Fast, Fun Car...

[EmeraldPrelude]

I currently own a BMW M Roadster, and I am looking to sell it and get a new vehicle. I also own a Prelude, so I have another car, while I am looking for a new one.
Im wondering which car here offers the best value of fun, styling, performance, and plain luxury in one package?
Here are the cars I have researched a little and like alot.

Infiniti G35 Coupe
Audi RS6
Lexus SC 430
Cadillac XLR
Mercedes AMG CLK55
and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 Convertible coming out soon.

Personally, I fell in love with that Corvette, when I saw it, and Im almost willing to wait for it to come out. Cheaper than most of the above, quicker than all of them, except maybe the RS6? I've driven the current C5 Vette, and I was impressed with it. The C6 though, seems to have covered all the issues I have found. The road noise, comfortablility, and the cheapness of the interior altogether.

I'd like to hear any opinions, or even any other cars I may have overlooked, in my searching. Thanks.

[crayzayjay]

In terms of driving ability the Lexus is completely outclassed within this group.

The RS6 and CLK55 are both extremely fast but lacking in the involvement factor. Im not a massive fan of the C6's styling but there's no doubt it will be great VFM and offer a rawer driving proposition than the other cars you're considering. Note that we didnt get the XLR in the UK, so i know roughly zilch about it.

Other alternatives? A 911 GT3 would be far and away my #1 choice. And ive always liked the Maserati 3200GT, it'd make a good cruiser

[freakonaleash1187]

i say get the g35. i love the new g32, for one it is closely related to the 350z. i think that the c6 and g35 is tied in styling, and the g35 is cheaper than the c6. also, if you want a little bit of luxury, the g35 will have quite a bit of luxury in it.

[EmeraldPrelude]

"A 911 GT3 would be far and away my #1 choice. And ive always liked the Maserati 3200GT, it'd make a good cruiser."
- Ive heard a bit about the GT3, and its supposed to be a hell of a vehicle. Whats the price range? Also I'm not sure I want a car purely for the performance.. Is there a convertible? What is the interior like on the GT3's?
-To be honest, besides hearing about Maserati's in old rock songs, I know nothing about them, and will look into that 3200 GT.. Thanks for the help.
-The Lexus, was on the low end of my wish list as it was, but I wasnt sure what kind of feedback it was getting.
-The G35 I think is arguably the best car for 35k or below from what I have seen. Such a great combination of luxury, power and it looks great. Yet, I am able to afford a bit more, which is why I am considering other vehicles at all.
-Does anyone have any feedback on the XLR? Any other ups or downs to any of these vehicles?

[crayzayjay]

I dont know about the price range for GT3's as i suspect you're in the US and im in the UK. What i can tell you about GT3's is that they're very raw, and you may not be willing to put up with the hard ride if youre going to use it as a daily driver. The GT3 is strictly coupe only, and the interior is spartan. Often described as the greatest 911 of all time, GT3's are phenomenal driving machines, and a very liquid investment, so it may be worth owning one for say, 6 months, after which you'd be able to resell it very easily. Personally i could live with just that car for the rest of my life.

The 3200GT is an achingly pretty car, however the active "Skyhook" suspension is flawed and doesnt make it the most rewarding car to push.

If you dont want a car purely for performance, you should consider the Jaguar XKR, Merc SL, BMW 6-series, 996C2, there are a lot of options out there.
But my view is: if you can afford a GT3, get one. You'd be one of the lucky few to experience it. Touch greatness and pass it on a few months later. Then get a softer GT.

[EmeraldPrelude]

The car I buy doesnt have to be my daily driver. I have a 2000 Prelude SH (with only 7,800 miles on it, that I am looking to seriously upgrade) to use as a daily driver. The M Roadster is still in my possession, and the only reason I will sell it to be honest is because I dont think I need 3 cars. The Roadster was purchased in Germany, and imported in France. Just moved to the states finally from France. So now that I have a house and I am settled in, Im looking to make my little world fun.
I will admit you really have me considering the GT3.. It runs for about 100k, U.S. Its definately a beautiful machine. Money, really isnt an issue, any limits I place on the vehicles I buy are self-imposed. I'm not really one to spend money, even if I have it.. One of the reasons I have always invested so well. You ever considered selling Porsches? You seem to have a passion for them. The GT3 seems to be alot more sophisticated of a driver than a cost compared Viper, even if its a bit less on the performance scale. The Viper though is simply too much of a car for me. The only problem I see is obtaining a GT3.. I will have to look into it and put availability into my consideration.
-The 3200 is a beautiful car, but I can't seem to find a price range for it anywhere.
-I dont like the Jaguar. Never really have been impressed with them.
-The SL is beautiful, but I have had bad experiences with the one Mercedes I had. (SLK 320)
-I dont like the styling of the 6 - Series to be honest. I like the previous styling..
-I like the GT3 better than the 996. Just looks so much hotter.
You are alot of help though! Really appreciate it.

[freakonaleash1187]

if you are saying that price isnt an issue and you want a fun raw car, i would look into getting a Ferrari F-360 Challenge Stradale. i have seen comparisons between the stradale and the gt3 and the stradale almost always pulled ahead. but the stradale will take an extra $100,000 than the gt3. but with that extra money you are buying a more beautiful maching imo and a ferrari. now only if i had that much money.

[EmeraldPrelude]

While price isnt an option, I just dont really wish to spend that much on a vehicle. Ferrari's will always be awesome cars, but theres no reason to spend that much on a car, in my own opinion. 100k is steep as it is, but the pleasure remains, without making me twitch at the thought of a crash.

