Suggestions of a sporty ride at or less than $53K???

dbackfan said:
Immediately put the Caddy at the bottom of the list.
Click to expand...



Jeez. :eek: That was quick. What's the reasoning?? I've read that it's supposed to be a pretty solid car.



Also, do you understand what I meant by the comment earlier, dbackfan?? I'm not an unsafe driver, though I do see nothing really wrong with a quick jaunt to the speed limit on a rare occasion. Didn't mean to come off like that. Sorry...:doh
 
ExplorerXLT95 said:
As I said before, I have been saving from day 1 of my work experience for a good car to be bought at or around age 21 and yes, I do have a good job. No inheritance, lottery, parents or anything of the sort.
Click to expand...



Pardon my earlier spelling error. Must of been thinking about estrogen.



I'm having a hard time understanding why someone that could be disiplined enough at your young age to save $53k would turn around and spend it on a sports car. You have actually busted your a$$ for this long to save this kind of cash only to spend it on a NEW car?



Let the flames begin, but I have a strong feeling there is some BS floating around here. Please tell me what kind of job(s) you have that has allowed you to save $53k by 21. If in all honesty, you have actually saved this kind of cash, my hat is off to you.
 
dbackfan said:
Let the flames begin, but I have a strong feeling there is some BS floating around here. Please tell me what kind of job(s) you have that has allowed you to save $53k by 21. If in all honesty, you have actually saved this kind of cash, my hat is off to you.
Click to expand...



Guys, I think he does have the money saved and quite frankly I dont think its anyone elses business how it got there, its his money and he just wants to know what to with it.





:xyxthumbs
 
ExplorerXLT95 said:
Jeez. :eek: That was quick. What's the reasoning?? I've read that it's supposed to be a pretty solid car.
Click to expand...



According to who? Can you name one product that Cadillac has come out with in the last 20 years that doesn't suffer from reliabilty problems, performance problems, and isn't butt ugly? The Northstar is the only decent product to come from Cadillac and they surrounded it with junk.





Also, do you understand what I meant by the comment earlier, dbackfan?? I'm not an unsafe driver, though I do see nothing really wrong with a quick jaunt to the speed limit on a rare occasion. Didn't mean to come off like that. Sorry...:doh
Click to expand...



Understood. I drive a 911 and I'm twice your age. I can't drive more than 5 miles without some youngster wanting to race me. I just hope you don't fall into that category. Even at the "young" age of 43, I sometimes wish I had a car that was quick off the line. It's probably better that I don't. Don't give into temptation.



The 911 won't beat a Volkswagon across an intersection, but once take it to a track and you're in business.
 
Also, Does Re-Sale Value Mean Anything To You?

Since You Want To Buy New, Your gonna Take The Initial hit. The Cars listed Have A Broad Range Of Depreciation.
 
thevolvoguy said:
An EVO is kind of out of place in his list IMO.

Click to expand...



How can the new EVO be out of place yet the WRX STI included? They are essentially the same type of car made by different companies.





Originally posted by thevolvoguy I drive a FWD car and it handles very very well, I take can take truns like the cars on rails. It also has near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. I have the stock sport suspenison too. I can say that in good conditions a RWD or AWD car with my suspenison could out handle me. But, I wouldnt go so far as to eliminate all FWD cars.
Click to expand...



I was not trying to imply that FWD cars can't handle. I was merely pointing out exactly what you were saying that a good RWD or AWD car set properly and driven by the same driver will out handle a good FWD car.



Originally posted by thevolvoguy CLK's arent expenisve to modify... at all. There are lots of MB tunung companys that do chips, intakes, etc for these cars.



M3's arent either, but the engines in the M cars are already pretty much tuned for peak performance.
Click to expand...



Price is relative to what one is comparing. In general, the respected tuners of MB and BMW are more expensive than the respected tuners of the Mustangs, Vettes and most Japanese cars. Additionally the good quality Japanese and American muscle car parts are less expensive then the same quality German parts. Additionally the new generation M3 is pretty high strung and not much more performance is available.









Originally posted by thevolvoguy From how he's talking I dont think hes trying to race to car on a track every day. I could be wrong though.



I know the Volvo has slotted Brembo's, im pretty sure the M3, maybe the S4 has brembo's as well and the MB's have the huge AMG slotted discs. Most of the cars on the list have more than adequate brakes.
Click to expand...



He said he wanted fast 1/4 mile and 0-60 times and was going to autocross on the weekends. These are pretty racy applicataions.



Just because brakes are slotted, cross drilled or made by Brembo does not mean they will not suffer fade and or warpage problems under heavy autocrossing or DE events. This is one of the biggest misconceptions when modifying cars.



