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View Poll Results: What would you get in my shoes?
Ok guys! The SS needs to go. I love the car but I need something more useful.
I'm often in bumper-to-bumper traffic and this car is a big/ bulky thing with a thirsty V8 that isn't the best at stop and go traffic. I also often have to carry people for long trips and this car is only comfy for the driver (me). The front passenger seat has that ridiculous hump on the floor making the passenger seat either with their knees on their face, or stretched out like sitting on the floor, and the rear seats well... WHAT SEATS? Those are padded grocery bag holders! lol.
G35 sedans in the area that are under my $10k budget are either with damage or rebuilt titles, so that's why it's not in the poll. I also mention how I complain about the fuel consumption of the SS in traffic, yet I have trucks listed in the poll (well, those are trucks! much more comfortable, sit up higher to get a better view to sneak through traffic... for a truck I wouldn't mind the consumption lol). Also, please don't bring up the STi Vs. Evo debate. I don't care for Evos. Even if they are faster, guess what, I'd rather be a tad slower and comfortable, than fast with a furious backache!
I have already narrowed down to some possibilities and just wanted your input on them if you have had any experience with them as far as maintenance costs, known issues, or just overall opinion. Thanks!
Notice- No Maximas or Altimas are listed... FWD sucks. Case closed
Edit- If I get one of the trucks, I'd probably RMT the bish and call it a day. The IS for sure I would not mod more than maybe intake and catback (too $$ to make it fast, but super fun to drive). The Subbys are fast as they are. Simple bolt-ons and FMIC and I'd be done
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Guys I need money to recover from my recent engine build (it wasnt by choice LOL). Im selling a Holset turbo if you are interested
WRX sedan, weaksauce. is300 are nice, but to damn slow (unless ofcourse you have future FI plans for it, if yes, then is300 is my vote lol). trucks are cool but, i know ur going to regret going fast and having a car to zip around town. trail blazer, mehhh mineswell get a girl preg and put the kids in the back lol.
WRX sedan, weaksauce. is300 are nice, but to damn slow (unless ofcourse you have future FI plans for it, if yes, then is300 is my vote lol). trucks are cool but, i know ur going to regret going fast and having a car to zip around town. trail blazer, mehhh mineswell get a girl preg and put the kids in the back lol.
LOL! like the 9 kids I have according to Pattie? That woman speaks lies! No Maury Show paternity tests no care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Guys I need money to recover from my recent engine build (it wasnt by choice LOL). Im selling a Holset turbo if you are interested
I was different and picked the is300... because if you find a manual you are basically driving a n/a 4dr supra.
and we both know what supras love....... bOOOOOOOOOOOOOst. i'll post a vid of this blue is300 from houston a few yrs back.
yea i know lol. I wouldnt boost it though. Too expensive to mod that damn car. Plus those trannies are not the same as the Supra trannies from what I've read. Much weaker in comparison. W/e though, if I get that car it would just be for intake and catback (and even that would be just for sound. Lord knows that 2JZ is caca Naturally Aspirated lol). Just a fun car to drive and be comfortable in to me. If I wanted big power, I'd keep my SS .
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Guys I need money to recover from my recent engine build (it wasnt by choice LOL). Im selling a Holset turbo if you are interested
IS300 is a money pit. Those factory 5MT's are weak. They start to shatter @ mid-300's WHP. If you upgrade the tranny, then you need to upgrade the diff, etc. The only TRULY quick IS300's have supra V160/161 drivetrains installed (or built autos) and have tons of money invested. 4-door supra they are not (at least not out of the box).
Also the 2JZ's they come with have nothing in common with supra engines other than the name. The internal components are much weaker. People get confused into thinking that the IS300 2JZ = n/a supra/sc300 block (which is false). They are shared with only the GS300 and are far inferior to the others. Then again people have swapped GTE and/or aftermarket internals in but do you don't really want to have to rebuild a motor to make decent power with FI. You can't really win with those cars power-wise. If you stay n/a you're stuck with a heavy old-school iron block engine that gets poor gas mileage for it's power production/displacement which defeats the purpose of having said iron block. If you want to get serious with boost you need to start beefing up darn near everything in the powertrain/drivetrain because the engine internals and transmission/diff aren't up to the task of serious power.
