Well AF, It's been fun...

BUT GOOD GOD IS IT EVER SO FUCKING BORING HERE!!!!

What? Think I was leaving? Nope...just realized I haven't posted a thread in ages.

Side note, I'm looking for a new-ish vehicle. What's that you say? I have been for a while? Correct. I've been going through a whole mess of shit lately. Contemplating writing a small bio on meself but I'm lazy.

Long story short...legal issues haha. But hopefully all will be settled soon. But back to the whole looking at cars topic.

I have had my eye on several vehicles and have been twisting my options into view. One simple view that sounds reasonable, managable, accountable, reliable, uble uble uble.

So, there's two things I can do.

Option 1: Saved a few grand (been spending a hefty sum on remodeling a home that was my grandfathers, and by hefty I ball park the price in the range of a decent used Evo VIII). So anyway, use the few grand as a down payment on a 07 Nissan Titan LE that I've been eyeing for sometime. Make payments for a few years but allow myself to save up and buy a sports car next year. Probably summer. And when I say sports car, I mean some little import that I've wanted to invest a small amount of money into to make decently quick. More than likely another GS-T or maybe go the bike route, not sure.

Option 2: Screw the truck/bike/import combo and just find myself one decent vehicle. Which vehicles you ask? Well allow me to let you in on what I've been eyeing/drooling over/looking to get my hands on.

1. 03/04 Honda S2000- just a preference after forum hopping for the past few years. Interior style, bump in performance. Slight changes made by Honda that are more appealing that it's earlier models and even it's later models. Don't want to get into details on that. It was just my final choice :)

2. 05/06 Pontiac GTO- American? What? Civ? Yep. For whatever reason, I sat in one at a dealership a bit out of town. I started it, revved it, and just had a certain appeal to it sitting inside going nowhere. The interior was somewhat attractive even though I can't put my finger on it as to why.

3. 05/06 Infinity G35- I enjoy the fact that it shares some of the perks of the Z, but I really love the luxury factor. I can deal with it being heavier and slower. Hell even the appearance isn't as nice as the Z (imo), but it still is a very nice car. Also had the pleasure of giving this car a few revs, and the potential I know I can have making it a fun little "sleeper" thanks to a few connections I have for a decent price range.

Anyway, those were my options. Just thought I would share. I'll check back on this thread in a month to see if anyone actually came by to see this had came up. :lol:

Comments greatly appreciated.

All your performance choices are RWD, therefore are good choices.

I'm a fan of any of them... I approve.

1. 03/04 Honda S2000- just a preference after forum hopping for the past few years. Interior style, bump in performance. Slight changes made by Honda that are more appealing that it's earlier models and even it's later models. Don't want to get into details on that. It was just my final choice :)

2. 05/06 Pontiac GTO- American? What? Civ? Yep. For whatever reason, I sat in one at a dealership a bit out of town. I started it, revved it, and just had a certain appeal to it sitting inside going nowhere. The interior was somewhat attractive even though I can't put my finger on it as to why.

3. 05/06 Infinity G35- I enjoy the fact that it shares some of the perks of the Z, but I really love the luxury factor. I can deal with it being heavier and slower. Hell even the appearance isn't as nice as the Z (imo), but it still is a very nice car. Also had the pleasure of giving this car a few revs, and the potential I know I can have making it a fun little "sleeper" thanks to a few connections I have for a decent price range.


buy a fun car. done. i notice that you said you sat in the cars, gave a few revs and thats it. actually drive them they all drive differently. the s2k likes to be reved when taking turns and when moving. the gto is fun, but the interior doesnt appeal to me though. its a fun though. the g35 i would go with. then again i love the vq, and if i could find me a g35 sedan thats a 6 speed near me id most likely buy it and rid myself from the mazda. ive driven all three, and they all drive like different cars. thats for sure.

Well the reason I haven't test drove any of them is all part of the reason I stated that I have been battling some legalities ;) I won't go into detail. But anyway, it's kept me from driving is all I'll say. Working on sorting that out as of now. Should have everything settled in a few weeks. So yeah...

There is an S2K just around the corner for sale. Got the gals number who is selling it. Too bad it's an 08, but driving it is all I want to do. Going to set up a meet this Saturday with her and test it out (in a closed/private lot).

As for the Infiniti, there aren't any dealerships around that I have been able to get to in order to test drive it. Just hopped in a friends who owns one here. Recently. He won't let me drive it because he babies it. It has been a while since I have sat in one and I do miss it. But I remember it very well.

The GTO that I did sit in was at a dealership not to far away from me. The guy was aware of my situation but he still let me start it up and have fun sitting behind the wheel.

