Lockjaw

Most will average mid to high 20s in the GTO in highway driving.

Halx

See: My parents 94 caddy deville that they recently retired.. ugh that thing was a piece of shiat
See: My sister's 98 Chevy Silverado Z71... in the shop every other week
See: The reputation of the entire Pontiac division. I don't know where you get your propaganda, but I have never heard good reliability comments regarding them.

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Lockjaw

Kind of like the propaganda that all Honda vehicles are slow?

Working in broad strokes tends to be a bad idea when cars are concerned.

Kurant

Everyone has different horror stories.

I have a VW Touareg we're dying to get rid of before our new baby comes. Need that third row seat baby!

Seriously though, my Silverado has been great. Had an 87 Grand Am when I was in college (Yes, I was a poor college kid, I drank the cheap beer) that was not a nice car, but started every morning, and never had anything wrong except CV joints. Sold it for 500 bucks at 287,000 miles. 400 more then I bought it for.

Everyone has tales of death and dispair. I've never personally met anyone who had a GM vehicle in the shop every other week. Or any car for that matter, except Touareg's. (We've had good luck with ours so far, knock on wood)

Honda/Acura along with Toyota is as reliable as they come. I personally don't find the styling of either very appealing, but you can never go wrong with owning one. I've never met anyone with any issues with the new Honda and or Acuras.

jamessh1

I've heard only one person mention this car so far. What about the lexus IS300 or IS430? A fast and sporty yet luxurious car, coupled with excellent built quality and re-sale value.

My first thoughts about the GTO as a daily driver were that she'd be spending ridiculous sums of money to fill the tank every week. approximately 30 miles per gallon on the highway is quite good actually, i just can't stand the looks of the car though personally. Another issue would be winter driving a rwd beast.

My only other suggestions would be an RX-8, which are slightly underpowered (IMO, and according to stock dyno #s), but are amazing through the twisties, attractive looking (IMO), not to mention a 9000 rpm revving rotary motor.

Keep us posted on your car hunt.

KeyserSoze

Might I suggest the new Mercedes CLS that is coming out?

http://www.motorportal.com/daimlerch...b2004f633b.jpg


If you don't want to wait then how about a CL500 or better yet a CL55

I can rip you one at auction.

I just ripped a 02 CL600 Sport Pkg. Blk/BLK with 10465 miles Mint condition for $66,000.00.

The wholesale book was 84,000.00 and retail was 98,000.00

Or the CLK430 cabriolet or even the CLK55 if you want the power, but if none of those is your cup of tea...GO WITH THE ACURA! The new RL is sweeet

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eanda9001

I know this is a bit off but have you tried the Prius, it is soo cool. Lots of Lexus technology at toyota prices.

eanda9001

Problems with RX-8. Search the web for cold start issues. If the car dies and the engine is still cold it gets flooded and needs a tow! I got a wrx based on that fact alone.

Lockjaw

I don't think the Prius would fit the "power" portion of his needs.

Cynthetiq

MINI Cooper S or even a MINI CS convertible.

so much fun to drive...I can't wait to rent one again when we are in Madrid.

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Scorps

Ok we get it you don't like GM, I don't like Honda/Acura but you don't see saying it everytime I post!

DDDDave

Well, we went and test drove the G35 the other day. She loved it. I thought it was loud. Not like my BigBlock ElCamino, but still the exhaust noise was noticeable in the cabin whenver the car accelerated. She said she didn't care but I think you would hear it over the radio, and it would definitely be noticeable on the hiway at 80.

How does this sound....
255 HP V-6
233 ft/lb Torque
30/37mpg
XM radio standard
Leather
Full ABS




Give up ?



New 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid


Not a coupe, but lots of power and luxury. The hiway mileage alone would save us $150./mo in gas. Price - supposed to be around $30K.

Decisions, decisions.

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Averett

I am DROOLING over that Accord Hybrid! I've been wanting a Civic Hybrid, but that Accord... That's just pretty.


Oh, if only I had $30,000 laying around.... Sigh.

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bendsley

Audi's are quite nice, very dependable, good milage.