By the time you're done you might as well have just saved up for a supra.
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They are also not particularly luxurious.
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With all this said, I haven't driven one. This is all based on the good amount of research I did when I was looking into buying one. Perhaps the I-6 smoothness and short wheelbase and 53/47 weight distribution and double wishbone suspension all around would be enough to win you over. Brakes pretty well too. If you ignore the anemic power/weight ratio and mediocre gas mileage and steep dollar/HP curve it might work for you.
My only other choice on this list would be an STi; though I'll probably never be a fan of 4-cylinders in general, regardless of power production.
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Tuning a car isn't a crime, but spelling it "tunning" ought to be. - ....
The IS300 was a fun car, my friend's sister had one (auto) and we'd take it around and beat the crap out of it. The motor does sing pretty well at redline.
Having said that, I've beaten one with my old stock 4th gen, and they've got like a 4" exhaust tip stock, with an interior to match.
The IS300 was a fun car, my friend's sister had one (auto) and we'd take it around and beat the crap out of it. The motor does sing pretty well at redline.
Having said that, I've beaten one with my old stock 4th gen, and they've got like a 4" exhaust tip stock, with an interior to match.
only thing i didnt like about it was that it was too quite
you floor it and you cant hear a thing
IS300 is a money pit. Those factory 5MT's are weak. They start to shatter @ mid-300's WHP. If you upgrade the tranny, then you need to upgrade the diff, etc. The only TRULY quick IS300's have supra V160/161 drivetrains installed (or built autos) and have tons of money invested. 4-door supra they are not (at least not out of the box).
Also the 2JZ's they come with have nothing in common with supra engines other than the name. The internal components are much weaker. People get confused into thinking that the IS300 2JZ = n/a supra/sc300 block (which is false). They are shared with only the GS300 and are far inferior to the others. Then again people have swapped GTE and/or aftermarket internals in but do you don't really want to have to rebuild a motor to make decent power with FI. You can't really win with those cars power-wise. If you stay n/a you're stuck with a heavy old-school iron block engine that gets poor gas mileage for it's power production/displacement which defeats the purpose of having said iron block. If you want to get serious with boost you need to start beefing up darn near everything in the powertrain/drivetrain because the engine internals and transmission/diff aren't up to the task of serious power.
By the time you're done you might as well have just saved up for a supra.
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They are also not particularly luxurious.
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With all this said, I haven't driven one. This is all based on the good amount of research I did when I was looking into buying one. Perhaps the I-6 smoothness and short wheelbase and 53/47 weight distribution and double wishbone suspension all around would be enough to win you over. Brakes pretty well too. If you ignore the anemic power/weight ratio and mediocre gas mileage and steep dollar/HP curve it might work for you.
My only other choice on this list would be an STi; though I'll probably never be a fan of 4-cylinders in general, regardless of power production.
I agree. As I said, an IS to me is just for intake and catback lol, and even that is just to make it sound good lol.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigleman
only thing i didnt like about it was that it was too quite
you floor it and you cant hear a thing
^^ lol
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Guys I need money to recover from my recent engine build (it wasnt by choice LOL). Im selling a Holset turbo if you are interested
If you want luxury more than power then get the IS300 but try to avoid 01. I own an '04 and it's fun. Can't go wrong with 2jz. Plenty of mods to choose also. Too many assholes own STI's.
Sorta confused. You mention having to have decent room but include the sti and is300? I don't think those have great back seat room.
I would suggest a legacy gt turbo or even a Forestor 2.5 X turbo. One would have to like the quirky looks of the older Forestors but all the STI engine/suspension stuff bolts on for cheap upgrades. A consideration when buying a DD that we all know you will want to mod a bit
Out of the choices provided I'd take the WRX. Not sure I'd wanna deal with a $10k STI...
