Ongoing General Automotive Thread 2.0

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

I don’t know if this is something you guys might be able to help with.

I want to buy a summer type car. I’m not gonna be commuting by car anymore so I thought I might sell my current car and buy something more fun.

My priorities would be around $20k price (so obviously used), nice exterior aesthetics, manageable maintenance costs.

Now, here’s the thing, I am NOT a manual enthusiast. A manual V8 is of absolutely no concern to me. Blasphemy I know.

A Scion FRS or Subaru BRZ being the types of vehicles that interest me.

G35? Genesis coupe? 370z? (even if it makes Silver angry)

I’m afraid of any lower priced, high end cars with older model years due to maintenance. Is that a fair assessment?

Now, I do currently own a Scion TC, which I like, but is a little too vanilla. I could keep it and just pimp it out. But I have no skill myself so I’d need a mechanic to do it. And I don’t know the first thing about it (Think homer when he buys Snake’s car on the Simpsons). Thoughts?


All suggestions welcome. Even v8 manuals, as long as it meets my criteria for price, looks and maintenance.

Oh and I’m not buying VW. Golf is out. Don’t ask, it just is.

Miata is always the answer.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I was about to say too old and I’m not a fan of the older model miatas and then googled it. Had no idea they produced a fourth gem. Cute little car.

But are the 2016s and later good cars? I thought you guys might know what to avoid. Also, it’d be at the top of my budget.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Dp

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

I was about to say too old and I’m not a fan of the older model miatas and then googled it. Had no idea they produced a fourth gem. Cute little car.

But are the 2016s and later good cars? I thought you guys might know what to avoid. Also, it’d be at the top of my budget.

I don’t know how cute your talking, and it doesn’t really help with your age/maintenance concern. But I always thought the Honda S2000 was a wicked affordable sporty car. Never driven one though...

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Love the S2000. Goddamn I had fun in that car for the 6 minutes I was in it.

I probably should have added an age limit too. It definitely falls under the love to have it for a good price but afraid of five figure repairs if anything breaks.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

The 370z certainly feels older now, but I honestly really enjoyed mine while I had it. It was quite easy to modify. That's certainly within your price range and obviously comes in both transmissions. Subaru STi hatch would still be high on my list if I were shopping now, comes in right around 20k (and actually is easily usable year round). But for a pure summer car I'd probably still be going for an early 2000's Carrera with higher miles, a la https://www.kijijiautos.ca/cars/pors.../#vip=16812979

See if you weren't such a blasphemer with your heretical disregard for V8 manuals, I'd tell you to get one of these. https://www.kijijiautos.ca/cars/audi.../#vip=16611938

[Table 5]

S2000 is a great car...but it only comes in manual (woo!). A Miata is a good option, but that's another car that would be shame to own in anything but a manual. Same thing with a BRZ/FRS, since they are somewhat underpowered and it's the manual that makes it fun.

I think the solution is that you just need to learn to drive a stick, dude.

[Bill Bumface]

^ I can't believe how cheap RS4s are now. I need to reevaluate my life.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

^ I can't believe how cheap RS4s are now. I need to reevaluate my life.

I've said it before, but unless something weird happens, my next car will be a B7 RS4 Avant. Still another year or two before I can land one on Canadian soil. Ideally the white edition (https://www.autoscout24.de/angebote/...3-0100007f5fde)

I keep telling myself that I could make things a lot easier by just buying the damn sedan... but I wants it in wagon.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Originally Posted by Table 5

S2000 is a great car...but it only comes in manual (woo!). A Miata is a good option, but that's another car that would be shame to own in anything but a manual. Same thing with a BRZ/FRS, since they are somewhat underpowered and it's the manual that makes it fun.

I think the solution is that you just need to learn to drive a stick, dude.

It’s not about ability, it’s about necessity.

For you guys that’s a dealbreaker. For me it’s a who cares. It’s pretty much the last option on my list that I’d look for. Price, looks, entertainment tech, maintenance, comfort, Kms etc would all be higher on my list of needs.

And if at the end there are two identical cars with the only diff being manual vs auto, then a manual becomes attractive. Otherwise it’s just not a priority.

I’m not even really concerned with “underpowered”. I’m not at the point where I can afford to worry about that stuff.

I’d prefer a newer pretty car that’s underpowered than an older meh car with some amazing manual V8.

And when I can afford the sports car I want, it’ll almost certainly have paddle shifters.

I’m not a driving enthusiast and don’t want to be. Sorry, I know that offends you guys and why I was a little hesitant to join the convo. There’s such a weird stigma for guys who aren’t gearheads and just want a fun car to drive.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

I don’t know if this is something you guys might be able to help with.

