I think I may be going back to an I30...

[Sentientbydesign]

I've been mulling this issue over the past 2-3 weeks. I'd love a turbo AWD sedan.

On the flip side, I'm looking at a 96 I30 on CL. It's going for $1200 due to some body damage (dented passenger side doors).

Pros and Cons

Fuel Economy: About the same

Space: The I30 has tons of it. The wife and I have ditched the idea of a 06/07 WRX because the interior is about the size of the G's. An Evo is just large enough. Wish it had a fold down rear seat.

Cost: This is a big issue for me. I can get an Evo for about $330/month. My insurance will be $10 cheaper than with the G.

On the flip side, I can buy the I30 for anywhere between $1200-$5000. This would likely have to be out of pocket and would deplete most of my savings. Getting a loan on a car that cheap is near impossible and personal loans have steep interest rates despite my good credit.

So let's do this, Cost comparison to the G:

Evo- $40/month Payment $35-$100 Gas $10/month Insurance

So $85-$150 savings.

I30- $Hard to calculate. Let's say I buy the $1200 one. That means, it will take me approximately 5 months to repay myself at the G's payment rate (Got to deal with taxes and registration). $45 Gas $40 Estimate Insurance

So, $85 for the first 5 months.Then $385 thereafter

Benefits of the I30:

Reliable assuming that the previous owner took good care of it. It could also be a royal pain in the a** if it encounters startup problems which are very common in the early I30s.

More interior space.

Eventual large monthly savings making it easier to go back to school.

Great Bose system (assuming the head unit still works. They're prone to CD read errors).

Drawbacks:

These cars have upwards of 140k miles. One had 241k on it. Though my last I30 made it past 280k, who knows about one of these used cars (I was the 3rd owner. My mother purchased it with 86k on it).

Safety. The Evo is AWD, it has much newer safety equipment including traction control and brake force distribution. The I30 is FWD, suffers from torque steer and will have anemic rubber, suspension, and brakes unless I spend $1000 or so to upgrade those items.

Fun factor. 150hp to the wheels on a 3200lb luxury sedan vs 230-300 AWHP.

[suby01]

good luck with your choice.

im just gonna tell you this, being a speed racer myself, as everyone on here knows. i know a lot of EVO drivers, stock to 800+ whp. and i honestly dont recall any evo driver saying if this one dies or for a upgrade ie.(g35 to G37) im getting another evo. they like them while they last but other than that not so much.

[gwoods]

2 words

SRT Neon!!!!!

[joe603]

The EVO is not much larger than the G35 interior. Have you considered a G sedan? When I was shopping for a new car, I was surprised that the G sedan had a larger interior than most anything I looked at.

Picking up my 09 on Saturday

[Sentientbydesign]

2 words

SRT Neon!!!!!

You really want me to come meet you, don't you? ...So I can kick your a**! SRT POS is still a POS.

The EVO is not much larger than the G35 interior. Have you considered a G sedan? When I was shopping for a new car, I was surprised that the G sedan had a larger interior than most anything I looked at.

Picking up my 09 on Saturday

A few problems with the G Sedan.

1. Price- I'm trying to keep it at or below $15k. 2. Gas- The Gs just like sucking gas like none other. I need to be able to get mid-high 20s in the freeway and that just doesn't happen with the Gs (I've had a few loaners and getting 22 required feathering the throttle).3. Infiniti reliability has really gone downhill. Remember, I came from a 10 year old Infiniti with 280k on the motor and it had one large maintenance item in it's life...timing chain cover leak. Window motors never went out, my power seats didn't rock, there was no Drive By Wire throttle to randomly go out.

The EVO was large enough inside to allow for me (6'3") and my buddy (6'5") to sit on the same side of the car semi-comfortably. That wouldn't happen in the G coupe or the WRX (Unfortunately).

[zozoka1212]

Remember when people say I drive this car till it dies or cost too much to repair. More complex car you get more it could cost. I would only buy a used car if it is an eco box or if I have warranty. If you get both than it is even better.

