beater/daily-drvr... which would you get (sedan) ? Options

[Crazy Canuck]

First off.. what is your $$ range???


1.New Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300C (both can have the SRT-8 option and auto) If i wanted a classy buisness vehicle i would take the SRT-8 300. plus they have RWD!!!

2.Infinity G35 (again RWD + Auto+ 4 doors) ... but the coupes look 100x better

3. Lexus IS350 quite powerful, rwd, auto, 4 doors (or an older IS300.. but they are quite small and less powerfull)

I'd liek to keep it under 1k$/month on a purchase of 4yrs, no down.
So basically under 50k$ CAN, tx in
if I can get with 40k$, the better (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

The Charger is nice: http://www.dodge.ca/en/charger/
The R/T starts @ 39k$ + tx
the SRT-8 Charger starts @ 46k$ +tx

little note: tx here are 15.025% so it adds up quickly.
So a base SRT-8 will cost me $53k + wanted options (2k$) = 55k$
@ 5% financing, that's 1,035$/month for 60months... a bit steep, although I would love that car.

Cars are very expensive in CANADA compared to US.

[Crazy Canuck]

RWD, although I would love to, keep in mind my wife ain't a driver and very panicky... ie, will slam on brakes if anything happens, and get herself in trouble... she's not a driver, but a commuter (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[Crazy Canuck]

btw, test drove 2 cars today
Malibu SS and the Impala SS (same dealer I bought the SS)
Anyway, started w/ Malibu and liked it overall... quite peppy and fun to drive, but lack of refinement.
Get in Impala, much more refined and a bit more powerful (5.3 v8) but that thing needs new shocks (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif) and maybe some h/c someday (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)
Only thing that pisses me off for the Impala is that the dual-climate zone is manual, not electric and no triptronic, while the Malibu has them... and the triptronic/tranny of the Malibu is much better than the one from Subaru.
Ironically, the Impala SS felt slow but the #s climbed decently... guess it's very smooth.
Tomorrow I'll be testing the SAABs and we'll see from there.
I'll have to check the Sonata one of these days as well.

As for prices, if any of you go to websites, instead of .com, use .ca for candian version, it'll give you a good idea.

[Crazy Canuck]

We bought an '06 Sonata in late August. Plenty of neat features, but we didn't want leather. Plenty quick, but the mileage isn't what I had hoped for....we're averaging 21mpg, but virtually all of it in town, and we only have 2800 miles on it. Handling is fair, although I really haven't pushed it much. The "select-shift" is fun to play with, but it upshifts a little slow. For the money it's a good buy, and the warranty is wonderful.

I noticed all cars are a little slow on the upshifts, but some are insanely slow... like you can have almost 2 seconds (at least 1+), no kidding, like the subaru.
21mpg.... hmmmm.... that means 11.2 l./100km which is pretty good.
If I like the handling and overall feel of it, I might just go for it, since it's quite cheap compared to the others and offer the best warranty.
I'll have everything except HIDs
0$ down will cost me $700/month for 4years.

[torontoZ28]

Hey Eugenio,

Are you living in toronto these days or montreal? If you want a lexus/toyota car, lemme know.. I have a good friend who works as a marketing mgr at their head office that can get employee discount or first crack at the exec demo models.

Mike.

[Crazy Canuck]

Hey Eugenio,

Are you living in toronto these days or montreal? If you want a lexus/toyota car, lemme know.. I have a good friend who works as a marketing mgr at their head office that can get employee discount or first crack at the exec demo models.

Mike.

well... Toyota has nothing to offer that gives some fun back while behind the wheel.
Lexus in the other hand might have 1-2 options available.
I'm in TO this week-end... and will be going to the Detroit AutoShow on sunday.
Will you be @ the party on saturday and/or going to the show on sunday ?
if so, let's talk.

[Crazy Canuck]

went to take a look @ pontiac dealer to see the G6 up close and personal, and the GrandPrix GXP seems quite interesting... much better option than the Impala SS.
same price, same engine, has triptronic, has auto/dual climate zone vs manual.
I'll have to test it, but have the guts feeling the handling will be better.
hmmmm.... something to think about.
Anyone driven it ?

1st thing that comes to mind is replacing rotors for non-drilled blanks and put other pads... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif)

[DanO]

I say go for the Lexus IS350

This post has been edited by DanO: Jan 13 2006, 03:41 PM

[2000Z-71]

When I see beater I think cheap, but it's obvious that you aren't looking for cheap but a nice 4 door sedan that handles. I'd suggest looking at the Infiniti G35, it's available as the G35X which is all wheel drive since you're concerned about your wife driving a rear wheel drive car.