Rest assured, I will be test driving each of them before I make my final decision. Maybe I'll be brave and get some video of me scooting about in each vehicle. I won't give any professional opinion if I do, just look for a smile on my face and see which video provides the biggest smile :)

I'm excited that I finally get to get things going again in my life and it feels like ages since I've had fun driving a vehicle of my own. Can't wait.

:eek7:

Well, this is creepy. I don't plan to be with HP past the end of the year. That means bye bye Escape. So, I was looking at getting another car. The three on the top of my list, GTO, S2000, and 350Z.

I would stick with one good car, that's me. Which one, I don't know. I'm still trying to decide myself.

Clint... why not just drive one of the two cars you've got now? lol

My vote goes to VQ or the Goat.

:eek7:

Well, this is creepy. I don't plan to be with HP past the end of the year. That means bye bye Escape. So, I was looking at getting another car. The three on the top of my list, GTO, S2000, and 350Z.

I would stick with one good car, that's me. Which one, I don't know. I'm still trying to decide myself.

That is creepy...

All we need now is Neutrino to come in here and tell us he was doing the same thing lol.

All cars are attractive to me in their own way. I can't wait to actually drive them around when I can find some locally or just drive out to one of the major cities.

Clint... why not just drive one of the two cars you've got now? lol

:lol:

Because one is in the process of doing the interior and the other is in the process of doing the brakes. Plus they are both under insurance that doesn't allow them to be daily driven. Plus, I would have to get another set of wheels and tires for the snow.

It was just easier to talk myself into buying another car. :grinyes:

That is creepy...

All we need now is Neutrino to come in here and tell us he was doing the same thing lol.

All cars are attractive to me in their own way. I can't wait to actually drive them around when I can find some locally or just drive out to one of the major cities.

Hahahaha, I just talked to him today. Told him that I was car shopping and we talked about cars the entire time. He doesn't have to buy a car. He drives a different car every week. He really want's a Focus ST right now though.

I can't wait to drive them too. I have others on my list, but those three are at the top and I've never driven any of them. I'm sure you will before I do. You should post up what you think after you do.

I surely will after I do get a chance to drive each one of them. So expect it ;)

Sounds like Neutrino has a pretty fun job driving a different car every week. Next time you talk to him, give him a shout out for me.

Like you said, there are other cars on my list, but those 3 are my top choices as well. I did give some thought into the Evo and a few other cars, but I just want something newer, nice interior with some decent performance.

I do need a truck for around these parts too though. Maybe I'll try and find myself a late 90's Tahoe. Always wanted one. For winter that is.

I'll never understand what you guys see in the S2000! No offense to anyone who owns one, I just dont like a car that makes all its power at the top of the rev line and only at the top! I've driven a few and they are all the damn same. Its like you step on the gas, no torque...wait for it.....wait for it.....almost there.....still climbing.... OH MAN HELL YEAH VTECH OWNS! and then you have to shift and its over!

The GTO and the G35 its like instant torque, off the line with wheel spinning furry and all hell breaks loose.

If I where you Civ I'd go with the G35. I love my GTO (and its not American! stop taking credit away from the Aussies) but the car is really, REALLY thirsty. It does not age well and the people who drive them are absolute dumb-shit assholes! In 5 years Ive been driving this car Ive only met 1 guy who was cool and thats because his daily was an 85 Monte Carlo.

Also the factory tune on the GTO is a fucking joke. Torque management turns those 400 crank horse power into a 14.4 second car. It was only after I turned off the nanny that I made any real respectable numbers.

I'll never understand what you guys see in the S2000! No offense to anyone who owns one, I just dont like a car that makes all its power at the top of the rev line and only at the top! I've driven a few and they are all the damn same. Its like you step on the gas, no torque...wait for it.....wait for it.....almost there.....still climbing.... OH MAN HELL YEAH VTECH OWNS! and then you have to shift and its over!

This. I drove an S2K in my own quest and just couldn't get into it. I mean, ifn I had to buy a roadster it would probably be an S2K, but else wise it just wasn't my thing.

I'll never understand what you guys see in the S2000! No offense to anyone who owns one, I just dont like a car that makes all its power at the top of the rev line and only at the top! I've driven a few and they are all the damn same. Its like you step on the gas, no torque...wait for it.....wait for it.....almost there.....still climbing.... OH MAN HELL YEAH VTECH OWNS! and then you have to shift and its over!

The GTO and the G35 its like instant torque, off the line with wheel spinning furry and all hell breaks loose.

If I where you Civ I'd go with the G35. I love my GTO (and its not American! stop taking credit away from the Aussies) but the car is really, REALLY thirsty. It does not age well and the people who drive them are absolute dumb-shit assholes! In 5 years Ive been driving this car Ive only met 1 guy who was cool and thats because his daily was an 85 Monte Carlo.