Check out the BMW boards and ask about how worthly the new M3 brakes have been. Lots of warpage and minor cracks develop. Audi's in the past have suffered from brake fade also. Maybe the new S4 has improved brakes. The Mustang also has suffered from brake fade.



I mentioned brakes because most people modify their car to go faster and never want to spend the money on good brakes. Slotted, cross drilled, frozen rotors whatever don't do anything if they are tiny with single piston calipers. Which don't dissipate heat well, which is what causes brake fade.
 
Explorer,



Are you concerned with real world driving at all, or is track driving your main concern? If so, you might want to leave room for modifications, (brakes, chips, suspension uprades, etc.) and some of the higher end cars won't leave you with enough cash, unless you plan on modding progressively. Just a thought. :cool:
 
dbackfan said:
Understood. I drive a 911 and I'm twice your age. I can't drive more than 5 miles without some youngster wanting to race me. I just hope you don't fall into that category. Even at the "young" age of 43, I sometimes wish I had a car that was quick off the line. It's probably better that I don't. Don't give into temptation.
Click to expand...



A colleague of mine traded in his 911 because he was tired of all the people giving him the finger, revving their motors or just doing anything to get his attention or just wanting a quick race. Poor fella...now he drives around a 2003 Maserati Coupe.



Explorer, your discipline will really be put to the test should you decide on a 911. :D
 
ExplorerXLT95 said:
I'm starting to think that either the M3 or the SVT Cobra would be a good idea for top choice. I'm sure the M3 will be fast enough (4.8 0-60, etc) and come stock with a nice suspension. The Cobra SVT would need some suspension work, but would have gobs of HP to begin with.
Click to expand...



I think your on the right track. Personally, I feel the Cobra is probably your best bet. You can get the coupe model for $35K. So, that leaves you with $18K left over for any suspension upgrades you want. Plus, your starting with 390Hp, that is one hellva starting point. With a chip, different air intake, etc, you could easily push it well over 400Hp for not much $$$$. My friend has an 03 Cobra and I've driven it, it has insane throttle response and oozes low end torque.



Replacement parts, tuning parts, Mods, etc, for the Cobra are going to be much cheaper and easier to find also. Service, should you require it, will also be much cheaper than a M3. For overall HP for the $$$, availability and price of Mods, I think the Cobra is the best choice. Plus, you get to stay in the Blue Oval family. :D



My 2 cents. :up
 
dbackfan said:
Pardon my earlier spelling error. Must of been thinking about estrogen.



I'm having a hard time understanding why someone that could be disiplined enough at your young age to save $53k would turn around and spend it on a sports car. You have actually busted your a$$ for this long to save this kind of cash only to spend it on a NEW car?



Let the flames begin, but I have a strong feeling there is some BS floating around here. Please tell me what kind of job(s) you have that has allowed you to save $53k by 21. If in all honesty, you have actually saved this kind of cash, my hat is off to you.
Click to expand...



I didn't say I had $53K in the bank. Life would be a little different then, perhaps and my price cap for this thread would be as well. However, I do have enough to put down about 20% down on a $53K car and still have a little left over. The remainder of the car I can afford to pay for with my job. Sorry to mislead you guys, if I did. I thought it was clear that I can't pay for the car all at once by draining my bank account. I can afford (as I stated in the first couple of posts) a good downpayment and pay for the rest with my job's income.



I would rather stay away from discussing my financial matters online, but I thought I would clarify as much as possible.



Also, I stated in one of my previous posts that I would consider a certified pre-owned type deal, significantly reducing the price I assume. So that is not out of the question.



Jake11375,

Yes, I am concerned about daily driving too. I basically want to feel a good amount sportier than stock, but still be able to drive the car to work every now and then.



Keep these ideas coming... It's very helpful...



EDIT:



ShowroomLincoln said:
I think your on the right track. Personally, I feel the Cobra is probably your best bet. You can get the coupe model for $35K. So, that leaves you with $18K left over for any suspension upgrades you want. Plus, your starting with 390Hp, that is one hellva starting point. With a chip, different air intake, etc, you could easily push it well over 400Hp for not much $$$$. My friend has an 03 Cobra and I've driven it, it has insane throttle response and oozes low end torque.



Replacement parts, tuning parts, Mods, etc, for the Cobra are going to be much cheaper and easier to find also. Service, should you require it, will also be much cheaper than a M3. For overall HP for the $$$, availability and price of Mods, I think the Cobra is the best choice. Plus, you get to stay in the Blue Oval family. :D



My 2 cents. :up
Click to expand...



That's kind of what I'm thinking too. I am still in love with the idea of the M3 and the S4 too though. Assuming I could find enough suspension upgrades for the SVT Cobra, it would probably end up being one heck of an auto-xer as well as a drag strip monster for a good price too. On the other hand... BMW M3...



