New Car Help

[JF23]

In the market for a new vehicle. Rules are as follows...

1) It can't be a complete dog

2) Four doors

3) Manual transmission

So far thinking twin turbo BMW's (335i & 535i) and Audi A4.

Any suggestions for a fellow TRF'r would be much appreciated, photos welcome!

Here's a pic (not mine) of an 09 Audi A4 to get things started.

[ippon20]

Man, with a car like that...I wouldn't be lookin at a new car. That Audi looks great. As for cars, I can't contribute. After getting my Toyota FJ, I don't want another car.

[JF23]

Originally Posted by ippon20

Man, with a car like that...I wouldn't be lookin at a new car. That Audi looks great. As for cars, I can't contribute. After getting my Toyota FJ, I don't want another car.

The Audi isn't mine, just one of my front runners for next purchase.

I hear you on the looks, I really...really like its styling...

[diablojota]

I would say either the Audi or an Infiniti G37. The G37 is a pretty smoking car.

[ijen0311]

I like the 2008 Acura TL Type-S. I love my Audi but don't keep it past the warranty expiration!

[JF23]

Originally Posted by diablojota

I would say either the Audi or an Infiniti G37. The G37 is a pretty smoking car.

Thanks Frank, haven't researched the Infiniti...will check it out.

[ippon20]

Originally Posted by diablojota

I would say either the Audi or an Infiniti G37. The G37 is a pretty smoking car.

Yeah, the G37 is pretty hot...a guy down the road from my place has a Skyline G37 and it looks 100mph standing still....I do love the front end styling of that Audi though and those lights are smokin!

[JF23]

Originally Posted by ijen0311

I like the 2008 Acura TL Type-S. I love my Audi but don't keep it past the warranty expiration!

Thanks Jen. Had a TL, the torque steer would almost take me into the other lane...

[diablojota]

Yeah, FWD cars are terrible with a manual, IMO. That's the downside to the Acuras. However the G37 is RWD, if I recall correctly (99% sure of it).

[ippon20]

Your right Frank, and also throw the Lexus IS-F in there if your into japanese performance! That's a sweet little ride as well.

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by JF23

Thanks Jen. Had a TL, the torque steer would almost take me into the other lane...

I had an '02 CL Type-S with the automatic and I loved it! I've never driven the manual though.

[diablojota]

Originally Posted by ippon20

Your right Frank, and also throw the Lexus IS-F in there if your into japanese performance! That's a sweet little ride as well.

Yep, that's another good one. My ex got the IS 250, sweet car! The 350 would be better with regards to performance, and nothing tops the F in terms of Japanese RWD 4 door sedans.

[JF23]

Originally Posted by diablojota

Yeah, FWD cars are terrible with a manual, IMO. That's the downside to the Acuras. However the G37 is RWD, if I recall correctly (99% sure of it).

It was an Auto too! Couldn't imagine in manual...

[diablojota]

Originally Posted by JF23

It was an Auto too! Couldn't imagine in manual...

Wow. That's amazing. My Mazda 6 is a FWD car, but the torque steer is minimal at least. But I think RWD is the way to go. My BMW 320d was manual and RWD and a fantastic driving car. Wouldn't want to keep it for more than 5 years though.

[JF23]

Originally Posted by diablojota

Wow. That's amazing. My Mazda 6 is a FWD car, but the torque steer is minimal at least. But I think RWD is the way to go. My BMW 320d was manual and RWD and a fantastic driving car. Wouldn't want to keep it for more than 5 years though.

I really prefer RWD cars. Turning radius, from my experience is also night and day in the RWD cars.

The Audi is available FWD or AWD. Never driven an AWD car, but a friend has a turbo WRX that's modded and will light up all four...

[drtooth73]

BMW 535. The best

[JF23]

Originally Posted by drtooth73

BMW 535. The best

Thanks for the input Bill.

Test drove one today, but it was pouring rain so couldn't put her through the paces. Will be going back very soon for round two.

[diablojota]

Originally Posted by JF23

I really prefer RWD cars. Turning radius, from my experience is also night and day in the RWD cars.

The Audi is available FWD or AWD. Never driven an AWD car, but a friend has a turbo WRX that's modded and will light up all four...

AWD is amazing when it is executed properly. Subaru is definitely king. Audi has a good implementation of it, as does Porsche and Nissan (GT-R).

[diversified]

On the american side, what do you think of those Cadillac STS with the corvette engines?

[diablojota]

Originally Posted by diversified

On the american side, what do you think of those Cadillac STS with the corvette engines?

