Looking for a new car: Try not be biased

[Apex i ITR]

My wife is a speed demon. She loves fast cars. She's been thinking about getting something standard again (or a really good auto/clutchless transmission). She also does like utility but we have a 91 sidekick we bought as a beater that her mom gave her the cash for and passed away shortly after so we are keeping that car forever. Looking into a VW AAZ 1.9 TDI for it right now since apparently its almost a complete drop in

She currently has a IS300 and loves the car. We were thinking about the IS350/F but a friend of mine thats a master lexus tech said the maintenance costs on those cars are higher then they were for the IS300.

So I'm trying to talk her into looking at the following cars:

08+ WRX STi - Yes I know but she is not gonna need more then 400ish hp and she loves the sound of the boxer engine

08+ Evo. She loves everything about the car, BUT.......she hates the front. I'm hoping to convince her to test drive one anyways

08+ Subaru Legacy - Like the STi but way more sedate

Not here's where it gets fun. She likes all types of vehicles so she is also looking at:

08+ GLK 350 - Loves the looks. Doesn't like the fact that its kinda small

08+ Range Rover sport - Maintenance costs are a concern

2011 Outlander Sport - Loves everything about the car---------except the fact that it only comes with 150HP. Seriously Mitsubishi.....WTF

08+ Acura MDX. Almost had her in this one but my sister is a selfish brat and thats what she drives so in my wife's crazy female mind she does NOT want to get the same vehicle as my sister. I think its stupid but whatever.

Last thing to note, I know the FT-86 is on the horizon and the Subaru version looks great if the renderings are to be believed. The Toyota version I've heard may be coming out later this year. No clue on the Subaru STi version.

Distant third is the BMW 335 (XI). I liek it but the 4 door version doesn't look as good as the 2 door. Plus I'm not sure on the maintenance costs on this one either.

Trying to keep it around 35k (Yes i have found IS-F's for 36-40 that I believe I can get close to the price we want to spend).

I will try to get her into a Evo IX MR. She hates my car because of all the money thats gone into it so thats an uphill battle.

[ryanowarrior]

Hell come test drive mine son :D hell I even got a SS camaro she needs lol!

[Apex i ITR]

She is not a fan of American muscle (although we both agree if we had the money to blow we would buy a Challenger even though its a heavy pig).

Might need to take you up on the test drive. LOL.

[Nickolas]

hell I even got a SS camaro she needs lol!

LOL, awesome.

[ryanowarrior]

lol heard that

but yea just let me know, yall or more than welcome to test it out

[Apex i ITR]

Thanks. Yours is white which is a must for whatever her next vehicle is gonna be.

[TouringBubble]

She could have a baller V6 Genesis for that money. They look good, RWD and cheap to maintain in comparison to the IS.

Don't forget the other Germans ...

Audi A4/S4
Audi Q5
VW CC
VW R32

also ...

Infinity G37 or 370Z

Not sure how sporty you want to go ...

[Sil'vr-boi6]

I know its not on your list but have you considered: 1st gen FX35. The 3.5 or the 4.5 and choice of RWD or AWD. Utility is average and sportiness is above most crossover/utility suv IMO. I test drove my cousins and their quite nimble for a vehicle their size. I'm sure you can find one below 15K.

[GoBoost]

Hm, have you thought about a Mazdaspeed3? Chicks tend to like them, they're turbo, and way cheaper than 35.... Could be made decently quick for fairly cheap.... Just an idea...

[turbofoedoe]

I say Ralliart Galant!! 263hp 3.8ltr v6.. why not? And you guys should be able to find a slightly used one for $14-16k
Second vote is Sonota turbo. I went to Jim Ellis a few weeks ago and test drove the Sonota hybrid,non turbo and turbo models.. Plus u cant easily drop a ralliart Lancer MANUAL TRANNY in there if she keeps it long term!!

[Apex i ITR]

On the Hyundai: She likes how they look but she has the same issue I have which is why even though I ALMOST pulled the trigger on a Genesis coupe I didn't.........its a HYUNDAI. I just couldn't get past spending that kinda money on a Hyundai.

German cars scare me. I know the VDubs and Audi's have gotten way better in terms of quality but between maintenance costs being higher then a similar car in its class and cost of upgrades being more expensive then normal we both never got past admiring from afar stage. I do love the R32 (She and i both love hatchbacks which is why she likes the hatchback STi, although the 4 door is REALLY nice).

