I currently own 2003 Acura CL-S 5AT with 44,xxx miles which is paid off. Lately, I started to feel somewhat bored with the car. It's a very reliable daily driver but doesn't seem to have that edge that I guess I'm looking for. So here's my question.

I've checked a few G35 coupe locally and seems like their 03/04 with less than 40k miles go for roughly around 25k-27k. You can also find some 05 with even less miles for 29k-30k. Now with 02/03 M3 with less than 50k miles go for roughly around 35k-37k and newer model is way over 40k which is completely out of my price range. Assuming I can get about 15k-16k thru private party for my Acura, does it seem reasonable to put down extra 10k out of pocket to go for G35 which to me seems interesting and fun to drive or wait 12 months to save up and go for M3 which at the time would be older car with even more mileage.

I'll be given a company truck within next two months. So basically, I'll drive my own car at the most 100-150 miles a week if that. But I don't think i would honestly feel bad making the car payment while only getting to drive it for that much.

In my honest opinion, G35 Coupe always seemed more like a reasonable-yet-reachable car for myself. Mind you, I'm a mechanical engineer/contractor with reasonable income that extra 500-550/month car payment isn't going to push me over the edge (I've graduated from college back in may and started working since August). Yet M3 always seems somewhat of 'dream'car that I know I can afford in near future but just not yet. Also from the look of it, there is clear difference between 03/04 and 05 models on G35 coupes. Anyways any comments would be appreciated.

 

For those who might say, go invest in real estate... I honestly have thought of about it and yet I would love to. I moved to charlotte, NC for a job three months ago and I can't honestly say I feel comfortable buying a house yet without knowing this city. So I've decided to continue leasing my apt for at least fall of next year.

 

Less than a year and my car will be paid off and i have about the same mileage as you.

Then again im not bored with my car.

Maybe just mod the CLS to keep you interested in it? Sways and headers would make it feel like a new car.

If you dont drive much and get bored of cars easily... then maybe lease an M3?

 

I'm not interested in modding cars.. I guess I like to keep my cars stock.

Considering I would only get to drive a few times a week once the company vehicle is given, I don't think lease wouldn't make sense for my case.

 

I've been looking around a bit myself, and I have come to the conclusion that although the G35 is sweet, the late model used ones are overpriced.

I am seeing C5 corvettes (2004) with less than 20K on the clock for around 32, so why pay 30 for a G35 with similar mileage?. Likewise, for about that money, one could pick up a "lightly used" BMW330.

I really like the G, but it's no BMW and it's definitely no vette.

Also, from hangin around on some of the vette forums, it is clear that this is absolutely the worst time of year to sell, which may explain why I am finding bargains.

Just my

 

well yes I thought of about used G35's used price but doesn't that also mean its price hold its value very well compared to others in its class? I mean you would expecct significant depreciation hit in its first or second year but their price clearly show that's not the case. May be it would change if 07 model comes out which brings up to my next question. When is considered to be the best time to purchase a vehicle if you were to buy one from dealers? I heard end of month and also end of year (which is coming very soon) is def time to take advantage. Is that true or just rumor?

I'm not big on domestic cars. Had a HORRIBLE experience with one and told myself never to bother. Thanks for your input however.

 

I'm keeping my CLS for now (I think)...

53K miles and paid off... trade in is about 13-14K...

It would cost me about 12k to get into a 07 mustang, 20K to get into a 07 G35c (when they come out next year), or 30K to get into a 335 coupe.

The CLS is a great bang for the buck compared to the others I just listed... new or used models.

I'm going to save my money and hopefully someone will make an affordable rwd coupe for the US market in the next couple of years (and the rx-8 doesn't count 'cause it has issues)...

Hopefully Acura will suprise me with a new coupe soon

 

Dude welcome to Charlotte, NC. Its an alright town but by any chance you wernt one of those nice cars that was caught racing on 485 where you? haha

 

Man I heard that. I bought a Chevy Beretta when they first came out - only new car I've ever purchased, and I swore I would never EVER buy another chevy!

So I am conflicted about vettes. All the magazines say they are the shit, and the best hi performance value, etc. But it's a chevy!!

I've heard the same as you about when to buy, but I don't know if it's true. It does make sense that sports cars (especially convertables) would be a summertime thing and now would be a good time to buy.

Sounds like you want the G. I'd wait until the 07s come out and try to score a good deal on a late model previous gen ('05 or '06)

GL!

 

yea. Through some research from past few days, I've gathered there are major difference between 03/04 and 05/06. I think I would end up doing is stick with my Acura till Feb/March of 2007 and hopefully by then 07 model would come out bringing down prices on 05/06. We get our bonus at the end of Feb so hopefully that woudl come handy for downpayment.

Ideally, I would like to find 05/06 black/red/white exterior with ebony leather, manual transmission, navi, fully loaded with less than 20k miles for around 26k to 28k by then. If that's the case I would like to get rid of my Acura for around 15k and hopefully make up the payment somehow. At least that's the plan.

It seems almost stupid to jump on this right away for now.

 

I say if you're bored, get something new. You obviously have the cash, and with the limited driving, you should get a long life out of your car. I have always liked the G35 coupe, so that would be my vote. If I had the money for a BMW, I would get an M5.

 

At your (our) age, I would hold on to the CL. Having no car payment will help you get your life started. You'll have plenty of time later on to purchase whatever car you want. (Not just "reach" for an M3).

I should take my own advice...

 

 

and buy a house first if you don't have one yet