I think you still better off with a new eco box. You get 3,4,5,6 years warranty and you know how much you pay a month. No extra $$ for unexpected repair. No hassle if the car will be in the shop and can't make it work or can't get a ride or have to pay for rent a car. Especially if it is a DD car. Also they are better on gas than those what you looking for.

[gwoods]

You really want me to come meet you, don't you? ...So I can kick your a**! SRT POS is still a POS..

I signed you up on http://www.srt4.org as Sentinetbydesign your password is ricerocket

[DRO@G37]

I signed you up on http://www.srt4.org as Sentinetbydesign your password is ricerocket

[Sentientbydesign]

I signed you up on http://www.srt4.org as Sentinetbydesign your password is ricerocket

You're the most awesome F*CKER!

Glad you spelled my S/N wrong lol.

I'll probably making a trip out to Tucson in the near future. If you're free, we should meet up. I'll buy you a drink...then excuse myself and tell the gay guy across the bar that you've been eyeing him all night

No, but seriously, I'll email you if we head out that way.

[cjs37xs]

First off...Sentient & gwoods, you two a KILLING me!! Too damn funny!!

Second, if you are trying to keep it under a certain price, maybe it's time to expand your search, and find another vehicle that will suit your needs but be able to fit the cost. Instead of only the couple choices you have now. Not that I have any to suggest, but finding a car that has enough room, reliability & style to fit you.

There's NOTHING else out there that would fit? Just the Evo or an I30? How about a Mazda3? Those have to be about the same size as an Evo. That was what I had b4 I traded up to the G. They are small to look at, but they actually have lots of space inside. I do miss that car sometimes for the way it could suck up groceries & such....I put almost 50K miles on it in almost 3 years, and not one single thing went wrong with it. My G better do that

Shoot, when I started looking, I was SURE an Acura TL was the car for me...then it was an A4, then Lexus, then Maxima...finally went to the G.

The I30 and Evo aren't exactly the same kind of car...expand that box of yours a bit....open the mind grasshopper!

[gwoods]

I'll probably making a trip out to Tucson in the near future. If you're free, we should meet up. I'll buy you a drink...then excuse myself and tell the gay guy across the bar that you've been eyeing him all night

I suggest a trip to Marana Arizona if your looking for that special gentlemans ear to whisper about me. When he comes over I'll let him know I'm straight married and verified with two kids. But YOU on the other hand drove all the way from CA to meet me and now are disappointed that I'm not gay so maybe he has a shot at you I mean since you drive an SRT Neon and everything

Maybe I'll let you drive my 07 Sedan and RUIN you for any other car.

[Sentientbydesign]

First off...Sentient & gwoods, you two a KILLING me!! Too damn funny!!

Second, if you are trying to keep it under a certain price, maybe it's time to expand your search, and find another vehicle that will suit your needs but be able to fit the cost. Instead of only the couple choices you have now. Not that I have any to suggest, but finding a car that has enough room, reliability & style to fit you.

There's NOTHING else out there that would fit? Just the Evo or an I30? How about a Mazda3? Those have to be about the same size as an Evo. That was what I had b4 I traded up to the G. They are small to look at, but they actually have lots of space inside. I do miss that car sometimes for the way it could suck up groceries & such....I put almost 50K miles on it in almost 3 years, and not one single thing went wrong with it. My G better do that

Shoot, when I started looking, I was SURE an Acura TL was the car for me...then it was an A4, then Lexus, then Maxima...finally went to the G.

The I30 and Evo aren't exactly the same kind of car...expand that box of yours a bit....open the mind grasshopper!

My wife and I had this conversation earlier in the week. We've both been keeping our eyes out for cars while driving around. Not ones for sale, but just to be reminded of what's available.

Unrealistic options:

08 Toyota 4Runner. Tons of space. Very agile for a high profile vehicle. But way too expensive to buy and to fill up. I'd also cry when I wanted to take a turn with any speed.

Porche Panamera...enough said.

New Camaro. Gorgeous body, but heavier than just about any non-american car. Fuel economy...Price...

2008 WRX Sport Wagon...I drool over this car in white. But the least expensive Sport Wagon I've seen was $20k. Not really responsible for me to bump my debt back up to G prices.

