taking suggestions on new cars

[mistermojorizin]

I'm starting to think it might be a good time to sell the coupe b4 the new coupe comes out and my car looses value. But, i can't think of anything better to get. if it matters, my coupe is paid off. Below are the factors I am considering in a new car. I'd like to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

1) Reliability - I believe in consumer reports reliability rankings and any other reputable source (the msn rankings seem way too optimistic to me). This pretty much limits me to Asian cars that are not older than say 2002, unless there is some reliable source (i.e. consumer reports) that has above average rating on a specific euro/american model. this is a threshold question, i'm pretty much not considering other cars. g35 has been very borderline on this issue.

1A. Modding - I am not a huge fan of modding as it tends to ruin reliability. But, i am willing to consider this as a factor, if the modding is not too expensive, doesn't kill the reliablilty (e.g. i won't put a supercharger on the g), and will make a substantial improvement in a certain car's performance (read "acceleration").

2) Acceleration - this is my biggest problem with the g35. i want something that pushes me back in the seat like a c5 corvette. It's not about the numbers, its more about the feeling (evo/sti seem to have the numbers but not much faster in a straight line than a g). I want a v8 or forced induction.

2A. transmission - i'll drive either a manual or an auto. Probably prefer auto.
2B. Handling/Ride - I like the g35 sport suspension handling and ride. I wouldn't want anything substantially worse handling.
2C. Weight - the lighter the better, I don't care about sound deadening (i would prefer the g didn't grow bloated over the years)

3) Looks - very subjective, but I want something I'm not embarrased to drive in los angeles. nuff said. evo/sti are very borderline currently. hoping the next evo will look nicer.

4) interior - as long as its got leather and a radio and power windows, i really don't care. plastic corvette interior is fine, for example.

5) price - looking to spend about 30-40K. probably buy slightly used to save a bit. but i'm flexible here so through out some more expensive options if you want.

6) utility - don't really care, i want a fun car.

ok, any suggestions? I realize i basically want a japanese corvette. but they don't make the supra anymore. What should I do? The G just doesn't satisfy my desire for acceleration (too heavy, not enough hp). I'm looking for more of a freeway cruiser than a canyon carver though.

i know i'm probably dreaming and this car probably doesn't exist, but i'd like to get your thoughts.

[gspotter]

Save your money for the new GT-R.

[Jahan]

If it has to be Japanese, then you’re pretty much limited to an STI or an EVO. There aren’t any Japanese cars that are faster than the G35C. The GTR almost fits, but likely will be heavy and cost much more than $40K.

If you can stray from your requirement of being Japanese, here are a few other cars that might work for you:

C6 Vette (you can get a base model 6spd for under 40K from some of the bigger dealers)
Z4M (very fun car, fantastic lease rates right now on the roadster)
Used NSX (may have to be older than 2002 to fit your budget)

[Greatwars]

1A. Modding - I am not a huge fan of modding as it tends to ruin reliability. But, i am willing to consider this as a factor, if the modding is not too expensive, doesn't kill the reliablilty (e.g. i won't put a supercharger on the g), and will make a substantial improvement in a certain car's performance (read "acceleration").

If you don't care to much about interior or to have the pimp factor of new car, then I would start to mods my car if I were you ... just remember bolt-ons don't really give you too much whp...but it would make your G AT LEAST looks fresher

2) Acceleration - ... evo/sti seem to have the numbers but not much faster in a straight line than a g....

How???? Evo 9 MR and STI ARE faster than G35 on straight line!! Unless you want to go 100+ MPH .... both also don't die fast after 100 mph (don't mistaken it with evo 8)....from dig, they would be 2 CL at least before you hit 100+MPH... Even if you mods your G with any bolt-ons, especially if yours is AT, it wouldn't throw you back on your seat like Evo 9 MR or STI .... that's the purpose of tubo lag anyway, to give you that 'fast' feeling .... spend on exhaust, delete cats, and ECU upgrade on STI or Evo and you would get at least 30 whp easy ....
If you want MUCH faster than that, Only FI and C6 would satisfy your need.... If you really need speed, you might really need to consider Z06.
If I only look for fast, Evo and STI would be my choices....sadly, both interior kills me off....

ok, any suggestions? I realize i basically want a japanese corvette. but they don't make the supra anymore. What should I do? The G just doesn't satisfy my desire for acceleration (too heavy, not enough hp). I'm looking for more of a freeway cruiser than a canyon carver though.

Since you are flexible, wait for new GT-R or buy Z06 if you don't need any backseat and don't plan to modify... otherwise if $$$ is a factor, go with C6 or 335 and upgrade it with XEDE (spelling?), you would get alnost 290 whp easily ....

[P_Diddy]

The G35 coupe's resale value is very high. It helps that the price of the new cars keeps increasing too. The 08 coupe is not going to make the used car values plummet. They may dip 1 or 2 thousand bucks but that's not much. Keep the car if you've already paid it off.