What next?

[Take2]

Car enthusiasts often make a lot of sacrifices to drive the cars that they do. For me to drive my mini I have to make a lot of compromises. Anyway I think it is time for me to move on. I love my mini, it still makes me smile but it's just not the right car for me right now.
:thumbsdow
I want something that is more practical and reliable. Unfortunately boring keeps coming to mind ...

I am looking for a reliable, practical, fun daily driver that I can find in decent shape for 6-7 grand. But I am completely lost:nuts:

I've been looking at:
B6 A4
Volvo S60r/V70r
Infinite g35
Honda Accord

If I didn't have a budget I would be looking at wrxs brz S4 M3 Pontiac G8s used cts-vs etc.....

Everyone loves to play the what would I buy game so any help and guidance would be awesome

[morghen]

Buy a porsche 944 or even a 924 if you can find one in good running condition

They are fun to drive, put down decent performance, have a decent boot, if in good condition and maintained, they are reliable. mileage is not bad.

[Take2]

Buy a porsche 944 or even a 924 if you can find one in good running condition

They are fun to drive, put down decent performance, have a decent boot, if in good condition and maintained, they are reliable. mileage is not bad.

I don't picture porsche and reliability going hand in hand ha

What would you value a 2004 audi a4 ultrasport with a 3.0 that needs a timing belt and water pump, 160000 miles?

[theseeker411]

You want reliable and practical, but you're looking at an Audi that needs a timing belt and water pump?

Dude, 6-7 grand would get you a super nice e34 5 series. Or an e36. Hell, push your budget a little higher and you could have an e36 M3.

[Take2]

Are e36 m3s reliable? I thought the e36 had a bunch of little issues? The ones I've seen have been listed for 9 plus.

Maybe I should just get an accord... haha

[rice4life]

2001-2005 elantra GT 5 speed sedan. 2700lbs with fluids, spare and everything else, leather interior, 6 speaker sound system(the speakers are pretty good, but the head unit sucks wienies) 4 doors for more whores, and a pissed off 140hp 2.0 that get's you well over 30mpg highway.

In stock form, it's pretty bland and has tons of body roll, but it shares a lot of parts with the Tiburon and the Spectra, so upgrades and repairs are cheap. Once you do some weight reduction up front in the car(there is like 30lbs of plastic air box that you can remove) and remove the spare and jack, and it becomes a real fun car.

Honestly, never see a car as not having potential, or "boring". Everything has potential, and it is what you make of it.

Did I mention that you could get two of them for in excellent condition for $8000? It also has really good safety reviews, and the engines are bulletproof if you keep up maintenence. They also have the oil pan, and tranny tucked up nicely over the lower rad support, so they are low friendly.

[Take2]

I understand the no car is boring advice. I had a volvo that most people would say is boring but that car was a blast to drive.

Does anyone have experience with a v70r?

Lexus IS300 can one be had at my price range?

Add Mazda 3 to my list ...

[theseeker411]

Sounds like you're all over the map. Go test drive everything you're interested in, research all of their flaws, then make your decision.

[rice4life]

I understand the no car is boring advice. I had a volvo that most people would say is boring but that car was a blast to drive.

Does anyone have experience with a v70r?

Lexus IS300 can one be had at my price range?

Add Mazda 3 to my list ...

If you get an IS300, it has to be a 5 speed, otherwise it's a complete dog. Having a 2jz may sound pretty cool, but aside from the sound it makes, it's nothing special in stock or lightly modded form.

What gen mazda 3? The 1st gen mazda 3 2.3 is pretty average in terms of ride quality, and acceleration, but the aftermarket is pretty large for it and maintenance is pretty cheap as well. I haven't driven an MS3 though

[OrangeBlue]

Does anyone have experience with a v70r?

I do, i worked at a volvo shop...

If they are well maintanced they last forever.
Well, the exhaust isn't really rust resistend.

But remember the parts are quite pricey, if you need a turbo, brakes, shocks
or the trans, because they are different from the normal s60/v70...

[JRodigan]

2004+ Saab 9-5 Aero. Cheaper than a Honda Accord, gets better gas mileage (can get up to 35mpg on the highway), has 250 hp (that can be easily raised), the best seats in any car in that price range, better-than-you'd-think aftermarket support, very reliable, and they look great.

[Dudermagee]

it's a saab

[JRodigan]

it's a saab

And there's not a damn thing wrong with that.

[KarlSpackler]

Out of that list, Infinite G35s is a no brainer.
You would never run out.....!v!!!..v!

[Dudermagee]

and there's not a damn thing wrong with that.

lol