help Scott find a whip

[Maengelito]

damnit, stupid RJ beating me to it

[WRXtranceformed]

My first thought on reading your criteria would be the IS300, before I even saw that was one of the cars you were considering. Truthfully, Acura gives you more included features than Lexus, as far as amenities go. It is like Maeng said FWD though.

You're definitely considering the right years for the IS300, there were notable improvements after 2001 (namely a LSD)*. I've gotten great gas mileage on highway trips with mine; I actually averaged 27.6mpg coming back from NC/SC without the AC on, and 24.5 on the way down with the AC on full blast. Maintenance is not bad as long as you shop around for deals on parts. It is a Toyota after all!


*Disclaimer: Some 2001 IS's came with a LSD, but only the later production ones. I may be wrong on this as well, but I don't think the '01s ever came with a manual tranny option. Manual tranny IS's are rare, but not at all impossible to find. There was even an IS300 wagon believe it or not!

[ScottyB]

yeah i'm kinda gun-shy around the E46, which nobody tends to let go of around here with less than 8 billion miles on it.

do they have similar traits to look out for as the E36, i.e. coolant system upkeep, replacement of control arms/bushings/shock mounts, rear subframe tearing?

honestly, the 3 series was the first car i looked at. i know they are robust but i also know that they have shorter lifespans of alot of parts than other cars do, and keep in mind i can't do alot of repairs on this car in the parking lot with my limited tools.

[ScottyB]

*Disclaimer: Some 2001 IS's came with a LSD, but only the later production ones. I may be wrong on this as well, but I don't think the '01s ever came with a manual tranny option. Manual tranny IS's are rare, but not at all impossible to find. There was even an IS300 wagon believe it or not!

yeah i'd look at 2001s but no 5 speed manual

believe it or not i've already found 2 manuals in my local area, i'm going to drive one on saturday and find out if it's LSD equipped because i know i'll regret not getting it later on. and i love the wagon (sportcross) but no manual!

[BLINGMW]

do they have similar traits to look out for as the E36, i.e. coolant system upkeep, replacement of control arms/bushings/shock mounts, rear subframe tearing?

None of that. They got all that crap sorted out. Oh, well, except shock mounts. They still blow goats. $50 gets you urethane ones, 30 min of your time, car on the ground, in the parking lot, done. Also, the interiors are a lot more solid than e36. We would have got one, but it's like a boat compared to the mini. :wink: Really soft and comfy in stock form. Certianly a lot of car for the $$, I recommend the 4DR.

I couldn't fault you for going with the IS300 though, also a great car. Probably more reliable.

[WRXtranceformed]

Scott, you can tell whether or not it has a LSD from numbering on the sticker on the door. I'm pretty sure it's decoded from the VIN number. Do a quick search on my.is/forums and you should be able to find out how to tell.

[HAULN-SS]

If you're getting a GTO, you really want an '05, not an 04.

They made some slight styling changes to the rear, dual exhaust outlets, +50hp

[ScottyB]

If you're getting a GTO, you really want an '05, not an 04.

They made some slight styling changes to the rear, dual exhaust outlets, +50hp

i used to think so, but:

(A) i'll kill myself just as easily with "only" 350 horses. plus the LS1 mods easier than the LS2
(B) i actually prefer the 04 styling
© there are plenty of reports of LS2 powered GTOs with terrible oil burning problems. some cars are replacing 1 quart or more per 1000 miles. on the LS1 this isn't really a problem. search on <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.LS1GTO.com">www.LS1GTO.com</a><!-- w --> if you don't believe me
(D) entry cost is just right for the 04, too much for the 05

[Evan]

TSX, ick. You arent old or boring enough to own one of those. Ive ridden and driven a few and they are underwhelming, especially for the price.

My vote goes to E46 or GTO. IS300 is ok, but pretty much average at everything, and fuel mileage is surprisingly poor.

[CaptainHenreh]

Was there a GTO with the LS6? Or was that the CTS-V.

Oh hey! CTS-V, with the LS6.

What about a really really nice Manual SC300? You didn't say what the year limit was, but SC300's ran to 2000, had a manual, had a killer aftermarket, and looked good too. Plus back seat? 4 People in a pinch fo' sho'.

Just a thought.

Edit: A little research suggests that 97 was the last year for a manual. 10 years is probably too old...but it's a rock solid car?

[Evan]

oh, G35 coupes can be found for 19k if you are patient.

[HAULN-SS]

CTS-V is still about 5 - 6 grand out of his range, but yes, those have the LS6

No GTOs had the LS6.

If you're looking for one of them, you should see if you can ebay a weird color combo - like blue/blue or black/red. They had the least number, and might help you come resell time

[Andy]

What's not to like about the TSX. Seems like a fuel efficient, reliable DD to me. Good shifter, nice interior and holds its value relatively well.

[HAULN-SS]

I rode in a coworkers TSX to lunch the other day. I wasn't overly impressed with it, and the back seat was a bit small. this reminds me - you might be able to snag a 2005 legacy GT in that price range, especially a non-limited

[HAULN-SS]

z0mg

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[ScottyB]

TSX, ick. You arent old or boring enough to own one of those. Ive ridden and driven a few and they are underwhelming, especially for the price.

My vote goes to E46 or GTO. IS300 is ok, but pretty much average at everything, and fuel mileage is surprisingly poor.

really? bummer....i heard alot of good reviews and figured it would be a pretty cool front driver for it's size. for that price i would definitely expect a fun ride.

I've seen reports of the IS's poor milage but my driving is 90% highway. as Lee noted you can get up in the 27's....not great, not bad either.

G35's are cool too, but man those suckers hold their value. since they are closely related to the Z, i have been cautious in wondering if they share the same problems with burning oil, 3rd gear grinding, and CV joint issues.

What about a really really nice Manual SC300?

man....if i could find a manual one! i'd have more luck fishin for freakin mermaids. they have always looked great to me but odds are i'm not gonna find one that isn't old and beaten. i guess i've given up on them but if i saw one with low miles i'd have to consider it.

If you're looking for one of them, you should see if you can ebay a weird color combo - like blue/blue or black/red. They had the least number, and might help you come resell time

meh...its american, it's gonna depreciate and whatever car i buy i plan to own for a good many years so by the time i sell it won't make much difference. also, i'm not driving to PA for a car because it has funky leather :lol:

no legacys, they're cool but please see my requirements.

[Goodspeed]

Pros:
-In your price range
-More legroom in the back than most any other car (I've been in one)
-Badass
-Something different for a change

Cons:
- ........

I think it would be a worthwhile, fun project for you that is something different and definitely against the grain for MM.

[HAULN-SS]

oh yeah...no AWD ;\ doesnt that rule out the g35 too?

[ScottyB]

oh yeah...no AWD ;\ doesnt that rule out the g35 too?

just the G35X, which is auto only so i don't care for it.

Goodspeed - i have much respect for camaros but i don't like live axles, personally. plus, if i'm gonna drive a tank it might as well be the GTO.

[BLINGMW]

Scotty in a blacked out Camaro, I am REALLY having trouble picturing that. :lol:

z0mg

z0mg is right, I thought, hey, that blue is kinda nice

HOLY HELL THE SEATS ARE THE SAME COLOR :vomit: :vomit: :vomit: :lol:

and this red one

OMG! MY eyes!!!! hock: