I think i'm gonna trade the vette soon

[Chate]

Ok, so this is obviously just impulse, but I want to dump my vette. I seriously believe that the stars were misaligned when i bought it because there really has always been SOMETHING wrong with it and really I have already spent too much on it than i should have and I think I've now firmly decided that come this summer, its time to change. I'm just not happy and I waste too much time fixing things/paying to get things fixed and with work and grad school it's just too much time that gets wasted that i cant really afford to waste.

So, assuming i trade the vette and get ~10k for it (i'm going to trade it because i dont want to directly pass this on to anyone, i just feel like that'd be bad karma)

My requirements are
-As little as possible out of pocket with no add'l loan
-Certified or still in warranty (i just want car-peace for the next 2-3 years)
-Newer the better
-MUST have more than 2 seats
-No sub/compacts

What would you suggest?

[SeanPlunk]

Ok, so this is obviously just impulse, but I want to dump my vette. I seriously believe that the stars were misaligned when i bought it because there really has always been SOMETHING wrong with it and really I have already spent too much on it than i should have and I think I've now firmly decided that come this summer, its time to change. I'm just not happy and I waste too much time fixing things/paying to get things fixed and with work and grad school it's just too much time that gets wasted that i cant really afford to waste.

So, assuming i trade the vette and get ~10k for it (i'm going to trade it because i dont want to directly pass this on to anyone, i just feel like that'd be bad karma)

My requirements are
-As little as possible out of pocket with no add'l loan
-Certified or still in warranty (i just want car-peace for the next 2-3 years)
-Newer the better
-MUST have more than 2 seats
-No sub/compacts

What would you suggest?

I need more info on total budget, but an LS2 GTO would be high on my list. I think you could buy an extended warranty for that cheap and they aren't know to be problem cars anyway.

[SeanPlunk]

How about this? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=255978209&dealer_id=55999833&car_year=2005&rdm=1234297927527&model=GTO&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2005&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=PONT&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=45000&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92807&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=219&standard=false) Roadtrip anyone?

[Chate]

mmm not bad
So i bought it on valentines day 2 yrs ago, so the 2 yr extended warranty ends this weekend LOL im taking it into top flight corvette in sd tomorrow and just letting them inspect everything thats covered...damn check engine light came on today thats what triggered this whole rant/emo episode so i'm hoping warrenty work will at least keep it running for as long as it takes me to put a few grand together (so total budget ~15 including trade most likely)
bah, i'll just get a new z06 when i'm a pharmacist so i dont look like a traitor to the vette community i guess

[SeanPlunk]

2-seater, 4-seater, sedan, coupe, vert, hardtop - what are my options here? I need more information.

[Chate]

4 seater at least
either car or suv, 2 or 4 door, top doesnt matter
lets put the price at a fixed 15K
if its gonna be slower then the vette, i want a better interior at least (which shouldnt be hard to find)
iono thats about it, i just drove by a dealership that had a g35 coupe "12,999" across the windshield...so maybe that? They aren't too slow right?

[SeanPlunk]

4 seater at least
either car or suv, 2 or 4 door, top doesnt matter
lets put the price at a fixed 15K
if its gonna be slower then the vette, i want a better interior at least (which shouldnt be hard to find)
iono thats about it, i just drove by a dealership that had a g35 coupe "12,999" across the windshield...so maybe that? They aren't too slow right?

I think it's going to be difficult to find a "cool car" with a warranty and without a ton of miles with your price limit but I'm going to start looking anyway.

[Chate]

actually from the dyno day thread, maybe the genesis coupe? sure its over my price range but maybe if i wait till dec instead of summer there might be some kinda financing incentive- and i'd only have to finance 4-5 grand anyway...hmmm and it'd be brand new with that 100K mile warranty!

[SeanPlunk]

actually from the dyno day thread, maybe the genesis coupe? sure its over my price range but maybe if i wait till dec instead of summer there might be some kinda financing incentive- and i'd only have to finance 4-5 grand anyway...hmmm and it'd be brand new with that 100K mile warranty!

True, but the 300hp V6 will likely be a lot more expensive. If the turbo 4 ends up being easily modded that would be cool, but otherwise I think 210hp will feel real slow compared to the Vette.

