The help my friend pick a car edition...

Budget is up to $35k, car doesn't have to be brand new but certainly newer and preferably under warranty. We were almost settled on an A3 when she realized it wasn't faster than her current 2000 Golf GTI VR6.

So, she wants sub 6.7 secs to 60, hatches preferred, coupes are ok, sedans generally are out. Ideas?

11/12/2011 12:13:29 AM

if a hatch is preferred, an 08+ STI is about her only option right? save maybe an r32 gti (hard to find)

11/12/2011 12:25:02 AM

A3, +$500 for the APR chip and you'll have a 6-second car easy, no other mods required.

11/12/2011 12:28:47 AM

And a 996 isn't the answer this time because...

11/12/2011 7:32:15 AM

135i/335i coupe

Or she could buy my z06 and have something truly fast for much, much less than her budget in exchange for it being an '02. Coming from a Golf, it will change her religion.

11/12/2011 8:38:26 AM

Mazdaspeed 3?

11/12/2011 8:56:55 AM

Volvo C30 ?

11/12/2011 10:54:56 AM

Z4M, V70r (too old/cheap?)

11/12/2011 11:35:18 AM

^^not faster than an A3 or '00 GTI.

Seems like all the good choices have been stated. Though you can add to the list the regular WRX, as it's still a lot faster than the stated requirements.

11/12/2011 12:04:50 PM

just don't get an '08 STi...

11/12/2011 12:05:50 PM

STI, 09+ WRX hatch, 350/370z, 128/135i, 08 r32, 2010+ gti with chip, speed3, lancer ralliart (gag), v6 genesis coupe?

11/12/2011 2:07:03 PM

Don't sleep on it.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

11/12/2011 7:28:49 PM

335

11/12/2011 8:15:24 PM

Corvette is out, she wouldn't drive one. I can't believe you'd even suggest that dude, seriously. Why not just say a 2000 Mustang GT while we're at it. She loves my Porsche but it also is out, because the newest 996 is almost 6 years old. My mistake for not providing further details as the post was hastily made. Let me go over what specifically she's looking for.

The car has to either be under manufacturers (extended is fine) warranty, or be new.
Cost $35k or under (she says she'd consider stretching to $40k for a really sweet car).
Has to be faster than current car --> 6.7sec to 60 or under.
Generally prefers smaller, nimble cars. Hatch is a huge plus, coupe is doable, sedans are out. The cutesy 5 door cars like A3s are fine.



She hates the hood scoop on the WRX/STi, otherwise that'd be a solid contender, I'll see if I can arrange a test drive, maybe that'll change her mind.
The A3 with a chip is still in the running, as is a new GTI.
We'll look at a Genesis coupe.
She also likes the Cooper S, but I think they're a little played out.
I was thinking Abarth 500, anybody got specs on that car?

She doesn't want a sedan with two doors (BMW 1 and 3 series).
She thinks the Z4M coupe is ugly -what a shame- I think this is THE car w/in these parameters!
V70R is way too wagon/big/heavy.
C30 is too slow (I rather like this one also).

11/12/2011 9:11:36 PM

Z

11/12/2011 11:54:32 PM

Can you get a Cayman S for that price that's new enough to be under warranty? I bet so.

I also think that the Z4M coupe looks like pure sex.

Shame she doesn't want a 135i or 335i coupe. I don't quite get how you could be down with a Mini or a fucking GTI and turn up your nose at one of these. I'll just stop making suggestions, I think. Her tastes or requirements or whatever are baffling.


(The Z06 was mostly joking, although it is for sale and as you know will bend your face in all directions for dirt cheap, if that's the sort of thing you're into).

11/13/2011 12:18:35 AM

STi or JC Works Mini seem to be the car for her

The scoop would be less noticable on an STi in a darker color, maybe test drive a black or gray one?

Although this search just screams 135i, not sure how she can discount that. Oh well.


What's she gonna use this car for? Street racing or commuting?

11/13/2011 1:25:26 AM

The obvious answer here, DUH, is the new Toyobaru Coupe.