Also the factory tune on the GTO is a fucking joke. Torque management turns those 400 crank horse power into a 14.4 second car. It was only after I turned off the nanny that I made any real respectable numbers.

This. I drove an S2K in my own quest and just couldn't get into it. I mean, ifn I had to buy a roadster it would probably be an S2K, but else wise it just wasn't my thing.

when i initially drove the s2k, i wanted an ap1. hardcore, hartdtop that could be driven around town like a normal car, but change at the shift of a gear. no modding necessary, maybe some tires, an upgraded radiator and brakes and all it a day. thats all i would do to it. a car girls thought was cool, and not afraid to be seen in (unlike the sentra). car is fun, but diddnt like the lack of tq until the revs climb. heck when driving the rx8, it felt that it had more tq than the ap1. when the revs are up high, the car is fun, responsive, and likes to turn. drive it at low revs through a turn, the car understeers slightly in my experience. it made no sense at all to me. otherwise the car is nice, feels top notch, but if you want tq, you should look elsewhere or invest in boost.

g35/gto tq is ready when you are. its fun. the clutches in both cars are easy to use. the vq with headers and exhaust sounds like a ferrari imo, and the gto just screams badass. might not be as double edge sword as the s2k, but they get from a to b comfy, and have power on demand it seems. both cars can be made to handle, can carry people if needed, and extremely fun to drive.

... this goes to both Christian and Clint.... Why not a G8 GT like I have?

They're a pretty rare car, only made for 2 years, and since it's a Pontiac it's resale value should be low enough to buy one for cheap.

With a few tweaks mine Dyno'd 333whp/348wtq. With just a CAI, a very basic Tune and No Mufflers. Turning off the Displacement on Demand feature and swapping out the worlds laziest cam would wake the L76 right up. It's a great motor, basically an 6.0L LS2 with LS3 heads. Factory fuel cut off is 6,000rpm, but my tune has raised it to 6,300rpm. It spins to 6,300rpm no problem and makes plenty of power even with the cam that has like zero lift or duration. A cam would wake that thing the hell up.

It's not a bad car, a 'stylish' 4 door sedan, rear drive, comfortable to drive (pretty much the words best back seat.) And, can be driven during winter. I've seen a video of a guy driving a G8 in the snow, drove just fine. It's on youtube someplace.

I would say go GXP, but those are even rarer than the GT... and thus harder to find, and those who have them are basically enthusiasts (especially a 6 speed manual car.) So, good luck finding one for cheap.

Otherwise, all choices above are legit fun cars... and I approve! :P


Proof they can be fun to drive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XGKOQnPe6w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg2gGoxgYqM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpmzqRMrUVU

... this goes to both Christian and Clint.... Why not a G8 GT like I have?

They're a pretty rare car, only made for 2 years, and since it's a Pontiac it's resale value should be low enough to buy one for cheap.

With a few tweaks mine Dyno'd 333whp/348wtq. With just a CAI, a very basic Tune and No Mufflers. Turning off the Displacement on Demand feature and swapping out the worlds laziest cam would wake the L76 right up. It's a great motor, basically an 6.0L LS2 with LS3 heads. Factory fuel cut off is 6,000rpm, but my tune has raised it to 6,300rpm. It spins to 6,300rpm no problem and makes plenty of power even with the cam that has like zero lift or duration. A cam would wake that thing the hell up.

It's not a bad car, a 'stylish' 4 door sedan, rear drive, comfortable to drive (pretty much the words best back seat.) And, can be driven during winter. I've seen a video of a guy driving a G8 in the snow, drove just fine. It's on youtube someplace.

I would say go GXP, but those are even rarer than the GT... and thus harder to find, and those who have them are basically enthusiasts (especially a 6 speed manual car.) So, good luck finding one for cheap.

Otherwise, all choices above are legit fun cars... and I approve! :P


Proof they can be fun to drive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XGKOQnPe6w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg2gGoxgYqM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpmzqRMrUVU


A G8 was a choice of mine a while ago, but if you came here to the reservation you would see that practically every single family owns one. I've seen one of each color here, no lie lol.

I'm one that doesn't like to have something that everyone else has. That's always been a little key of mine. Some might think it's weird, but wherever I live, I like to stand out with something rare. If I were back in Utah, I'd be looking for a Supra or some type of vehicle you don't see quite that often. I just like to stand out in my area, wherever I am.

