wanted a big car with power that I can use to intimidate slow drivers..." ____________________ Are you joking?
Regarding two cars, I've often thought it to be more practical to have a commuter car and an older paid off "weekend" car, than to spend a ton of money trying to combine the two. You could get yourself a used Acura and still have money left over to maintain and modify the Mustang. You could also get away with just putting liability on the Mustang. Not to mention, if you're ever in a wreck or have a car in the shop, you aren't screwed.
hey i own a 03 IS300. I absolutley love my car. I've had no problems with it at all and i admit i can be hard on her. She has a nice combination of ride and performance.
Here's the link to one in Austin for 20.5k-21k. http://www.spyderchat.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=14963
If you want the best bang for your buck I'd go with the G35. I have an Altima 3.5SE which has the same engine as the G35, and that baby can get up and go. The G35's have a bit more horsepower and they really move. I work with a guy that drives a G35 coupe. As for the backseat, I can't fit in the back of his but I'm 6"4. If you're carting shorter people around then you'd be alright....otherwise I'd go with the sedan.
Thanks for the good info all. I did more research today and decided to expand my search to include the Lexus ES model now.
The two cars deal is a waste because cars depreciate so fast, it'd be like throwing money down the drain. Unless you play car was a collector's item that might even appreciate.
I own an 2002 IS 300 that I bought new a little over 3 years ago. Completely satisfied with my purchase. Of course, I am always"looking" at new cars cause, well, they're new. That said, I think DoD is pretty spot on about this market segment. If you are interested in power, you'd be an idiot not to get the G35. However, driving around town everyday as I do, they are almost as frequent a sight as the BMW's. Speaking of BMW's, cross them off your list. They will be awesome to test drive and drive, but the problems, even just small little electronic problems, etc. will have you pulling your hair out. What the IS lacks in power, it makes up for in other areas - luxury, price, etc. My advice would be to wait for the re-model, put your name on the list and get the new IS350. Personally, I'm not a fan of the ES series...drove it once and it just felt too large.
If you want something sporty and that can fit 4 people, I absolutely LOVED the Mazda RX8 (238 hp top of the line for about 30K). I was also told they give good discounts on it. Here is Car and Driver's review of the car (they say it fits two adults in the back seat nicely), I presonally test-drove it and it is an amazing sports car, very nice looking interior too: http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=33&article_id=8923&page_number=1 Here are more options for around $30k: Volvo S40 T5 (218hp, 6-spd w/manumatic shifting, for about $29k) Cadillac CTS (about 255 hp V6, room for 5, under $33k) Still, although I am not very familiar with the G35, it seems to be a clear-cut best value in class if you are looking for a semi-luxury car, and has the most hp (298hp). Also, you can get the Nissan Z and you can save some money, but will get slightly less hp (about 280 if I am not mistaken). But seriously, for the buck, there is NOTHING that comes close to the new Mustang. You will get 300hp and more room (especially up front) than the G35. Also, it will cost no more than 25K. You can't go wrong with that. The Mustang has decent resale value from what I was told (by a friend of mine who was a used-car seller). And if you keep it long-term, Ford has some of the cheapest parts around. Hope some of this helps. BTW, if you want a good site that has reviews and stuff for cars, go here: http://www.caranddriver.com/default.asp?section_id=10
Oh, I thought you were talking about the Honda S2000. And I am surprised that tigermission didn't mention that new Pontiac model in his post - as isn't he the one that really likes those cars?