Brand new for $30K or under, coupe, small, nimble, quick. I don't think numbers are out yet, but should be good for about 6 sec to 60 mph, considering 200 hp and 2,800 lbs or under.

Surprised no one has said it yet.

Other:

Golf R ($35K, 5.5 sec)
Genesis 2.0T ($23K, 6.8 sec) (NOTE: More powerful facelifted model coming in a month)
Genesis 3.8 ($28K, 5.7 sec) (NOTE: More powerful facelifted model coming in a month)
Veloster Turbo (~$20K, ~6.5 sec) (NOTE: Numbers are estimates, car debuting in a month)
Cooper JCW ($31K, 6.2 sec)
Cooper JCW Coupe ($32K, 6.1 sec)

Abarth 500... the 160 hp Euro-spec model does 0-60 mph in 7.4 sec... the US version will reportedly have 175 hp, so it won't break the magical 6.7.

Here is a quick drive review, track footage, plus differences between the Euro and US models:
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-quick-spin-review/

It will debut in 3 days: http://www.fiatusa.com/abarth

It won't cut her 6.7, but damn does it look hot!!!
http://www.fiatusa.com/abarth/images/galleryAssets/image0.jpg
http://www.fiatusa.com/abarth/images/galleryAssets/image1.jpg

11/13/2011 5:36:36 AM

Or wait for the Focus ST... it is finally coming to the US.

247 hp in a hatch, and it looks phenomenal, blowing the GTI out of the water:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/29/2012-ford-focus-st-details-released-ahead-of-world-premiere-in-p/

Should be cheap ($25K or less) and should be good for 6 sec to 60.

Or if you have the money, motivation, and resources, import a good specimen of the previous generation Focus RS (300 hp) to the US. Or wait for the new generation RS to debut and maybe it will come to the US, after about 2 years or so.


P.S. Fiesta ST will also come to the US, but it will be another year or so. 180 hp, and 60 in about the same time as the GTI.
3-dr concept: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/ford-fiesta-st-concept-is-tiny-tough-hotness
5-dr concept: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/ford-bringing-five-door-fiesta-st-concept-to-la-auto-show


[Edited on November 13, 2011 at 5:57 AM. Reason : ]

11/13/2011 5:51:53 AM

How about the previous gen Golf R32, if you look hard enough you might find one still under warranty.

11/13/2011 4:30:29 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mitsubishi-Evolution-/220891421355?pt=US_Cars_Trucks

11/13/2011 5:09:36 PM

^ 540 hp... suicide machine

11/13/2011 5:11:55 PM

Dudes, this is a car for an older professional woman, not a high school dude trying to get the most bang for his buck. If she thinks the hood scoop on the STi is a deal breaker (she really likes the rest of the car though) do you really think she'd go for a 5 year old, modified to the hilt Lancer? I think they're hot and disgusting so much that I haven't even owned one...

Anyway, so the Genesis and 370z may be considered as well. No dealers were open today unfortunately. The 370z may be quite the contender... I'll also look at the Cayman S', see if any would be conceivable w/a warranty at under $40k.

11/13/2011 5:58:09 PM

if she doesn't like the scoop, what about the outback wagon? didn't they make that with the turbo 2.5? forester too?

11/13/2011 6:40:07 PM

^^ yeah, Cayman S would be sweet. I'm pretty sure she could get a non-"S" Cayman for that price, and I bet she can get an "S".

I still can't wrap my brain around how the distaste for the Z4M, 135i, and 335i coupe. Her wants & needs seem like she'd like them all so much it would be tough to decide between them, not that she'd refuse to consider all of them. That is just confounding.

11/13/2011 7:03:52 PM

Only a girl would let a 4" hood scoop be a determining factor in a car purchase.

11/13/2011 8:21:48 PM

Quote :

"I'll also look at the Cayman S', see if any would be conceivable w/a warranty at under $40k. "

after driving one today i was not disappointed. i still do not like the styling. i was not super impressed with the gear box and sears for every day, but then i think my 335's gear box is about as responsive as a rock.

