Wanted: OTM Opinions

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09-09-2008, 11:03 AM
Mathews2004

Wanted: OTM Opinions

I need a daily driver. Probably a 4 door, automatic preferred, but not required. I prefer something a little sporty and NOT GERMAN. Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, been there, done that, met some nice mechanics. 1-2 years old is fine. I am letting my dealer license expire at the end of the month and want to get something to last me a while. I drive about 18000 mile a year around DFW as a consultant, but recently I am down to about 15000. I currently drive a Suburban and have a 1989 Jeep in the personal fleet, so I am set for trucks. The wifey has a new Camry, so I'm ok there.

My sensible side tells me to just get a 4cyl Accord and be done with it. but... I would like to hear any other ideas.

In the running are:
Infiniti G35 (premium fuel and 20ish mpg:punchout:)
Maxima
TSX
Camry, but I think its weird when a couple have the same car for some reason.
new Mazda6? has anyone seen one?
Sonata
Civic
Some kinda Subaru?
09-09-2008, 11:08 AM
Darron65

Mazda 6?
09-09-2008, 11:08 AM
Magma

I would go for a Mazda6 or an Accord
09-09-2008, 11:14 AM
trickyrix

How about a couple-year-old Acura TL - IIRC that's the European Accord. I always thought those looked really nice. I also like the Subaru Legacy GT, but the mileage might suck if you keep your foot in it.

As for a couple having the same kind of car... there's a couple down the street from my folks who have 2 identical RX300's - even down to the same color. It's almost creepy.
09-09-2008, 11:16 AM
Mathews2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darron65

Mazda 6?

I haven't seen one in person yet, but they look nice. There might not be any deals on a brand new model, but I haven't gotten that far yet.
09-09-2008, 11:17 AM
Adam Payrot

The TSX is a very nice car, I've driven quite a few, and I would take it over an Accord or Civic if it's in your price range (the TSX is a little pricey over those 2). The interior is awesome, and they come with a lot of nice features.
09-09-2008, 11:19 AM
Mathews2004

I do like Acura TL's too. I think the TSX is the Euro Accord. The TSX is another that requires premium fuel.

I also forgot to mention the RX8 as a longshot contender...;)
09-09-2008, 11:42 AM
sammm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darron65

Mazda 6?

I saw the first commercial for it last night during one of the football games. It is good looking and looks nothing like the previous gen.

http://www.autounleashed.com/images/mazda_6.jpg
09-09-2008, 11:44 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathews2004

I also forgot to mention the RX8 as a longshot contender...;)

Well since you already have a fuel efficient suburban an RX8 would be a good choice!

I looked at the Mazda6 the other day I came away unimpressed (YMMV).

What about a used Lexus ES300/ES350 the suckers tend to hold value like few other cars around!
09-09-2008, 12:04 PM
jrj512

Malibu, now that they have the 6-speed auto with the four-banger.

Or, a Saturn Aura.
09-09-2008, 12:05 PM
Mathews2004

You can't go wrong with a Lexus/Toyota. No votes for the G35 or Maxima? The Maxima is one of my top choices right now.
09-09-2008, 12:15 PM
Mathews2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

Malibu, now that they have the 6-speed auto with the four-banger.

Or, a Saturn Aura.

I might check out the Malibu. I heard they have really come along in the last few models. I had a base one for a rent car 8 or 9 years ago and it really sucked.
09-09-2008, 12:15 PM
Magma

My sis had a 06 G35s sedan 6speed with almost 300hp and it is one nice ride. although it is another that requires premium gas
09-09-2008, 12:35 PM
Mathews2004

6 speed sedans are pretty rare. We had a G35 we held in the dealer for 4-5 months. I really enjoyed it, but it was 19-20mpg most of the time. 22-23 on the hightway. Very sweet engine and I really liked the interior, size and handling. The trans could be a little funky, but I learned that it is adaptive and we were switching between 3 drivers. I think there is a reset procedure, then it gets used to your driving.
09-09-2008, 12:40 PM
MadMerv

Perhaps you should tell us where your priorities are. Do you want fuel efficiency, or do you want POWER? Do you want handling or a cushy ride? Price range $20k, $30k, or more.

I'm all in favor of hybrids and economy, but then 110 miles/day really adds up :(
09-09-2008, 12:46 PM
altiain

The RX-8 makes a good GT car, but the fuel mileage is pathetic. I drive semi-conservatively (I do redline it once or twice a day, but I also shift up to 6th on any street where I’m doing 40 or over), and I average anywhere from 15-17 mpg. I’ve managed to eke out 21 mpg on the freeway with the cruise set below 73 mph. Yay.

Maybe you can keep the revs under 4k and do better, but the car has so little torque in the bottom half of the powerband you might as well be driving a Civic. It’s a fun car to autocross or take to the track, and it’s very comfortable for long distance touring, but I think you’d get tired of it pretty quick slogging through traffic.

The new Mazda6 looks damn good, but I haven’t seen one in the flesh or driven one.

