Future Car, What should I research? Options

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

Alright, here's the deal, I keep going back and forth about what kind of car I want one day. I was it to be nice and at least semi luxurious, AWD, sleeper or sleeper-esc, and be capable of tons of hp. I've thought about getting a ae86 and making it nice and turboing it to make it fast, but I think I want more luxury and AWD. I've been thinking about getting an A4 and twin turboing it lately. I'd be willing to stand RWD, as long as I move south. I'm debating moving to Europe so I can have more choices. And yes, I'm serious. So, what do you all think?

EDIT: I'm no expert, so something I can get help with, and build step by step would be nice. I really don't want to just take something to a shop and have everything done. The intire point of this is to build a fast car, owning and being able to drive it is just a by product.

This post has been edited by Bigmeanbulldog55: Jan 9, 2006 - 11:03 PM

[orvillescelica]

what is your price range? an ae86 and an A4 are in very different price ranges. When do you think you are going to get a car? is it soon or a year or two away? if you are thinking a new car, then there might be new models out to look at.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

what is your price range? an ae86 and an A4 are in very different price ranges. When do you think you are going to get a car? is it soon or a year or two away? if you are thinking a new car, then there might be new models out to look at.

Price range is high, but I'm not wastefull. I don't see my self ever buying a new car, anything I get will be used. There's not much of a point in buying a new car when it lowers a 1/3 in value as soon as you drive it off the lot, and everything I want to do to it voids warrenties.

EDIT: The reason I want something luxurious is because my fiance and I are both going to be doctors in a couple years and I think I'd have to get something nice for appearance.

This post has been edited by Bigmeanbulldog55: Jan 9, 2006 - 11:15 PM

[boosted_K2]

Twin Turbo A4 = earlier model S4 which were also AWD, the new ones are still AWD but now use a 340 HP V8 coupled with a true 6-speed MT and an available tiptronic 6-speed... not to mention it has recaro sport seats and an absolutely stunning interior. sounds like its right up your alley.

This post has been edited by boosted_K2: Jan 10, 2006 - 12:05 AM

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

Twin Turbo A4 = earlier model S4 which were also AWD, the new ones are still AWD but now use a 340 HP V8 coupled with a true 6-speed MT and an available tiptronic 6-speed... not to mention it has recaro sport seats and an absolutely stunning interior. sounds like its right up your alley.

I like light and nimble as well. With a 340hp V8, I could get something like 680-700 with a couple of turbo's? If it's going to be a V8, it's got to be able to run next to 800hp in. Oh yeah, this has to be a daily driver. This is all just for research right now. I look up these cars and see if they are what I want and have the potential I need.

[lagos]

isint that car like 50 grand new?

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

isint that car like 50 grand new?

EDITTED: That means $35k used. That's okay for me. Do they even have those things state side? I plan (can only) on spending around 50k total on the car.

This post has been edited by Bigmeanbulldog55: Jan 10, 2006 - 1:24 AM

[fastgt]

id say go with a 350z and drop about 8k on a twin turbo set up.....ooooo hotness

[lagos]

I plan (can only) on spending around 50k total on the car.

damn wish i could roll like that.

[celicaGT96]

Dude, for that price range get a freakin supra.......or a 300zx is pretty sweet too.

[Mike]

Twin Turbo A4 = earlier model S4 which were also AWD, the new ones are still AWD but now use a 340 HP V8 coupled with a true 6-speed MT and an available tiptronic 6-speed... not to mention it has recaro sport seats and an absolutely stunning interior. sounds like its right up your alley.

I like light and nimble as well. With a 340hp V8, I could get something like 680-700 with a couple of turbo's? If it's going to be a V8, it's got to be able to run next to 800hp in. Oh yeah, this has to be a daily driver. This is all just for research right now. I look up these cars and see if they are what I want and have the potential I need.

Don't forget the relatively sh*tty handling due to the fact that the engine can't be mounted any further forward !

[blu94gt]

Twin Turbo A4 = earlier model S4 which were also AWD, the new ones are still AWD but now use a 340 HP V8 coupled with a true 6-speed MT and an available tiptronic 6-speed... not to mention it has recaro sport seats and an absolutely stunning interior. sounds like its right up your alley.

I like light and nimble as well. With a 340hp V8, I could get something like 680-700 with a couple of turbo's? If it's going to be a V8, it's got to be able to run next to 800hp in. Oh yeah, this has to be a daily driver. This is all just for research right now. I look up these cars and see if they are what I want and have the potential I need.