I want to buy a summer type car. I’m not gonna be commuting by car anymore so I thought I might sell my current car and buy something more fun.

My priorities would be around $20k price (so obviously used), nice exterior aesthetics, manageable maintenance costs.

Now, here’s the thing, I am NOT a manual enthusiast. A manual V8 is of absolutely no concern to me. Blasphemy I know.

A Scion FRS or Subaru BRZ being the types of vehicles that interest me.
G35? Genesis coupe? 370z? (even if it makes Silver angry)

I’m afraid of any lower priced, high end cars with older model years due to maintenance. Is that a fair assessment?

Now, I do currently own a Scion TC, which I like, but is a little too vanilla. I could keep it and just pimp it out. But I have no skill myself so I’d need a mechanic to do it. And I don’t know the first thing about it (Think homer when he buys Snake’s car on the Simpsons). Thoughts?


All suggestions welcome. Even v8 manuals, as long as it meets my criteria for price, looks and maintenance.

First thing that popped into my head: C5 Corvette. It is a ridiculously good performance bargain. The LSx engines are very reliable, parts are a dime a dozen and plentiful, huge owner community, rich aftermarket, they're fun to drive, you can actually fit things in them, and -- despite being a V8 -- you can get 30+ MPG on the highway with them. All of them except for the FRC/Z06s have the targa roof (or a convertible top), making it a superb summer car option.

And if it does need repairs? It's a Chevrolet, every mechanic you've ever met can probably work on them, and none of the tools or fasteners are proprietary. Want to upgrade the stereo? It's your standard issue double-DIN head-unit, buy whatever you want and a harness and trim kit and you're done. You can go from AC Delco tape deck to touchscreen navigation with bluetooth streaming in an afternoon if you want. There is no "I have to get down to the dealer so they can code this thing" when you buy a battery or install something aftermarket. My dad picked up his dream car (a 2001 C5 6MT Targa) and he loves it. If he needs to do anything to it, he can.


Other things I'd consider, S2000 was already mentioned as was the newer Miata. I would say older Porsche Boxster except for the lack of access to the engine giving future repairs and maintenance the potential to cost a lot of money in labour, but those cars handle like a dream and aside from the IMS bearing issues in some cars which has mostly been resolved by now (get proof), Porsche is known for being a very reliable marque.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

The 370z certainly feels older now, but I honestly really enjoyed mine while I had it. It was quite easy to modify. That's certainly within your price range and obviously comes in both transmissions. Subaru STi hatch would still be high on my list if I were shopping now, comes in right around 20k (and actually is easily usable year round). But for a pure summer car I'd probably still be going for an early 2000's Carrera with higher miles, a la https://www.kijijiautos.ca/cars/pors.../#vip=16812979

See if you weren't such a blasphemer with your heretical disregard for V8 manuals, I'd tell you to get one of these. https://www.kijijiautos.ca/cars/audi.../#vip=16611938

Like the Porsche (maintenance concerns aside) but yeah I don’t want a sedan, regardless what’s under the hood. Especially not a German one.

You could put an F1 engine in there and I’d still pick an FRS for the same price. Nice sedan, I just done want one.

[Leondros]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

I've said it before, but unless something weird happens, my next car will be a B7 RS4 Avant. Still another year or two before I can land one on Canadian soil. Ideally the white edition (https://www.autoscout24.de/angebote/...3-0100007f5fde)

I keep telling myself that I could make things a lot easier by just buying the damn sedan... but I wants it in wagon.

I saw a nice B5 listed last week on Kijiji: https://www.kijijiautos.ca/cars/audi.../#vip=16351898

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

It’s not about ability, it’s about necessity.

For you guys that’s a dealbreaker. For me it’s a who cares. It’s pretty much the last option on my list that I’d look for. Price, looks, entertainment tech, maintenance, comfort, Kms etc would all be higher on my list of needs.

And if at the end there are two identical cars with the only diff being manual vs auto, then a manual becomes attractive. Otherwise it’s just not a priority.

I’m not even really concerned with “underpowered”. I’m not at the point where I can afford to worry about that stuff.

I’d prefer a newer pretty car that’s underpowered than an older meh car with some amazing manual V8.

And when I can afford the sports car I want, it’ll almost certainly have paddle shifters.

I’m not a driving enthusiast and don’t want to be. Sorry, I know that offends you guys and why I was a little hesitant to join the convo. There’s such a weird stigma for guys who aren’t gearheads and just want a fun car to drive.