Any ideas/suggestions/opinions??
 
dbackfan said:
I drive a 911 and I'm twice your age. I can't drive more than 5 miles without some youngster wanting to race me.



...snip...



The 911 won't beat a Volkswagon across an intersection, but once take it to a track and you're in business.
Click to expand...



I hear you on that. The one thing I hate about my 911 is everyone wanting to "race." I just think to myself...hmmm...lets see if the guy wants to go to a road course and see how his civic/mustang/eclipse will do. I know many cars can beat me to the next stop light but it takes a lot of restraint and discipline to not give it a whirl. Plus you got to love the sound of the flat six just roaring away. I think the hardest thing for me is on the open twisty country roads. I just want to hang it into the corners.



The most fun I have is with people on freeway exit ramps. I love taking them at speed and never tapping the brakes and watching the cars behind me try an follow. Occasionally you will get the idiot that just thinks he can hang....then you see this look on his face :shocked as he struggles to keep it out of the ditch.
 
Sean,

From everything I have heard from you thus far, I have to recommend the SVT Cobra. The M3 doesn't quite fit your agenda. I however like the Z06 better than Mustangs.
 
ExplorerXLT95

I say go for whatever makes you happy. I am also young and driving around in a 37,000+ truck and loving every minute of it. After all it is your $$$ that you work for so spend it however you want. I am not sure on the price but maybe you should check on the Roush/Saleen mustangs I like the Roush the best but both are sweet and have plenty of aftermarket support. Make yourself happy just be sure to post some pics after the purchase!:up
 
2500Hemi said:
I am not sure on the price but maybe you should check on the Roush/Saleen mustangs I like the Roush the best but both are sweet and have plenty of aftermarket support. Make yourself happy just be sure to post some pics after the purchase!:up
Click to expand...



I know that the Saleen S-281E is a little out of my price range, from what I've heard. The Saleen Mustang was originally one of my most favorite cars ever. Not too sure about the Roush, I'll have to check it out.



I must admit, I like the idea of staying in the "Blue Oval" family, ShowroomLincoln and I still like the idea of good old American muscle. But what about handling? Especially on an auto-x course, the Cobra would likely be walloped by an M3, S4 or WRX. Am I way off base here or not?



So basically, my concern with the Cobra is handling...
 
ExplorerXLT95,



As for autocross, you will need to look at the classifications. Modifications to the suspension would place it out of the factory spec classifications. If your concern is to be competitive at auto-x you should discuss your options with a very experienced auto-xer as the classification of the car may mean it is uncompetitive in its class.
 
I'd recommend a chat with your insurance broker with that list of cars in hand. That might help your decision.

JonT
 
I was beside a brand new bronze Saleen mustang today. Those cars sound awesome! It looked pretty sweet going down the road also. I am sure there are kits or parts available to help the mustangs handle quite well.
 
bet993,



Right. I actually can't remember offhand which class my friend's car is in due to his shock/strut/swaybar/racing compound tires/lightweight wheels. I'll have to ask him when I see him tomorrow.



I guess, what I'm looking for ultimately fellas/ladies is a good balance between power/speed and handling, erring on the side of power/speed. But as I said before, I do NOT want a dragster that can't turn.



Anyone happen to know what an '03 Cobra SVT gets in lateral acceleration??



EDIT:



tetz said:
I'd recommend a chat with your insurance broker with that list of cars in hand. That might help your decision.

JonT
Click to expand...



So very true. I've got no major blemishes on my driving record though.
 
I really think you need to start driving some of these before things get too deep in theory and not empirical enough.



I think you're right that a WRX is going to rock on an autocross. There are tons and tons of mods for getting WRXs more trackworthy. They've been hot in Japan and Australia for a few years so there's already a good industry built up (for example http://www.vishnutuning.com/welcome.htm). AWD and rally suspension are really going to make a difference on the track. Have you considered rallies? They look so fun to me: powerslides, incredible turns...



I don't know if people trying to race you is an advantage or a disadvantage, but another nice thing about a WRX is that they're sleepers. Only the relatively well informed realize how well they perform. You'll get much less attention in a WRX than a Corvetter or an M3.



Another thing, since you're going to use this car, you might not want your finances stretched to the limit. If your M3 crashes, it sounds like you're pretty sunk. If you got an STi a crash or accident wouldn't be such a tragedy (financially).



You really should drive some and see how they feel. If you want a luxurious interior then you're going to want the M3 over the STi. For grins per dollar, the STi is hard to beat. But if appearance and prestige are up there in your priorities then the M3 comes up higher.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top