Test drove a bunch of "fun" cars

!Xoible · 01-23-2009, 11:14 AM

So i am looking into replacing my M3 with 1 or more small little fun car. here's what's on my list:
1. Mini cooper S
2. Honda S2000
3. BMW 135
4. Nissan 370Z
5. Infiniti G37 - maybe
6. Z4M
7. Evo X
8. STi
9. GTI

The criteria for the car is quick enough to fight traffic, small, and 6MT (which the G37 isnt really)

So i test drove the following:

Mini Cooper S
I was really amazed by the interior, how the LCD pops inside the gauge, the shifter was nice, everything about it was very funny looking in a good way. i guess "cool" looking. I took the car and wanted to push it. the car had like 172 hp and the guy told me it's tunable to 251 hp. I took it thru curves and what not, steering was good, had a german feel to it and all. I was like already sold when i was driving it, till i take one sharp right turn and pushed it. then it just burst my bubble, smacked me in the face and said "FRONT WHEEL DRIVE"

I can possibly live with it for the looks, but it definitely will not satisfy my car fetish. if i get it today i know i'll still be looking for another one or a replacement

then i went by the honda dealer and asked for S2000
I was very impressed with the game-console-ish dashboard. it was awesome. and what's even more amazing the 8000 redline

the guy takes me on a single street back and forth with no curves. the car has no power or torque even at really high RPM. so i was wondering what the fuck is he thinking? if i am selling this i'd probably take the customer thru twisties!
I can live with the car, it's not bad, but there's just not power. if he leases me one in the low 300's i'd pick it up. that's the bottom line. but i didnt walk away with a smile like i did out of the Mini dealer

Across from that honda dealer is Crevier BMW. I walk in and ask for a 135 manual. I am given a vert. it only had sports package, 6MT, CA, and heated front seats. i was like perfect, but no way i'd buy a jet black.
We drive off, and im already liking the clutch feel and the small shifter. top is down and off i push the thing.

I have taken the car to a 100 and taken a turn that has a 25 mph speed limit. The car is very well balanced, and very torquey (how the fuck do u spell torquey??). the guy takes me from one route for test driving to another. more twisties, more speed and im having a fucking blast

the car has so much control. it's awesome! and inside of that thing, i'd definitely forget how ugly it is. but i sure would miss the

i get in my M3.

bottom line: fuck this economy.

my next is 370Z and the G37 again. what else do you guys recommend?

i want a payment in 400's or less for a lease, 6MT, fun, little, nimble, maybe a vert... but it looks like im going to need a rear wheel drive

Jred22 · 01-23-2009, 11:20 AM

I don't know how to spell torquee either.
If i were you I would go with the 135i, or the 370z. They both have the power and handling you're looking for.

gonzo · 01-23-2009, 11:22 AM

I love my MCS but yes the FWD will get your sack to cringe when pushing it hard. I am getting 29.1 avg MPG in the city and I drive it pretty hard. In and out of traffic. Park any place. The chance of getting a discount is slim.

G37 will be on major sale. They are advertising a lease for 399 I think. No telling what the down is.

370's are getting discounted here already. 1K off was what I got over the phone.

O-cha · 01-23-2009, 11:25 AM

Where the hells the M coupe?

!Xoible · 01-23-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jred22

I don't know how to spell torquee either.
If i were you I would go with the 135i, or the 370z. They both have the power and handling you're looking for.

man the bmw sales person said he wont do me any discount on the 1er, and the lease is 781 a month. what kind of shit is that. i said i can get a better deal on a M3!!

370z seems very interesting. there's one thing tho, im noticing i cannot live with non-german steering anymore

i have to go and see next week

but then again im not looking for power as in quarter mile in low 13's, im looking for something that allows me to beat some cars on the freeway to get to my exit, that's all

!Xoible · 01-23-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

I love my MCS but yes the FWD will get your sack to cringe when pushing it hard. I am getting 29.1 avg MPG in the city and I drive it pretty hard. In and out of traffic. Park any place. The chance of getting a discount is slim.

G37 will be on major sale. They are advertising a lease for 399 I think. No telling what the down is.

370's are getting discounted here already. 1K off was what I got over the phone.

if i learned anything from buying my m3 it'd be that i wont buy a car that just got out. im in for great discounts, but 1k off is definitely no go.

i can get better than 399 on the G37, and more loaded than infiniti's offer. deals on those arent bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-cha

Where the hells the M coupe?

the M coupe would be an awesome car. but
1. crevier was completely sold out
2. car's getting replaced soon, but still a possibility if i get it in 400's range

i love that car, i just dont know any dealer that has any

Big Windy · 01-23-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O-cha

Where the hells the M coupe?

i don't know what prices are looking like on that, but that new z4 is so hot. it would be tough to not wait for the new m coupe.

gonzo · 01-23-2009, 11:37 AM

07 new never titled.
420 miles
MSRP $57,320
Selling price $42,900

rotaz · 01-23-2009, 11:38 AM

Thinking of getting rid of your M already?? You should go drive Evo X...handles like a champ as well, I think it's around 400-500 for the lease.