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castex

I thought we were talking about sports cars?!

1slOwCD8

So did you go with the G35? Coupe or sedan? anyway, how about the new Acura RL, its a V6, 300hp, and AWD.

Lockjaw

I'm assuming the drool is because of the gas mileage and not the exterior package.

fearwall

Low milage, off lease 2002'ish BMW 330ci?

Should be able to pick one up for around $25k. Enough power to keep you happy. Excellent road manners. Won't be exhausting to drive that distance. *Decent* milage at around 28'ish on the highway.

Why buy a brand new vehcile when you are putting 5,000 miles a month on it? Save yourself tens of thousands and buy a used one with an ESP through the original manf.

Scorps

I got a question why can't honda make a car that has more torque then hp?

I would never by a car/truck/SUV with less torque then HP, but I tow a trailer a lot.
But its up to you

Tophat665

Good trade.

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amonkie

If she gets a chance to get her foot in a Solara, that's a really nice option. The V8 engine plus the amenities of the camrys, plus Toyota dependability. That would have been my choice of vehicle after my truck.

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DDDDave

Just an update.....

I think "we've" decided on an Infiniti G35 Coupe. Black w/tan leather, auto, aero package.

I've got her convinced that I can get a nice 03 or maybe 04 with 8K to 15K miles for right at $30K. Now all I have to do is find one. I'm hoping the dealers will get aggressive with their 04's as the end of the year approaches, otherwise I'll just keep watching the online classifieds.

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1slOwCD8

Excellent choice. Make sure to check cars.com, i easily found many 03 or 04 coupes for under 30k. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

MacGuyver

Good choice. Consumer Reports recommended, good power and reliability. Good luck.

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merkerguitars

Actually torque is what does the work....just like a diesel

Good choice in car, nice to see people are supporting new technology

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thadon

ok, I won't say WRX .. how about a Forrester XT, 210 hp AWD

Big Cholla

I'm a LEO and my go-down-the-highway car is a real sleeper; Mercury Grand Marquis with the "sport" suspension, 16" alloy wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, 4.6 liter V-8 slightly warmed up. I am continuely amazed at its good road manners and performance. 22/25 mpg at 75 mph highway cruise. It is not real sexy looking, but it is a real pleasure to drive far and fast. The price is a real bargain. 2004s can be purchased new for 17.5k to 18.5k.

castex

I'm a CAPRICORN. My go-down-the-garage-car is in a deep coma.

Jay Francis

What I like about the Pontiac Bonneville is that it isn't a popular car and within a year of each year's release, it devalues a lot, and you can pick up one for not very much money, compared to cars that keep their value.

I bought a 2004 Bonneville with leather seats, cd player, lots of features, and 10,000 miles on it for $17,000 plus tax.

I love the power of the Bonneville transmission and V-6 arrangement. My drive is only 50 miles per day.

It is my third Bonneville and the thing you have to keep a watch on is the radiator water level. The engine gasket in some models wears out around 75,000 to 80,000 miles and can cause water to leak into the engine. They've corrected the design on newer years though.

Other than that it is a relatively trouble free car and will cost less to repair than a Japanese or European car.

Regards.

DDDDave

Thanks for everybody's comments.......we went and picked this up earlier today.....



2004 G35 Coupe. Auto, premium package, Sirius, splash gaurds. Desert platinum, willow leather. 16 miles. We were commenting that this is the first non-Honda my wife has driven the entire time we have been married.(21 yrs)

Felt like I got as good a deal as I could. It was obviously the end of the month and year. This was the last automatic 04 they had. We had considered a MT but while sporty, shifting around town does get old. There are not a lot of 04's left anywhere in FL and the 05's are hard to get as well. MSRP - $35,310. Paid - $32,250. Flat invoice price.


Thanks again for everyone's comments and I will update this post every once in a while to let you know how it's going.

