big decision upcoming....
 

...ok people. i am going to be purchasing a new car in the coming months, and as part of my research and selection process, i have decided to include the whole lot of you. i am looking to spend in the early $30k's, and probably no more than $35k. here are my current considerations: (all 2004 models)

Saab 9-3 (arc or aero)

http://www.saabusa.com/main/US/en/im.../93S_ext_3.jpg

Nissan Maxima SE (6speed)

http://www.nissanusa.com/m/cma/i/4ma..._gal_med01.jpg

Infiniti g35 Sedan (AWD 6spd)

http://www.infiniti.com/m/cma/i/veh/...l_g35sed_2.jpg

Infiniti g35 Coupe

http://www.infiniti.com/m/cma/i/veh/veh_gal_g35c_7.jpg

BMW Z4 (2.8)

http://www.bmwusa.com/NR/rdonlyres/8.../0/0425_12.jpg

Honda S2000

http://www.hondacars.com/images/bann...o_01_large.jpg

Acura TL (6speed)


http://www.acura.com/images/tl/tl_gallpop_img3_ext.jpg


so there are my current considerations. i am looking for any and all opinions, but i am certainly more concerned with any first hand knowledge or experience with any of these cars. i look forward to your responses, and i will let you all know which i ultimately went with. thanks in advance!

OMFG Get the G35c. The car has great styling, amazing creature comforts, and is very unique. My personal vote goes for that..

Do you have a utility car that can haul stuff around? Or is this going to be your only car? Some of these cars have small cargo areas, which can make picking up the groceries a lot harder than it should be.

i do have access to utility vehicles. my gf has a cherokee and most of my friends drive trucks and SUV's, so if i needed a hauler, i have access to one anytime. i am tempted to be as practical as possible, but at 27 and making some decent money finally, i think its time to throw 'practical' out for a few years and treat myself. so, to answer your question, in the longest way possible: cargo room is non-issue.

ok, if practicality isn't an issue...and your just in it for fun... throw out the Acura. Its a nice car, but your also paying the teh size and weight of a 4-door. Doesn't sound like you need that.

Honda s2000 : where do you live? Unless you live in a decent suburban community, away from the large cities, you never really get to open her up, as there is little low rpm power. More practical for open areas and racetracks than actualy city driving. Also not quite as solid luxory type interior as others.

BMW : i dont like it. Some to. Youll hafta get your own opinion on this one. have you looked at the possibility of a M3?

g35 Coupe : This one gets my vote. Good power, decent handling, infinity luxory build on the inside. Great sportcar, though it will likely be pushing your price cap.

G35 Sedan : If you want something more practical, such as having the ability to take more than one person...id go with this. More versatile than the coupe, but still decent power and a nice ride. Prolly wont hurt insurance as much.

As for the Nissan and Saab....they are pretty large cars. I dont think you would be satisfied with the interior and build quality on the nissan, even though it has power. Its probably a much larger car than you need OR want. The saab is a little smaller and still a nice performer for the money. Saab isn't exactly known for cheap parts when/if it does break though.


My reccomendation...G35coupe. If it gets too pricey, just downgrade a tad to the 350Z :)

Honda S2000. Not only is it a sweet car, but those wavy disc rotors seal the deal.

hmmmm i like the g35 coupe. i would never buy the honda s2000 why would you want a motorcycle on 4 wheels????
have you considered the ford cobra svt? 390 hp and about 35000.

the G35 Coupe is nice looking, fron that list i think that is what i would get

Anything Infinti is Nissan dipped in gold. If you like the power and sophistication that comes with Nissan but hate the plastic fantasic interior (please..no offense to Nissan owners...) but the Infinti gives you the interior luxury and the power.

Best of both worlds

G35 sedan (cuz i like sedans) but its sounds to me like you would prefer the G35 coupe... ;)

Good luck!

hehe, so true, i love it! :D

i'd go with the G35, hands down. I would get the coupe, it looks nicer, a little more sporty, and has 20 (i think?) more hp than the sedan, making it just a little quicker. but it's really just a matter of personal taste, and future planning. if i thought i was going to have a kid or two in the next 5 years or so, i might get the sedan, but at 21 i don't think it's going to happen to me, you might be different.


p.s. my best friend's parents have a blue G35 sedan and love it. had it over a year and not a problem yet.

Another G35 Coupe vote here. That car is fucking sweet.
It's classy and badass at the same time.

g35 coupe.... from your current choices....

otherwise... MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Edition

just like everyone else: G35 Coupe!!

BMW Z4, maybe just because I am a BMW guy (I own a 1988 BMW 325)
The Z4 has grown on me a lot, has nice curves.

well...i promised an update. i went with the 2004 G35 Coupe 6MT. brought it home tonite and i cant stop staring at it. thank for all the feedback.

"...if you have the means, i highly recommend picking one up" -ferris

Pics please :)

Z4! Z4! My buddy's dad who currently drives a 944 Turbo and has recently test-driven a G35, Boxter S, Cooper S, 350Z, and Z4, and he said the Z4 performed head and shoulders above the crowd. Not to mention the styling is enviable, love the taillights! Can't go wrong going German.

If you have to ask that question, you need to go drive an s2000 ;)

The G35 sedan AWD doesn't come in manual I'm pretty sure. I'd go with the coupe.

Looks like you went with the coupe. Nice man!

I have always been a fan of Saab even before GM bought them out.....

G35 coupe.

its in the running for my next car so i'm a bit biassed :D

Waiting for the G-35 coupe, but with AWD.

RWD in a car 4" off the ground and snow just don't isn't feasible.

I like the TL and the G35 sedan

G35 coupe for me as well