Most of the other cars on my list are not family cars. RX-7 FD. Supra....etc.

AZ Hitman summed it up well in a recent post. He mentioned low tread wear tires and how he would rather dish out the money over and over every 10k miles to know that his family was safe, than to get 80k mile tires where one emergency braking episode puts you into a tree. I feel the same way about my cars. They need to be very agile and have great brakes and tires. What's sad is that I never had the time or money to do that to the G and it bothered me a lot that the car was only marginally safe on the road (to my standards). My I30 with about a grand worth of suspension mods and another $1500 in tires and brakes could out handle my G ANY DAY.

As for other more practical options, here's what I'm looking at. I can buy an I30 for under $2k and know that it's reliable. OR, I can buy some other boring more expensive FWD car and spend more on repairs AND on the car itself. The question is WHY?

The Mazda is a Ford. Maybe slightly better built, but it's a Frickin Focus (even shares quite a few body components). Turbo 4 cylinders are an awesome combo. You get the power of a high output V6 and the fuel economy of a larger I4.

[Sentientbydesign]

I suggest a trip to Marana Arizona if your looking for that special gentlemans ear to whisper about me. When he comes over I'll let him know I'm straight married and verified with two kids. But YOU on the other hand drove all the way from CA to meet me and now are disappointed that I'm not gay so maybe he has a shot at you I mean since you drive an SRT Neon and everything

Maybe I'll let you drive my 07 Sedan and RUIN you for any other car.

My Grandma and Aunt & Uncle live in Tucson. They haven't had the chance to meet my son yet, so I'd like to get out there by his 1st b-day if possible.

I'll steer clear of the queers

As for your sedan. I've driven a few. They are really nice, but out of my price range and still suck gas like britney sucks ...voraciously! I am curious to drive a 2nd gen 6MT sedan though. Just for s***s and giggles.

[gwoods]

My I30 with about a grand worth of suspension mods and another $1500 in tires and brakes could out handle my G ANY DAY.

The I30's I have seen at the track looked pretty unsettled being driven hard and fast compared to the G. Not saying its not possible but what suspension mods would you make?

[BrandAidDesignG35]

1+, it may cost more than 1 grand to keep up. "out-handle my G ANY DAY" is a bit of an overstatement.

If you drop it, cut off your roof, and replace it with carbon fiber... maybe. Even still as soon as I hit the straight it's bye-bye.

The I30 screams I wanted a luxury sedan so I bought this...

[gwoods]

I have a picture that I can not find of that Brown I30 nose diving into a turn and the back end up in mating position almost broken loose. It is a smooth nice car but the G is a huge improvement.

[cjs37xs]

Yeah...I think I'd have to call "bullsh*t" on an I30 outhandling a G. They certainly don't look or act like that on the ones I've seen. Unless you have a secret place where you can get that kind of bang for your buck on suspension mods. My G is just about as happy as I can get on 4 wheels for handling. If I want to outhandle or outperform stuff, then I hop on my Yamaha!

I still would be worried about ANY car that I am buying that I am putting my family in with that many miles. And those miles weren't put on it by someone I have known for a LONG LONG time. I would feel safer getting a car that is <5 years old, and also fits my needs, than getting something that I liked 10 years ago...and getting THAT car. I loved my '82 GTI when I started driving, but I would not get that car for me or my 16 year old now.

Reliability is definitely an issue for me. I would think if I am putting my family in a car, then that thing better dam* sure do what I need it to do. Everyone has to make their own choices, and whatever you do, don't make it a dodge!

Good luck with your decision.

[Sentientbydesign]

Gwoods,

That I30 is a 2nd gen (POS and Ugly IMO) with stock suspension. My I30 was sitting on Eibachs and tokicos. Illumina 5 way adjustable up front and HP "Blues" in the rear.

Back when I was a stupid teenager. I challenged a G35 coupe through some twisties in Riverside. The G couldn't handle because the weight and center of gravity on the car is just way to high in stock form. Does that mean that a G with suspension mods wouldn't out handle an I30? No, the G would probably do very well, but when you consider that a FWD sub-luxury sedan with a solid rear axle is capable of handling better than a RWD luxury sports coupe with sports tuned suspension, there's a problem.

