04-13-2009, 08:04 PM | #1 |
Major
118
Rep 1,347
Posts
Drives: 2011 335d
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
|
Friends looking for a new car
Alright so one of my buddies is looking for a new car. He wants something sporty that he can autox because I turned him to the dark side lol...
His budget is roughly 25k and below. Any suggestions? A few I thought of -Mazda RX8---> anyone have experience with these? -Honda s2000---> doubt he'd fit -Mazda 3---fwd, boooo! -New Genesis coupe 2.0T -Older 3 series I don't think a used STI or EVO is in the picture since he'll be paying insurance and will have just graduated from college so it would be ridiculously expensive. Right now I think he's leaning towards the RX8 so if any of you have experience with them that would be great. Oh and of course this car is likely to be modded so cheap power is always a plus. |
04-13-2009, 08:08 PM | #2 |
Lieutenant Colonel
53
Rep 1,860
Posts |
my friend has an Rx-8 and its a fun drive (especially with that appx 9000 rpm redline), haven't pushed it too much so I can't really comment on its autocross ability, but for that price range, he could definitely get an 06 e90, although there are no real quick and cheap power upgrades for the 325/330
__________________
Current 07 BSM E92 335i
Previous SGM E90 330i (R.I.P.) |
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2009, 09:21 PM | #3 |
Brigadier General
306
Rep 4,483
Posts |
Mini Cooper S
Perfect starter car for the serious driver.
__________________
135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2009, 09:32 PM | #4 |
Captain
27
Rep 707
Posts |
RX-8's are fun, but they have no torque. Seriously, none. I agree with the Mini-Cooper S or the Genesis coupe or possibly even a 09 WRX, but they are a tad ugly, but damn quick.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-14-2009, 02:34 AM | #6 |
Colonel
155
Rep 2,882
Posts
Drives: 991/RR Sport AB
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: 904 FL
|
i would agree with the 350, but i was riding around in a friends g35 sedan the other day and the novelty exhaust note wears thin VERY quickly
__________________
2014 Range Rover Sport Autobiography
2012.5 991 C2S 1978 Corvette |
Appreciate
0
|
04-14-2009, 10:08 AM | #8 |
Major
238
Rep 1,478
Posts
Drives: '11 M3 MW/FR - '12 M3 FO/SC
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: California
iTrader: (6)
Garage List 2004 Honda Hornet [0.00]
2003 Chevrolet 2500 ... [0.00] 2011 BMW S1000RR [0.00] 2011 BMW E92 M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW E92 M3 [0.00] |
Low mileage, e46 330i or 330ci, NA Inline six probably the last of the breed and fairly bulletproof. Great gas mileage, lots of susp/wheel/tire options for auto-x, classy. Lighter weight than the E90s so similar acceleration times. Lighter weight is always better for auto-x anyway.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-15-2009, 08:33 AM | #10 |
Lieutenant
17
Rep 478
Posts |
I am going to go off your comment that he would not fit in an S2000 for my answer, as in, he is a big dude (weight and/or height).
First he should drive an S2000, because they are awesome cars, but onto the answer. If it's a weight issue he should stay away from low torque vehichles like the S2000 and the RX-8 because acceleration will be an issue on the autox course. It's of course possible to keep them up in the sweet spot, but it's not always practical or easy to do, especially for a new(er) driver. Turbo's "can" also be an issue but to a lesser degree. Until a turbo spools up fully, they often have crap torque, so you have a similar issue. If it's height, then MAKE SURE he can fit with a helmet ON. Take it to the test drive or have it close by if you don't want the dealership to know he will be driving in a competitive event. I have a hellava time in my 135i because I have a tall torso compared to my overall height. It's one of the reasons I am not driving my 1 in autox. I just can't find a reasonable driving position. Beyond all that, what type of driver is he? Finesse or a drag racer that now wants to turn the wheel? And how good of a driver is he overall? Don't disregard all fwd cars either, some rock in autox. Good luck in your search... |
Appreciate
0
|
04-15-2009, 10:09 AM | #11 |
Major
118
Rep 1,347
Posts
Drives: 2011 335d
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
|
I follow everything you said. He's about 6'5" and 260lbs. So that obviously cuts out a lot of choices lol. He's probably more of a finesse driver... I can't see him really drag racing.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-15-2009, 10:45 AM | #12 |
One cam is enough
136
Rep 6,801
Posts |
Definitely the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Stay away from old 3-series for auto-x. Some may disagree with me, but if it's also your DD, don't auto-x it without reinforcing the strut mounts and subframe mounts. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-15-2009, 11:51 AM | #15 |
Colonel
109
Rep 2,626
Posts |
I have a buddy that had 3 motors pop in his BONE STOCK RX8... Nuff said.
I'd check out a 350z.
__________________
'08 Black Saphire/Black Z4 M Coupe
RIP Gretta: Blue Water/Lemon 135i. Died to save me. -ChuckV |
Appreciate
0
|
04-15-2009, 12:22 PM | #17 |
General
228
Rep 20,998
Posts |
G35 coupe or 350Z
__________________
09' E92 335i | 6MT | Montego Blue | Black Dakota Leather | Dark Burl Walnut | Premium | Sport | Cold Weather | Nav | Sirius | Comfort Access | iPod and USB adapter
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-15-2009, 12:35 PM | #18 |
Lieutenant Colonel
41
Rep 1,917
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-16-2009, 01:21 PM | #21 | |
Captain
22
Rep 661
Posts |
Quote:
The Cooper S is a very fun car but I prefer either RWD or AWD and they are expensive even used. You can easilly find a 2 year old RX8 for $17k and a miata for $13-14k. Wait 6’ 5”, may have some issues fitting into an RX8 if he tries one look for one without a sunroof and leaned that seat back. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-16-2009, 06:37 PM | #22 |
Major
118
Rep 1,347
Posts
Drives: 2011 335d
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
|
Hey guys thanks for all the advice. We're going to be test driving a few cars over the weekend to see what he fits in etc. So far I think the ones that have grabbed his eye are the Genesis 2.0T, RX8 (hes leaning that way right now), Evo (its obviously a stretch budget/insurance wise, and maybe a 350Z but hes not wild about it right now.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|