The GTO is something I see here quite often. There are about 9 or 10 of them in my area. But I kind of do want one because I noticed lately that I'm starting to lose that appeal of having a car you don't see often in this area I live in. Pretty much starting to say "Fuck it" and join the rest of the Chevy Heads in this area (pretty much dominated by Camaros (old and new), Trans Ams, GTO's, G8's).

I have only seen two S2000's here and one I want to test drive. Sadly it's out of my price range. Girl that owns it wants $29K for a 2008 with 50K on the motor. CRAZY! I don't care if it has rims and a carbon fiber hood. So I'll just test drive it anyway. The other is yellow and sits at a gas station.

There is only one G35 here. And it's ass ugly. The color is that cheap beige color that I can't stand. The dude doesn't even know how to drive it. Sadly he's a friend of mine haha. But I won't tell him that.

A while ago I wanted to get a convertible 350z, but then I saw some older lady driving a white one here and instantly lost my appeal. Kind of made me laugh when I saw it. But, for whatever reason, I lost interest in finding one.

All cars I've been looking at are in the price range of 15K-20K. An Evo appeals to me because there was one here, and now it's gone. Some kid a good hour away came and bought it from my friend's brother (friend drowned in the river). Never saw it again. That was last summer.

I don't know. I just like to be different. Especially in an area that is practically all American vehicles with the occassional import here or there.

Odd, I can go weeks or months without seeing another G8... they're so rare here on the West Coast/SoCal.

I would go with the GTO or G35 if I were you. Ive driven a few G's and an LS1 goat (never an LS2 though) and ridden in a friends S2K many times and the lack of torque in the S2000 is just to annoying for me, but of course thats my opinion and Im using to having torque on demand. It handles amazingly though, but to make the car real fun you would want a nice turbo setup.

The G35 drives like a dream and just looks awesome as well, and is fairly quick stock. They wake up with a few bolt ons, but the drawback is...thats about all you can do unless you boost it. But they are classy cars that handle well and are very nice overall.

The GTO is going to be the quickest out of them all with the most modding potential if you want to stay N/A on them all. However I do advise you to stay away from an LS1 auto since they are absolute dogs! If you get a gto i wouldnt settle for anything less than the LS2 6 speed.

The G8 is also a very nice car but the manuals are hard to come by. Around my area there are SO MANY G8s and they are all autos. I see them a lot so I know how you feel when you say you dont want something everyone has, but if you lived somewhere where there werent a lot of them I would consider one. It will take more power to make them fast though since they are heavier. Trust me I know from experience, but wieght can be overcome by power

Odd, I can go weeks or months without seeing another G8... they're so rare here on the West Coast/SoCal.

East coast too homes! I see 1 like every 3 months or so.

Btw, those vids are sick bro! first time I see an auto cross with an anouncer! around here its just 3 rednecks sitting in front of a laptop and handing you a slip after every run.
Why the hell do you have to live all the way on the Pacific coast man!?!? You and me would ownz if we ever did one of em comic book team ups!

I would go with the GTO or G35 if I were you. Ive driven a few G's and an LS1 goat (never an LS2 though) and ridden in a friends S2K many times and the lack of torque in the S2000 is just to annoying for me, but of course thats my opinion and Im using to having torque on demand. It handles amazingly though, but to make the car real fun you would want a nice turbo setup.

The G35 drives like a dream and just looks awesome as well, and is fairly quick stock. They wake up with a few bolt ons, but the drawback is...thats about all you can do unless you boost it. But they are classy cars that handle well and are very nice overall.

The GTO is going to be the quickest out of them all with the most modding potential if you want to stay N/A on them all. However I do advise you to stay away from an LS1 auto since they are absolute dogs! If you get a gto i wouldnt settle for anything less than the LS2 6 speed.

The G8 is also a very nice car but the manuals are hard to come by. Around my area there are SO MANY G8s and they are all autos. I see them a lot so I know how you feel when you say you dont want something everyone has, but if you lived somewhere where there werent a lot of them I would consider one. It will take more power to make them fast though since they are heavier. Trust me I know from experience, but wieght can be overcome by power

I'm not opposed to the torqueless wonder known as the S2000 because I actually enjoy hearing the scream at high revs. I enjoy it's appeal from the interior to the exterior. IMO it is the most attractive car out of the 3 that I'm looking at. It's a fairly quick car, and I make enough that modding it won't be a problem.

If I did go the GTO route, 6-speed, 6.0 engine is the only way I want to go. Thus why I said I wanted an 05/06. I can deal with the exterior looks because I feel it is toned down and somewhat calm. I like that. The interior itself isn't too shabby. Not award winning, but it looks good.

The G35 has been the car I've been leaning towards more than the others. It has good looks, great interior design, good power, quick. I love the car and don't have much opposing me from getting one. It's just finding one that is the problem. Same with the S2000.

