charliemike

So I've decided, as I've mentioned more than once, to sell the Mazdaspeed3 and get something else.

I thought I had firmly landed in the S4 camp and then read about $5k timing chain tensioner repairs because the chain is between the back of the engine and the bay firewall so the whole motor has to be pulled ...

So I'm not completely over the S4 but I thought I should look at other options.

BMWs are great but I want a 3-series size car and the E90 330i sedans just don't do much for me. I haven't driven one yet though so it's not completely out.

Lexus doesn't make manual transmission IS350s and I couldn't get one for $30k anyway.

Then I ran into this and I thought, "Hmm."

It's a 2008 Certified Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Spec B with everything including navigation and 6k miles for $29k. Now this isn't necessarily THE car I'd get but it did get me thinking. 243hp, AWD, 6MT, reliable, and loaded to the gills. Pretty much the minimum I'm looking for ... Sure I'd like to have 290hp but whatever.

There are some concerns like the frameless windows in the doors and what is described as a rubbery shifter (but my Mazdaspeed3 has been accused of the same). But it's safe as hell and Subaru are pretty reliable when it comes to the important stuff like the engine and drivetrain.

So I guess I'm looking for recommendations.

Here's my list of criteria. Please don't suggest 6.0L GTOs or E46 M3s because they just aren't what I'm looking for ... I have one dog and am going to adopt another.

Now, the list:

I think that's about the list. All advice is appreciated.

nokiaman

You like Infinitis? I test drove a G35S AT and it was a blast.

I like the Subaru but it's design doesn't do much...

invisiblewar

s60r? i know you said you wanted a manual and no gto, but cant g8's be had for like right at 30k

nokiaman

A6/A8s can also be found in the same price range...

invisiblewar

A8

FiveLiterCheater

E46 m3 and GTO come to mind.

is300eater

I've driven the Leggy GT (non spec b), both in Auto and MT... and I gotta admit... it was quite impressive... but a G35S would be nice too... do they come in MT? the E46 M3 has always gotten my attention on the streets. I guess my post doesn't really help... but

edit: Oh, and I've driven the S60R as well... both in auto and MT... but the MT I test drove was actually heavily modded by Evolve, in fact it was Evolve that was selling one (their company car) and I went to check it out... too bad the leather (interior) was beat... otherwise, I would've taken it home... the thing was a beast... it can easily hang with a M5

Crazy Bimmer

S60 and A8 arent the size of a 3series guys. Thats what hes looking for.

How about an 05 330i ZHP?

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Get a GTO or M3

I like what Crazy Acura said. The 330i ZHP is a great car. G35 comes to mind to. But in the same situation I would get a 2005 330i.

Trackruner228

iTrader: (1)

A4?

Whiskers

2009 Mazda 6? Im looking at it...

TommySalami

I kinda wish I got an LGT a year ago instead of the TSX. It's turbo too, so if you're not satisfied with the power it's real easy and relatively cheap to add more.

charliemike

I've definitely considered the E46 ZHPs ... I like them a lot actually. Do you have one you're selling? LOL.

As far as everyone else's posts go, thank you!

I'd love an A8 but I think I'd feel ridiculous driving something that big just myself but I think I ought to go drive one anyway. The A6 is a really nice car for sure but I haven't driven one yet.

The G8 is American and new so it fails two categories.

I hadn't thought about the S60R. I *think* you can get one in a MT or at least could up to some point.

The M3 only has two doors so it's just not practical.

The Infinitis are nice cars but the interiors in the older ones just aren't good enough for me and I don't think you can get used current-gen ones for less than $32k with only 20-30k miles yet.

A4 has definitely been on my mind. Perhaps a 2006 A4 2.0T S-Line. 200hp and Quattro might not be enough but I haven't driven an S-Line yet.

Thanks for all the comments and if anyone sees or thinks of something, let me know.

Even with what I said about the A8, if the S8 didn't have the same timing chain issue as the S4 ... I dunno ...

Crazy Bimmer

Selling a ZHP... no.

Buying one..... maybe

FiveLiterCheater

The sales person at the BMW dealership I was at told me he took a 330 ZHP and a M3 around their testing track in N(S?)C and said the ZHP handled equally, if not better than the M. Donno how much credibility there is to that though....You can get them cheap too.

iTimmy

E46 330i or second gen G35, I would probably lean towards the G simply because it will be newer and require fewer repairs.

Costco

I love the LGTs. I very well may have went with one, if I could have found one that was in my price range (low), with black interior and manual transmission, and had it not been such a PITA to put a system in one. They're pretty fun to drive, love the Spec B. interior though I didn't get to drive one. Must handle pretty well...