Sadly I traded in my 02 Camaro SS on an 06 G35 6MT. I'll be running it this spring in D stock. So far I've been very impressed with the car. The handling is very good and the stability control/traction control can be turned completely off. Even when engaged the stability control is not nearly as invasive as the Charger R/T that I drove. It will allow a little bit of tire squawk and tail out driving.

Other than that possibly the Audi A4. Be wary of the price since the option sheet is long and costly. Also Audi does not have the best reputation for reliability. My wife had a 99 A4 1.8T with the sport package and it was a fantastic car, but we did not want to keep it 1 day past the warranty.

When I was looking I wanted something rear wheel drive, manual transmission with handling good enough that I could autocross. I looked at the new 3 series BMW's, Mercedes C-class Sport, Audi A4, Dodge Charger and Infiniti G35. The BMW's were overpriced with mnile long option sheets. I also learned that the only bigger prick than a BMW driver is a BMW salesman. The Mercedes C-class had great handling but was just dog slow unless you stepped up to the C350 which is 6k more. The Audis were nice but no one in town had quite what I was looking for. The Charger was a little scary to drive. Great acceleration and high handling limits but no seat of the pants feel for what the car was doing. Kinda' like playing Gran Turismo on Playstation, the only sensation of speed is the scenery moving really fast.

The Infiniti offered what I thought was the most performance for the money. The car I got is a "stripper", a manual transmission with absolutely no options. But even then the manual transmission comes with the upgraded suspension and it has leather, heated seats, and power everything.

Hope all this helps.

[JKnight]

the only bigger prick than a BMW driver is a BMW salesman

That's not fair! I'm probably a bigger prick than most BMW salesman. Actually, I've never bought a car from a BMW dealership, and from my experiences with the local probably never will, at least not from them.

Jason

[slowTA]

... I'm probably going to kick myself for the flaming I'm going to get. So please be gentle.

This is an F-body based forum, a GM product. I know most of us aren't happy with GM right now due to their lack of eye catching products, but I'm sure they make something you wont hate forever. Especially if you're looking for a daily driver. Because we're F-body enthusiats, I'm kind of surprised more of us aren't recomending more GM products.

If GM really doesn't do anything for you, then there's always Dodge and Ford. At least they're mostly made in North America even if Dodge is half German now. Our jobs are leaving for cheaper labor because not enough people are buying American products. Now there are going to be those who say there is a reason for that. If you really don't like something made in America then I wont argue. We all have our reasons. Personally I would rule out EVERY car made in America before looking elsewhere. If this keeps up everyone who moves here in hopes of a better life will wind up homeless along with the rest of us.

Lets face it, most of the stuff we buy outside of food is made overseas. I know we're all looking for a deal, but I don't really understand how we can still have jobs left since it looks like we buy everything made overseas. I'm usually not this political so I don't have all of the numbers or statistics and I know some people make way too much, ruining it for the rest of the company.

Having said that I can say I haven't done my part yet, all of my cars have been used. But I do what I can to my neighbors help out.

[marka]

Howdy,

My civic was made in the US.

Sure, the profit probably goes back Japan, but there's a shitload of good old US citizens employed that made my car.

Just, you know, pointing that out.

Mark

(unlike, for instance, GM with their Canada or Mexico or whatever plants)

[rmackintosh]

Don't listen to Randy. I don't know anyone that ad the maintenance issues that he seems to have had, and I know a lot of folks with BMWs.

Jason

...no.....DO listen to Randy.....

NO BigMoneyWastes allowed!

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[slowTA]

Howdy,

My civic was made in the US.

Sure, the profit probably goes back Japan, but there's a shitload of good old US citizens employed that made my car.

Just, you know, pointing that out.

Mark

(unlike, for instance, GM with their Canada or Mexico or whatever plants)

Yeah, I meant to bring that point up too. At least it helps out our economy some, besides just at the dealers.

I think GM went to Mexico since that's what everyone else is doing to stay alive, I can't agree with that either. As for Canada, I guess I consider them America Jr. so it doesn't bother me. As for the Austrailian GTO, at least it's kind of sporty and I think it was a desperate attempt to try selling something instead of nothing. Hopefully the next generation will be built here, probably beside the next Camaro.

[2000Z-71]

the only bigger prick than a BMW driver is a BMW salesman

That's not fair! I'm probably a bigger prick than most BMW salesman. Actually, I've never bought a car from a BMW dealership, and from my experiences with the local probably never will, at least not from them.