I'd also suggest a 2003 m45. It is big but if you're thinking about trucks then...
__________________ 1996 5spd w/DE-K/HotShot headers/Apexi WS JWT Short Ram/VAFC2 KYB AGX/Eibach SportLine/97+ front end...
-94 toyota pickup 4cyl 4x4 daily work truck
-97 camaro z28 [ sold]
-06 -g35 sedan 6MT [sold]
-02 merlot red 6mt full bolt ons [sold]
-97 - maxima 5MT [ hit bambi at 75mph]
-94 toyota pickup 4cyl 4x4 daily work truck
-97 camaro z28 [ sold]
-06 -g35 sedan 6MT [sold]
-02 merlot red 6mt full bolt ons [sold]
-97 - maxima 5MT [ hit bambi at 75mph]
For $10k? It would have to have quite a few miles on it already. Also, good suggestion (I do love GTOs), but the back seats still aren't easy to access since it's a 2-door and although they're bigger than most rear seats in coupes, I still wouldn't want to sit in them for real long. It's a mild rear seat upgrade from the Camaro, IMO. Then again half the cars on this list have small back seats, too
Guys I guess it's a good thing that over the weekend I didnt get to log on to the org to reply (I guess a firewall setting on the work server), but I could see everything you guys mentioned. I agree, it was a random mess I put up there lol. I did however have the whole weekend to think out and prioritize what I NEEDED and WANTED. I do appreciate all the input given.
It has come down to 3 choices... (and yes I am contradicting myself to what I said on my first post with one of the cars here lol)
- 03 F150 Supercrew
- 03 G35 Sedan (Auto or stick really, stick is more fun but for the bumper to bumper traffic Im always in, an auto would be nice)
- 01 Benz S500
I still want my Supercrew because I simply love that truck. Sitting up high, reliable, space to spare, and with the 4.6L it gets the same 16/20 mileage as my old man's 02 Explorer, and that is something I can deal with just fine for a vehicle of that size. This truck can be had anywhere between $8500-$1000 in pretty good condition out the door.
I didnt want to get a G simply because of the "me too" effect it has, since everyone has one around here in Miami. But really it's a well made car. The mileage on it is the best among the cars being considered (mostly because it's the only V6 on the list and the only one I'd ever own again; VQ FTW). Great handling, comfy back seat, and the list goes on. This car would make me shell out $11.5k to get a mint condition one out the door.
OK, the odd ball here, the S430/ S500. It is the car with the most complex electrical body control system I've ever heard of with it's multiple computer controlled paraphernalia. Highest cost of replacement parts in this list. However, it is an amazing car. The S430 is around the $10k mark and the S500 (what I would prefer) is around mid-high $11k. I've loved this car since it came out. I researched through Autozone's site just to compare the prices of parts to BMW parts (which I am familiar with) and although pricier, are not that much further out (oh NOTE just for laughs and giggles- window motors for these BENZ'S are CHEAPER at a retail level store than they are for the Maximas! $49 for the Benz whereas for the Max everyone wants $80-$95 each). And this is at Autozone; we have a few local parts retailer that sell to the public at wholesale, making the cost of replacement parts more accessible to me. Also, this added cost of parts would not hurt my wallet bad, since this is the one car I would NOT mod (there would be more money in my pocket since I wouldnt be in the addicting and ENDLESS chase for more power that is the mod-bug). What DOES scare me about this car is it's complex electrical array. I tried looking for how-to's on MBWorld and it seems the most those folks do on these S-classes is change the cabin air filter . So not much help there lol. Has anyone had any experience with these cars???
