RWD (Sport) Sedans w/ Manual Transmissions
01-09-2009, 07:08 PM
#47
Registered but harmless
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I would have chosen an auto over the manual on a 2005 G35 (heavy clutch, notchy shifter) or 2008 335i (rubbery shifters and very high clutch releases), but would choose the manual over the auto on a 2005 TSX or 2006 Mustang GT.
01-09-2009, 07:08 PM
#48
Instructor
The G8 GXP gives you the best bang for the money (in the 30Ks)
A used 335i is also a good option. It can be easily tuned to run in the low 12 sec. A used 2007 550i is still pricey. This is the first year the manual gear box is available. The earlier models are SMG (no clutch).
The reliability of newer BMW are generally better. I had the 550i for over 2 years now and the only problem I had was I-drive (needed software update). My wife's X5 has no problem so far, knock on wood.
A used 335i is also a good option. It can be easily tuned to run in the low 12 sec. A used 2007 550i is still pricey. This is the first year the manual gear box is available. The earlier models are SMG (no clutch).
The reliability of newer BMW are generally better. I had the 550i for over 2 years now and the only problem I had was I-drive (needed software update). My wife's X5 has no problem so far, knock on wood.
01-09-2009, 07:42 PM
#50
I drive a Subata.
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335i vs G37 sedan, then
01-09-2009, 08:29 PM
#51
6spder
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Some stick shifts make driving seem like work and less fun, although most help make the car feel better. I wouldn't buy a car where shifting takes a concerted effort.
I would have chosen an auto over the manual on a 2005 G35 (heavy clutch, notchy shifter) or 2008 335i (rubbery shifters and very high clutch releases), but would choose the manual over the auto on a 2005 TSX or 2006 Mustang GT.
I would have chosen an auto over the manual on a 2005 G35 (heavy clutch, notchy shifter) or 2008 335i (rubbery shifters and very high clutch releases), but would choose the manual over the auto on a 2005 TSX or 2006 Mustang GT.
wanna talk effort to drive, come around here and take my 4runner 5spd for a spin, that's effort, things like rowing a fucking boat and pedaling a bike at the same time, wouldn't trade it for an auto, not even if my life depended on it, haha. glad i don't have to drive it daily any more thou, the CL is a breeze (as any honda is really)
01-10-2009, 09:29 AM
#54
Instructor
01-10-2009, 10:08 AM
#55
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
i'd rather not buy the car at all. i got an auto car recently (mint as falk Legend GS), had to get rid of it, the auto sucks balls.
wanna talk effort to drive, come around here and take my 4runner 5spd for a spin, that's effort, things like rowing a fucking boat and pedaling a bike at the same time, wouldn't trade it for an auto, not even if my life depended on it, haha. glad i don't have to drive it daily any more thou, the CL is a breeze (as any honda is really)
wanna talk effort to drive, come around here and take my 4runner 5spd for a spin, that's effort, things like rowing a fucking boat and pedaling a bike at the same time, wouldn't trade it for an auto, not even if my life depended on it, haha. glad i don't have to drive it daily any more thou, the CL is a breeze (as any honda is really)
A few years ago I would have completely agreed with you, but now some autos are getting better fuel economy then their manual counterparts and in rare instances are shifting faster and more consistent. This trend will continue until it is the common place, not to say manuals will be completely obsolete, but they will continue to be less common.
01-10-2009, 11:53 AM
#56
Senior Moderator
G8
01-10-2009, 12:41 PM
#57
Mmmmm...sausage...
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http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=136306
01-10-2009, 01:03 PM
#58
The tides are turning, or at least in a few instances. The G is one of those, I bought a 07(the new body style) and drove the auto and the auto and for the first time in my life preferred the manual. I was not alone, that is the same comment made over and over again about that car, now with the new 7spd auto I imagine it is even better.
A few years ago I would have completely agreed with you, but now some autos are getting better fuel economy then their manual counterparts and in rare instances are shifting faster and more consistent. This trend will continue until it is the common place, not to say manuals will be completely obsolete, but they will continue to be less common.
A few years ago I would have completely agreed with you, but now some autos are getting better fuel economy then their manual counterparts and in rare instances are shifting faster and more consistent. This trend will continue until it is the common place, not to say manuals will be completely obsolete, but they will continue to be less common.
I'd still rather shift my own gears though. As long as a short shifter and/or bushings out there that improve the shift feel, then I'd rather get the manual than not at all. My car honestly felt like crap with the stock short throw shifter option and it felt like driving a truck almost with the stock non-short throw shifter. But coupled with a new Hurst short throw, and a shorter stick (its a 2-piece shifter) I've gotten compliments about how precise it feels. Not as great as the S2000 shifter, but then again what is?
01-10-2009, 05:41 PM
#59
Safety Car
hmm. id say for your range, it would be a let down to get a dated IS300 considering the other options.
540 6 speed quickly comes to mind.
RWD sport sedans are hard to come by these days. new competitive sedans are outdoing each other in techy suspension and gearbox innovations. the way of the 6 speed is becoming outdated on pricey sedans. ppl want to pay for the car to do everything for them. with back up cameras, parking assistance, and distance sensing cruise control, consumers dont want to pay top dollar and then shift their own gears. and 6 speed sales reflect that. as of lately more 6 speed trannies have been dropped completely. its a shame, really.
not sure on your living situation, but perhaps getting a weekend sportscar and a sedan on the side?
540 6 speed quickly comes to mind.
RWD sport sedans are hard to come by these days. new competitive sedans are outdoing each other in techy suspension and gearbox innovations. the way of the 6 speed is becoming outdated on pricey sedans. ppl want to pay for the car to do everything for them. with back up cameras, parking assistance, and distance sensing cruise control, consumers dont want to pay top dollar and then shift their own gears. and 6 speed sales reflect that. as of lately more 6 speed trannies have been dropped completely. its a shame, really.
not sure on your living situation, but perhaps getting a weekend sportscar and a sedan on the side?
Last edited by ThermonMermon; 01-10-2009 at 05:44 PM.
01-12-2009, 03:20 PM
#65
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
05-11-2009, 06:22 PM
#67
The sizzle in the Steak
.
05-11-2009, 06:49 PM
#71
The sizzle in the Steak
...but it's not as if Pontiacs were ever resale value kings anyway....so no harm there.....It's a fantastic car.....and it will be a very rare car too.
05-11-2009, 06:51 PM
#72
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Is it possible that the resale value would actually be better because the G8 is kinda rare (well I haven't see many in Vancouver, BC, Canada...) and they are not going to make them anymore.
05-11-2009, 06:53 PM
#73
The sizzle in the Steak
05-11-2009, 11:38 PM
#78
Would the Chevy dealer still honor warranty work on a G8 GXP? My friend was a manager at a rental car place and he brought home a G8 GT every single day when they came in. He loved that car
05-11-2009, 11:45 PM
#80
Absolutely not. Flagships aren't offered in manual. Even if it was...even though the STS-V is a pimp car, it screams of older aged drivers and the price point is way out of my range.
Yes. They've already given their word on maintenance.
Yes. They've already given their word on maintenance.