11/13/2011 9:22:47 PM

Quote :

" i still do not like the styling"

You must be a blind homosexual communist or something.

[Edited on November 13, 2011 at 11:36 PM. Reason : blind, too]

11/13/2011 11:36:15 PM

^agreed. How can you not like the looks of a Cayman???

Quote :

"if she doesn't like the scoop, what about the outback wagon? didn't they make that with the turbo 2.5? forester too?"

Every Subaru with the turbo has a hood scoop. Impreza, Legacy, whatever.

Quote :

"yeah, Cayman S would be sweet. I'm pretty sure she could get a non-"S" Cayman for that price, and I bet she can get an "S"."

I could be mistaken but I do not think you'll find a Cayman S with a warranty (original or CPO) for under $40k.

I didn't suggest the 370Z because I figured that someone considering a (true) hatchback would find the lack of interior cargo room a dealbreaker.

11/14/2011 8:47:08 AM

Quote :

"I didn't suggest the 370Z because I figured that someone considering a (true) hatchback would find the lack of interior cargo room a dealbreaker."

But then she doesn't want a sedan-based coupe as well (BMW 1 and 3 series), according to Ahmet. So her requirements are somewhat weird.

************************************************

WINNER!!!!

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to get 350-hp V6, 275-hp turbo four

(or wait for the Toyobaru)

11/14/2011 9:16:49 AM

I didn't suggest the 370z because NMSJ

11/14/2011 12:31:46 PM

I've got it!!!


MUSTANG!!!

She could get 1 loaded down GT... and almost get a boss for that!!

(lol but srsly but lol)

11/14/2011 12:34:57 PM

The requirements are sort of weird sure. The 3 series coupes look too boring and impractical to her, as does the 1. They look too "sedan like". I showed her a picture of the EVO, the reply was "the wing is kind of ugly, and without it, it's just a boring sedan". I mean, she's right...

Anyway, the 370z may be too racy/impractical but that'll get a test drive and I'll update. As will the Genesis coupe. She doesn't want to wait 2 more years the new-new ones probably aren't in the running for this purchase. My vote's for an A3 DSG +a chip personally. It's really too bad that there's barely anything in the hot hatch market in this country. She pushed hard for an RS3 (and said she'd stretch to buy that if it were avail), but according to Leith AUDI, no go in the U.S. Shame.

11/14/2011 1:04:19 PM

yes, because we don't like efficient, fast, fun cars... nope...

*sigh*

I'm still paranoid to buy a vw product though seems like they have a lot of issues while still under warranty. Yes, i know they'll fix it but i don't want to have to drop my car off at the dealer all the damn time.

11/14/2011 1:16:30 PM

Your friend's criteria is a baffling one. I'll pass on any further suggestions.

11/14/2011 2:03:14 PM

I think your friend is acting super interested in this new car idea, along with u going with her on the test drives because it catches your interest and she wants to hook up with you, if you aren't doing her already.

Either that or she is a prissy bitch who needs to make up her own mind

/decision/thread.

11/14/2011 2:12:21 PM

Quote :

" I could be mistaken but I do not think you'll find a Cayman S with a warranty (original or CPO) for under $40k."

You are mistaken... 10 pages of CPO Cayman S Available, about 10 or so under $40k. Hopefully the link works. If not just go here and look for CPO Cayman S
http://www.porsche.com/usa/pre-owned-vehicles/search/


http://ucl.porsche.de/ucl/plsql/usa/clients.show_cars?reihe_=98C&art_=caymanS&bauart_=all&vpreis_=&bpreis_=&vezl_=&bezl_=&apvd_=1&postcode=&sid_=607773563I93E086HOP0SCSCS9HHD1N&styp_=s

[Edited on November 14, 2011 at 3:31 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on November 14, 2011 at 3:32 PM. Reason : .]

11/14/2011 3:31:15 PM

If a 370z is too racy / impractical, I'm sure a Cayman will be also, considering who makes it.

Just save yourself some time and tell her to get the Audi.

