Learned'd VIII: Less Bewbs, Same Nonsense

[elwesso]

So a couple of car questions.....

First, any opinions on this. Friend of mine is considering this, wanted to see if there's anything to look for.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nissan-350Z-Bas ... ars_Trucks

Second, I'm considering a G37 6MT circa 2010 for daily driver status. Any thoughts on that?

[frapjap]

Wow, I bet that Z is entertaining to drive. If it was local, I'd go check it out but definitely would not buy sight unseen on Ebay.

The only major thing to watch out for with the G's is the oil consumption. Check to be sure it is not a "rev-up" engine or whatever that silliness is and you should be a-okay. There is a TSB for it, but I don't know how it'll work out if you're no the original owner or what a deal will do since the car is 4-ish years old now. For the same kind of money, you could get a BRZ, too. A lot less luxurious, but newer with a warranty.


Are you getting rid of the Q, Wes?

[elwesso]

What's the deal with the rev-up engine? I thought that was a cool feature. FWIW, I'm looking at a G sedan, not a coupe.

I'm not getting rid of the Q, just thinking about retiring her for daily driver duty. I'll still have her around, would really like to do some suspension mods and turn it into a race car. Basically with the rust that's on the car, when something major malfunctions I just don't think I want to put the time and money into fixing it. To make that car reliable how it needs to be, it needs probably close to 2k worth of work, and I'd rather put that toward something that's newer and gets a little better mileage.

[sx moneypit]

The G37 has the VQ37VHR engine,no oil consumption problems with them.I drove my Z to California and back and didn't have to add any oil.

[elwesso]

So is overall that powertrain with the 6MT a reliable setup like the 3.5L

[sx moneypit]

So is overall that powertrain with the 6MT a reliable setup like the 3.5L

Yes sir,plus the bonus of a little more torque and horsepower.

[Kompresshun]

I think you'll be happy with the G37 sedan Wes. Honestly I think you'd even be fine with a 2nd gen G35 sedan because they improved the oil consumption in those too. I've driven a few of them and have always liked them. The only reason I never have gotten one is they just never really have done a whole lot for me for how much they cost.

If I end up with another sedan i'd probably go for something more interesting like a BMW or a turbo Volvo, just for the sake of how little I drive my car anyways. The first year I had it, I racked up 20k. The second year - 9,000. I pretty much just drive it on the days Bethany has to go to daycare and when there's a lot of snow and ice on the ground.

[elwesso]

I think you'll be happy with the G37 sedan Wes. Honestly I think you'd even be fine with a 2nd gen G35 sedan because they improved the oil consumption in those too. I've driven a few of them and have always liked them. The only reason I never have gotten one is they just never really have done a whole lot for me for how much they cost.

If I end up with another sedan i'd probably go for something more interesting like a BMW or a turbo Volvo, just for the sake of how little I drive my car anyways. The first year I had it, I racked up 20k. The second year - 9,000. I pretty much just drive it on the days Bethany has to go to daycare and when there's a lot of snow and ice on the ground.

I sort of disagree with that, although it depends what you want. My major stipulation it something 20k or under, reliable, sporty, RWD, and manual trans. There are very few options that meet that criteria, and IMO the G37 is the best bang for the buck. Other than the G, you're basically looking at Audi, BMW, VW, a couple MBs, and the CTS-V. Audi and VW don't exactly take the cake for reliability, and BMW can be a little hit and miss depending on what you're getting.

Right now you can get G37s for under 20k with less than 100k miles, usually circa 2010 or so. IMO that's a pretty good bargain.

BTW, don't bother with a Volvo S60 R (or for that matter a V70 R). Long story short, that car sucks as both a luxury car and a performance car, IMO. You'd pay way less and be way better off just buying a regular S60 or V70 and cranking up the boost to get the same power.

[frapjap]

How about a Volvo C30? Its not RWD, but is a very fun, competent car. Handles well, has a great transmission, the T5 turbo is damned near bulletproof.

You could always go Camaro SS or 4th gen F body, too.
This one is a piece of history:
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/4331012715.html

[Kompresshun]

For myself, I really have a different criteria. One being I don't really require all of the things you do. I don't really mind RWD, but don't require it for a daily driver. Manual transmission would be nice, but it's a no go most likely because the wife needs to be able to drive it. So sporty with some luxury and decent power is all I require. I'm pretty sure my requirements are a lot lower than yours too - I drive a 200hp V6 FWD land yacht. 250-300hp would be a godsend for me.