I won't know for sure until I get a chance to test drive them. But I do appreciate all the advice, info, and feedback everyone has been leaving. It does make it tough for all the cars.

But don't forget, my first actual vehicle owned by me was a HONDA ;) I can't count that out. I've already been accustomed to a torqueless vehicle which was my Civic. It doesn't bother me. This time around, though, I have the finances to make it something worthwhile. But that goes for all of them.

Oh Matty, I'll try and get you a photo or some type of vid here. It's a small area, but people love anything new by Chevy. Seriously. American cars for that matter. When the new Camaro came out, not even within a month there was atleast 8. And I can even give you the color combos of everyone. Same goes for the G8. My cousin Jack has a maroon one. The only maroon one I've seen. 2 Red ones. 2 black ones. 1 grey one. 1 metallic blue. 1 white one. All within this reservation. They are everywhere haha.

the vq with headers and exhaust sounds like a ferrari imo, and the gto just screams badass. might not be as double edge sword as the s2k, but they get from a to b comfy, and have power on demand it seems. both cars can be made to handle, can carry people if needed, and extremely fun to drive.

This...I was dead set on doing just a custom exhaust with an HKS can, but I heard a local guy running the Nismo exhuast with Tomei headers and test pipes, and I pee'd a little. Just doing so damned mean. And while it may not have the nimbleness that the S2K has, it really has the ability to power through turns. Even without the LSD, you can hang the ass end out then bring it right back in step, especially with some decent rubber on them. The one thing I liked about the Z and reminded me oddly of the Ms I drove when working at the BMW dealership as compared to the S2K and RX8 was that it felt very loose and wild, but it was super easy to bring it back under control. That, and I can only assume that the G is like the Z, it is amazingly easy to just drive it around town no problem.

Of course, this is all compared mostly to the Speed3, which, while fun to really push it, it just wasn't that fun to drive as an every day car.

I'm not opposed to the torqueless wonder known as the S2000 because I actually enjoy hearing the scream at high revs. I enjoy it's appeal from the interior to the exterior. IMO it is the most attractive car out of the 3 that I'm looking at.

If I did go the GTO route, 6-speed, 6.0 engine is the only way I want to go. Thus why I said I wanted an 05/06. I can deal with the exterior looks because I feel it is toned down and somewhat calm. I like that. The interior itself isn't too shabby. Not award winning, but it looks good.



You seriously think the Honda has a nicer interior? This is the part where I turn on the inmature button!
Are you insane man? Ive sat in a few and Honda absolutely buys from the lowest bidder on the plastic and leather department. Its thin, lazy, hollow and falls apart in just a few years.

The GTO at least has the blue and red leather and suade options. Dont even dare look at a black interior GTO they are awfull!

And the G36....well, its the finest quality leather available. polished aluminum accents and quality crafted parts. Honda trails way behind in interior quality. Not my opinion, FACT!

You seriously think the Honda has a nicer interior? This is the part where I turn on the inmature button!
Are you insane man? Ive sat in a few and Honda absolutely buys from the lowest bidder on the plastic and leather department. Its thin, lazy, hollow and falls apart in just a few years.

The GTO at least has the blue and red leather and suade options. Dont even dare look at a black interior GTO they are awfull!

And the G36....well, its the finest quality leather available. polished aluminum accents and quality crafted parts. Honda trails way behind in interior quality. Not my opinion, FACT!

I've sat in an S2K or two myself. It's why I like them. I know you like that cheezy blue and red leather crap, but that's you. Too flashy for my taste. Like your car for example, it looks like Papa Smurf owned it. And yes, I was looking at the all black leather interior. No exceptions. That whole colorful shit doesn't do it for me. :tongue:

As for the G35, black on black all around. Same for the S2K. I wouldn't take them any other way. Well the GTO, too.

Honda makes an absolutely reliable car. And it's not an eyesore. I look at them, much like the G35 and say "I can look at that and smile everyday if I owned one". I'd probably get bored with the looks of the GTO. Don't get me wrong, I like the car and it's looks, but it doesn't jump out nearly as much as the Honda and Infiniti do (IMO).

Each car has it's pros and cons. But so far the G35 alone just based off of looks and styling is in the lead. S2K in second, and GTO 3rd. I'm not saying that to annoy you or piss you off, it is how I personally feel about all of them and it's the order I have them in my head.

I haven't had a chance to drive a good car in months. The fact that everyone keeps dropping in here and telling me their experiences only excites me even more to try each of them out. I thank you guys very much. I've actually spent a good portion of the day watching Youtube videos on each cars. Exhaust sounds, 1/4 mile drags, street races. I'm in high anticipation. :)

Cheesy? CHEESY???? :swear: Dude plain black interiors are so 1990! You need to live in the now son. Also this whole complex of yours about not driving what others drive is seriously an issue. I say just drive a bunch of cars and pick the one that gives you the biggest hard on.

