Test driving some cool Cars

[jEzTeR]

Today I took an extended lunch to go test drive some cool cars.My first stop was at a Subaru dealership where I took a nice looking 04 black WRX out for a spin.The new WRX is as good or better(if you like the new headlights) than the 03.I did not notice and major changes in the ride/performance of the car.The dealer sucked and knew almost nothing about it.I got the salse lady to tell me that she thought that I could get it for about 23K.

04 WRX

WRX front

Next I went to a Mitsubishi dealership and drove an EVO.They had 4 of them in stock.3 yellow ones and 1 black one.They all had the sunroof option except one yellow one.I get the guy to come down to 30k.They are the place that was tring to get 45k out of them when they first got em in.The EVO is an awesome car.I had the guy a bit scared just 1/2 mile down the road.I tested the Brembos out and they did real well.I really enjoyed the take off after like 2.5k rpm.Very fast!The guy who went with me just got a 03 Eclipse and was talking about street racing.HaHa

EVO's EVO

So after the EVO I thought that I was finished but at the last sec turned into the Dodge dealership.I thought that I would give a SRT-4 he||.They did not have any SRT-4's in stock (they kept saying they had one on the way).They did have a CrossFire on the lot but did not offer to let me drive it.It is a pretty cool looking car.

Crossfire

Crossfire 2

I will add to this thread when I do get to drive the SRT-4 that they have comming in.I am also planning on a trip to the try out the new Gradn Prix GTP(paddel shifting on the steering Wheel) and also to the Infiniti dealership for a G35 6-speed test drive

[tinted]

The crossfire is sweet. Very nice cars.

Is the GTP a manumatic or an SMG?

[jEzTeR]

The crossfire is sweet. Very nice cars.

Is the GTP a manumatic or an SMG?

I'm not sure about the transmition on the GTP.I'll let you know after I take a closer look.I did talk to a saleslady who knows little about cars(she told me that the 6-speed on the Vibe was the same one that is used in the Vette.) who said that the paddle shifting was only on the GTP.

[tinted]

Grand Prix Main Page

http://www.pontiac.com/grandpr...e=old

TAPshift

http://www.pontiac.com/grandpr...urce=

Its an automatic with manual controls, doh

[jEzTeR]

Shorthand for Touch Activated Power, this segment-exclusive borrows from Formula One cars to transform its automatic transmission into operating much like a manual. Here, a subtle movement of the ergonomically designed wheel-mounted control paddles rapidly executes the shift. And like a true manual, it holds gear at redline. In fact, Comp G's Head-Up Display has a performance upshift light to alert the driver before redline, to optimize gear shifts. This mainline to the Grand Prix's innermost workings lets drivers maximize both the driving experience and control.

doup! You beat me to it! LOLI hope they have a rpm safty installed!

[MrFox]

Went to this a couple of weeks ago... GM test drive day

http://www.autoshowinmotion.co....show

45 min queue for a corvette2 hr queue for a H2

And ppl wonder why car mfg don't make real sports cars anymore.

[jEzTeR]

Thats pretty cool.What kind of corse was it on?I herd that GM was also doing a 24 hour test drive deal where you get to take it home."Sleep on it" is what they are calling it.Good sales idea for real.I was only half interested in spending 30K on a car right now till I got into that EVO, now I am just tring to find a way to make room in my budget for a $500 per month payment.I can only imagine if they let me take it home!!!

[tinted]

The New Grand Prix really looks sweet, (as in performance and looks and everything). Is it RWD..Ill find out. >>> Ah **** its FWD. What a waste.

G35sedan, EVO, Grand Prix, WRX, STI, Altima, Maxima, A4 I'm missing a ton.

A lot of 28-33k 'sports' and 'sports/luxury' sedans out there that I would not mind having.

[PalmerWMD]

No!!

No Mitsu for you:nono:For the same money you can get a G35!Very nearly the same power except with more car wrapped around it.

Fred...

[MrFox]

Thats pretty cool.What kind of corse was it on?I herd that GM was also doing a 24 hour test drive deal where you get to take it home."Sleep on it" is what they are calling it.Good sales idea for real.I was only half interested in spending 30K on a car right now till I got into that EVO, now I am just tring to find a way to make room in my budget for a $500 per month payment.I can only imagine if they let me take it home!!!

