getting a new car

[Amby 490]

I'm getting a new car in the next month or so since Neil is getting his license and I'm looking for suggestions. I have a few in mind that I like but I'd like some suggestions so I look at others too.

The ones I'm looking at now are

Lexus IS 350

Infiniti G37

Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

Mazda RX-8

The Lexus is the one I like the most but I'm up for suggestions on cheaper cars too Thanks in advance!

[Teacher Mark 53]

I'm getting a new car in the next month or so since Neil is getting his license and I'm looking for suggestions. I have a few in mind that I like but I'd like some suggestions so I look at others too.

The ones I'm looking at now are

Lexus IS 350

Infiniti G37

Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

Mazda RX-8

The Lexus is the one I like the most but I'm up for suggestions on cheaper cars too Thanks in advance!

I love the RX-8's, BUT two words come to mind 1.) Gas and 2.) Hog! 22 Highway, 16 City:

http://www.fueleconomydb.com/specs/2008/MAZDA/MAZDA%2520RX-8

They have rotary engines which are really cool and really fast. I have had 5 RX-7's over the years and loved to drive them but they have a tendency to lose compression later in the engines life.

Felix Wankel:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wankel

The Rotary Engine:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_engine

Edited May 12, 2008 by WideAwakeInTheUSA

[Amby 490]

I need to think about mileage as well. I have a gas guzzling car and then I also have a cheaper car that gets really good gas mileage that I drive a lot so it's not something I will be driving everywhere. Thanks for the tip! If you think of any other cars let me know!

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

Audi A5

About $45k - but so worth it.

[Teacher Mark 53]

I need to think about mileage as well. I have a gas guzzling car and then I also have a cheaper car that gets really good gas mileage that I drive a lot so it's not something I will be driving everywhere. Thanks for the tip! If you think of any other cars let me know!

Here's a better description of the engine:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wankel_engine

These things are so fun to drive it isn't funny, but......

[Amby 490]

Audi A5

About $45k - but so worth it.

I was looking at those the other day but not sure I want to spend $45k

[Teacher Mark 53]

I think these are so cool, but they're definitely in a different league:

http://www.smartusa.com/

[Amby 490]

oh geez I laugh at people when I see them in those cars. It reminds me of the parking ticket police in Pasadena

[Teacher Mark 53]

oh geez I laugh at people when I see them in those cars. It reminds me of the parking ticket police in Pasadena

If gas hits $10 a gallon they'll be laughing!

[mawilson 2,133]

Lexus = overpriced Toyota - boring

Infiniti = overpriced Nissan - boring

Mitsubishi Eclipse - ok

Mazda RX-8 - nice

[Anony 0]

Regarding:

Lexus IS 350

Infiniti G37

I think the IS350 is overpriced for what you get. The G37 is also a coupe so if you were wanting the sedan get the G35 Sport. The G35 Sedan actually weighs several hundred pounds less than the G37 and gets the same 0-60 and other speed specs with the 3.5L engine (versus 3.7 in the G37 Coupe). The look and styling of the G37 and G35 are identical. Basically if you want to save a little then seriously consider the G35 over the IS350 -- the G35 outperforms the IS in all road tests and is quite nice inside and out plus is 5-6k cheaper. If you are really set on the look of the IS then consider the IS250 which has a smaller engine and will save you some cash.

Edited May 12, 2008 by Anonymous Member

[JVKn'CVO 11]

Justin drives a Mazda. He is very happy with their customer and dealership support

Saludos,

Caro

[DeadPoolX 9]

I've always liked Lexus. They're an excellent company and will go to just about any lengths to please you, which is much different than most car dealerships. To be fair, however, I haven't been at a Lexus dealership in years. My deceased mother had two Lexus vehicles, her most last one being an SC 400 back in 1998. That was an incredibly powerful car and because my mother didn't drive very far, the car to date has about 12,000 miles on it -- and that's after my dad has driven it for a while too.

We've been contacted by quite a few collectors, since Lexus doesn't make the SC 400 anymore and 12,000 miles on a 10 year-old car is unusual. One thing I find amusing about the SC 400 is that since it was developed before people began burning their own music CDs, the car was equipped with a 12-disc CD changer.

Lexus is very expensive, however. If you're looking at cars within that price range, you might also want to look at BMW too. Those cars are outstanding and if you have an iPod, the newer BMWs have built-in hookups for them as well.

[PlatyPius 5]

If you're looking at Lexus and Infiniti, but want to save money, just look at the "same" model in Toyota and Nissan. A friend of mine has a Toyota Avalon and loves it. She says she gets around 28-29 mpg. She drives almost all highway though.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

What about a Ford Mustang? Those new models are quite nice - and not all that pricey. In comparison to Infiniti and Lexus anyway...

I'd buy one if I were back in CA, in NJ (with roads like the surface of the moon) we're probably going to get a small-size SUV - CRV or RAV4, something with enough ground clearance to blow the shocks when it hits a pot-hole.

Edited May 12, 2008 by Number 6