[SeanPlunk]

Here are some low mileage G35 coupes in your range... (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=2&body_style=COUPE&make=INFIN&model=G_MODELSCLASS_SERIES&make2=&start_year=2003&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=16000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=45000&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=2&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=&rdm=1234304719228)

[SeanPlunk]

Mustangs? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=2&make=FORD&model=MUST&make2=&start_year=2005&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=16000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=8+Cylinder&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=45000&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=&rdm=1234305271014)
Acura RSX Type-S? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=2&make=ACURA&model=RSX&make2=&start_year=2005&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=16000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=45000&color=&keywordsrep=116121112101032115&keywordsfyc=__dHlwZSBz__&keywords_display=type+s&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=&rdm=1234305317249)
Mini Cooper S? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=2&make=MINI&model=COOPER&make2=&start_year=2002&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=16000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=45000&color=&keywordsrep=115117112101114099104097114103101100&keywordsfyc=__c3VwZXJjaGFyZ2Vk__&keywords_display=supercharged&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=&rdm=1234305413102)

[Chate]

eww, a mustang?? i wouldnt mind a 05+gt, its just an image downgrade LOL!! I kid i kid

cooper is too small, rsx is too slow/ricey for my taste

i just wish my c5 would just stop sucking long enough for me to get out of school

[Chate]

also, when buying a car person-to-person (non dealer) whats the best way to go about ensuring quality of it? i always am afraid that i'm gonna get screwed and have no where to turn to buying direct even though theyre significantly cheaper :(

[SeanPlunk]

also, when buying a car person-to-person (non dealer) whats the best way to go about ensuring quality of it? i always am afraid that i'm gonna get screwed and have no where to turn to buying direct even though theyre significantly cheaper :(

What kind of cars are you looking at?

[Chate]

your g35 link gave me some hope, so i'm looking at a 2005+ g35 coupe w. manual (i think they went from 260 to 298hp that year)
i figure since the vette does have 100+ miles on it, the difference (seat of the pants) between 345 hp and 298 hp wont be THAT big of a deal...dear god i hope...

[Chate]

Does anyone know a site that has all the variants of the current gen mustang listed and the differences between them??

All i knew were v6, GT, GT500 but i see all kinds of other ones like Boss, GT350, GT/CS etc but cant tell the diff?

I like the GT/CS only because my initials are CS tho haha, someone point me in the right direction!!

[SeanPlunk]

Does anyone know a site that has all the variants of the current gen mustang listed and the differences between them??

All i knew were v6, GT, GT500 but i see all kinds of other ones like Boss, GT350, GT/CS etc but cant tell the diff?

I like the GT/CS only because my initials are CS tho haha, someone point me in the right direction!!

As far as I know here are the options for the normal (non-supercharged) 4.6L 3-valve Mustangs that Ford has offered for the S197 generation.

GT - 300hp/320lb/ft

GT/CS (California Special) - GT with hood scoop, different front bumper, rear diffuser, graphics, 18" rims, 2-tone seats

Shelby GT - GT with hood scoop, 17" rims, billet grille, and 320hp/330lb/ft with a shorter 3:55 gear ratio as opposed to normal stock 3:31

Shelby GT-H - Same as Shelby GT but black with gold stripes

Bullitt - No spoiler, only black and green, unique shifter, 315hp/325lb/ft, and 3:73 gear ratio

Out of the group I like the CS the most, although the Bullitt would be kind of fun too :D

[SoCalC55]

Nice breakdown, and looks somewhat accurate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth-generation_Ford_Mustang

[Chate]

Sweet thanks guys!

Hows the rear seat room on these?

Is the GT350 just a dealer package where they add cobra emblems and shelby rims or something, theres a few on Ebay and they look like a cobra without the GT500 steering wheel, or (most importantly) the SC.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-Gray-GT-350-Mustang_W0QQitemZ140304408180QQihZ004QQcategoryZ62 36QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Is it a stretch to hope that the Gt500s will drop to the mid to high 20s by the end of the year? Sure a gt would be fun, but a gt500 would make me feel better (and waiting 6 months means more cash to spend) but by then the vette will probably have blown up...choices choices...

[Chate]

I'm reading that the cobra has a 0-60 of 4.6 sec and quarter of 12.8. Isnt the 03 about the same???? rediculus

335i with a tune does 0-60 in 4.6 and 1/4 of 13.0

why is finding an awesome car so damn hard, out of these the 335i is better overall vehicle, right? Better daily drivablility, reliability, suspension, comforts etc etc etc and pricewise on the used market the 335i coupe is like 27 make it 30 with a tune and better tires and you'll be right in line with the gt500 (damn close)

[SeanPlunk]

I'm reading that the cobra has a 0-60 of 4.6 sec and quarter of 12.8. Isnt the 03 about the same???? rediculus

335i with a tune does 0-60 in 4.6 and 1/4 of 13.0

why is finding an awesome car so damn hard, out of these the 335i is better overall vehicle, right? Better daily drivablility, reliability, suspension, comforts etc etc etc and pricewise on the used market the 335i coupe is like 27 make it 30 with a tune and better tires and you'll be right in line with the gt500 (damn close)

The 335i would indeed be the best car for everyday use compared to a GT500. It gets far superior gas mileage, rides better, has a bigger backseat and is entertaining even stock. At our dyno day I saw one with a tuner, intake and exhaust put down 324rwhp and 345rwtq.