Let me know when you're gonna go test drive...I'm down to roll w/ you.

NewSong · 01-23-2009, 11:39 AM

Mantis didn't you have an M3?

!Xoible · 01-23-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotaz

Thinking of getting rid of your M already?? You should go drive Evo X...handles like a champ as well, I think it's around 400-500 for the lease.

oh shit, how did i miss the Evo! yah for sure.

thanks man. btw dude i got ur text late last night. my bad man. next week for sure dude!

yah, trying to survive the economy

!Xoible · 01-23-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

07 new never titled.
420 miles
MSRP $57,320
Selling price $42,900

oh wow awesome! that's urs? more details please

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewSong

Mantis didn't you have an M3?

yah i still do...

gonzo · 01-23-2009, 11:43 AM

Not mine. It is for sale at BMW of Dayton. I bet they will deal/ship. If the numbers line up this would be a no brainer. Hell of a car that no other cars mentioned in this thread can touch IMO. Fly up and break it in driving back.

in5ane_3 · 01-23-2009, 11:53 AM

Nabil, I'd give the Evo a shot too. I don't know how much prefer the X over the IX but overall I here the IX was better.

Check it out, Mitsubishi should be starving for business I'm sure you can pick one up for next to nothing.

!Xoible · 01-23-2009, 11:59 AM

yah i'll check that out and the STi as well.

Black///Mamba · 01-23-2009, 12:16 PM

get the Z4M coupe or roadster. trust me, for pure driving pleasure, thats the right choice!

rotaz · 01-23-2009, 12:17 PM

Nabil, if you're looking for M Coupe, I talk to my dealership (Alexander) to see if they have any on the lot. I bought my car from them and service is top notch.

Let me know.

NewSong · 01-23-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

Not mine. It is for sale at BMW of Dayton. I bet they will deal/ship. If the numbers line up this would be a no brainer. Hell of a car that no other cars mentioned in this thread can touch IMO. Fly up and break it in driving back.

That's a good idea actually, probably cost a LOT less than shipping it.

!Xoible · 01-23-2009, 12:27 PM

wow i just configured a Mini cooper S. the configurator is crazy! the one i configured is $48,000

gshb · 01-23-2009, 12:37 PM

sounds like what you want is a special car that doesnt have to be super fast. you want that electric, fun feeling when you get inside everytime. i know the feeling man. i dont think it really matters what you choose as long as you get that feeling.

NewSong · 01-23-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///Mantis

oh wow awesome! that's urs? more details please

yah i still do...

What's wrong with the M3? Seriously, I am considering that as one of my replacement cars...

STUNT-MAN-HANS · 01-23-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black///Mamba

get the Z4M coupe or roadster. trust me, for pure driving pleasure, thats the right choice!

+1 or the 135 coupe thats what i have nice car fast as the old m3 handles just as well too.but the z4m is the car

