So I've been thinking of buying a new car for the new year and the 07 is one of my choices so far as to what car I will be buying.

This will be replacing my AE86 as my daily driver (can't really pick up girls with it ).

So out of my choices, the 07 G35 sedan is by far the cheapest on insurance, cheaper than my 1992 NSX

My choices are:

- 2005/2006 Acura RL
- 2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
- 2006 Infinity M45
- 2006 Lexus GS300
- 2003 BMW M3

So many choices so little money.

I want a 4 door and something a little (okay a lot) more luxurious than car's like STI's and EVO's. I don't want to drive down the road and some honda kids wanting to race me. I've owned Japanese performance modified cars since I was 19 and now that I'm 27, I want some thing more grown up

So I was wondering how did you guys with G35's decided on your car?

Here are some pictures of my current rides:

My Carbon wide body NSX


My 300awhp RSTI


My daily driver AE86 Levin

 

E55 AMG! A definite head turner IMO.

Even though the E-class is aging, I think it is one of the best looking sedans on the market today.... IMO.

EDIT: I wanted a "NEW" car so I havne't gone with a second-hand M3 or others, although I could have. It's about what you like you know? I'd test drive all the cars in your list and go from there.

 

I wanted a performance car, but needed 4 doors.

The Sti, Evo, etc. just didn't appeal to me.

I tend to keep cars a looong time, and was genuinely afraid of German reliability and repair costs (esp. once the warranty runs out). I did check out the 3-series but it didn't speak to me; the interior seemed spartan and the exterior styling just wasn't appealing.

So I was basically set on a Japanese car.

I also loathe FWD. So although the TL looks nice, it was automatically disqualified. The RL also seemed bland.

I have never really like any Lexus vehicles, but checked out the IS. Again, I really really didn't like the exterior styling...and the interior was completely cramped.

My wife and I have had great experiences with a '95 240SX, and a '97 Maxima, plus I was smitten by the 2nd gen G35 sedan. I read about it before it hit the dealerships, test drove it a week after they came out, and ordered one on the spot. Note that I had also considered the M35x, but felt like it was the kind of car I'd get when I was a little older, as it was more of a cruiser.

I'm now at 1 year and 1 week with my G and I absolutely love it. I'd buy the same car if mine were totalled tomorrow.

 

Out of the selections you gave and the fact that you want a fast 4 door the E55 is on top of my list. Sure the G35 is fast, but An E55 would put me in my place real quick at a stop light.

Also it is going to be quiet, comfortable, but when you put the pedal down it will show you its power. A must have car in my book. Something AMG is in my future. Hopefully yours as well.

 

One thing I don't like about the RL is their bolt pattern is 5x120. Weird for a Japanese car to have a European lug pattern.

I don't want to buy an IS because every god damn asian has one (Yes I'm asian)

The stereotypical asian in Seattle, WA drives the following cars:

- e46 M3
- IS250
- 3-series BMW
- G35 coupes
- Acura TL

I like the M3's because I6 ITB's and a great car out of the box and even greater modified. However like JMZ stated, German reliability isn't too good. I was so close to buying a E39 M5 but after doing research the maintenance was really bad.

One good thing about Japanese cars is that the motors are quite inexpensive and relatively easy to work on. Plus working at a performance shop helps also

Mike

 

It is also in the right price range

Mike

 

e55 AMG ..

 

I sorry, I say the M45, everything about it is pimp.
My second choice would be E55 AMG, most cuz it's a AMG
The GS300 is nice, I just seen one today, but I like the body of the M better.
The RL is too plain/bland for my taste
The M3 is quick and nice also, but you want 4 doors. (Why is this on the list?)

 

My friend used to own a M45 sport and I loved it. The E55 AMG is an awesome, fast, and puts great HP and TQ numbers but V8 SC eats gas. It gets approx. 12-18mpg

As for the M3, it's one of them cars that you just have to own if you know what I mean and there is still some kid racer in me too LOL

Mike

 

e55 AMG FTW!! how much did you buy that nsx for? you paid off all 3 of your cars?

 

I paid $30k for the NSX stock and added a little over $20k in parts. All Comptech bolt on components except the S/C and even down to the carbon fiber widebody kit.

Yes all 3 cars are paid off. The AE86 Levin is cheap only costed me $5k plus all the aftermarket parts, it's my 5th and hopefully my last

The RSTI is the 2nd Subaru Impreza that I've built. It was originally for my girlfriend but I ended up putting the spare parts that I had laying around into it and now she is a winter driver

I don't know why but lately I want another 4 door and I told myself that I wouldn't modify it but after I did some searching around for a GS300 I was wanting to put a 2JZGTE
It seems like I can't get rid of this asian part of me. Having to touch every damn car that I own


Mike

 

If you can afford the maintenance, upkeep, and gas for a E55, that choice is a no brainer. Based on the cars you have, money doesn't seem to be a problem for you. Nevertheless, a 5 yr old E55 will be expensive to maintain and even rich people would rather not pay maintenance costs if it could be avoided.

I LOVE the way E55s and E63s look and, with minimal mods, it's a legitimate 11 sec 1/4 mile car.

The GS300 is a very good looking car, but I would definitely cross the 2006 GS300 off the list. It's relatively slow and was one of the least reliable Lexus models ever. In fact, I think that particular model dragged Lexus's JD Powers figures down significantly. I'd get an 07+ GS350. They're not selling well and can be purchased brand new for at or below invoice.

Acura RL is very slow for a 300 hp car and IMO looks rather anonymous. However, they have massive depreciation so you can pick up a 2005/06 RL for very cheap.

2003 M3 is a good car. But, when placed next to the E55 AMG, the AMG would seem to fit more of what you want, ie. something more grown up and luxurious. Plus with the new M3 out, the old M3's performance seems rather weak. OTOH, the E55 is still quicker/faster than even the newest E63s. You'd have to step up to something like the 600+ hp twin turbo V12 x65 AMG models to have better acceleration.

The G is the only choice if you want the latest gadgets and features. It has virtually every tech thing you would want to have in a car. It's a great driving car also. Very sporty for an everyday 4 door sedan.