Yeah...I think I'd have to call "bullsh*t" on an I30 outhandling a G. They certainly don't look or act like that on the ones I've seen. Unless you have a secret place where you can get that kind of bang for your buck on suspension mods. My G is just about as happy as I can get on 4 wheels for handling. If I want to outhandle or outperform stuff, then I hop on my Yamaha!

I still would be worried about ANY car that I am buying that I am putting my family in with that many miles. And those miles weren't put on it by someone I have known for a LONG LONG time. I would feel safer getting a car that is <5 years old, and also fits my needs, than getting something that I liked 10 years ago...and getting THAT car. I loved my '82 GTI when I started driving, but I would not get that car for me or my 16 year old now.

Reliability is definitely an issue for me. I would think if I am putting my family in a car, then that thing better dam* sure do what I need it to do. Everyone has to make their own choices, and whatever you do, don't make it a dodge!

Good luck with your decision.

You can call BS all you want, I drove the two back to back. I know what was confortable and stable versus what activated VDC and cut throttle.

In order for the G to be comfortable to me, I'd need coils or springs all the way around. A 2" drop and a "real" LSD. Maybe a 1.5 way Torsen or other mechanical style. Dropping 300-500lbs off the weight of the car wouldn't hurt either.

Sorry if I sound like a b****. Tollbooth pissed me off in my weight reduction thread and I'm still annoyed by it.

[gwoods]

You know what is a nice ride and ALOT of fun but drinks da gas?

Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger SRT-8! Or the SRT-8 Jeep

The 6.1 Hemi has the best exhaust tone just beautiful and deep

[cjs37xs]

Cool! I am just going off of my impressions whereas you have been able to actually feel the two of them.

I had to jump over to the weight reduction thread you were speaking of, and yeah...he has worked you up! I'm gonna take the flight choice on this thread!

I just don't know that I'd want the power of a miata and the weight of that car. A good handler or not, I do love me some power! Wait...I said I would walk away, and NOT try to stir up the hornet's nest in my direction!

Peace out!

[SVTCOBRA]

The Mazda is a Ford. Maybe slightly better built, but it's a Frickin Focus (even shares quite a few body components).

Talking about build....I've had MORE problems with my Nissans/Infinitis than ANY Furd I've ever owned!! And, my youngest son has a Frickin Focus and it's very nice. just saying....but, still love my G's!

sorry, your thread, back to the issue

[zozoka1212]

+1 ^^^

I've had 3 Fords over the ears right beside my G and Saab. Never let me down. We've put around 200k in them together. Other than regular maint. I had to change wheel bearing on my Escort I used to have. It was around 80k. My first Foci had to get door aligned and my newer one 2 years old needed to get new heated seat elements.

Ford is much better than most people think.

I can't complain about my 2 G much either since they never let me down.



Saab did once.

[DRO@G37]

+1 ^^^

I've had 3 Fords over the ears right beside my G and Saab. Never let me down. We've put around 200k in them together. Other than regular maint. I had to change wheel bearing on my Escort I used to have. It was around 80k. My first Foci had to get door aligned and my newer one 2 years old needed to get new heated seat elements.

Ford is much better than most people think.

I can't complain about my 2 G much either since they never let me down.



Saab did once.

++2 ^ Before my 09 G37 i had a 04 blk mustang. V6......& i ran it to 84,000 miles with nothing more than fluid changes..But it was weak compared to the G . GO G'S

[BrandAidDesignG35]

If you have the experience with the I30s, and think they're as capable as you say, why not go for it. Even with the body work, it's still a good deal, they rarely dip below 5K here...

It's a great family car, probably more efficient too which will help save some fundage. And you're still in the Infiniti fam too which is cool. post some more pics of these cars if you get time.

[Sentientbydesign]

Sorry, my memory of Ford includes a Winstar, Taurus Wagon, and Tempo that all had MAJOR issues.

Has Ford gotten better over the years? Probably, am I going to give them my business anytime soon, not if I can help it.