Reliability is not a huge concern either, but i'm pretty confident I would not buy a VW or an Audi at all. I'm thinking a BMW 335i 4dr would fit nicely and my personal mechanic is a certified BMW master mechanic, so I already have someone I trust to work on one.

I saw your post on FB the other day about the S60 R. I haven't driven one personally, but I really don't think those things would bother me as much. I just really like the R package.

This is all hypothetical though, because I am leaning towards buying a truck or SUV next anyways. I've had three sedans now and considering I have the Miata as well, I really don't need something so practical anymore.

Something to keep in mind, I know you're wanting a manual trans, but Matt is getting ready to replace his wife's 2010 G35S that just rolled over 100k. It's not a manual, but it might be worth looking at.

How about a Volvo C30? Its not RWD, but is a very fun, competent car. Handles well, has a great transmission, the T5 turbo is damned near bulletproof.

You could always go Camaro SS or 4th gen F body, too.

I think he's wanting a sedan. Also, no offense but who would buy an F-Body when they already have a BMW Z4 and have owned a CTS-V? That's pretty much junk in comparison

[frapjap]

Ohhh, My default thought process of the G is always as a coupe and rarely as a sedan.
There goes the idea of suggesting a Sky Redline or Solstice GXP.

Shoot, if it were me, I'd be looking for an M over a G.
In the case of sedans, I have a few suggestions.

Subaru Legacy GT Spec B (great daily driver)
Newer Subaru Legacy GT with the H6
G8 GT
MB CL600- a friend of mine has one of these, its shamefully fast to drive.
Magnum SRT8 http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/4287580683.html
For some reason I could see Wes in a Viper truck, too. http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/4322187758.html
Charger R/T
Genesis Sedan

[elwesso]

The 335 is a fantastic car, and you can get those in AWD if you wanted as well. I drove a 335 when they came out and really liked it. Turns out they're not the most reliable with high pressure fuel pump issues, fuel injectors, and turbo/wastegate issues. IMO turbo issues just mean you get to upgrade the turbo to something bigger!! Back in 2006, the G35 was about 20k cheaper than the 335, and I felt like while overall I liked the 335i better, I'd save myself 20k and get the G35. In other words, I didn't like the 335i $20k better...

BTW, my girlfriend has a 2008 Ford Taurus, and if you would have asked me this before I drove it I would have bet $1000 I'd never be saying this, but...... That car is fantastic. The back seat is very spacious, trunk is cavernous, it's got plenty of power especially with the 6 speed auto, and it's epically smooth and quiet cruising on the road, and it gets great gas mileage for a car that size. For a daily driver, that car is great. I dare say I'd rather have that than an Altima or Maxima for daily driving...

Her car has about 135k on it and still runs great. This past weekend we went and looked at some new cars, so when she's ready to get rid of the Taurus in a year or 2 she'll know what she wants. From what we've seen, there's almost nothing that does everything as good as her Taurus.

No way on the Camaro or F body, mainly because I need something with some sort of ground clearance, capable in the winter, and I want a sedan.

On the S60 R, I really think the R package stands for "Retarded way to spend extra money". While the look is cool I will say, you end up with brembo brakes that don't stop as good as the stock brakes on a 1994 Q, heavy steering, and so on. If you like the look of an S60 R, just get the S60 and put the R trim and wheels on a regular S60 and be done.

[elwesso]

I also would prefer something that gets 25MPG or better on the highway. Anything less, I might as well just keep the Q running or get another Q45.

[Kompresshun]

I like Ray's suggestions

If I were in the market for another convertible, a Sky Redline would definitely be on my list right below a Miata. 260hp in the base Redline is just plain awesome. Plus a LS1 just happens to fit right down in one too.

I've always been a big fan of the Magnum SRT8, even though it's Mopar. I just love wagons though. My wife doesn't understand my obsession with them.

[elwesso]

Legacy GT is a consideration... My friend had a legacy GT limited and I was surprised by how nice that car is.

G8- For less money you get a better looking and nicer interior with the CTS-V. They're basically the same idea in terms of what they are.