I remember when I wanted to move on from the 3000GT I had like 20-30 cars in mind so I popped in Grand Turismo 4, played it using a bunch of cars in my price range, narrowed it down to about 5 or 6 cars I could afford then went out and drove them for realz. It was the Evo 8, the STI, the 350Z, the S2000, The GTO and the Mustang GT. The GTO won.....wanna know why?

CAUSE OF THE CHEESY INTERIOR YOU LAZY COMMIE RAPIST NARCICISTIC JERK!!!!! :newburn:

And that papa smurf joke was funny the first 500 times I heard it. You coulda gone with "Who killed cookie monster" instead.

I do realize we all have different taste and different quirks which I respect. I simply feel like offering my advice since you posted your current dilema. I cant expect anyone else to agree with my taste and my likes.......except for CassiesMan! Rob and I share an understanding of automobilism that far exceeds most mere humans! :tongue:

I cant expect anyone else to agree with my taste and my likes.......except for CassiesMan! Rob and I share an understanding of automobilism that far exceeds most mere humans! :tongue:

So who took it in the butt first? :evillol:

Well, the Papa Smurf crack didn't work. But would it help you if I told you I wanted to pee on your car because it looks like a urinal cake?

I do appreciate what you are telling me. I haven't completely made up my mind but I am taking everything into consideration that everyone who has posted in here told me. You too ;)

It's great to have a conversation like this going again with everyone here.

Oh and it's not a complex about wanting a different car than everyone else. Just a "preference" as I choose to call it haha

Well, the Papa Smurf crack didn't work. But would it help you if I told you I wanted to pee on your car because it looks like a urinal cake?


:lol2::lol2::lol2:see, now thats clever!

I swaer dude your dilema would be a little easier if Polyphony Digital would just release Grand Turismo 5 already!

:lol2::lol2::lol2:see, now thats clever!

I swaer dude your dilema would be a little easier if Polyphony Digital would just release Grand Turismo 5 already!

My cousin has been waiting on pins and needles just anticipating the launch of that game. It got delayed again haha. Just found that out last week. I swear, they aren't even going to release the game on the PS3. They'll have some new system ready to come out by the time they make something else.

I can't use video games though to drive them. I'd go apeshit if that was the only way to do it truthfully. But still, getting the races in is a lot of fun in that game.

Mushman, normally I would agree with you as most Honda interiors aren't anything special, but the S2000 has a very appealing interior.

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6548/2008hondas2000interior.jpg

Compare that to a Porsche Boxter.

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/194/porscheinteriorls.jpg

By comparison, the Boxter made me throw up in my mouth a little. The GTO interior isn't bad, especially considering the general state of GM interiors.

Well I was refering to the quality as opposed to style. See style is like beauty in the beholders eye. I like blondes, my wife likes redheads! But quality is measureable. That S2000 interior will start to fade and crack in 3-4 years time. The leather they use is dirt cheep and thick as hell! If your like me and dont have a garage that car will eat sun and unless you condition it with leather wipes and such every other week believe me bro, ripped hide city!

The Porche on the other hand is crafted with fine Itallian leather. looks plain as hell but its gonna hold up about three times longer.

Well I was refering to the quality as opposed to style. See style is like beauty in the beholders eye. I like blondes, my wife likes redheads! But quality is measureable. That S2000 interior will start to fade and crack in 3-4 years time. The leather they use is dirt cheep and thick as hell! If your like me and dont have a garage that car will eat sun and unless you condition it with leather wipes and such every other week believe me bro, ripped hide city!

The Porche on the other hand is crafted with fine Itallian leather. looks plain as hell but its gonna hold up about three times longer.


If I owned the S2000, I would take the time to make sure she is pretty from head to toe.

ah i missed all the insults around here, its not fun without them, lmao! I'm not gonna chime in and tell you what to buy because in the end you're gonna enjoy what you buy for one reason or another and you're also going to find things about it that you dont like again for one reason or another.

Like my RX7 I love the car, I love how it handles and the responsiveness but it's hard to find parts sometimes and it's low on torque.
The RX8 loved it again it handled like a dream and was fun to drive anywhere. Maintenance was a pain sometimes (especially that damn oil filter) and expensive, the lack of torque didnt bothr me so much in the rx8 as much as the 7 oddly enough.
The jetta i loved that it boosted on basically idle and that it was easy to get decent power out of it, but it looked to plain.
The celica had looks and curves like a victoria secret model and could take corners quick but lacked in power up top

I enjoyed every one of those cars but in the end it's an expensive toy that we would pay more to please than we would our own wives, lol.