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Guys I need money to recover from my recent engine build (it wasnt by choice LOL). Im selling a Holset turbo if you are interested
Oh just to note on what I want- Spacious (the G is the least spacious of the 3, but compared to my SS, it's great), comfort for long highway drives (even for backseat riders), enough power to not make it feel slow (I'm trying to get out of the whole modding thing. It's too expensive, never ends, and that's all money I could be saving towards a house rather than wasting it in a manner that I could not get the money back if I wanted to), nimble enough to drive through traffic (anything is nimbler than the F-body to me lol), good mileage (the G does for sure, the S-Class and the truck do the same around town. On the highway the S of course does better, as one would expect. But it's really a matter of paying for 87oct with the truck, and 93oct for the M-B), has to have that "wow-factor" to it (the truck's outside does it with it's shear size, the inside is... it's a Domestic LOL. The G's outside could use a drop and it's done, the inside is perfect to me. The S... It's a Benz, lol The work there is done LOL), good reliability for another 3-4yrs (all of these shouldnt have a problem with it with routine maintenance, but the S has me a bit scared due to its electrical system)
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Guys I need money to recover from my recent engine build (it wasnt by choice LOL). Im selling a Holset turbo if you are interested
If you haven't completely put the IS300 out of the running .. based on what you listed as your 'criteria', I would give it a second thought.
My boyfriend has owned one for almost four years, and it's been great for him. It's never needed any maintenance past the 'regularly scheduled' kind -- and while it certainly isn't fast, it definitely has some up-and-go. It's also considerably roomy, comfortable, and accommodating. However .. it's suspension is definitely lacking, IMO. But that's a problem that can be solved (relatively) easily. And in terms of reliability, the IS300 is excellent.
I'd be wary of any Mercedes. I'd never buy one. Their reliability is anything but stellar. Hell, if you gave me a Mercedes, I'd turn around and sell it -- and use the money on something else.
I own a G35 .. Coupe. So I can't really offer too much insight into what life is like in the Sedan. However, my best friend's husband has owned a G35 Sedan for years -- and, like my boyfriend with the IS300, his G has always treated him well.
__________________ || '05 Infiniti G35 Coupe 6MT: Data System; Ionic; carbon fiber; lots of tint; painted headlights; 6000K; semi-debadged.
01 s-class = you will have issues. they are really crappy.
stick with G
F150? you are either a truck guy or not. choose one.
Yea that S class is scaring me much lol. I think I'll be steering clear of it just to avoid the headache factor. As far as the F150, why do I have to choose if Im a truck guy or not? I like trucks and I like cars, both have their pros and cons. I see no reason to basically stick to it or get it off the list as it seems you imply with the statement.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rush
If you haven't completely put the IS300 out of the running .. based on what you listed as your 'criteria', I would give it a second thought.
My boyfriend has owned one for almost four years, and it's been great for him. It's never needed any maintenance past the 'regularly scheduled' kind -- and while it certainly isn't fast, it definitely has some up-and-go. It's also considerably roomy, comfortable, and accommodating. However .. it's suspension is definitely lacking, IMO. But that's a problem that can be solved (relatively) easily. And in terms of reliability, the IS300 is excellent.
I'd be wary of any Mercedes. I'd never buy one. Their reliability is anything but stellar. Hell, if you gave me a Mercedes, I'd turn around and sell it -- and use the money on something else.
I own a G35 .. Coupe. So I can't really offer too much insight into what life is like in the Sedan. However, my best friend's husband has owned a G35 Sedan for years -- and, like my boyfriend with the IS300, his G has always treated him well.
Thank you both for the input. Sweet looking G btw!
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Guys I need money to recover from my recent engine build (it wasnt by choice LOL). Im selling a Holset turbo if you are interested
For $10k? It would have to have quite a few miles on it already. Also, good suggestion (I do love GTOs), but the back seats still aren't easy to access since it's a 2-door and although they're bigger than most rear seats in coupes, I still wouldn't want to sit in them for real long. It's a mild rear seat upgrade from the Camaro, IMO. Then again half the cars on this list have small back seats, too
I found them very comfortable, yes the only real pain in the *** is getting in/out. But other than that i found the back seats very comfortable.
the gto was more or less in comparison to the sti than the rest of the choices.
. So not much help there lol. Has anyone had any experience with these cars???
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