It's not even close hp wise to a GT500 but would be a much better daily driver in my opinion.

I'm unclear on what you're looking for though? It sounds like the budget went from 15k or less to more like 30k or less?

[Chate]

haha i got a new job (thats why i couldnt come to dyno day btw) so if i suck it up and get a loan (rather than pay cash+trade like i was initially talking about), my budget goes up to mid 20s (assuming i can get ~10 for the vette)

Its just so hard to choose a car, i want something RELIABLE but also fast/decent looking. I made a huge mistake going with a high mileage car so I feel like forking up the extra cash and getting something newer is in my best interest this time around, plus BMW has that maintanance program thing too for 4 yrs...i'm not gonna mod it, dont have money or time, i just want something cool/fun/reliable/fast to get me thru 2 more yrs of school and 1 yr of residency :(

Even with such an HP disadvantage, the BMW is still pretty damn quick, just barely slower than the gt500, why is that??

[SeanPlunk]

haha i got a new job (thats why i couldnt come to dyno day btw) so if i suck it up and get a loan (rather than pay cash+trade like i was initially talking about), my budget goes up to mid 20s (assuming i can get ~10 for the vette)

Its just so hard to choose a car, i want something RELIABLE but also fast/decent looking. I made a huge mistake going with a high mileage car so I feel like forking up the extra cash and getting something newer is in my best interest this time around, plus BMW has that maintanance program thing too for 4 yrs...i'm not gonna mod it, dont have money or time, i just want something cool/fun/reliable/fast to get me thru 2 more yrs of school and 1 yr of residency :(

Even with such an HP disadvantage, the BMW is still pretty damn quick, just barely slower than the gt500, why is that??

It weighs 600lbs less and the times you're listing for a GT500 are slow. Realistically you can get a GT500 in the low 12's stock with a good driver. I think the record is 12.3.

I agree with you on the high mileage cars. I always look for stuff with less than 30k miles.

BMW 335i's aren't quite in the mid 20's yet, but they're close. I have seen some in the 27k range. As you can tell, obviously I love the 335i. I think it would be a fantastic all around car and should be on your short list if you can afford it.

[Vettezuki]

haha i got a new job (thats why i couldnt come to dyno day btw) so if i suck it up and get a loan (rather than pay cash+trade like i was initially talking about), my budget goes up to mid 20s (assuming i can get ~10 for the vette)

Its just so hard to choose a car, i want something RELIABLE but also fast/decent looking. I made a huge mistake going with a high mileage car so I feel like forking up the extra cash and getting something newer is in my best interest this time around, plus BMW has that maintanance program thing too for 4 yrs...i'm not gonna mod it, dont have money or time, i just want something cool/fun/reliable/fast to get me thru 2 more yrs of school and 1 yr of residency :(

Even with such an HP disadvantage, the BMW is still pretty damn quick, just barely slower than the gt500, why is that??

Ok, I'm gonna mess your $hit up. Why not just suck it up with what you got, sock away your extra cash and get a used GT-R upon completing your residency (assuming you still have a hard-on for the GT-R then).

Delayed gratification is an extraordinary thing. If not this, I'd suggest you follow your original impulse of sticking to cash. The older I get the more I realize toys (and you are talking about a toy) should only be paid for in cash.

I'm not being a killjoy. By all means, buy toys and have fun, but some restraint now might mean even cooler toys later. IMHO.

[Chate]

Damn it ben you remind me of my dad.
But hes usually right :)
I would love to stick the vette if i could just get it to be emotionally stable!! I dont care about anything else as long as it runs smoothly, not even interested in mods, the damn thing just does its little shakey shakey and that reallllly pisses me off!! Its a gorgeous car, every time i look at it in the parking lot i fall in love all over again haha but then when i start it and it exhibits its freaking spazzing action...its like having a gorgeous girlfriend you KNOW has something going on behind ur back...disappointing lol

I'm trying to hold off as long as possible, and if it comes to it maybe i'll just trade for a 4cyl accord to get me thru (oh how i disgust myself right now) but desperate times call for desperate measures i guess... Life is sad.

[Chate]

Wait, when i graduate i'm going to be over 50K in debt...i cant afford a GTR in those conditions!!!

Tricksy vettezuki, showing me unattainable dreams!!!

I can use student power to get a 10-15 grand loan at relatively low interest right now and get a car but getting a HUGE loan on top of my student loans will be an unattainable feat, after graduation, don'tcha think?