I don't think those other ones come in Sedan and Manual trans?

[elwesso]

If I were in the market for another convertible, a Sky Redline would definitely be on my list right below a Miata. 260hp in the base Redline is just plain awesome. Plus a LS1 just happens to fit right down in one too.

Agreed, that is a fantastic looking car!

[Kompresshun]

The 335 is a fantastic car, and you can get those in AWD if you wanted as well. I drove a 335 when they came out and really liked it. Turns out they're not the most reliable with high pressure fuel pump issues, fuel injectors, and turbo/wastegate issues. IMO turbo issues just mean you get to upgrade the turbo to something bigger!! Back in 2006, the G35 was about 20k cheaper than the 335, and I felt like while overall I liked the 335i better, I'd save myself 20k and get the G35. In other words, I didn't like the 335i $20k better...

BTW, my girlfriend has a 2008 Ford Taurus, and if you would have asked me this before I drove it I would have bet $1000 I'd never be saying this, but...... That car is fantastic. The back seat is very spacious, trunk is cavernous, it's got plenty of power especially with the 6 speed auto, and it's epically smooth and quiet cruising on the road, and it gets great gas mileage for a car that size. For a daily driver, that car is great. I dare say I'd rather have that than an Altima or Maxima for daily driving...

Her car has about 135k on it and still runs great. This past weekend we went and looked at some new cars, so when she's ready to get rid of the Taurus in a year or 2 she'll know what she wants. From what we've seen, there's almost nothing that does everything as good as her Taurus.

See for me the reliability wouldn't be a major issue either. As long as i'm fully aware of what I may have to face before buying one, I think i'd be fine with dealing with it. I seriously may take a look at them when it's time to replace the 500, because I think I would thoroughly enjoy owning one.

I do love that body style Taurus. It was basically an improvement upon my 500 - same body, just updated and then upgraded drivetrain as well. The 3.5L V6 they use in those was a fantastic engine back then. I drove quite a few Lincoln MKZ's back around 2006-2008 and I always thought it was a really ballsy motor for what it was. 263hp isn't half bad for a Ford V6.

The reasons you listed is why I have a hard time even thinking about replacing the 500 anytime soon though. It really has been a very solid sedan. It's boring, but it is probably the best daily driver i've ever had. 30mpg highway, tons of cabin and trunk space, reliable, and easy to repair in most cases. Other than a few issues to begin with, i've really had barely any trouble out of it aside from the A/C compressor.

[Kompresshun]

Legacy GT is a consideration... My friend had a legacy GT limited and I was surprised by how nice that car is.

G8- For less money you get a better looking and nicer interior with the CTS-V. They're basically the same idea in terms of what they are.

I don't think those other ones come in Sedan and Manual trans?

I do love the LGT - they're fantastic looking cars. I do shy away from them for the sake of head gasket issues, but honestly that's probably the worst issue you'd ever have.

I agree they're both pretty similar. I just like supporting the dead Pontiac brand, because I feel like it should've never went away. Plus I prefer the look of the G8 over the 1st gen CTS-V. The G8 GXP also came with the 6.2L V8.

Most of the ones Ray mentioned do come in sedan form, but not all of them come in manual sadly.

[RicerX]

Wes - is your requirement a sedan and RWD with a stick? Or you good with RWD/MT and not partial to a sedan?

[frapjap]

Legacy GT is a consideration... My friend had a legacy GT limited and I was surprised by how nice that car is.

G8- For less money you get a better looking and nicer interior with the CTS-V. They're basically the same idea in terms of what they are.

I don't think those other ones come in Sedan and Manual trans?

I think the CL comes as a manual, and maybe the Magnum & Charger.