To me the Maxima doesn’t make any sense. It costs almost as much as a comparable G35, but its fwd. What’s the point? Plus, those little sunroof porthole-thingys are ridiculous.

Have you looked at the new IS? I test drove an IS350 a couple of months back for kicks and giggles and came away very impressed. Not the cheapest car in the market segment, but it will probably hold its value better than anything else in the class over the long term, and I’d also bet on it having the best reliability.

The old TSX and TL are both nice looking cars. I’d opt for the TL if you need an auto, since the TSX is torque-deficient as well. Unfortunately, the slushbox TL doesn’t get the same suspension calibration or the 4-pot front Brembos that come with the 6-speed. I’m not a big fan of the looks of the new TSX and TL.

How about something a little different? Slightly used Mazdaspeed 6s are easy to find under $20k and pack a pretty nice drivetrain. Also, the current Subaru Legacy GT (especially in Spec B trim) is a nice Q ship with understated looks and a lot of power potential.
09-09-2008, 12:54 PM
altiain

One other suggestion if you want something sporty, Japanese, semi-inexpensive, and really practical: Mazdaspeed3. The styling is reasonably subdued, the car has a lot of performance, the gas mileage isn't that bad, and you can't beat the practicality.
09-09-2008, 02:41 PM
CosmosMpower

Maserati Quatraporte or Mini Cooper S
09-09-2008, 03:04 PM
Miatamoto

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

The RX-8 makes a good GT car, but the fuel mileage is pathetic. I drive semi-conservatively (I do redline it once or twice a day, but I also shift up to 6th on any street where I’m doing 40 or over), and I average anywhere from 15-17 mpg. I’ve managed to eke out 21 mpg on the freeway with the cruise set below 73 mph. Yay.

Don't take it easy in the RX-8 and I get 17-18 mpg commuting. I managed to get 24 mpg on the way back from Pearsall with Cosmos, a set of wheels & tires in the back and a full trunk.

I think something must be wrong with Iain's 8. ;)
09-09-2008, 03:30 PM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miatamoto

Don't take it easy in the RX-8 and I get 17-18 mpg commuting. I managed to get 24 mpg on the way back from Pearsall with Cosmos, a set of wheels & tires in the back and a full trunk.

I think something must be wrong with Iain's 8. ;)

I got around 18 mpg in mine as well, shifted around 4000 in 1st and 2nd and 3500 in 3rd-6th. The very first tank driving it home from San Antonio I eeked out 330 miles out of a 13 gallon fill or 25 mpg.
09-09-2008, 03:58 PM
altiain

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

Maybe you can keep the revs under 4k and do better, but the car has so little torque in the bottom half of the powerband you might as well be driving a Civic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

I got around 18 mpg in mine as well, shifted around 4000 in 1st and 2nd and 3500 in 3rd-6th. The very first tank driving it home from San Antonio I eeked out 330 miles out of a 13 gallon fill or 25 mpg.

:rolleyes:

Also keep in mind that my typical commute is 100% city surface streets. FWIW, lugnutjon drives his with a bit more aggression than I do, and he regularly reports ~14 mpg on average. Don't kid yourself that the RX-8 is anything but a gas pig. I like mine for several reasons, but fuel economy is not one of them.
09-09-2008, 04:07 PM
TurboDuane

Vote here for the Accord. I bought one for my wife in '06 with the 4-cyl and it's a nice ride, comfortable but not sloppy, it actually has a sporty feel. It's also bigger than the TSX, and the TL isn't offered with a 4-cyl option. When new it was consistently getting 26 to 27 mph. Now with 24,000 miles it gets consistently 30 mpg with a mix of city/hwy. On the hwy running between 65 and 70 mph we can squeak out 33 mpg. It's got descent power, but by no means is it a hot-rod. All I've done to it is put gas in and change the oil.
09-09-2008, 04:17 PM
Miatamoto

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

:rolleyes:

Also keep in mind that my typical commute is 100% city surface streets. FWIW, lugnutjon drives his with a bit more aggression than I do, and he regularly reports ~14 mpg on average. Don't kid yourself that the RX-8 is anything but a gas pig. I like mine for several reasons, but fuel economy is not one of them.

Definitley didn't say the 8 wasn't a gas hog, but I don't keep the car under 4k RPM and usually hit the buzzer at least once during the regular commute. I really don't know how you get such low gas mileage with "semi-conservative" driving.
09-09-2008, 06:18 PM
Radio-Active

+1 for the TSX

I'd definitely go for the 6 spd stick-shift, but I don't care for slush-o-matics.
09-09-2008, 06:31 PM
miataspeedracer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathews2004

I do like Acura TL's too. I think the TSX is the Euro Accord. The TSX is another that requires premium fuel.

I also forgot to mention the RX8 as a longshot contender...;)

Had a TSX for a little over a year. Brilliant little car, really. Only downide was 20-21 mpg in town sucking premium gas. If that's not a dealbreaker for you, I can't think of a better daily driver given your parameters...
09-09-2008, 09:23 PM
Mathews2004

To add some parameters:
I am 6'3".

