| SugarRushMurano |
Hi all,
I am thinking of getting a roadster sometime in feb 2005.
Hopefully, i dont overpay as it is still snowing out there even though summer month will be around may.
Budget is around $25K - $35K. I am Ok with buying a used one.
Anyway, murano is my first nissan.
So far the owner experience is great, not GREAT in capital letters :rolleyes:
I like the power of the vq engine
So it will be logical to take a look at the nissan 350Z.
Also, I am looking at a used audi TT, purely becaause i owned an audi before and people in the forum (audiworld.com) has been really helpful and fun. Audi has the quartro tech, which is good for winter. Audi fit and finish is marvelous.
Yet, audi/vw reliability is not something i can be proud of.
Buying a used audi scares me.
I am also looking at mercedez SLK, the one before the current model. But they are still expensive.
Furthermore, being the older model will defineltely hurts the resale in future.
HOnda S2000, superb car. Pitty it is 4-banger. I dont like 4 banger
Even with vtec technology.
I ride in my colleague 2001 porsche boxter.
Nice car, but i am not sure whether i am ready to be seen around in a porsche yet. Making too much of a statement? :cool:
What do you all think? Any inputs on above models or maybe other make? Thank you |
|
|
| GripperDon |
I have a 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK 320 and you can buy one for around $30K with low mileage, now that the new body style is out and it will still have some factory warranty left.
It is wonderfull and will be worth more than any of the others in just one year. The 320 V6 is a great engine and the leather in the interior is primo.
GRIP :D |
|
|
| GMTURBO43 |
Depends on new or used - but I've been going through the same thoughts.
Chrysler Crossfire - SRT model is expensive
Honda S2000 - not enough torque - but HP figures are nice
350Z - looks better as a hard top
TT
Mazdaspeed Miata (Turbo 4)
C5 Vette - price will be coming down as the '05 (C6) is out
Pontiac Solstice - seems I remember a Spring 05 release
Lotus Elise - a touch over your price range (and mine).
Z3 - Everyone else has one
BMW M Roadster :)
My wife likes the SC430 - has goofy lines to me |
|
|
| TonyD(90Z32TT) |
G35 coupe...
mamma mia those cars are hot.:1: |
|
|
| mgthe3 |
Stock I'm thinkin you would like the 350Z for the price and torque, and yes the hard top does look betta.
Vette? A 2003 is around 35-40k. If I wanted a coooool roadster, this one with very little help can dust off most others and is DEF my fave. |
|
|
| dmako |
| How about the Lotus Elise? |
|
|
| ericschiffli |
| For the last year my dad has been looking to buy a roadster. He and my mom retired about a year ago and with his house completely paid for, he had his heart set on a new toy. After looking at all of the other cars mentioned above, he decided on a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Limited. he has every option except the Navigation system. My dad paid exactly $41,000 out-the-door up in Indiana. I found a deal here in FL for $40,000 for the same car with nav system, but he did not want to put 1200 miles on a brand new car in the first 2 days. For the money, I would say the Crossfire is one of the best deals out there. I personally think the Crossfire Coupe is prettier than the roadster (I'm a sucker for a boat-tail), but the roadster is nice all the same. |
|
|
| senza |
| G 35...has the VQ engine....beautiful machine...I would imagine a used roadster might be hard to find.. |
|
|
| GripperDon |
I will not become a harpie on this. I have owned 16 jouses and 42 cars in my life, See this list on one of my past posts. A goodly number of roadsters, both foreign and domestic. Why say that beacuse my comment comes from some experience that may apply.
The comment: 2 parts, the only car I ever owned that only needed oil was the SLK320, If money counts look at the depreciation for the next year on new vs used particurarly the SLK320.