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Amano

oops didn't read you already bought it.

so how did you bargain down to invoice?

silent_jay

Good choice, the G is a very nice car

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DDDDave

I've given other people here ideas on how to buy a new car so I tried to follow my own advice. I've always said the number one rule is 'don't fall in love'. This is easy to say but when the wife says 'I want that one' that kind of hurts my bargaining strategy. Just don't let the salesman hear her say that. Tell him 'Oh, I can live with any color..., I don't have to have XXXX options' meanwhile you are hoping that he doesn't sell the one you have your eye on. I didn't want to have to tell my wife that I didn't buy the car she was in love with because I dicked around over $500.

My wife says 'how can you talk to them like that? You sound like an asshat' I say 'they don't get pissed, they are just there to sell cars' Remember, you buy one every 4 or 5 years, a good dealership sells 5 cars a day. They are used to all types. I always tell the sales manager 'Make the big money off the old ladies, I'm here for a bargain'. You have to have an answer for their canned lines. When they say 'If we make the deal you want will you buy the car today?' You say 'yes.' They will try to somehow hold you to this - acting all indignant 'You said you would buy today' Fuck 'em. I just know in my mind I am going to offer low enough that there is no way they would take the first offer. I had ordered the Consumer Reports pricing report (ALWAYS ALWAYS do this), it costs $12. I knew the MSRP and invoice price of the car and all the options. They quoted MSRP, I offered $30,000. I knew they could not sell it for this but it told them that I was not looking for some BS $500. discount. Them hemmed and hawed and went back and forth to the sales manager and said they couldn't do it. I thanked them for their time and walked out. Now they know you mean business.

Don't hesitate to BS them either. Don't lie. But tell them the things that they want to hear. 'I really like your cars, but I have to get a deal', 'I will be shopping the other dealerships' , 'The other dealership said they would beat your price by $500, you don't want me to go there do you?' , ' I read that there is a factory to dealer rebate on this model, I want part of that'. They of course will have an answer for all of your lines. They are pros. Don't waver. Be prepared to walk away. I usually tell them "Look, I am in real estate and negotiate every day, I used to be a banker and know the numbers backwards and forwards so why don't we cut through the BS and get down to the deal. 'Do you want to sell me this car or not?'. This time I used a trick I hadn't used before. I had my daughter call me on my cell at exactly a certain time when I knew we would be negotiating. They excused themselves but I could tell they were listening. I faked the conversation along the lines of 'yeah I'm at the dealership, I found an OK car but I'll probably be home soon, I don't think we are going to be able to make a deal.' This is like throwing bloody chum into the shark pool. They want the deal so bad you can feel it.

Anyway, stick to your guns. Know the numbers. Know the best deal you can probably get. And when you get to the end, ask for a couple free oil changes, they can give you that and you can feel like you won.

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animal909

the VQ is an awesome engine... good HP and high torque output with an awesome curve. ANyways... i think a lot of my ex maxima cohorts bought g35s and there a bunch of g35 forums. have fun (or at least ur wife)

Scorps

Well all cars brake down, I got a 82 with a 350 and this thing has had its down times but it hasn't been anything I can fix in the driveway. I right now I just finishd a engine rebuild to get some power back, done all in the drive and it runs strong now!

I have never liked Caddies over the year of 82, and the Silverado shouldn't have been in the shop every week, I would tell your Sis to find a new mechanic.

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BoCo

My vote goes for the new C6 Corvette convertible.

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DDDDave

Just thought I would dig up this old thread and give everyone an update on the G35.


PROS: This thing is a freakin' race car. It is so sleek and good looking it's scary. The exhaust sound on the outside is awesome. Sirius sat. radio is great too. We're still in the free trial period but it will be hard to go back to regular radio.

CONS: The trunk is small, but hey, it's a coupe. Gas mileage is not so great, 22 hwy. It's hard to get the grin off your face after smokin' some punk ricer kid in a Civic with fart pipes.

Overall: Very happy with the purchase and hoping that the reliability is what Infiniti promises.

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"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Thoreau

"Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm" - Emerson

Ilow

Nice car choice, I think you and your wife will be really happy with that for years to come. I like your "phone call" bargaining technique. I'm not normally a dickhead, but one of the few places I take great delight in being one is at the car dealership bargaining table. I actually volunteer to be a "boyfriend" for my female friends when they car shop, so they don't get eaten alive.

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