I would like to stay under 20k, and get mpg in the 20's with mixed city and highway driving. I am flexible on both.

I can buy a lease return 2007 Accord SE or LX with around 30k miles for under $15,000. I would also put the TSX and Maxima on the short list right now.

I haven't really looked into the Lexus IS. I remember thinking "kids" car when I first saw it.

Quattroporte. hmmm.
09-09-2008, 11:15 PM
sxk122

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathews2004

To add some parameters:
I am 6'3".

I would like to stay under 20k, and get mpg in the 20's with mixed city and highway driving. I am flexible on both.

I can buy a lease return 2007 Accord SE or LX with around 30k miles for under $15,000. I would also put the TSX and Maxima on the short list right now.

I haven't really looked into the Lexus IS. I remember thinking "kids" car when I first saw it.

Quattroporte. hmmm.

Not a status car, but for a "get around town" car my lancer does admirably. However, if you want spirited "miata driving" you'll nee a miata too... hence my miata ownership, lol. I routinely get 23-25mpg in the city and 30+ highway on longer jaunts. Seating is comfortable, and I think build quality is decent for the price. Trunk is huge. OEM stereo is decent with good mp3 functionality and ipod ability. wheel mounted stereo and bluetooth controls. bought my 2008 in july of 2007 for $15k. 10 year power train warranty/ 5 year bumper to bumper
09-10-2008, 04:07 AM
randy7601

Nissan Altima is a nice car.
09-12-2008, 09:21 AM
Mathews2004

Quick update, I still can't decide!
09-12-2008, 10:04 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathews2004

Quick update, I still can't decide!

What have you looked at so far??
09-12-2008, 10:12 AM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathews2004

Quick update, I still can't decide!

Used BMW M5 can be had in the high 20's now
09-12-2008, 10:28 AM
Miatamaniac92

I helped my SO pick up a used G35 a couple months ago. We narrowed it down to the G35, 3 series and IS300.

We test drove a couple of each and she liked them all. She liked them all, so it came down to the bottom line, the G35 was $500 cheaper than the other 2.

The IS300 was really nice, had noticeably less power than the G35 though.

the G35 has been great. We took it up to Colorado for vacation. It's very smooth at over 70 mph. :drive: She averages ~20 mpg.

The TSX was on the list, but we couldn't find one under $18K (they were selling at a comparable premium). Speed, what gas mileage does the TSX get on highways?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

Used BMW M5 can be had in the high 20's now

MMM, M5, I'd hit it.

Chris
09-12-2008, 05:21 PM
miataspeedracer

[QUOTE=

The TSX was on the list, but we couldn't find one under $18K (they were selling at a comparable premium). Speed, what gas mileage does the TSX get on highways

Chris[/QUOTE]

most of my driving was in town, but I think 25-27 mpg would be a good guesstimate for highway mileage.
09-14-2008, 07:22 PM
Mathews2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

Used BMW M5 can be had in the high 20's now

BMWs are some of the lowest quality cars on the road, in my opinion.
09-14-2008, 07:26 PM
Mathews2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miatamaniac92

I helped my SO pick up a used G35 a couple months ago. We narrowed it down to the G35, 3 series and IS300.

We test drove a couple of each and she liked them all. She liked them all, so it came down to the bottom line, the G35 was $500 cheaper than the other 2.

The IS300 was really nice, had noticeably less power than the G35 though.

the G35 has been great. We took it up to Colorado for vacation. It's very smooth at over 70 mph. :drive: She averages ~20 mpg.

The TSX was on the list, but we couldn't find one under $18K (they were selling at a comparable premium). Speed, what gas mileage does the TSX get on highways?

MMM, M5, I'd hit it.

Chris

Thanks for the input everyone. i'm thinking along the same lines as you were, unless I get really sensible and get the Accord. I can get a 2005-2006 G35 for about the same price as a 2007 Accord, both with 25-30K miles.
09-24-2008, 11:13 AM
Mathews2004

I just bought a 2007 Accord EX, 4 door. silver with gray leather. I'm happy and think I made a good decision.
09-24-2008, 11:40 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathews2004

I just bought a 2007 Accord EX, 4 door. silver with gray leather. I'm happy and think I made a good decision.

How boring! ;)
09-24-2008, 12:12 PM
SirHustlerEsq

6 or a sonata. I put about 12k miles on a v6 sonata in New Mexico, it was an awesome car aside from the emblem.
09-24-2008, 08:16 PM
Mathews2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

How boring! ;)

I know, I know. With private school and business, I've had enough exciting to last me a while. I'll get another zippy car down the road.
09-25-2008, 07:45 AM
Sharpie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathews2004

I know, I know. With private school and business, I've had enough exciting to last me a while. I'll get another zippy car down the road.

Did you sell the Porsche?

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