It's pretty useless to ask the gayrage this kind of question.

11/14/2011 4:09:56 PM

^^interesting!

^The Cayman (S) has over 14 cubic feet of storage space. The 370Z has just under 7. Impractical you say?

[Edited on November 14, 2011 at 4:50 PM. Reason : k]

11/14/2011 4:41:13 PM

Cadillac CTS Coupe or Infiniti G37 coupe? Or are they too big? Both fit the performance parameters, both are damn sexy, and both have very nice interiors to boot. Might have to squeeze in under the price parameters would be the only issue.

Unless they are disqualified solely by virtue of having sedan siblings, but the design of both is distinct enough to look like a coupe, not a 2-door sedan. IMO anyway.

11/14/2011 5:09:17 PM

you can buy 35 $1000 civics!!!!

[Edited on November 14, 2011 at 5:27 PM. Reason : ]

11/14/2011 5:12:54 PM

Indeed, the Mazda Speed 3 and to a lesser degree the RX8 are others I've thought about. Want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything...

11/14/2011 5:17:38 PM

^^ haha, well you know you're supposed to do $10,000 worth of power mods to at least one of them, so I guess that's really only 24 $1000 Civics

[Edited on November 14, 2011 at 6:04 PM. Reason : ^^]

11/14/2011 6:04:47 PM

Quote :

"i still do not like the styling"

i can not get over the idea of stretching a 911

11/14/2011 7:56:02 PM

Quote :

"As will the Genesis coupe. She doesn't want to wait 2 more years the new-new ones probably aren't in the running for this purchase."

2 years?

The new ones are debuting NEXT MONTH.

BTW, no disrespect intended, is this your Mom? 2 reasons I ask that: you once made a thread about buying a car for your mom, and you mentioned in here that this woman is an "older professional woman".

11/15/2011 2:50:37 AM

Quote :

"The 2012 Genesis Coupe is powered by a new 5.0 liter Tau engine that is a bored-out, direct-injection version of the 4.6-liter V-8 currently found in the Genesis sedan. The bore goes up to 96 mm, an increase of 4, while the stroke stays the same at 87 mm. The result is an estimated output of 429 hp at 6500 rpm and 376 lb-ft at 5000 rpm with an 11.5:1 compression ratio. The new engine will be mated to an eight-speed automatic designed and manufactured by Hyundai. "

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/hyundai/2012-hyundai-genesis-coupe-ar101325.html


Kinda disappointing to be mated with an auto transmission only...

[Edited on November 15, 2011 at 3:40 AM. Reason : .]

11/15/2011 3:38:52 AM

^ That is grossly incorrect information.

Yes, everybody would like to see the Genesis Coupe with the sedan's V8, and there is speculation that Hyundai might do that, but as of right now, there is no Genesis Coupe with a V8 in the pipeline. Another thing that Hyundai might do is make a supercharged version of the Genesis 3.8.

Here is the correct info regarding the new Genesis Coupe:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/face-lifted-2013-hyundai-genesis-coupe-gets-up-to-345-hp-and-an-eight-speed-auto/

Actually, at the recently concluded SEMA show, Hyundai did show 2 different one-off Genesises (Genesi?), one with the 5 liter V8, and the other with a supercharged 3.8 V6, both making around 450 hp. Hopefully Hyundai will produce one of them in the near future! Here they are:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/hyundai-and-rhys-millen-racing-show-off-tau-v8-powered-rm500-gen/
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/take-a-closer-look-at-the-hyundai-genesis-hurricane-sc/

[Edited on November 15, 2011 at 6:42 AM. Reason : ]

11/15/2011 6:19:33 AM

[Edited on November 16, 2011 at 1:46 PM. Reason : ]

11/16/2011 1:46:01 PM

if anyone cracks the ecu on them i'll be 1st in line.

but until that day... even 275hp isn't enough for the 4 banger turbo.

11/16/2011 1:55:04 PM

first thing that popped into my head were porsche and e46 m3

11/16/2011 2:21:30 PM