Jason

Sorry to offend Jason but my experience with the BMW dealer just further reinforced my BMW stereotypes.

First I had to ask "permission" to test drive the car from the sales manager. It was the only manual transmission car with the sport package that they had on the lot.

Then I had to listen to the salesman berate my Camaro for the entire length of the test drive and tell me how superior ther BMW was. I finally had enough of it and challenged him to autocross for pink slips me in my Camaro and him in his precious BMW. He wouldn't take me up on the offer because I was a "professional" driver as he was merely and enthusiast and it wouldn't be fair.

Did I also mention the prescribed 5 minute test drive with the constant backseat driving by the salesman? "Sir, you're exceeding the speed limit!" "Sir I really wish you would not rev the car above 3,000 rpm!" "Slow down for the upcaoming turn!"

The salesman had absolutely no technical knowledge. I asked the difference between the 325 and 330. His response was that the 325 had the 2.5 litre motor and the 330 had the 3.0 litre motor. I then asked if that was the case why did the window sticker specifications for the 325 that I was driving said it was a 3.0 litre motor. He then said the difference in power output between the 2 cars was due to tuning and the two had the same size motors. He had no answer when I asked what kind of tuning the additional 6K price for the 330 bought.

Then there was the discussion with the sales manager when I got back about ordering a car to my specifications. He explained that there was a $2,500 non-refunadable deposit up front which I thought was too much but could understand. Then the kicker was that any trade-in would be negotiated upon delivery of the new car and not at the time the deposit was made. I asked specifically what would happen to the deposit if we could not agree upon the trade-in amount. The response was that it was a non-refundable deposit and if I didn't agree to their offer I would forfeit the deposit.

The sad part was I actually liked the 325 better than the Infiniti G35 that I bought. However, the only car on the lot had about 6k in useless options like $1500 for "deluxe" plastic wood trim. In order to get the car to be within my price range I would have had to order one. I was not willing to do that with their terms. After dealing with them, I really wouldn't care if a BMW was the last car on the planet, I still wouldn't buy it.

[torontoZ28]

Hey Eugenio,

Are you living in toronto these days or montreal?  If you want a lexus/toyota car, lemme know.. I have a good friend who works as a marketing mgr at their head office that can get employee discount or first crack at the exec demo models.

Mike.

well... Toyota has nothing to offer that gives some fun back while behind the wheel.
Lexus in the other hand might have 1-2 options available.
I'm in TO this week-end... and will be going to the Detroit AutoShow on sunday.
Will you be @ the party on saturday and/or going to the show on sunday ?
if so, let's talk.

Im stuck at home this wkend (still sick from last wk.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) )

If you are interested in the lexus - the new IS is pretty nice - give my buddy eddie ng a buzz @ eng@toyota.ca and tell him you are friends with mike ma. he'll hook you up.

[slowTA]

[quote=2000Z-71,Jan 13 2006, 18:17] Jason [/QUOTE]
Sorry to offend Jason but my experience with the BMW dealer just further reinforced my BMW stereotypes.
[/quote]
Most salesmen don't know jack about cars. When my mom bought her Blazer the guy said the Dexron III coolant lasts for 100K miles. But in his defense he was an ex-football player for the Giants and some other team, so he was probably knocked around enough to excuse the mistake.

I can also see that dealers don't want just anyone to go for a joyride and they always belittle your trade in. Even if they say it's in great shape, they'll screw you when it comes to playing with the numbers.

[rpoz-29]

Dodge Ram..........built in Mexico.

Z-28 Camaro.......built in Canada. (And a lovely car it is too!) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Hyundai Sonata..built in Alabama.

When an American company moves operations overseas we bitch. When a foreign manufacturer sets up shop in America, the temptation is to gripe because "they're taking over". As long as it's employing Americans, it is an American company.

[slowTA]

Dodge Ram..........built in Mexico.

Z-28 Camaro.......built in Canada. (And a lovely car it is too!) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Hyundai Sonata..built in Alabama.

When an American company moves operations overseas we bitch. When a foreign manufacturer sets up shop in America, the temptation is to gripe because "they're taking over". As long as it's employing Americans, it is an American company.

I covered that in my reply to marka, it sucks no matter how you look at it.

Does anyone know how much of an 'import' is actually imported when assembled here? I mean is the sheetmetal stamped over there and welded together here, what about the engines?

[00 Trans Ram]

This is funny - I really wasn't looking to keep my business "local". I just wanted something to haul my butt 100 miles per day and still let me keep the T/A. What do I end up with? A GM product built in Tennessee! Didn't even mean to.