Don't worry, I feel the same way about Nissan right now. Way too many issues on my G to give Nissan another try until they get they're quality control back in line. This makes me want to start a car company (I realize I don't have the Millions necessary, thank you!).

Zozo,

I seem to remember reading that Ford builds nicer cars for everywhere except the US. Something about us not being willing to pay premium prices for quality Fords.

BrandAid,

Found an 04 Evo yesterday. $13k. 92k on the chassis. 22k on the motor. Single owner took a turn too fast and didn't see a CALTRANS (CA's beloved road work bureau) truck and tried to hug the guard rail. Damage included a bend radiator support, dead bumper, and minor fender damage. Insurance company did a total loss on it. The shop that the owner used for maintenance bought the car from him and is in the process of fixing it. It was going to be a track car, but one off the owners hurt her back and is on Dr.'s orders to stay away from racing. So they're fixing it to sell it.

Comes with Cams, custom exhaust, and custom tune (my tune). Title hasn't registered as salvaged yet, so I'm hoping that we can finance the car.

[zozoka1212]

Well it used to be. Now it will become worldwide the same.

That means they bringing the Fiesta this year. Focus next on the list.

You can bet my wife will have the Fiesta and I might opt. for the Foci and maybe a weekend car later.

[gwoods]

Found an 04 Evo yesterday. $13k. 92k on the chassis. 22k on the motor. Single owner took a turn too fast and didn't see a CALTRANS (CA's beloved road work bureau) truck and tried to hug the guard rail. Damage included a bend radiator support, dead bumper, and minor fender damage. Insurance company did a total loss on it. The shop that the owner used for maintenance bought the car from him and is in the process of fixing it. It was going to be a track car, but one off the owners hurt her back and is on Dr.'s orders to stay away from racing. So they're fixing it to sell it.

Comes with Cams, custom exhaust, and custom tune (my tune). Title hasn't registered as salvaged yet, so I'm hoping that we can finance the car.

You will spend a lot of time wrenching on that car, but it would be fun to me. Why does the motor and chassis mileage differ? How much boost is the car running currently?

There is a red one in Phoenix running 30 psi I saw it beat a Z06 in the 1/4 but I bet that motor comes apart in less then 10k miles. The owner told me he dynoed at 670 hp? Is that possible? I don't know much about EVO's.

[zozoka1212]

I don't think it is possible with stock internals,fuel system and turbo. One of my neighbor had it at my old place. Not quite sure what boost he was running but was around 400 hp at the wheel. He had the 2.3l engine. He used to say he is at the limit. He wouldn't/couldn't push it more.

[BrandAidDesignG35]

You'll be spending more time in the garage for the EVO, less with the family... but they are nice cars. POST SOME PICS!!! Make sure it's worth all the sweat blood and tears you're putting in on this thing.

If I may just make a truthful suggestion? Why not look at an 07+ Altima sedan? You could get a 2.5 for cheap, and even maybe find the 3.5 for a little more... I mean, they are a perfect family car!!!

[BrandAidDesignG35]

SVT Zozo,

Anything short of a Gt40, is rubbish. You're watching too much top gear. They all love the Fords over there in Europe. It's almost like you want what you can't have or something... They can't have the American beasts, Infiniti, etc. so they prefer the small tintzy cars tailored to their tiny streets, and society. Ford fits that bill, they do a good job of that, but My experiences with fords have been hit or miss.

87' Ford Mustang cobra, it was so fun to drive but also scary to drive.92 Ford Thunderbird, Cheap crap everything was falling off on my rents car, it was so terrible.01 Focus... We were (dumb stage of life) and my buddy went off the road in his moms car, after being beaten in the ditch, it got towed out, and we all made it home later in the beaten, shaky, filthy old ford. (I could write a whole post about this adventure)

So from what I can see??? The fords are getting built better, safer, and much less interesting to drive... I mean, the current Mustangs are pathetic power wise, out of the competition.

But, that's why they made the GT40, so we know that they have the ability to produce amazing cars, it's just too bad that I don't trust them I guess.