It was an autocross type setup on an abandoned airfield (NAS Alameda). Runs were a bit short but most of the lines were quick (cept for the vette and Hummer).

They also had cars from the competition there for comparasion (very brave thing for GM to do). The lines for the Bimmers Benz and Lexus were 2x as long... a truly sad sight for GM.

I asked about the 24 hr test drive... they wanted your credit history checked for it. Not worth it for the hit on your credit rating (Each check that doesn't go through counts aganist you as a denial)

[jEzTeR]

No!!

No Mitsu for you:nono:For the same money you can get a G35!Very nearly the same power except with more car wrapped around it.

Fred...

Nearly is not nearly close enough for me.I am looking at the G35's but the price is going to be more like 35K-38K for a G35 as I would like it.I most likely won't be getting an EVO either even thought 30k is well worth it.I may seriously think about that WRX.I still want to stick with the Spec V but every time I save up some cash for some good mods then my wife finds a way to spend it.LOL

[UncleBen]

Sounds awesome Dane. I wish I was old enough to just go to dealerships and drive cars, heh. Sounds like you drove some nice cars. :thumbup

[Cold_Zero]

I asked about the 24 hr test drive... they wanted your credit history checked for it. Not worth it for the hit on your credit rating (Each check that doesn't go through counts aganist you as a denial)

The GM 24 hour test drive is a very good idea if you are seriously considering buying a GM car. Though, GM isnt the first person to invent this program. Most dealerships in small towns have done this thing for years. Some older people I know say the dealership would let you test drive the car for a week before you bought it.

The GM program is pretty reasonable for what they are lending to you. You have to show proof that you can pay for the car (keeps people from just test driving the car for the hell of it.) You can not leave the state (I am sure this is for insurance reasons). And you can only put 200 miles on the car. Not bad, wish other dealerships did the same thing.

[Cold_Zero]

I may seriously think about that WRX.

If you do, I would suggest buying a used WRX. You would be surprised at the price of a used WRX over a new one. Something to consider.I would go with selling the Spec V and placing a new 350Z in your line up as a garage mate for your lovely Altima.

Just my .02 cents.

[MrFox]

The GM test drive day had backfired in my case. I've lost interest in the one GM car that I was somewhat curious about- the 5-speed Caddy CTS. Its layout and performance looked really good on paper. However, in actuality the car drove like a laundry machine with wheels.

Though GM really had something interesting there for a sec, but they just made another Buick.

[jEzTeR]

If you do, I would suggest buying a used WRX. You would be surprised at the price of a used WRX over a new one. Something to consider.I would go with selling the Spec V and placing a new 350Z in your line up as a garage mate for your lovely Altima.

Just my .02 cents.

I did ponder this option....But I kind need a back seat.The G35 is my 2nd choice as it has small back seats .(If I coiuld spend 35k+)I also thought about a LT1 C4 Vette if I got a 2 seater.

What I like about the 04 over a used 03 WRX is headlights and foglight combo.I also kinda dig the hood scoop.At first I hated the new look (because I loved the 03 Rally style bug eyes) but it grew on me.I am also not so sure about a used AWD turbo car.I like having at least 30k miles to let them eat the cost on fixing things that might go wrong.

[UncleBen]

I like the new fascia on the WRX's. I just saw a white STi here in BG today. It was AMAZING.

[BadMojo]

If you do, I would suggest buying a used WRX. You would be surprised at the price of a used WRX over a new one. Something to consider.

I'm considering a new car for 2004...what are used "Bug Eyes" going for right now? Does Subaru have a certified pre-owned thing?

[Cold_Zero]

To be honest Mojo. Used Subarus are not something that our local dealerships have a lot of. They typically move fast when they come in.

I think the '02's are running about 20-18k. Add about 2k+ for a 2003. There are a lot of factors that play into the cost of the WRX.