The Legacy definitely does.
My vote is on the Legacy GT (with the turbo or H6) or the Legacy GT Spec B. The fit and finish is great (loads of soft touch, real leather, dual climate control), space is great (regularly take it skiing and it swallows everything), I haven't gotten stuck with it yet and I'm rocking all seasons and driving in foot deep, un-plowed parking lots for fun. If you can find a Spec B, more power to you since it won't depreciate hard. The best part is that you'll come in under budget and have ample room to upgrade the turbo, injectors, FMIC, blah blah blah and still have spent less than on a G. I'd prefer a Spec B just because they were more expensive when they were new and thus were purchased by older, more responsible people who likely abused them less and maintained them better than your usual WRX/STI owner. They're wicked fast and fun, drove one when they were new. The GT isn't a bad option either, there are plenty of lower mileage examples that you can make your own.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 5445&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 9594&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 9594&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 5934&Log=0
^this one has records and everything. Plus the car in the background looks to be a new Infiniti. My guess is he could and did afford to maintain the car.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 9777&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 1315&Log=0

[elwesso]

Wow that is a lot nicer that I expected. The only issue I have is this:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 4009&Log=0

For basically the same money, you get something that's 5 years newer, better MPG, arguably nicer interior, arguably looks better, and is already about 1 second faster in the 1/4 mile than the Subaru.

Now, if I could get those 2007ish Spec B's for 8-10k instead of 14-17k, then we might have something.

[elwesso]

Wes - is your requirement a sedan and RWD with a stick? Or you good with RWD/MT and not partial to a sedan?

I really think I need a sedan, or something slightly bigger. I take 1-2 road trips per year, plus I just like having space for 4 people to fit reasonably comfortable and whatnot. I'd consider a small SUV, so long as it gets about 25MPG.

I think if I had to give up anything would be the manual trans option. I *really* don't want to give it up, and I don't think I have to, but if everything else lined up perfectly, I could probably compromise. After all, for my first 5 years of Q ownership it was an auto. A properly built AT can be a lot of fun, but it's nothing like rowing gears!!

[frapjap]

Wow that is a lot nicer that I expected. The only issue I have is this:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 4009&Log=0

For basically the same money, you get something that's 5 years newer, better MPG, arguably nicer interior, arguably looks better, and is already about 1 second faster in the 1/4 mile than the Subaru.

Now, if I could get those 2007ish Spec B's for 8-10k instead of 14-17k, then we might have something.

WOW! Those G's took hard depreciation hits. Good for you, bad for the PO! I'd have a hard time arguing against that logic, too. But- the AWD doesn't come with a manual transmission, right? Thats about the only downer if you want AWD in the G.

Also, just in case you didn't see it, that particular G has a rebuilt/salvage title.

Definitely look into a GT model for the lower price range.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 7053&Log=0

[Kompresshun]

I'd consider a small SUV, so long as it gets about 25MPG

Just a suggestion, but I heavily considered one of these before we got the KIA: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js ... listType=1

306hp with the excellent LFX 3.6L V6 and available in AWD. If you can find one, they're pretty darn quick and roomy. They're rated for 24mpg highway too.

[elwesso]

That particular G was just one I saw, there are others with clean titles for similar money. AWD is not a big deal to me, it would be a bonus especially if there was little effect on MPG. I have gone this far without it, so I don't really think I need it.

[Kompresshun]

I need this in my life: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-Other-B ... ars_Trucks

I love Marauders. Especially once you toss a supercharger on it

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhtM_NodiTU[/youtube]

[frapjap]

Whoa. I didn't know the marauder came in other colors.
1,052 Mercury Marauders ever made, they came in 4 colors. Black, Dark Toreador Red, Silver Birch, and Dark Blue Pearl Metallic. Production numbers for the Mercury Marauder:
2003 - 7839 (328 Blue, 417 Silver, rest black .. 7094)
2004 - 3213 (980 DTR, 997 Silver, 1236 Black)

Personally, I'd only want black. Though silver would likely more just as many people out of the left lane on the highway as you cruise past them. Especially if you get the special dotted style amber turn signal pieces.

Is a Grand Marquis from the same generation essentially the same car, just cushier?
EDIT never mind, very different cars.

[Kompresshun]

The Grand Marquis and Crown Vic are the same body, but the Marauder uses a much beefier drivetrain and also uses the 4.6L quad-cam 32V motor found in the Lincoln Mark VIII(Another personal fav) and the Mustang Cobra. It's essentially an excellent sleeper though because of how much it resembles the other ones.

[elwesso]

The Marauder is indeed a fantastic car. If you're looking for a reliable big body car that's an epic sleeper that would be great. I loved that car when it came out and I still do....

... Now just find me one with a 6-speed swap and we'll have something

[Kompresshun]

They're easy to swap over to a 6-speed. Do it.

The auto in them are beefy though. It'll chirp 2nd and 3rd under full throttle.