So long story short, I just bought an 05' Jeep Limited, but I'm only driving it for the next 5 months. Basically I'm holding it for my g/f for the time being, and then she will take it from me. So, I'm purchasing a new car in 5 months. What do I buy? My budget is up to $30K, but realistically I'd like to be around $25K. Here's the criteria.

I've had an 04 TL, and although I LOVED the car, it was a bit sedany for me. I'd like something a little more sportier.

The g/f will have the Jeep, so I don't necessarily need utility, although if she didn't have it, I'd probably buy the Jeep again. Love the HEMI and luxury of the Limited.

I like sporty. I had a Mustang in high school, so possibly a used 05/06 Mustang GT. Maybe blue w/white pinstripes, or white w/blue pinstripes.

Maybe an older 2002/03 Mustang Rousch. (Love these). Although I would need to get a beater for the winter with the Mustang options.

G35 Coupe. Sport and luxury. My #1 choice. Probably an 03-05. Not great in winter, but it can be done.

Volvo S60r. Sport and luxury. Not crazy about the interior though.

New Volvo C30. I'm not sure I like hatchback, but the white w/brownish cooperish bottom looks pretty sweet.

What are your guys' thoughts. Any other options I should consider. I'm not really into Civics, Accords, Subarus, or any of that stuff.

 

G35 Coupe, but make sure you go for the 2005+ models as they received a big interior refreshing, along with other minor changes

 

From yourlist....go with the G35

 

From your list my choices would be the G35 or the 05/06 Mustang. I don't have any firsthand experience with the G35, but the people I know who own them enjoy them very much. I've owned a Mustang from the current S197 platform and have another on order, and except from a somewhat cheap interior, have found it to be a pleasurable car.

Terry

 

I would go with the g35... but since your budget is limited.. why not get a 350? or maybe a s2000?? if those are 2 small then a bmw?

 

GTI?

 

Stick or auto tranny?

The G35 has a surprisingly heavy clutch and the shifter is not particularly smooth or light- a little notchy; the 2005+ Mustang GT has a better-feeling manual transmission and much better clutch than the G35, which has a better interior and more amenities. Both cars guzzle gas. I also drove the auto G35, but not an auto Mustang GT and can't compare them; the auto G35 seemed to react less fluidly and felt less refined than the auto TL.

The Volvo C30 will likely feel very slow with an automatic (but I haven't driven one yet). The Volvo S60 is not known for being bulletproof.

 

G35 or the S60R but only if it's stick...

What about an Audi A3?

 

Roush has no c in it

G35 is a good choice.

How about a Mazdaspeed3? I love mine and have had no problems with it.

 

G35, but i'd try to get an 05+ if possible. the refreshed interior is a lot better, in my opinion.

otherwise, from your list, i'd pick the S60R. you can get some nice deals on those.

and if you'd really consider a C30, i'd take a look at the GTI too.

 

Thanks for the input guys. The car will probably be auto. I drive a lot in rush hour traffic (about 40min each way to/from work), so I don't think I'd be able to stand a manual vehicle. Standstill Chicago traffic is terrible. Even in the suburbs.

My girlfriend planned to by the Mazda 3 for a long time, however she decided she wanted to be above the cars, and chose an SUV. I think they're ok, but don't really do it for me. Same with the STI. Not sure why.

I like the Audi A3, I didn't really look at it before, I'll take a second look. Thanks for the idea. I like the wagons but no sure I could pull one off. I thought about leasing an 08' A4 because I'm one to switch around cars a lot (Since 16 Corolla, Accord, Mustang, TL, Colorado, Jeep Limited, and now another coming soon). Something I'll look into. A buddy of mine just bought an 08 Audi RS4. Wow. What a car. And yes, he has $.

 

Used E46 M3.

 

Used E46 330i coupe

or....

05+ G35

 

i agree with Itimmy

 

I'd go with a used E46 330i

 

+1

 

btw, before I bought my Infiniti FX45, I did looked at some S60R's... and test drove this one: (minus the stickers)



This thing was a rocket! It was actually for sale by Evolve, an aftermarket company that mods Volvos... It was loaded with everything!

 

i was looking at some used S60R's the other day since i had gotten into an accident.

i found a couple of 2004 S60R's in houston for around 20k.

depending on whatever one's budget is, i bet you could walk into a volvo dealership and find a leftover 2007 and even 2006 S60R for cheap.

summer 2006, i test drove an S60R, and the salesman was trying hard to get me to drive and buy a brand new 2005 model.

 

I can't remember off hand why... but when I was shopping for S60R's I learned that there something not so good with the 04's... but it was improved in 05'

 

One of the locals had a G35 and the volvo... she was planning on selling the G, but couldn't convince herself... then sold the volvo after a month of ownership.. some pics:

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_S60#S60_R

was that it?

and nice pics, synth.

i love those 18" wheels on the S60R. and one i like so much about the car is that they're rare. they still turn my head whenever i see one on the road.

and the guages are and the seats are so comfy...

 

I think so... something like that.

btw, that blue one synth19 posted is my favorite S60R color