I could pick out the pros and cons of all cars I've owned as well. It's only natural to do so. NO CAR is ever made perfect to suit everyones entire needs. If there was such a car, we'd all be driving it. But that's how the cookie crumbles.

I still haven't gotten around to looking at that S2000 that's just around the corner. Oddly after I talked about test driving it, the for sale sign was taken off, rims were replaced with the factory ones, and every now and then it disappears for a day or two. Was wondering if they decided not to sell it. No biggie, though. I'll look else where for one.

Hopefully before the winter season comes I get a chance to drive each one of them. Can't imagine trying to test drive them during the slick and slippery season heading toward us soon. All RWD vehicles lol.

Just another week or two until my legalities clear up. Just waiting on paperwork and then off to the DMV! So close I can almost feel myself driving a new vehicle as I sit here in my chair :)

Well might as well put in my 2 cents....


As far as an evo 8, considering the demographic and how expensive some of the repairs could be I would only consider one If i would know personally the original owner or if the seller would let me test it very very thoroughly.


Another fun choice would be an SRT4 especially i you could find an acr version.

A vette should also be fun...in your price range you I think could get a c5 z06 or a regular c6....especially if you get one of some old guy that took super care of it (perfect seller)

You might also consider (I cannot believe I'm writing this since I'm not a mustang fan) a slightly used 2011 v6 stang....or if you could strech the budget a slightly used 2011 5.0 stang.(poly will so hate me for posting this....)

Disclaimer on this last paragraph....never driven those new stangs but from the reviews they really seem to be quite something (I've never ever considered a stang before these 2011s). If someone else has experience with them please chime in.

You and your SRT4 Neutrino :)

I'm definitely staying away from the Mustang. Just never really been a fan of them. The only exception was Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds.

The Evo is in high consideration though. Apart from the other 3 cars I have been looking at, that choice is still there. I'm pretty sure I can handle maintenance/expenses with the car as well. AWD would be a definite bonus with the road conditions here in the winter. It's a toss up.

I'm trying to stay away from FWD vehicles. I've had quite a few up until this point in my life and I've forgetten the feeling of RWD. Not since my Trans Am have I enjoyed that feeling. That was high school haha

Hehe....yeah...i just love the fact that the srt4 is stupid fun...you should also see the focus rs (the one i had was a loud neon green too :) )...same thing stupid FWD fun...cars I loved on the spot

i had both an evo x mr and the rs for a week each...such different cars...the evo was just such an all around competent car no drama nu fuss...on the other hand the rs was just running around screaming all 300+ factory hp on the front wheels and all....as i said stupid fun...loved it on the spot though

but anyway back to your cars

the problem with the evo...if not properly taken care of there is just so much that might need to be fixed eg:

if the guy did not properly cool the turbo...the turbo is about to go bye bye
if the guy modded the car (very very likely) and did not do a proper job the internals could be overstressed if he overdid it, or cooked if he messed up the AF ratio
this is an awd car...hard launches will be very tough on it....stay away from evos with upgraded clutches

that being said if you can find a used evo in good condition....very good choice

as for the mustangs...i know I'm not a fan myself...its just that the new models offer very very good performance for the money(at least on paper)...motor-trend tested a 5.0 against a new m3 (with a perf package) and it matched it on the track...amazing for a 30k car brand new

If the budget is low...the v6 seems a very good choice...you can get an almost brand new car with a full warranty, 300+ hp, decent gas mileage all under 20k

It's weird, never thought the day would come when I would be recommending a stang, as i said I'm not a fan myself

Any chance you had some seat time in a GTO, S2K or a G35. I'd really like your opinion on any of those cars.

Poly mentioned a while ago you were cruising in a Focus and I chuckled a bit to myself. I was trying to picture a guy as big as you are in a small car :)

If I were to buy any Evo I would be sticking with the VIII. Cheaper and more affordable for my price range. I've heard the horror stories of buying used ones by guys who have tortured them. The AWD thing is a major drawback as you said because launching them causes huge wear on the trannies. But it would be ideal for the winter road conditions here. But the modding capabilities and potential really tug at my strings.

Back to my other 3 choices. If I did own 1 of the 3 I would more than likely have to buy a second vehicle for the winter. No biggie. Was thinking of buying a cheap little truck like an old school Tacoma. Seasonal driving is my only worry.

Although, I have been tempted to buy another Eclipse. I miss that car more than anything. The little problems I had with it don't seem so big now that I have myself a decent job.