And I'm sure this still holds true... the LGT has the same EJ-series longblock as the STi, but with a smaller turbo among other things. And the Spec B. also has the same tranny as the STi too, I believe.

stright-(paint)balling

that's about all that's coming to my mind is S60R and G8. something that's a sedan, 230+ hp, stick, and not M3.
unless you drop a few more bucks and wait a year or 2 on the G37 sedan to come out.

charliemike

As it turns out 2007 G35S sedans with 6MTs are in my price range so I'm going to go drive one.

Loseit

iTrader: (1)

nice....bye bye Mazda 3.

Crazy Bimmer

Nope, my dad wants it.

Still debating if i want to. Also does anyone know if i can transfer the loan over to his name and keep the rate Mazda financial gave me?

majin ssj eric

2007 G35S sedan with nav and 6k miles..........$29,995

Loseit

iTrader: (1)

oh yeah , my vote goes for g35S as well...sweet cars!

is300eater

I didn't even know the G sedans came in MT

Trackruner228

iTrader: (1)

That would have been a big mistake for Infiniti. Lexus did it with the IS 350.

Dem1K

iTrader: (1)

I really liked the '07 G35 when I had it for a loaner. Very quick, looks nice, and a great interior. The only thing I didn't like, which would take a little getting used to is the touchy/sensitive accelerator and brake pedals. Besides that it's a great car

`John

FiveLiterCheater

6MT Sport, makes it much MUCH more fun to drive

Will Y.

I tested the 6MT in 2005- heavy-ass clutch; shifter was not light, but OK- nothing like a rifle bolt or knife through butter, though.

Unless the clutch has been updated (I think it may have been) in the 2007+ MY, I would get an auto in the G.

iTimmy

Eventually the gas pedal learns your habits and the twitchyness of it is very minimal.

iTimmy

Damn, someone took it in the ass on that deal! I traded in my 07 G35x, w/premium package and 15k miles on it for $29k, granted it was almost 8 months ago, but that was trade in compared to this retail deal!

charliemike

My only thing about the G35S interiors is that metal trim. It looks like painted plastic in the pictures. Has anyone actually sat in a G35S with the aluminum-like trim? Is it as cheap looking as the previous gen's painted plastic?

Brandon24pdx

E46 ZHP sedans are cool if you can find a nice one with at least a small chunk of warranty left, so that would leave you looking for an 04 or 05. Probably $24-26k price range. Chances are slim you'll find the right one locally though.

G35S 6mt would be a solid choice though too. Newer, faster, more reliable, plenty of warranty left, and overall more car for the money than anything with a roundel on the hood. (I'm still a BMW guy though!)

charliemike

The ZHP does sound like a good deal but I just need to get the windshield fixed and car detailed and then by next weekend or so I should be ready to do something. I have some time to look around.

Thanks for the advice.

iTimmy

I drove one for 13 months, I never liked the pictures but upon seeing it in real life I liked it. They make a Rosewood trim which I don't care for, and I don't think it is available on S cars, apparently it takes away from the sportiness.

I like the E46, but if your comparing the second gen G to it, I think the choice for the infiniti is pretty easy to make.

EuRTSX

Calling mattg..

I also considered the Legacy before my TSX. Loved the way it drove and felt. Just couldn't afford the price at what it was at the time for the specB.

charliemike

I actually like the Rosewood more. I wonder if there are G owners looking to swap.

I need to find a 6MT at a dealer in Maryland that isn't going to harass me if I come look at one.

I went and looked at the Genesis again tonight. Dealer was closed but it was a dark blue one with tan leather. It's a really, really nice car. It's just too big. If it was the size of the Azera I would consider it. I just don't think I can drive a car like that when it's just me.

JediMindTricks

if it was me, i'd be looking at the spec b.

JediMindTricks

i didn't realize that the ebay link was for the 2007 sedan (new model).

i'd be all over that one.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

The genesis is already on sale there?

TheMirror

CM -

I think you pretty much solved it with the Legacy Spec B. Great car with all the performance goodness you would want. If you ever needed more HP out of that engine, a dozen tuners are only a phone call away. It comes with the 6spd. too, a VASTLY better transmission than Subaru's dogshit 5speeds. Speaking of dogshit, you'll also be hauling two doggers around; so you need upholstery that isn't too difficult to clean or expensive to replace when they shed tons of hair, track mud, and barf on it (my yellow american field lab excells at all three).

I agree with the 330i ZHP as a good second, the best of the E46's. Be wary of this particular fault with those cars though.....

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html..._ID=TDR4675412

Best,
-Mirror