Promise not to say another word on this subject. Thanks Grip :D |
|
|
| ericschiffli |
Grip,
Interesting that you should mention the SLK320. From what I understand, the Chrysler Crossfire is really a SLK320 in disguise. Mercedes replaced the SLK320 with the newly re-designed SLK350. With a warehouse full of SLK320 parts, DaimlerChrysler designed and built the Crossfire on the SLK320 chassis. When my dad and I looked under the hood, it was easy to see the Mercedes-Bends logo on some of the parts. In fact the Crossfire is built in Germany and "imported" into the US. |
|
|
| SIM |
quote:
the Chrysler Crossfire is really a SLK320 in disguise
Would it be the first reliable Chrysler? :p |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
Reasons why I am not interested in the following:
Chrysler Crossfire
>t is a chrysler, somehow i am stereotype on the reliability of domestic brand. Even though it IS the prev SLK in disguise, but again I am not interested.
Honda S2000 - not enough torque - but HP figures are nice
> I completely agree.
Furthermore, a good co-worker already has it. No point of me getting the same thing park next to each other in the lot ;)
350Z -
> This is my top candidate now.
TT
> second candidate
Mazdaspeed Miata (Turbo 4)
> IO personally never like miata's shape.
C5 Vette - price will be coming down as the '05 (C6) is out
> No comment, but i never really love corevete.
Pontiac Solstice - seems I remember a Spring 05 release
> Yeah, i though so too. But it is a pontiac, another domestic brand
Lotus Elise - a touch over your price range (and mine).
> I am thinking of taking a look at it.
Z3 - Everyone else has one
> 3rd candidate. |
|
|
| ericschiffli |
quote:
Originally posted by SIM
Would it be the first reliable Chrysler? :p
Notice that it was my dad that bought the Chrysler. When it came time for me to buy, I bought a Nissan! :) |
|
|
| GripperDon |
Response to the Crossfire. The SLK is built by Karmin for MB. All humans start with same parts but; as we know WHO assembles them makes a difference. take MRS tiger woods as a example.
The hardtop operation of the SLK is so outstanding as to be almost in a class by itself.
Comment on 350Z. I traded in a MB C320 the day the G35 sedan came out, thats how impressed I was. The G was great for me, some of the same types of issues we have with our MO's. But I loved it. I sold it to buy the MO. The MB dealer was a dream to deal with, the Infiniti was Pretty Good and the Nissan is apalling.
I owned a Z car in 1985 so I find the type apealing. It is certaninly on the cutting edge of styling and with the engine, etc. is a winner. Seeing what has happened to the G35 as it matured from first year out I might be tempted to let it age a model year. There are some good improvement for 05. All in all a good choice, one I could easily make and enjoy myself. Since my next bithday is the big 70 I guess you can understand if my tastes have lost some of their zest (although I did just buy the MO and decided last night to buy an ultra moder new home our 17th, so I am not completely dead yet.) You will miss that wonderfull converting hard top though.
Good luck on the impending Z-GO. GRIP :D |
|
|
| MOCKBA |
I would say G35 :2:
It is still about where your budget is and it will be Brand New and it beats 350z just like :9: + it is more stylish |
|
|
| GMTURBO43 |
Maybe I'm being silly - and maybe the reason a G35 hasn't been mentioned by the original poster is it isn't a "roadster". Doesn't the term roadster generally mean convertable? I'm yet to see a G35 convertable.
I could be wrong. |
|
|
| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by GripperDon
Since my next bithday is the big 70 I guess you can understand if my tastes have lost some of their zest (although I did just buy the MO and decided last night to buy an ultra moder new home our 17th, so I am not completely dead yet.)
I see more life in your posts and mods than in a lot of other “younger” people. Happy 69! |
|
|
| hfelknor |
"Originally posted by SIM
Would it be the first reliable Chrysler? "''
Hahahaha That's funny!
What is hilarious is that my last car, a Chrysler Town and Country MiniVan was far more reliable than my Murano.
My Chrysler never had a problem while in warranty. None. Zero. Zip. nada.
When it was 6 years old, an idler pulley froze and shredded the serpentine belt.
When I sold it after 7 years, that was the total of all work done on the Chrysler.
My Murano has had 5 reportable failures and 3 trips to the dealer.
It is 13 mos old. The Alterbnator hasn't gone bad. Yet.
Now that's really funny.
ha ha.:rolleyes:
Homer
PS One of the best cars I ever had was a "roadster". A 1999 Miata.