[96berettakid]

out of the 6 I would go with the G35. It my mind it's a great looking car plus it's quick and luxurious. But I have to agree with Freak, I love Ferrari's

[freakonaleash1187]

Originally Posted by EmeraldPrelude

While price isnt an option, I just dont really wish to spend that much on a vehicle. Ferrari's will always be awesome cars, but theres no reason to spend that much on a car, in my own opinion. 100k is steep as it is, but the pleasure remains, without making me twitch at the thought of a crash.

the other suggestion i have is get the f-360 modena. its about the same price as the gt3. the modena is a little bit slower than the gt3 and maybe not as raw, but like i said before, it is a ferrari and is just so beautiful. i have a huge passion for ferrari, so i ferrari is involved or can be involved, im there all the way.

[Neutrino]

Well if you would like a driving experience about as pure as it gets the GT3 is a perfect choice and much better deal than the double priced Stradalle.

However if you would like to cruise a bit more relaxed I would recomend an Aston Martin DB9 - if British style and elegance is your thing, or a Modena if you preffer Italian passion.

[EmeraldPrelude]

Originally Posted by freakonaleash1187

the other suggestion i have is get the f-360 modena. its about the same price as the gt3. the modena is a little bit slower than the gt3 and maybe not as raw, but like i said before, it is a ferrari and is just so beautiful. i have a huge passion for ferrari, so i ferrari is involved or can be involved, im there all the way.

Not to lessen the Ferrari in any way, but I have been looking through all kinds of information on the GT3, and I've really fallen in love with it...Its absolutely beautiful, and seems to be one hell of a driving machine. The three cars that hold interest for me now at this point are the GT3, the up and coming C6 Convertible, and the G35. I might actually end up buying the GT3 and selling it again later, when the Corvette comes out. I kind of view the GT3 as a love affair, and the Corvette as a longterm love. The G35 seems like an outstanding car to drive around every day in comfort and style. With enough boom to floor it at the stoplight when the nearest Civic revs at you... (They seem to like doing that iwhen I am in my Prelude)

[crayzayjay]

Originally Posted by EmeraldPrelude

The car I buy doesnt have to be my daily driver. I have a 2000 Prelude SH (with only 7,800 miles on it, that I am looking to seriously upgrade) to use as a daily driver. The M Roadster is still in my possession, and the only reason I will sell it to be honest is because I dont think I need 3 cars. The Roadster was purchased in Germany, and imported in France. Just moved to the states finally from France. So now that I have a house and I am settled in, Im looking to make my little world fun.
I will admit you really have me considering the GT3.. It runs for about 100k, U.S. Its definately a beautiful machine. Money, really isnt an issue, any limits I place on the vehicles I buy are self-imposed. I'm not really one to spend money, even if I have it.. One of the reasons I have always invested so well. You ever considered selling Porsches? You seem to have a passion for them. The GT3 seems to be alot more sophisticated of a driver than a cost compared Viper, even if its a bit less on the performance scale. The Viper though is simply too much of a car for me. The only problem I see is obtaining a GT3.. I will have to look into it and put availability into my consideration.
-The 3200 is a beautiful car, but I can't seem to find a price range for it anywhere.
-I dont like the Jaguar. Never really have been impressed with them.
-The SL is beautiful, but I have had bad experiences with the one Mercedes I had. (SLK 320)
-I dont like the styling of the 6 - Series to be honest. I like the previous styling..
-I like the GT3 better than the 996. Just looks so much hotter.
You are alot of help though! Really appreciate it.

You're very welcome

I do indeed have a passion for Porsche's, i got to frequently ride in 928's and 964's when i was young and i've just loved Porsche's ever since. Even tried to sneak out the 964 when i was about 14, but got caught in the act. Why are those boxer engines so damned loud

I've never really considered selling cars, i'd much rather work myself into a position where i can own them. I've probably got enough for a deposit on a GT3 but to say it would stretch me financially is an understatement

Back to your dilemma. The 360 Challenge Stradale is a great car, but from most tests ive seen / read it can barely keep its nose ahead of the GT3 (and sometimes not) despite all the extra power and lower mass. And the 360CS is really too loud. Dont get me wrong, Ferrari's sound incredible, but this one is just too loud. Ridiculously so.
My esteemed colleague Neutrino's recommendation of a DB9 is also very wise. Superb styling inside and out, and hey, you cant argue with the Aston Martin badge either.

Here's a pic of the GT3 interior. It really leaves you in no doubt as to what the thing was built for. If you decide to go with the GT3, it would be a whirlwind affair



Good luck with whatever you decide to buy, and do let us know

[freakonaleash1187]

Originally Posted by EmeraldPrelude

Not to lessen the Ferrari in any way, but I have been looking through all kinds of information on the GT3, and I've really fallen in love with it...Its absolutely beautiful, and seems to be one hell of a driving machine. The three cars that hold interest for me now at this point are the GT3, the up and coming C6 Convertible, and the G35. I might actually end up buying the GT3 and selling it again later, when the Corvette comes out. I kind of view the GT3 as a love affair, and the Corvette as a longterm love. The G35 seems like an outstanding car to drive around every day in comfort and style. With enough boom to floor it at the stoplight when the nearest Civic revs at you... (They seem to like doing that iwhen I am in my Prelude)

the gt3 is a wonderful maching. if it is a car that i have to get besides the 360 it would be the gt3. that is a good idea, have the gt3 for a little while, then sell it and get the g35 or c6.

[Pennzoil GT-R]

if you are willing to pay the extra money then you wont have more fun with any car than a GT3, although whether to go Mk.1 or Mk.2 might be debatable.

Have you though about a Gallardo, they are fine cars too.