My only other suggestion would be to check out used E46 M3s. They're big fat pigs, but they're fun to drive big fat pigs. If you don't intend to autocross it, I'd probably take a used M3 over an STi.Originally Posted by altiain
Have you priced brake pads for those fancy gold Brembo calipers or a set of uber-sticky factory tires for an STi lately?
Considering that you can get an RX-8 for ten grand less than the STi, it's more fun to drive, and maintenance costs are a wash, I'd be trying to figure out how many gallons of super unleaded I can buy with the leftover change I'd had if I bought an RX-8 instead of an STi. Besides, the STi isn't exactly a paragon of fuel efficiency - most that I know average 18-20mpg, versus 14-17 for the '8.
Iain
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Settle down Lubbock boy.....What does that have to do with anything. You know, your probably going to cause some thread drift. We need to stay on topic here, the mods have been giving out warnings and taking points off lately.Example
Depends on your definition of a better car. Longer, heavier and softer (the spring rates on the next Mini Cooper are designed more for 'murrican drivers than the current Mini is) does not make a better car IMHO.
Iain
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
What does that have to do with anything.... yeesh! It's everything all rolled in to one! I mean... It's a bass player car! Big enough trunk to put your axe in, and a back seat for all the groupies!What does that have to do with anything. You know, your probably going to cause some thread drift. We need to stay on topic here, the mods have been giving out warnings and taking points off lately.Example
But if you were a drummer... you'd need a van just for the groupies! The drums... I meant the drums...
Maybe 4 wheels aren't so bad after all... wickett.org
It only goes to show when people can no longer discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, or sexual orientation, they can improvise and still find someone to hate. - Dave Moulton
So now that we're talking about the high dollar cars, I just drove a brand spankin new BMW 335i over the weekend. This is the new direct injection 3.0L twin turbo inline six. It makes 300 lb-ft of torque at 1400 RPM and I believe the numbers after driving it.
The back seat is actually very roomy for a coupe. I got to do a heads up comparison between it and the G35 coupe. The BMW was the hands down winner.
Pricing starts at 41k.
BTW, used BMWs are fantastic cars. A used 330 ZHP (performance package - alcantara interior, uprgraded cams and exhaust, suspension) are sweet cars that should be in your price range.
Thomas
V-to-the-Dub
Ya Ya whatever we all know your going to get an RX8.
S. I thought you were all about the MazdaSpeed6?? Something change?? Heck with the deep discounts you can get it sure sounds like quite the deal!
Here's one with the BMW CPO warranty (saved me a lot of money on my M3):
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=en&cardist=35
The interior is beautiful in these cars.
Thomas
V-to-the-Dub
Jesus, people! I already said $34,000 for the Subie is a reach. By this logic, a M Coupe is only a little more than the 335i, the Cayman is only a little more than the M Coupe, and a Z06 is only a little more than the Cayman.
So here's my new car!
Seriously, thanks for the input everyone. Iain, you sure are sweet on those RX-8s, but I find the potential maintenance headaches alarming, especially since Mazda just recalled every RX-8 in existence.
The MS6 is a serious contender. At a whopping $11,000 less than the STI it's awfully good value. I drove one a couple weekends ago and the engine is awesome. Can't say much about the handling, but the steering feel sure is good.
S.
I was a joking a little about the 335i but the 330 ZHP is within your reach and a fabulous car. I love the way bimmers handle straight from the factory, but then again I like the RX-8 better (handling-wise). Plus I love the sound of the inline six, a lot more than a turbo 4 or rotary.
Thomas
V-to-the-Dub
Just to be clear, Mazda has stated that the repairs needed for each RX-8 will vary based on tests performed by each dealer. A large percentage will need no work at all. Each car will receive a vacuum test to check for oil leaks (got a leak, get a new engine) and each vehicle will also receive a check of its starting system. The low vacuum = instant new engine is white-glove treatment, not what I would call a maintenance headache.
My Bass fits in my Miata's trunk, in its case too! I'm not cordinated enough to play drums. I can hardly stand up and play my bass at the same time. Groupies don't like bass players, just lead singers.
Oh and +1 on the E46 M3. One of the best looking cars ever IMHO.
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague longing for something salty" - Peter Egan
You and Magma could always buy a tandem bike and bike-pool all over the place. You could really be green!
You'll just have to figure out who's the head and who's the tail...
You're looking at the wrong groupies then... all those chicks have the, eh, er... hmm... things you don't want. Let the lead have those...
The MS6 is just so... big. I tend to prefer cars that are slightly more chuckable than 3,600 lbs. If the MS3 were out already, it would be a contendah, but it ain't so it ain't. The MS6 may well wind up in my garage. Seriously, $7,000 off is nothing to sneeze at, but it doesn't bode well for resale.
S.
F you, Titus!
S.
Chuckable? I like to think that the 3 series sedan is chuckable. For a good deal less than the ZHP you could get a regular sport 330i that would be a great car.
Thomas
V-to-the-Dub
HEY HEY HEY... I had nothing to do with that one. Don't drag me through the dirt just because you have a thing for Magma and bikes!
Don't knock 'em until you drive one. The STi is a great car, but it still feels like a tarted-up economy car. From seating position to pedal placement to spring rates to weight distribution, it feels like something a bit less than the sum of its parts. It just doesn't have the poise, the grace, or the same over the road feel of an RX-8. An STi pummels the road into submission, while the RX-8 just flows. The RX-8 drives like a true sports car, but one with the added bonus of easy-to-access back seats.
Plus, you'll get an extended powertrain warranty with the '8!
Iain
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
I have about five email exchanges going with dealers right now. It's amazing how easy negotiations are when you don't have a trade-in. There's simply nowhere for them to hide and very little BS for them to throw at you.
Iain, I actually have driven an RX-8 and I liked it very much. Agree with you: it feels like a BMW competitor in terms of the way it moves down the road. Of course, so does the MS6.
S.
I'm a BMW lover but I'll be honest and say that stock for stock the RX-8 handling is superior to the E36 M3 that I owned. The advantages of the BMW were four real doors, the engine, easy maintanance, and gas mileage. I was making 23-25mpg in the M3 to and from work.
BTW, the BMW certified preowend warranty is 6 years and 100k miles and is very comprehensive. I had a notchy tranny so they replaced the whole thing for $50 including parts and labor, plus threw in a lightweight flywheel for me for only an extra .5hr of labor.
Thomas
V-to-the-Dub
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