She did like the G37 but she is more partial to the coupe. Looking at both the 370Z and the G37 the problem is she can't take the kids with her. All we had were coupes early in our marriage and she got very accustomed to having a 4 doors. If the car is nice enough I suppose to can manage to suffer with a 2 door but its gotta be a 4 seater. I know there is the AWD version of the G37. She likes them so I should add them to the list.

The new Mazdspeed 3 is kinda ugly. She likes under the hood but can't get past the exterior.

Never heard of a Ralliart Galant. I'll look them up and see if she likes how they look.
Keep the suggestions coming guys. Thanks.

[turbofoedoe]

Ralliart Galant sir
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/b19wheels/mitsubishi-galant-ralliart-993.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/b19wheels/mitsubishi-galant-ralliart-002.jpg
Oh yea it come with 18inch alloys stock!!

[Apex i ITR]

What years did they sell this trim. Its not on the website. its nice.

[TouringBubble]

VW maintenance is no worse than a Lexus I promise.

[Chemwarrior]

As the current owner of a V6 Genesis Coupe I have to tell you that if you are using that tired old excuse of "it's a Hyundai" then you are really missing out on a good car. My suggestion is that you go test drive one before discounting it. Hyundai has gone leaps and bounds on their vehicle. Just look at their awards that they have won in the past couple years.

[Apex i ITR]

I know I know. i need to get over my own Stereotype. Mia's Lexus has been problem free. I mean over the last 6-7 years of ownership its been the best vehicle we have ever had. Thats why I kinda wanted to stay with them. Truth be told she may still end up getting the IS350.

The Genesis coupe does look awesome.

[Chemwarrior]

I completely understand about the Hyundai stereotype, but all I'm saying is form your opinion based off of personal experience before throwing it out with the bath water.

I do like the IS350 though. What is the going price for one?

[turbofoedoe]

What years did they sell this trim. Its not on the website. its nice.

They made them from 05 until present year i beleive!! You just dont see these around much.. They made these limited edition like the old VR-4 Galant.

[mike.p]

I plan on looking to purchase a 06-07 range rover sport supercharged next year. I am a bit nervous about them though because of the "problematic" name range rover carries

[Apex i ITR]

That is her fav truck. Gas mileage is beyond garbage it sure looks pretty. The cost of entry/resale value scares me.

[StrScrm]

Keep it in the fam, get a X get it over with......lol

[05b6s4]

h with your concern over german cars and there maintenance prices dont buy one without a warranty for starter or it will murder your pocket and yeah some services are more expensive than you average car but overall they are not bank breakers and with the budget your working with it will be no problem for you to get a sweet german car. good luck man

[Apex i ITR]

Thanks. Need to find time to get her in a couple of cars to see what she is "leaning" towards.

[killercd4g63]

I was in the againgst Hyundai group too UNTIL that Genesis came around. I actually seen it in action 3 days ago on the B22 (Germany countryside road) and i attempted to keep up with it in my si around the corners... Super fail indeed. I haven't seen any problems with it lately either soo just consider it.

and as far as German cars go, I've driven a few over here (amg's, and older M series) and they are outstanding performance cars but when something does go wrong, it's sad.
BUT i can say for BMW that they do have more good sides than bad, they are like the cornerstone of Germany. :)

I did see an newer model RS4 in action on the autobahn last week and it was quite impressive. But i've never seen a euro sport model Audi that hasn't impressed me. And i do not include the TT coupe. lol

I heard the Lexus ISF WOT doing well into 140mph on the autobahn last week as well and it was something else :D

I'd honestly go with a BMW... like a 3 series... either a 335i(3L Turbo) coupe or the 335i Xdrive(3L Turbo AWD).
The Sedans are looking pretty good as well.

They don't cost too much either.

[Tim's EVO]

How you want for the lexus or are you planning to trade it for the new car

[Apex i ITR]

NOt sure. Thinking about giving it to my parents, Keeping it for my son (He's 4 years away from driving), keeping it as a back up or selling/trading it in. LOL

[Tim's EVO]

That's cool it's always good to have a backup.

[Apex i ITR]

Teat drove a 08 hatchback sti today and she absolutely fell in love with it. Gwinnett Subaru wants to much for it considering it's got almost 40k on the clock and a gang of dings in the hood (and the interior trunk area has some imperfections) but I'm starting to look at the used market for a white one and a black one with navigation. She sat in the is350 and didn't like it.