Ok new question of the day, Pontiac G8 GT...I see MSRP of 28,000 for the bottom rung, plus an option of 0% for 60 or 3k off msrp, PLUS there is a credit union discount of 1k.
If i take the 3K off, plus 1, my net comes to $24,000 for a brand new G8 GT.

Is my math correct? This seems like an exceptional value, with 15 grand down (my car plus cash), and a managable 9K loan i think i can make it work...AND it'll be worry free for 3 years (warranty) since its brand new!!

Vettezuki/sean/others please advise!!

[Vettezuki]

Wait, when i graduate i'm going to be over 50K in debt...i cant afford a GTR in those conditions!!!

Tricksy vettezuki, showing me unattainable dreams!!!

I can use student power to get a 10-15 grand loan at relatively low interest right now and get a car but getting a HUGE loan on top of my student loans will be an unattainable feat, after graduation, don'tcha think?



No, because you can bank cash in the meantime and use it as a down (if you must) plus your new, I'm guessing, rather high paying job. But there is one major potential got'cha. And here I go getting all polotical and economical on you. If I know anything about economics, I'll be damned if I can see why there WON'T be massive inflation within the next couple years. That would kind of give an advantage towards buying something now on a fixed rate, lower price, and paying it off later with a devalued currency. You'd be wiser to do this with a house or something, but there is some reasoning to buying now . . . But who knows.

Ok new question of the day, Pontiac G8 GT...I see MSRP of 28,000 for the bottom rung, plus an option of 0% for 60 or 3k off msrp, PLUS there is a credit union discount of 1k.
If i take the 3K off, plus 1, my net comes to $24,000 for a brand new G8 GT.

I saw one of these on the road the other night, and I must admit, it looks damn good. BTW, aren't there slightly used versions for under $20k?

Vettezuki/sean/others please advise!!

Your Vette might be like a hot moody girlfriend, but the bottom line is that when the doors are shut and the lights are out . . . she bangs. Let's not forget that.

Have you tried simple dumb stuff like disconnecting and spraying electrical cleaner on all your harness contacts, including your main ECU hookup. It only takes a little smulkus to get in one of them to cause a continuity problem, which will manifest as bizarre intermittent behavior in a computer controlled car. I had this once on my injector harness.

[Chate]

My bad, the g8 gt msrp is 33, the 29 is AFTER incentives :( Ch8=FAIL

[Chate]

Next break i get, i'll try the electrical spray stuff...i was also told to get professional injector cleaning as that may be an issue.

Do you know if bad injectors or coils would throw codes? the car shows no codes, no check engine nothin

[Chate]

Next Q: what exactly does a tune entail? based on when Paul took a look at my car (it was on a day that she WAS NOT shaking...figures...he mentioned that it was running rich) could the shake and bake and all the other crap possibly be fixable just by getting it tuned by someone good? Its looking like a couple hundred bucks, but if i can spend that and resurrect my Nisha, i'll be saving WAY more than buying another car (and the heartbreak of getting rid of this one)

I know, all i do is ask questions, i'm sorry, in return, when you guys get old i can tell you about ur drugs and how to get em for cheap :)

[Vettezuki]

Next Q: what exactly does a tune entail? based on when Paul took a look at my car (it was on a day that she WAS NOT shaking...figures...he mentioned that it was running rich) could the shake and bake and all the other crap possibly be fixable just by getting it tuned by someone good? Its looking like a couple hundred bucks, but if i can spend that and resurrect my Nisha, i'll be saving WAY more than buying another car (and the heartbreak of getting rid of this one)

I know, all i do is ask questions, i'm sorry, in return, when you guys get old i can tell you about ur drugs and how to get em for cheap :)

Have you replaced your O2 sensors? If they're original and over 100k miles, they may just be fried. This will give the computer bogus data with which it will instruct the motor to do bogus things, like running way rich, alter timing etc.

It sounds like your problems go beyond mere tune territory. Next time you're up here bring it on buy, we'll do some tweaks and I'll poke around a bit. In the meantime, buy a can of SeaFoam and dump it in your full tank. It's a pretty wicked solvent and will clean your injectors.

[Chate]

Paul also told me about sea foam, did it once but no significant difference, did it again about a month later and same thing. Was gonna go for a 3rd but wal-mart doesnt have it in SD! they carry some b12 stuff that comes in a can but never heard of it?

wouldnt the O2 sensors throw codes though? One of the mechanics who checked out the car did some test with the computer attached where he was checking these graph things (damn i wish i wasnt so ignorant) but he said the sensors look OK?

Also, i went for a long drive yesterday (car's been sitting for 2 weeks) and noticed the shaking at idle wasnt happening but there was serious sluggishness up high between 55-80mph, using pure chetan logic, does this mean injectors might not be delivering enough fuel to the engine? or maybe fuel pump is going bad? i just want there to be a code for everything, is that so much to ask???