Z, I will be 67 in January. |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
quote:
Maybe I'm being silly - and maybe the reason a G35 hasn't been mentioned by the original poster is it isn't a "roadster". Doesn't the term roadster generally mean convertable? I'm yet to see a G35 convertable.
I AM NOT considerING a G35 in my purchase decision.
Dont get me wrong, it is a fabulous car.
But, it only is a coupe and no roadster version (2 seater, open top)
Hence it does not fall into the model i am considering at this point ;) |
|
|
| mgthe3 |
| Homer, I am sorry to say this....., but you lucked out with that Chrysler, and since ur a buddy Mo owner and forum mate, I am happy for you. :) |
|
|
| mgthe3 |
Sugar, your choices are in the same order as mine.....although a vette sure would tickle me, especially if I could intercool turbo it.
Oh yes, I can see it now. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Uh huh, yep.
And you like to do mods? OMG, the possibilities....
:2: |
|
|
| mgthe3 |
the Mo has the edge on hp to weight ratio....by a lil.
:D
But it's pretty, wonder if you can debadge the nose.
hehe |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
| The same reason i am not looking at chrysler crossfire. I have the stereotype that domestic brand reliability is ... well you fill the blank :rolleyes: |
|
|
| Halo |
Have you driven the 350Z convertible yet? Although it is indeed a two seat convertible, it drives like a GT car rather than a roadster. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but it's a different niche.
I am a bit biased of course (;) check my sig), but a roadster should be:
1. Lightweight
2. Soft top
3. F/R setup (possibly M/R if you're not a complete purist) with close to 50/50 weight dist.
4. Designed to be a convertible from the ground up
The current crop of cars that fall into this category:
Boxter
S2000
Z4
Miata
Elise
All of the cars on this list bring something different to the table. I personally love the raw feel of the S. Like a sport bike with 4 wheels. You can't be afraid to keep it in the powerband, and it moves fast enough to get you plenty of tickets. On a road course, or autocross, it is simply amazing. I would recommend you drive each of these cars to see how they feel in your hands.
BTW, funny website on the TT:
http://www.myaudittsucks.com/
To me, some car that's coming out in 2006 or even late 2005 doesn't really factor into the equation because you can always make another move at that point. By that line of thinking, why not wait until 2008 when a hypothetical hydrogen powered roadster will become available? |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
> Have you driven the 350Z convertible yet? Although it is indeed a two seat convertible, it drives like a GT car rather than a roadster. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but it's a different niche.
>> NO, I have not.
I will remember on what you said here ;)
>I am a bit biased of course ( check my sig), but a roadster should be:
1. Lightweight
2. Soft top
3. F/R setup (possibly M/R if you're not a complete purist) with close to 50/50 weight dist.
4. Designed to be a convertible from the ground up
>>
The Z, if i am not mistaken, does satisfy #1 - #3, rite?
About #4, Z uses FM platform (same as G35). So Z does not satisfy #4?
>The current crop of cars that fall into this category:
Boxter
S2000
Z4
Miata
Elise
>> All are great cars, i agree
I test drove the boxter, and Z4. Love it.
Miata is kindda small and sit too low, imho
>All of the cars on this list bring something different to the table. I personally love the raw feel of the S. Like a sport bike with 4 wheels. You can't be afraid to keep it in the powerband, and it moves fast enough to get you plenty of tickets. On a road course, or autocross, it is simply amazing. I would recommend you drive each of these cars to see how they feel in your hands.
>>S2000 is a great car
I sat in my coworker S2K, and it is awesome.
>BTW, funny website on the TT: http://www.myaudittsucks.com/
>> Thanks, it makes me think twice getting a TT :p
>To me, some car that's coming out in 2006 or even late 2005 doesn't really factor into the equation because you can always make another move at that point. By that line of thinking, why not wait until 2008 when a hypothetical hydrogen powered roadster will become available?
>> I agree. If you want to buy, jusy buy.
When i bought my murano in nov 03, i dont bother to wait for the 04. Dealer gave me a fair price too for a late year model.