Ah, the CTS-V. Drove one of those bad boys and all I have to say is "WOW!" That car screams. I think it's a solid performer without question. Fit and Finish isn't up to Japanese standards, but it is pretty darn good. Definitely a 4-door Corvette.

[JF23]

Originally Posted by diversified

On the american side, what do you think of those Cadillac STS with the corvette engines?

Funny you should mention that, I'm getting out of the CTS V with the LS2 Vette engine. It's a saloon with a hammer under the bonnet (in my best Jeremy Clarkson voice) gearbox is notchy and drive train is clunky as hell. Was a really fun car though.

A few pics with the Clear DRL's from the STS and Vette FRC's I added.

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by diversified

On the american side, what do you think of those Cadillac STS with the corvette engines?

I was going to suggest the same thing. But then one of the things the OP was looking for was a standard. The STS-V does not come with a standard trans. The new 2009 CTS-V does however. It also costs an arm and a leg (at $65,000+), however you do get alot for that car. 556 some-odd horsepower, bucket seats, etc. I have the AWD STS v8 with 320HP, and that car is plenty fast for me. I know it's not a stick, but I've driven auto.'s all my life, and would probably never drive standard. That's just me
Good luck in your car search. The new Audi is a very beautiful car as well. The new white LED parking lights in the front make that car IMO.

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by JF23

In the market for a new vehicle. Rules are as follows...

1) It can't be a complete dog

2) Four doors

3) Manual transmission

So far thinking twin turbo BMW's (335i & 535i) and Audi A4.

Any suggestions for a fellow TRF'r would be much appreciated, photos welcome!

Here's a pic (not mine) of an 09 Audi A4 to get things started.

If you have a family then 535i. If not then 335i. I can't see comparing the A4 to these cars as that Audi is more in line with the 328 and has nothing in common with any 5 series. Just my two cents.

[JF23]

Originally Posted by Mike B

I was going to suggest the same thing. But then one of the things the OP was looking for was a standard. The STS-V does not come with a standard trans. The new 2009 CTS-V does however. It also costs an arm and a leg (at $65,000+), however you do get alot for that car. 556 some-odd horsepower, bucket seats, etc. I have the AWD STS v8 with 320HP, and that car is plenty fast for me. I know it's not a stick, but I've driven auto.'s all my life, and would probably never drive standard. That's just me
Good luck in your car search. The new Audi is a very beautiful car as well. The new white LED parking lights in the front make that car IMO.

So true concerning the LED lights.

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

If you have a family then 535i. If not then 335i. I can't see comparing the A4 to these cars as that Audi is more in line with the 328 and has nothing in common with any 5 series. Just my two cents.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Launch Mini]

Love the LED's on the Audi, but would go BMW 335.
I am looking too.
Thinking 335 couple or possibly a Cayman S, or possibly a MINI S.
Decisions

[diablojota]

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

Love the LED's on the Audi, but would go BMW 335.
I am looking too.
Thinking 335 couple or possibly a Cayman S, or possibly a MINI S.
Decisions

Once you get in the Cayman, the other 2 cars will no longer be in consideration... That car is flat out sweet.

[bodybump]

That LED on that head light is a head turner..oh boy!!!

[drtooth73]

Originally Posted by JF23

Thanks for the input Bill.

Test drove one today, but it was pouring rain so couldn't put her through the paces. Will be going back very soon for round two.

I was just thinking that next year they will come up with the new 5-series.
That car is going to be awesome, if BMW engineers continue their nice work.
Wait 1 more year?

I had a bunch of new cars, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Cadillac, drove them each over 100k, The Honda Prelude was most trouble free of all, 1st tire change and brakes at 100000 miles.
The BMW, although needs more maintenance, has so much more to offer.
Very solid car, very intuitive. My 5 series gets 34 MPG from Detroit to Baltimore.
Comes with free 4 year maintenace, which is nice, also.

[drtooth73]

Originally Posted by diablojota

Once you get in the Cayman, the other 2 cars will no longer be in consideration... That car is flat out sweet.

Porsche is very nice. You can really customize the car ($$$$$).
Have you ever taken a Lotus for a drive? NOTHING corners better.

I have a baby boy, so stuck with a four door, when he grows up a little, might buy a used Italian car, maybe a used Italian watch, too

[TheDude]

I have had my 530i for 4 years now (2006 model year, but delivered in Apr 05). It is a 6 speed manual. I love it, and have never had an issue with the car. I think it has been in for 3 routine services and that's it.


My vote is certainly the 535i. I have had a couple of 3 series cars for service loaners, and the driving experience, fit and finish, and dynamics simply can't be compared. The 5 is on a different level.

One thing though - get the sport package. The changes to the suspension are something you'll probably want.