Cars:

I've had a 1994 BMW 318i since I was 15, I'm now 18 looking for a new car.
I've looked at a few, and the ones that are appealing to me most are: Nissan 350z, Mazda RX8, Audi TT, BMW Z3 and a Toyota MR2 Spyder. Anyone give their opinions, and if you've drove/have one of these? Or even a suggestion for a different car to look at. Pictures in order listed above.

 

Definitely like the Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX8.
Those two I know more then the other two but I'd definitely get one of those.

 

I'm having such a hard time deciding. I really like the 350z. But, the MR2 gets about 30 MPG I believe, and it still looks nice.

 

the 350z's are good for a cheap sporty car, but theyre by NO means a sports car. they're quick, and they're fairly sporty. But it's quite comical that my 5,200 lb SUV outruns them like they're standing still. And everyone's got a Nissan Z, so I don't have much taste for them.

The RX8's have STUNNING handling for such an affordable car. absolute best value for money out of the whole batch if you want to put it in the turns. Fairly quick, but not particularly fast.

Audi TT's are really nifty little cars, and very fun...if you get the quattro. tbh though, not the best value out of the bunch.

Z3's are very comfortable little cars to ride in, and pretty unique, this one I haven't driven so I'm not really quite sure what to say about their handling, but i'd imagine they are pretty sporty. It is, after all, a BMW.

MR2's are by far one of the girliest cars out of anything you can choose from. But out of all of these, very few cars on this planet can put a grin on your face like the MR2's can...especially given the price. I drove one in Houston with my buddy who was looking into buying an MR2. the gearbox, the engine, the chassis, steering, handling...everything was superb. The motor is rev-happy, the trans shifts butter smooth(great stock clutch feel), the chassis feels stable considering the convertible top, and these things handle like they're on rails. They WILL put the ass-end out sideways quickly though if you don't learn their limits. Nonetheless, these things share the same engine as the Lotus Elise, a similar transmission(just different ratios), and a simliar chassis to the Lotus....they're basically a japanese budget Lotus. Very cool car. too bad its so feminine.

 

Wow someone's got rich parents haha.
My favorite of them all (from looks) is the 350z, I've never driven any of 'em though so I don't know how it handles.

 

Mazda, Audi and BMW are the best of those names so go with one of those.

 

Get a delorean you spoiled kid!

 

I would have the TT anyday

 

I agree with subaru. Audi is such a smooth ride, and fun to drive.

 

Get the 350Z.

Second choice should be the RX8.

Rest are garbage.

 

ok; im 16, had a 2003 bmw 325ci, which i sold. im sorta in the same position as you.

first, the cars i test driven that you have listed:

350z: good, solid feel. feels somewhat heavy, but it does have a nice v6 to make up for it. power range is good through the rev range, but the interior is pretty shitty.

rx8: looks like a fucking monster...but it isnt. it does have great handling, but honestly, look for a rx7.

other than that, ive heard the tt is pretty nice, but i would go for the performance edition of it(cant remember what its called) because the regular one is seriously lacking in hp.

now, some cars you should THINK about getting.

subraru impreza wrx or sti: main car im looking for now, these things are absolutely awesome. awd, and on the sti the 300 hp is used to the fullest. ive tested one out, and it just feels like it needs to be driven hard.

mazdaspeed 3: alot of people forget about these, but the fucking rule. room in the back, turbo'd(can easily be brought up to 350+hp with a good tune). tested one, literally the only negative i can think of from the test drive is the torque steer in 1st and 2nd.


just my opinion


edit: oh and check out civic si's! amazing value, and honda reliability, plus an 8k redline...try to find a more fun car with under 200hp and youll be the first.

 

^^THIS. these things are stellar, Lots of torque steer if you mod them, but stock...they're PERFECT. unbelievable gearboxes, too! My best bud has one...and it's a fun little pocket rocket. I trade him my truck from time to time, and this thing is always a bundle of fun.

 

Audi TT or BMW Z3, I would choose.

But I would prefer Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series or BMW M6 Coupe, if you have the necessary cash.

 

They all look like pretty nice cars. I really like that F12 Berlinetta

 

Are you kidding me? I work for everything I have. Get over yourself.
And to everyone else, thank you! I'm still working on deciding, you guys are a lot of help though.

 

You mow the lawn or something?

 

Jesus how rich are your parents?

 

Big no no towards the rx-8. Yes they look great and even I wanted one, but damn the rotary engine. It's unreliable. However, if you want to take on the issue get it. They do look the best out of the ones you posted and does preform very well for the price.


However if you can stray from small coupes take a look at the Pontiac g8 (Holden Commodore). They're faster than the cars listed and have the added benefit of 5 seats compared to 2.




I personally drive the v6 version (Australian laws) and they're great.

 

I'm buying myself a Civic Si actually, but that's only because I need decent fuel efficiency for driving to school. If I didn't need that, I wouldn't pass down my chances to own a Beemer.

 

COMPLETELY different vehicle than a Camry(wtf?). Everything about it is different. Nothing about this car will make you think of a Camry, whatsoever. Some parts may be shared, but overall it's a very different vehicle than a Camry. The engine may share a similar block design to other toyota vehicles, but internally it's much different.

Don't let this guy fool you..^^^^ You're talking to an automotive fiend here, and also a certified diesel tech, not that it matters.