[roadracetransam]

It is time to get a car for MYSELF. The last car I did get, just for me, was the TransAm and that was 8 years ago. My current daily driver is a car I got from a "miracle" garage/used car lot (clunkerville, USA). It is a 99 Buick Regal with faded burgundy paint, passenger side keyed, some body damage, rear windows don't work, instrument panel don't light up, radio got a tape stuck in it, driver seat torn, tranny is slipping, and I just spent yesterday replacing the rack and pinion, (car did not like to turn right). It still runs decent, but I won't be picking up any babes with this pile of junk.
I am on a budget, but I do want to get something that I like, and looks good. It won't be a track car, (maybe 5 years from now it might turn into one, who knows) but I would like something that is fun.
So here is what I was thinking:
'04 GTO LS1 $14000-$16000 not to trilled about this one since the ones with more pep under the hood go for a little more
'05-'06 GTO LS2 $15000-$18000
'08 G8 GT LS2(I think) $20000 - $25000 I can't belive already see some used ones
'98-'04 C5 LS1 $15000 - $20000
'99-'04 C5 Z06 LS6 $21000 - $25000 is the Z06 worth the extra $?
'05-'08 C6 LS2 $27000 - $30000 go nuts, is 31 to soon for a midlife crisis?
'07-'08 C6 Z06 LS7 $52000 -$? go completely nuts and have no $ left to track the TA.
'04-'08 STI or EVO $17000-$25000 I don't know much about these other than they keep passing me on track (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif) on the con side the parts for these might get pricey.
'04-? BMW 3 series $16000-$20000 I know even less about these, exept people who see these think they special and people who drive them usually are aholes. I included it since it is in the price range, and I might be an ahole. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
EDIT:
Found something else with a V8 and RWD:
'05-'06 CTS V-type LS6 $17000-$22000 6-speed fun from Caddi.

I haven't been looking at what is out there, so just went with what I know....

Budget is around $15000 but willing to pay more for something better.
any other ideas?

This post has been edited by roadracetransam: Feb 9 2009, 01:04 AM

[00 Trans Ram]

I did the "mpg DD" with an 06 Saturn Ion. I even sprang for the 2.4L engine with 180hp. Despite the leather, sunroof and real wheels, it was still "just transportation".

I got rid of it an bought a G8GT. I may own this car for a decade. It's easily, hands-down, no doubt the best DD I've ever driven. I'm comparing it to BMW 330i, BMW 745i, MB CLS550, Cadillac CTS-V and Audi S4. I've driven all of them for at least a week as DDs (borrowed friend's and family's rides to test them out).

At 362hp and 380tq, it has plenty of power for highway and city. Heck, I've put mine on the track, and didn't want for power.

The exterior styling satisfies even my most critical critics - guys who own Audi and BMWs and think they're the best things since sliced bread. In fact, most people at gas stations mistake my car for something German.

The interior styling is great, too. Nice modern radio with a large, full-color LCD screen. Satellite radio available on 09s (I just plugged in a separate unit in my 08). Seats rival anything from Germany. More rear seat room than a BMW 7-series - heck, there's more room back there than most mini-vans (no joke)! Yeah, there's some plastic, but it's not like the plastic is trying to masquerade as something else. It's textured very nicely, so it appears correct.

It has the L98, which is basically an LS2 with Displacement-On-Demand (or whatever they call it these days). I get 20mpg combined, but I've got a 20lb anvil for a right foot. When babying it, I've gotten 30mpg highway and 23 city.

I haven't modded mine, yet. G8-specific parts are somewhat expensive. But, it uses the same suspension and other bits from the Camaro. Once those parts come on the market, prices will fall.

[cccbock]

I got rid of it an bought a G8GT. I may own this car for a decade. It's easily, hands-down, no doubt the best DD I've ever driven. I'm comparing it to BMW 330i, BMW 745i, MB CLS550, Cadillac CTS-V and Audi S4. I've driven all of them for at least a week as DDs (borrowed friend's and family's rides to test them out).

At 362hp and 380tq, it has plenty of power for highway and city. Heck, I've put mine on the track, and didn't want for power.

The exterior styling satisfies even my most critical critics - guys who own Audi and BMWs and think they're the best things since sliced bread. In fact, most people at gas stations mistake my car for something German.

The interior styling is great, too. Nice modern radio with a large, full-color LCD screen. Satellite radio available on 09s (I just plugged in a separate unit in my 08). Seats rival anything from Germany. More rear seat room than a BMW 7-series - heck, there's more room back there than most mini-vans (no joke)! Yeah, there's some plastic, but it's not like the plastic is trying to masquerade as something else. It's textured very nicely, so it appears correct.

It has the L98, which is basically an LS2 with Displacement-On-Demand (or whatever they call it these days). I get 20mpg combined, but I've got a 20lb anvil for a right foot. When babying it, I've gotten 30mpg highway and 23 city.

I haven't modded mine, yet. G8-specific parts are somewhat expensive. But, it uses the same suspension and other bits from the Camaro. Once those parts come on the market, prices will fall.

Just passing by here and adding something:

The G8 GT is really nice and for those seeking daily drivers that might not follow this too close, the G8 GXP is due out "any day now" as well as the new Camaro (which most of us will want in SS trim).

These cars have very similar running gear based on the GM Holden guts underneath, and both have the LS3 (not LS2) putting out over 400hp (415 in the GXP, 422 in the Camaro) and both are available with 6 speed manual. Depending on your needs, that's some serious performance even in a big heavy car.

I'm dreaming about it a lot......

Bock

This post has been edited by cccbock: Mar 22 2009, 01:15 AM