Bty, why "halo"
Is that halo as in The Angel's halo (shinning ring)?
Or you play the xbox game "halo"? :p |
|
|
| Halo |
The convertible Z is not exactly 'lightweight' at over 3400lb. That's 600 lb more than the others in the group, and you can definitely feel it.
The G35 and Z are designed to be hardtop coupes. The convertible Z is an afterthought. Do you ever wonder why convertible versions of cars that are initially hardtops are heavier? I mean, they're missing the roof, certainly they should be lighter, right? Well, in order to maintain crash-worthiness and chassis rigidity, the car has to be reinforced and that means more weight which is never a good thing. Those in the roadster category were designed to be convertibles from the get-go.
The reason behind the Halo is neither of those... too long to go into but it has nothing to do with either video games or angels. |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| Pretty but I sure would not want to pay for that front end after the 5mph bumper test. GRIP :D |
|
|
| jaycen29 |
| I really like the interior...but the production vehicle probably wont have it the same, as usual. |
|
|
| hfelknor |
"Pretty but I sure would not want to pay for that front end after the 5mph bumper test"
Me either, You ARE talking about the Murano, right?;)
Homer
BY THE WAY< The Pontiac MAY be out before the end of this year!
And if they make the $20,000 price they may give the Miata a run.
AND if they put a 200HP Turbo in it as an option.................
EDIT - CANCEL THAT! UNFOUNDED RUMOUR.
WON"T BE OUT UNTIL NEXT YEAR. |
|
|
| wishforamurano |
| Here's my favorite roadster. The hard top does come off.:2: |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| I like that! GRIP :D |
|
|
| Kris |
Hm..........I do like the VQ engine and the G35C and 350Z......but, given the choice I would go with SLK320 or SLK350.........somehow I like hoe they drive, how they look.....
just my 2c |
|
|
| GripperDon |
| Take a peak on the"What's your other ride?" thread and you can see how I feel GRIP :D |
|
|
| dklanecky1 |
I just returned from a 5 day trip to Vegas. (510 new posts!!) On the last two days, I rented a 2004 350Z roadster in Copper with black leather interior, touring package and the six speed. (Thanks you, Rent-A-Vette)
I haven't driven a "sports car" since my friends 1972 Porsche so my opinion is well, dated at best and I'm over 30 years older now but I can't imagine wanting a lighter, or more powerful car for everyday driving. I had a difficult time in keeping the power it had well under my control.
I loved the handling, acceleration and speed, 6 speed transmission, and yes the looks of the Z. I was fighting people off the car for two days and was forced to use valet parking to protect it when I wasn't driving it.
I took it all over Vegas, 200 miles total, both at night and during the day, and then out to Hoover dam Monday.
Only one problem for me, NO room anywhere for anything, at all.
I made a decision and that is that unless I suddenly become single, no Z for me. Just no room, particularly in the roadster.
More likely a G35 Coupe if anything in the small size sportscar. |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
It really helps in my roadster shopping ;)
I am not going to sell the MO to get the roadster.
So when i need to haul stuffs, Mo will have the space
And if i need the open-air-girlfriend-on-my-side ride, i will use the roadster.
Have you seen the Toyota Mr2, they are sooooo smallllll ... and nooo room for anything whatsoever, not even for a golf back ;) |
|
|
| senza |
| MR 2's have been out of production since '93/'94... |
|
|
| SugarRushMurano |
| mr2 spyder |
|
|
| dklanecky1 |
quote:
Originally posted by SugarRushMurano
It really helps in my roadster shopping ;)
I am not going to sell the MO to get the roadster.
So when i need to haul stuffs, Mo will have the space
And if i need the open-air-girlfriend-on-my-side ride, i will use the roadster.
Have you seen the Toyota Mr2, they are sooooo smallllll ... and nooo room for anything whatsoever, not even for a golf back ;)
As long as you have the Murano too, I'd say that's a pretty good garage full of choices!
In my case, I'll need another space in the garage or something has to get sold or traded in (00 Maxima probably) but then we've got snow to deal with up here in Wisconsin so................
Still thinking about how to pull this one off. |
|
|
|
