First off I want to apologize that this is not a tech question... I decided to put this in the Integra forum because I wanted to hear from fellow GSR and other Integra owners .....this (Integra) and Car audio/security are the only 2 forums I'm active on/actually look in regularly... so I'd appreciate it if the mods not move this or lock it since I think its kind of Integra specific/pertains to the Integra.

Have you guys considered replacing/getting rid of your cars for something else (that you can actually attain/afford)? if so what do you consider a worthy replacement? I guess a little background information... despite my s/n (gsracerBOI) I'm not really all that young ... I've been out of college and done with school since 1999, and I've had my car since mid 90's and have access to other cars... I'm in my mid 20's and have been working and although the teg is a great car I've been giving a lot of thought on what else is out there/the future? so maybe you guys can give me some input or help me decide whats next...

I'm probably going to wait until I'm 25 (not that long) or maybe a little more and when my MVR shows no more tickets (last ticket I got was in 2001) so my insurance on the new car won't be so crazy...

don't bother w/ saying Hybrid hatch/swaps, RSX Type S, WRX, etc... I also don't want a 2 seater or all out sports car (insurance reasons).... which leaves out cars like 300ZX, 350Z, RX7, NSX, Supra, Mr2, etc.. I'm lookin for a luxury coupe or sedan

My criteria would be something classy/elegant/luxury, that has good performance, styling and features and most important IS RELIABLE and last a decent amount of time (at least 150K miles)!!! I don't plan on paying upwards of a thousand for inspection III's and such (kinda equivalent to Honda/Acuras Major/30K interval maintenance) so it should be a car that isn't an absolut b*tch to work on since I plan on buying the reset tool, shop/service manual and doin my own maintenances

here is the list of cars I'm considering:

1) BMW M3 *this is at the top of my list* - either a used 99 E36 or the newer E46's (this will take a lot longer )
or BMW 330Ci
2) Audi A4 - previous gen model I dont really like the newer style/look
3) Audi S4 - I haven't even looked at pricing/insurance/comsumer feedback
4) Mercedes Benz E430 - yeah I know its a 4 door but I like it (prolly going to be used late 90's, early 2000's.. can't afford brand new E class)
5) BMW 5 Series 540i - 97+
6) Acura CL Type S - new
7) Lexus SC400 - late 90's/early 2000's model
8) Lexus GS400 - same
9) Lexus IS300 - not too high on the list..this could be new..

if you guys have any thoughts.. or want to add to the list (keep in mind my criteria), give input, have personal experience (good or bad) w/ any of these please let me know... key considerations are reliability, abilty to maintain myself/not take into the dealer and get ripped off, insurance costs/costs of ownership (I know these will be higher than now..)... I AM prepared that parts for these cars will cost more than on a Honda/Acura...and know it will cost a bit more to maintain .... but do NOT want to buy something thats in the shop/breaks down all the time or is unreliable/has a short operating life because this will be my daily driver/ride to work!!

thanks in advance for any input...


[Modified by GSRaCeRbOI, 5:39 AM 7/15/2002]

 

How about the new Infinity G35? By the time you're ready for a new car, the 6-speed coupe should be out. That's a pretty sweet car, comparable to a lot of what you have on your list.

 

I was gonna say the G35 too, there is a 2 door coming out that looks sooooo sweet. If not, I say e36 m3 (add an active autowerks turbo into the equation) or a 540i.

 

I bought a WRX when I hit 25 and it fits the bill perfectly. I get the joy of driving an AWD turbo, without my clients and peers thinking I'm a street racer. But since it's not on your list.....

I would go for the IS300. It has a jdm history and still has something for the boy racer that will always still be in you. Not to mention that it looks awesome with a set of nice wheels.

 

hmm I think #'s 1, 4, and 5 are the ones highest on my list...

I was going to put an 850Csi on the list of one of the cars but w/ a V12 motor and me having a not so perfect driving record.. I think insurance on that thing be crazy
plus it got discontinued in mid 90's (like 96 I think) and I don't want to pay close to 30K for such an old car...

am I the only one that isn't "feelin" the G35? everyone seems to like the G35 and 350Z except for me... I don't really like the styling and yes I've seen the coupe/prototypes...

I have nothing against the WRX, RSX, and any of the other cars I excluded.. just I'd rather have something more luxury oriented (but still performs well) as I'm getting closer to *gasp* 30

Lolz I think the IS300 is at the bottom of my list..

 

Ferrari F40

 

I say S4 Quattro. I love that car.

 

come on.. it has to be something I can afford... even if I could afford the purchase price (which I can't) I don't think I'd be able to pay insurance on a Ferrari F40...

 

My g/f's mom drives a A4 1.8Turbo. It is the quattro so AWD. I absolutely love the car, even though it is an automatic with only the sportshift crap(not sure the name of it on that car) Anyways, it handles Great and still has some ***** for pickup. I would highly reccomend that car. And, I dont think finding a used one is too much money. btw, it's the 2000 model i believe.