[jEzTeR]

I went buy and drove an STI Friday.I didn't have my camera with me so Ill have to go back and get some pics soon.I am in love!They have 2 one Blue w/ gold rims and one Black w/ silver rims.I made an offer and they have not called me back yet so it must have been too low.LOL (30K the same number that I talked the Guy down to on the EVO)The thing is I don't want to buy the EVO for 30K but I would the STI.Both are great cars and I'm not really sure what about the STI makes me want to not be able to eat lunch for 5 years but it does!

I am having trouble moding my Spec V and I really want something to fill the void in my garage left by me selling my Vette.Even thought the Spec V is super clean in stock form its just not cutting it for me.I want a Turbo car and the AWD is a nice touch.Not to mention the 4 doors and 300HP!

[Bubba1]

Test driving cars is so fun. I'm jealous. I used to do it far more than I do now. The utlimate is getting a salesman to kiss the ground when he gets out. (snicker).

Turbo car with AWD and 300hp? Hmmmm. Have you considered an S4? Ferocious but comfortable cars.

[nlzmo400r]

sounds like u have quite a few options, if u HAVE to have the back seat, that leaves you with the EVo8, STi, or G35coupe, and yes the 6m/t brembo'd G35 is quite expensive, im sure you wouldnt be able to pick up an STi for under 32k or so, and i dont blame u for not wanting to spend that kind of money on the evo, i dont know why, but i too like the STi much more, also, have u considered the rx-8, i sat in one the other day, and the inside puts the evo to shame, and i think the exterior is great looking as well, it doesnt have quite the power, but it does have the back seat you need, and you could get one for about 28k, thats of course without leather and sunroof, tack that on and you're looking at closer to 3o or so, but still, its an option atleast

[jEzTeR]

I did think about the Audi but they are not as ecxiting to look at.Not to mention the price.$$$

The G35 would be my first choice if they were not so much.$$$

I am not a RX8 fan.Call me a fan of touque.I also do not like the new style much.

I do like the EVO a whole lot.I get to see them up close all the time.Chris has a blue one and there is a Red one that is at the auto X all the time now (the guy sold his N/A 3000gt for it) and I pass the 3 yellow ones at the car lot about twice a week.The front end grows on me each time I see it.(I used to like the EVO 6 and 7 much more)

The STI feels faster than the EVO with the extra HP you would think thats true.I did here of some EVO's running high 12's.If this is the case they should be about even.The Black w/ silver BBS's is an awesome look.

Ahhhh such a delema' I will wait a bit and see if I can get the Subaru dealer to give in and drop 2k off the sticker for me.If not I can hang onto the Spec V for a while(Its not too shabby).It just sits in the garage clean, begging to go out and play.

[nlzmo400r]

ooooor u could just give me your spec V as a birthday gift, go buy yourself your STi, ill give you the extra 2k you want off the sticker !!!

[jEzTeR]

LOLRob, Rob, Rob, thats some idea you have there.I had better not do that as I still owe $$ on the Spec V.I will have to sell it .(or trade it in and add another 2k to the price that I talk them down to-LOL)

[Cold_Zero]

I went buy and drove an STI Friday.

Jezter-I saw buy and STi in the same sentence and nearly crapped my pants. Man I would be so jealous. Oh to be in your situation.

Bubba- What do the S-4's run price wise. I have always been a fan of Audi.

bud

[jEzTeR]

Yeah Bud I about craped my pants just thinking that I may end up getting one.

The Audi 4's are in the uper 30's low 40's

Volvo has an awesome S60 R that is so sweet also but again up there in price.

[Jesda]

Bah. The joy of a manual is the total interaction with the machine. You can have your tap-clap-doodlematic shifters. I want a real clutch and a stick.

[jEzTeR]

You got that right!I drive a 6-speed now and the STI is a 6-speed,the EVO is a 5-speed and I kept thinking about shifting to 6(Glad I didn't try it because R would be a bad idea at any speed much less triple didgets).

[nlzmo400r]

actually i hear the 2oo4 evo8 will have a 6spd, i know the JDM ones already do, also, i heard a RUMOR from one salesman at mistubishi (u know how accurate they are :rolleyes) that soon (o4 or possibly o5) the evo will have a whopping 32ohp, this of cousre, intended to out do subaru