I bought a new car (the "I wanna be like Gugs" thread)...

[lurch70]

I looked at the IS250 also and I don't like the way Japanese do luxury ... there is something cheesy about the interior bits. They remind me of those asian furniture stores that sell expensive furniture that kind of looks like a knockoff of other brands ... their type of wood choices (if that's your thing) is weird also.

but that GLI is sweet, but at the same time close to $30K loaded nicely.


the 1 strangely enough is not even marketed to first time buyers of the brand but rather BMW enthusiasts that complained that the 3 series has grown to big and left the "sports" factor ... if you don't follow these things it can easily look like the 1 is an "entry level" beemer ... but its far from it. they just shaved some luxuries from it and added some more sporty bits.

 

[General Zod]

Just looked at the BMW site, and went to "Build Car" option. There's two versions of the 1 series. The 135, which is turbo charged, has a base price of $34K and quickly gets to $38K. The 128, is $28K and is close to $34K. The dealership by me isn't even carrying them. Are they out yet?

Zod

 

[lurch70]

they should be here by end of February ... I priced a 128 with Sports package, heated seats and Auto for a bit over $32K
still impractical at this point for my needs but its a great deal for what it is.

 

[General Zod]

Just drove the Altima Coupe 3.5. That is a nice car. Doesn't have quite the same road manners a the GLI, in terms of responsiveness and handling, but much faster. And, it just feels like a better made car. Their opening salvo on a 36 month lease was $495 with $1K down or $429 with $3K down.

Zod

 

[Dead_Lioness]

Leasing is such a great opportunity for people to ' try ' out different cars... which one are you getting, Zod?

 

[Dead_Lioness]

hahah ... I am not down on the IS250 ... I was poking fun of your statement about entry level luxury brands

also ....

the Smarts are getting delivered to owners this week in the US ... here's a video that is cool and at the same time dispells the BS that American's are not gas conscious (listen to the talk with the SUV driver)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDNXnxVfp94

I *love* the smart!! It's a perfect car for those who live in the city and dont need to drive much...
I wish I could buy one of those and have my other car for "out-of-town" purposes...

 

[General Zod]

Leasing is such a great opportunity for people to ' try ' out different cars... which one are you getting, Zod?

I think if the price is close enough that it's a non-factor, probably the Altima. The GLI feels a little young for me. That said, the lease on my Speed 6 (see initial post in this thread), doesn't terminate until mid-April, so I could be on to something completely different by then.

Interestingly, the sales person told me, four months ago, people were paying $1,000 over sticker for the Altima Coupe.

Any suggestions?

I love car shopping.

Zod

 

[Dead_Lioness]

 

[General Zod]

What the hell is that Diablo? A Smart Car?

Zod

 

[Dark One]

Subarus absolutely rock. I think they've made a customer out of me for life if possible. Hassle free and a very refined, quiet drive at reasonable prices. I love my Forester, which is basically an SUV/car hybrid, but here are some of their more stylish, higher end sedan/hatchback models, and they're totally worth checking out. (standard all wheel drive on all models):

Legacy:

http://www.subaruofamerica.com/shop/overview.jsp?model=LEGACY&trim=25GTLIMITED&command=overview

Impreza:

http://www.subaruofamerica.com/shop/overview.jsp?model=IMPREZAWRX&trim=STI&command=overview

 

[Dead_Lioness]

Yep, Suburus are good cars!

 

[General Zod]

The WRX is definitely a bad ass machine. However, with a base price of $34K, it's a little more than what I want.

The Legacy's styling just isn't to my taste.

Honestly, my suggestions comment was probably pointless. I'm not sure there's a car I haven't considered (in one form or another). I'm constantly poking around Edmunds, and I'm always checking out the cars I see on see on the road, knowing I'd be in the market.

Zod

 

[Dark One]

Ok fair enough!

 

[Dead_Lioness]

A buddy of mine bought some high end Infinity ... M45 or something awhile back ... I asked him to let me drive it and showed him a few things that "it can do" ... even he had a grin on face after that.

Do you like Infinities, Lurch ?

 

[Dark One]

Nah, they take too long.

 

[Dead_Lioness]

hehehe

 

[Claws of Perdition]

Thumbs down on Subaru.

Best of the Jap brands imo and the only Jap car i would ever consider buying.

 

[Reign in Acai]

Yep, seems to be a fine choice for city based driving if horsepower & a refined driving experience are factors of lesser importance.

Bro, I currently drive a car that has a messed up wheel, goes 0-60 in about 20 secs, and has the handling of a fat guy on cake. Horsepower and driving experience take a back seat to gas mileage.


What I need to know is, how does it handle in an accident? If I wrap myself around a tree, will I be able to once again see the sea?!?

 

[Dead_Lioness]

Thumbs down on Subaru.

Never owned one, but heard from people who do, that they are reliable and OK cars...

 

[Dead_Lioness]

BTW, I have an 05 Outback. Not impressed with the car at all. Ridiculously uncomfortable. Bits fall off. Tires last maybe 15,000 miles before needing replaced because of the worthless AWD. It's an SUV that's neither sporty nor useful.
.

some SUVs can be sporty...