If I do need a second vehicle for driving I might have to find myself a car in the price range of 15K, RWD, low/decent mileage and good performance. It's tough these days to find a newer vehicle with those qualifications. Be easy for me to save a few grand and buy a cheap and fun FWD car. I just want something with a little bit more style and power though.

I also think about my big three of the 90's. Toyota Supra, 3000GT VR4, and 300zxTT Fairlady Z. Although, the Z may be out because my cousin owns an NA version and I don't want the same car as him. My dad had an NA version of the 3KGT, so I might rule that one out. The Supra is way too much for price too. Sucks because anyone of those cars would be a blast to own.

I looked into Mazda RX7's and they just scared me. The maintenance and money you need with the upkeep. It just didn't seem worth it unless I was going to be a diehard Mazda fan. Anyway, there are still plenty of choices for me, just not sure. I look for cars that are uncommon in my area. That's my biggest thing. Just to have something that I know not many people see or are familiar with. Helps me stand out and give people something to think about when they see an unknown vehicle.

Nope unfortunately i never drove any of those, the GTO seems like a fun choice especially the latter model with the ls2, the scary thing about the s2000 is driving it surrounded by people with large trucks/suvs in a small roadster, otherwise it's quite a drivers car.

Btw since you mentioned it i had quite a soft spot myself for the 2g eclipse with 4g63 (que in people with crank walk jokes)

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And yes I do have an old diesel focus i keep around as a backup car, usually i just drive around a 2.0 TDI golf 6 (140hp/236lbs tq 45+mpg) when not using the subway (big city/ I work downtown) or when i don't have a demo car available for the week.

If you think me in a focus is funny just think about this: my summer vacation was in Monaco, the rental i got from Avis was a 1.2l fiesta :)......BTW i did get my 3rd degree black belt in parking over there...had to parallel park over and over a manual car in tiny tiny spots on streets with 20+ degrees slopes common in the area

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As far as sport(y) cars what I can tell you from driving:

Both the focus ST and Rs are tons of fun (some of the best noise too) but not available across the pond, FWD too

The evo x is quite nice but almost too clinical (i had the dual clutch version so not being a manual took some of the fun away)

never tried the old evos....really curious how they measure up

the lancer ralliart is not bad basically a scaled down evo at half the price

had an 2006-ish sti (lease return)...quite liked it but it was just a tad too hash (ok for me but veto-ed by the gf)

the rest were euro luxo barges and suvs/trucks

I can give you plenty more details on those if you want since i had them for quite a bit to drive around

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hmmm...lets see if i can make some alternative suggestions about what you can consider around that budget:

2008-ish 3 series 328i with the 3L inline 6 230hp should prove decently sporty, with a bit of luck maybe you can score a 335i I6 TT engine 305HP underrated

BUT if you want something truly unique you can consider this: an rx7 with an ls1 transplant...Japanese chassis American power :) not more pesky tt rotary.

There was at least company making a kit for this a little while ago.

Just imagine people looking at your car and hearing a v8, before you ask the ls1 should not mess up the balance since it's quite a small compact engine

Oh BMW's...I've always wanted one. But I just don't want to put up with the company that builds them. The costs, "special" tools for easy jobs. Man, just thinking about them and the way they actually take away the love the consumers want to show their own personal vehicles disturbs me. Friend of mine worked at a shop in SLC and he said some BMW's required a specific tool just to do an oil and oil filter change. I took his word for it though, never researched it myself. But he has been servicing all kinds of cars from the every day Honda to Ferrari's themselves, so...yeah.

I don't know why, but there is just something about the STi that I don't like. I mean, from what I've seen in road tests they are a bit faster than the Evo, but I just can't indentify what I don't like about them. I love the way they sound, even the way they look is fairly attractive too. No matter how many times I think about it though, I don't see myself owning one or driving one.

The RX7 with a transplant has been a dream. But I look and search my damn hardest at times to find just the proper body to dump an LS1 in to, but never have any luck. Most times when I do, it's too late and someone has claimed my price haha. If the chance ever comes up again, and I have the funds to buy it and start the project, you guys will surely hear about it. But at this point, I'd rather just get myself a car rather than building up a project that will delay me from driving any long :)

My vote is and always will be for a Scoob, STi....AWD 300 horsepower, balls to the wall and enough room in the back seat to put your groceries and a couple friends.

My vote is and always will be for a Scoob, STi....AWD 300 horsepower, balls to the wall and enough room in the back seat to put your groceries and a couple friends.

Go get yourself another one Joshy! You know you're just itching for one.

Go get yourself another one Joshy! You know you're just itching for one.


By the end of this summer (assuming i can find the right deal) i WILL have another one!