01-23-2009, 11:14 AM	#1
!Xoible Banned 881 Rep 46,010 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	Test drove a bunch of "fun" cars So i am looking into replacing my M3 with 1 or more small little fun car. here's what's on my list: 1. Mini cooper S 2. Honda S2000 3. BMW 135 4. Nissan 370Z 5. Infiniti G37 - maybe 6. Z4M 7. Evo X 8. STi 9. GTI The criteria for the car is quick enough to fight traffic, small, and 6MT (which the G37 isnt really) So i test drove the following: Mini Cooper S I was really amazed by the interior, how the LCD pops inside the gauge, the shifter was nice, everything about it was very funny looking in a good way. i guess "cool" looking. I took the car and wanted to push it. the car had like 172 hp and the guy told me it's tunable to 251 hp. I took it thru curves and what not, steering was good, had a german feel to it and all. I was like already sold when i was driving it, till i take one sharp right turn and pushed it. then it just burst my bubble, smacked me in the face and said "FRONT WHEEL DRIVE" I can possibly live with it for the looks, but it definitely will not satisfy my car fetish. if i get it today i know i'll still be looking for another one or a replacement then i went by the honda dealer and asked for S2000 I was very impressed with the game-console-ish dashboard. it was awesome. and what's even more amazing the 8000 redline the guy takes me on a single street back and forth with no curves. the car has no power or torque even at really high RPM. so i was wondering what the fuck is he thinking? if i am selling this i'd probably take the customer thru twisties! I can live with the car, it's not bad, but there's just not power. if he leases me one in the low 300's i'd pick it up. that's the bottom line. but i didnt walk away with a smile like i did out of the Mini dealer Across from that honda dealer is Crevier BMW. I walk in and ask for a 135 manual. I am given a vert. it only had sports package, 6MT, CA, and heated front seats. i was like perfect, but no way i'd buy a jet black. We drive off, and im already liking the clutch feel and the small shifter. top is down and off i push the thing. I have taken the car to a 100 and taken a turn that has a 25 mph speed limit. The car is very well balanced, and very torquey (how the fuck do u spell torquey??). the guy takes me from one route for test driving to another. more twisties, more speed and im having a fucking blast the car has so much control. it's awesome! and inside of that thing, i'd definitely forget how ugly it is. but i sure would miss the i get in my M3. bottom line: fuck this economy. my next is 370Z and the G37 again. what else do you guys recommend? i want a payment in 400's or less for a lease, 6MT, fun, little, nimble, maybe a vert... but it looks like im going to need a rear wheel drive Last edited by !Xoible; 01-23-2009 at 12:02 PM..
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01-23-2009, 11:20 AM	#2
Jred22 Meat Puppet 71 Rep 1,127 Posts Drives: '11 e90 M3 Competition Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 Jeep Grand Che ... [0.00]	I don't know how to spell torquee either. If i were you I would go with the 135i, or the 370z. They both have the power and handling you're looking for.
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01-23-2009, 11:22 AM	#3
gonzo Lieutenant General 10327 Rep 14,448 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	I love my MCS but yes the FWD will get your sack to cringe when pushing it hard. I am getting 29.1 avg MPG in the city and I drive it pretty hard. In and out of traffic. Park any place. The chance of getting a discount is slim. G37 will be on major sale. They are advertising a lease for 399 I think. No telling what the down is. 370's are getting discounted here already. 1K off was what I got over the phone. __________________ Crazy Diamond
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01-23-2009, 11:25 AM	#4
O-cha Brigadier General 232 Rep 4,726 Posts Drives: Mcoupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: In front of you iTrader: (2)	Where the hells the M coupe? __________________
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01-23-2009, 11:37 AM	#8
gonzo Lieutenant General 10327 Rep 14,448 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	07 new never titled. 420 miles MSRP $57,320 Selling price $42,900 Attached Images __________________ Crazy Diamond
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01-23-2009, 11:38 AM	#9
rotaz Captain 61 Rep 698 Posts Drives: GT3, 4Runner S/C Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (0)	Thinking of getting rid of your M already?? You should go drive Evo X...handles like a champ as well, I think it's around 400-500 for the lease. Let me know when you're gonna go test drive...I'm down to roll w/ you. __________________ \|Arrived 12/14/06\| JP Vizage Kit\| Gone 4/4/09 \|
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01-23-2009, 11:39 AM	#10
NewSong Just another jerk in a hat... 121 Rep 1,462 Posts Drives: 2005 Ford Focus Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Irvine iTrader: (0)	Mantis didn't you have an M3? __________________ He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth.
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01-23-2009, 11:43 AM	#13
gonzo Lieutenant General 10327 Rep 14,448 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	Not mine. It is for sale at BMW of Dayton. I bet they will deal/ship. If the numbers line up this would be a no brainer. Hell of a car that no other cars mentioned in this thread can touch IMO. Fly up and break it in driving back. __________________ Crazy Diamond
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01-23-2009, 11:53 AM	#14
in5ane_3 Lieutenant General 254 Rep 16,220 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sun Valley, California iTrader: (3)	Nabil, I'd give the Evo a shot too. I don't know how much prefer the X over the IX but overall I here the IX was better. Check it out, Mitsubishi should be starving for business I'm sure you can pick one up for next to nothing.
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01-23-2009, 11:59 AM	#15
!Xoible Banned 881 Rep 46,010 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	yah i'll check that out and the STi as well.
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01-23-2009, 12:16 PM	#16
Black///Mamba Lieutenant 54 Rep 598 Posts Drives: a beast Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	get the Z4M coupe or roadster. trust me, for pure driving pleasure, thats the right choice! __________________
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01-23-2009, 12:17 PM	#17
rotaz Captain 61 Rep 698 Posts Drives: GT3, 4Runner S/C Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (0)	Nabil, if you're looking for M Coupe, I talk to my dealership (Alexander) to see if they have any on the lot. I bought my car from them and service is top notch. Let me know. __________________ \|Arrived 12/14/06\| JP Vizage Kit\| Gone 4/4/09 \|
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01-23-2009, 12:27 PM	#19
!Xoible Banned 881 Rep 46,010 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	wow i just configured a Mini cooper S. the configurator is crazy! the one i configured is $48,000
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01-23-2009, 12:37 PM	#20
gshb First Lieutenant 5 Rep 362 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: May 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	sounds like what you want is a special car that doesnt have to be super fast. you want that electric, fun feeling when you get inside everytime. i know the feeling man. i dont think it really matters what you choose as long as you get that feeling.
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