2 series BMW, probably the most reliable of the F generation and they've depreciated like crazy. Maintenance isn't that bad, annual oil change you can do yourself.

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/bmw/2%20...%202R3&sprx=-2

You could probably get this for low 20s.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Ha. Do an oil change myself.

Guys, I change my own air filter and I’m celebrating like I just rebuilt an engine from scratch.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

Ha. Do an oil change myself.

Guys, I change my own air filter and I’m celebrating like I just rebuilt an engine from scratch.

Oil change would be about $125 from a lube place.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

And thanks for the info. I’m one of those people who was taught German = crazy expensive maintenance and bad reliability so I appreciate the feedback there.

For a corvette, good suggestion. Feels a bit like an old man car but if it checks all the boxes, hard to say no.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

And thanks for the info. I’m one of those people who was taught German = crazy expensive maintenance and bad reliability so I appreciate the feedback there.

For a corvette, good suggestion. Feels a bit like an old man car but if it checks all the boxes, hard to say no.

I've had one for 6 years 95k, it's needed a belt, tires, and oil changes. That's it.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

First thing that popped into my head: C5 Corvette. It is a ridiculously good performance bargain. The LSx engines are very reliable, parts are a dime a dozen and plentiful, huge owner community, rich aftermarket, they're fun to drive, you can actually fit things in them, and -- despite being a V8 -- you can get 30+ MPG on the highway with them. All of them except for the FRC/Z06s have the targa roof (or a convertible top), making it a superb summer car option.

And if it does need repairs? It's a Chevrolet, every mechanic you've ever met can probably work on them, and none of the tools or fasteners are proprietary. Want to upgrade the stereo? It's your standard issue double-DIN head-unit, buy whatever you want and a harness and trim kit and you're done. You can go from AC Delco tape deck to touchscreen navigation with bluetooth streaming in an afternoon if you want. There is no "I have to get down to the dealer so they can code this thing" when you buy a battery or install something aftermarket. My dad picked up his dream car (a 2001 C5 6MT Targa) and he loves it. If he needs to do anything to it, he can.


Other things I'd consider, S2000 was already mentioned as was the newer Miata. I would say older Porsche Boxster except for the lack of access to the engine giving future repairs and maintenance the potential to cost a lot of money in labour, but those cars handle like a dream and aside from the IMS bearing issues in some cars which has mostly been resolved by now (get proof), Porsche is known for being a very reliable marque.

Uhhhhh what!? I would have never searched for this car as I had no idea it was available in this range. Pretty great tip. I’m personally not there yet, but I had never considered this as a realistic dream car... wicked.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

It’s not about ability, it’s about necessity.

For you guys that’s a dealbreaker. For me it’s a who cares. It’s pretty much the last option on my list that I’d look for. Price, looks, entertainment tech, maintenance, comfort, Kms etc would all be higher on my list of needs.

And if at the end there are two identical cars with the only diff being manual vs auto, then a manual becomes attractive. Otherwise it’s just not a priority.

I’m not even really concerned with “underpowered”. I’m not at the point where I can afford to worry about that stuff.

I’d prefer a newer pretty car that’s underpowered than an older meh car with some amazing manual V8.

And when I can afford the sports car I want, it’ll almost certainly have paddle shifters.

I’m not a driving enthusiast and don’t want to be. Sorry, I know that offends you guys and why I was a little hesitant to join the convo. There’s such a weird stigma for guys who aren’t gearheads and just want a fun car to drive.

I think the confusion is that you kinda mentioned summer car, so everyone is getting excited about some super sporty options. But this post basically hints at the idea you're more excited about interior creature comfort options as a "fun car" for your purposes than performance. It's not wrong and I don't think anyone is holding it against you. It's kinda what I consider in car I like as well. There was just some confusion as to what you really wanted though.

Although I'm still not totally certain what you want, the car that sticks out to me as something that might fit is the Infiniti G37x coupe.
- You can drive it year round with AWD without much concern
- It's older and cheaper so you can pocket the difference for a minor repair here and there. Repairs shouldn't be too expensive as there are some parts you can buy Nissan instead of infiniti.
- You'll enjoy the interior on the regular
- Exterior is sporty and can lead foot it every once in a while if you want to avoid feeling like grandpa snail

Something like this?
https://www.autotrader.ca/a/infiniti..._15_33&sprx=-2

Personally, I feel like it's a noticeable upgrade to the FRS. Performance wise it should be just fine for you. Creature comfort wise, I think it will not be comparable. The Infiniti interior should be much nicer.

Corvette/Miata/S2000 etc are fun summer only cars, but not the type of cars I'd be comfortable having to occasionally drive in winter conditions.