 

Yeah, my friends dad drives a S4 quattro. I dont know much about it other than i think its bi-turbo (twin turbo), and it is incredibally fast. Another reason why i like it is because of the quattro. I live in OHIO so we do get snow. And the M3 with rwd would not do to well. Other than that the M3 would be the next on my list. Visit http://www.activeautowerke.com. You will like the M3 more and more.

 

I could be wrong, but isn't the Skyline coming to the US too? If you aren't too keen on the G35 styling (coupe and 4dr), why not wait to see how the Nissan Skyline turns out? Since the G35 is already such a great bargain, I think the Skyline will be a great bargain too.

Other cars I'd consider (cuz I'm gettin close to my mid-20's too):
Mercedes C36/43 (or C32 Kompressor if you can afford it)
Acura TL Type-S
WRX
EvoVII

OT: If I had the $ to throw around, I'd get a used NSX for my next car (tho it doesn't meet your criteria)

 

thanks every1 for your suggestions.. the M3 is already at the top of my list.. and is most likely what I'll be going w/ I just wanted to see what other suggestions/recommendations you guys had and see if any1 could justify or sway me away from the M3...

adampops: I live in California and we don't get snow here where I live.. I don't even remember that much rain really this year... but yeah rain is the worst I've encountered... thanks for your input

ee-gsr: naw don't want a skyline...insurance on that would probably be crazier than on an M3 and I'm going for luxury makes, mid 20's, gettin closer and closer to 30 everyday... I want a luxury coupe or sedan that looks good and isn't a snail.. I'd prefer that it come in manual also...

as for the TL recommendation.. hahah you don't know how many of my friends drive TL's that were passed down from their parents.. so I don't want that.. I have a few friends that drive E36 325i and 328s and some that drive E46 328 and 330's.. some but not many that drive E36 M3's (95-99).. and zero that have the E46 M3 yet..

 

Since you're talking about durability, affordability, luxury, "sports car feel", elegence, etc.........have you been in a new Maxima? I know that would be the cheapest car on your list, but I was really impressed the last time I rode in one of those. More over, it would be one of the only cars on that list that acutally comes in a standard...........a must if you still want that sports car feel. Please don't flame, I'm just trying to add some ideas here.

Nick

 

WRX

Just kidding, i would go with a 1995 M3, cheap and as mentioned an active autowerke turbo kit would be awesome, make sure the top end is stock or watch out for some problems that they had in E.C., hehe.

 

ITs OBD-1 too.

 

Nikolai: thanks for your response.. nope never been in a new maxima.. the last maxima I've driven where the early 90's that had the 4DSC (4 door sports car) logo etched on the rear door glass, and the 1996 GXE (i think thats the trim)... I don't really like the style of the maxima, nor do I like those roundish tail lights...but thanks for your suggestion..

Paste: naw the earlier E36's (95-96) have problems w/ the water pumps where theres a plastic impeller and the water pump basically eats itself up/dissintegrates.. then your water temp shoots up and if you don't shut down it can get very expensive or even a new motor... not to mention I think that repair for the water pump/impeller failure is about $1,200... someone w/ a 99 M3 told me the 98-99 don't have this problem.. and no he wasn't trying to sell me his or anything.. I jsut asked him for advice since he actually owns one..

 

Hehe, my brother has a 95 M3. 170,000 and counting. I love driving this car, except for the air condition doesn't work that well, but that shouldn't be a hard fix.

I like choice #5 also, especially if you can find a 6 speed V8.

But the e46 i think would be well worth the wait.

 

definitely e36 M3 best combination of luxury and performance. plus it doesn't have the kiddie image of a honda and the old fogey image of a cadillac. but i'm not too keen about the shifter

 

 

M3 coupe. the one that has no butt. its a 2 seater tho, but it looks nice.

IMO, the s4 is the grown up version of the wrx, less power of the box, but its more adult in the inside and out.

 

Lancia Delta Integrale Evolution in black with tan alcantara Recaros. Thats one hell of a car.

 

'02 Nissan Altima 3.5SE and a Dodge Neon for a track car.

On your list, top 3 picks would be M3, S4, IS300.

You'll miss how fun the Integra is to drive, and a M3 would be the closest replacemnt for that.

 

If you can wait and can afford it-
add 350Z and RX8 to your list.

 

dang guys.. while I appreciate all your responses a lot of you guys aren't reading my criteria and the cars I don't want.. I want a Luxury make (read: BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Lexus, Acura,)..

I think in7egrity has the right idea: Quote: definitely e36 M3 best combination of luxury and performance. plus it doesn't have the kiddie image of a honda and the old fogey image of a cadillac. but i'm not too keen about the shifter

 

the S4 is not less powerfull than the WRX, more like the other way around.