Don't forget the relatively sh*tty handling due to the fact that the engine can't be mounted any further forward !

that's the second time I've read that in forums today about Audi's lol. You and a guy here in KC must have ESP

hmmm I wish I had 50k to spend on my next car. I'm looking at something in the 15k range for the summer, and like I said in my other thread I think it's going to be a Corvette.

For 50k you have a lot of options. Heck, you could even get a used viper and use the extra money under the hood. Or a Supra, or RX-7 (so hawt), or 300ZX, or 350z, or a new Z06 vette, or etc etc.

What about a used BMW 840 coupe? BMW HERE!
Not too many of them out there, and you could make that v12 put out some power!

[boosted_K2]

you want a "light and nimble" luxury car that can run along side any 800 HP car with AWD for under 50k that is daily drivable? you sound like you want a bugatti or a ferrari or something.

[Consynx]

luxury = weight
take ur "luxury" car and get rid as much of it as you can
just the seats are over 70lbs(prob).

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

you want a "light and nimble" luxury car that can run along side any 800 HP car with AWD for under 50k that is daily drivable? you sound like you want a bugatti or a ferrari or something.

Keep in mind I want a kind of sleeper car. I've thought about Ferrari and Porshe, but they attract to much attention for me. I don't want everyone thinking I'm going through a midlife crisis or trying to compinsate for anything. As far as luxury goes, I've been in the new Golfs, and they're plenty good enough. I don't need high end luxury, just something that's not so crappy. No cracker jack Evo's and what not. It doesn't have to be 800hp if it's lighter. If it were the size of the Celica, I would like around 400 crank hp. That's not asking too much. The reason I said 800, is because I just assume most Audis with V8 are going to be boats.

EDIT: I just looked at those BMW 840s on ebay. Wow, that's a nice car. It seems like it didn't come in a manual, and the V12 is only in the older ones. That's just the cars on ebay, but it lets me know if I want a new V12 with a manual, I'm going to have a hard time finding it. Car looks nice, but still not so flashly. It's almost exactly what I'm looking for in styling.

This post has been edited by Bigmeanbulldog55: Jan 10, 2006 - 11:35 AM

[Jdog1385]

Twin Turbo A4 = earlier model S4 which were also AWD, the new ones are still AWD but now use a 340 HP V8 coupled with a true 6-speed MT and an available tiptronic 6-speed... not to mention it has recaro sport seats and an absolutely stunning interior. sounds like its right up your alley.

im looking for an 02 S4 that will run about 20-25k depending on mileage. great car but high maintenance.

[boosted_K2]

actually the S4 is just an A4 on sterroids, weight is 3825 lbs and is only 180" long and 76" wide mirror to mirror, which is standard for a LUXURY SPORT SEDAN but by no means a "boat", and the manual runs 0-60 in 5.3, which is plenty quick. you should really research a vehicle fully before bitching.

[OrbitalGT95]

ACURA RL...like 303 hp on an awd chasis

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

actually the S4 is just an A4 on sterroids, weight is 3825 lbs and is only 180" long and 76" wide mirror to mirror, which is standard for a LUXURY SPORT SEDAN but by no means a "boat", and the manual runs 0-60 in 5.3, which is plenty quick. you should really research a vehicle fully before bitching.

Well, that sounds like what I'm looking for. But what's with the attack there? I said I assume it was a probably a boat. 3825 is kinda big, but I can handle that I guess. There's no need for you to swear at me. I want what doesn't exist. I want a car that weighs as much as an S2000, has the power of built S2000, the potential of something like an S2000, but is a sleeper and doesn't screem "look at me." Like I said, I'm just trying to get an idea of cars to research. I'll research almost anything through out here. I haven't had the time yet to look into the S4. I didn't know what it was yet. It was wrong of me to assume it was a boat, but you shouldn't have cussed at me like that.

[Jdog1385]

check out the new Acura TL also.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

I looked at both Acuras now. The RL is very nice, but it's in the upper of my range, and I want extra money to do stuff to the car. And the TL is very nice, but sadly it's FWD I think. I can't find anywere to just come out and say FWD, but with the way the engine sits in the bay it looks like a FWD. I can't believe no one's mentioned the Lexus IS 300. It's a little ricy looking for me, but I kinda like it. And if I can get one for like 15-20k used, that gives me a good bit of room to work with. Besides that, I could put a 3sgte in there, and be able to stay with this site. They come with the Beams motor in Europe and Asia don't they? I'll keep looking.

[Consynx]

I believ the RL is really expensive, and mostly luxury.
the TL is a very very nice car, and if it's FWD only, look at the TSX.
i know acura made a AWD system, and it's T somethin

i say get a Lexus SC430. big pimp it, but YOU want sedan...
so iunno.

This post has been edited by Consynx: Jan 10, 2006 - 3:33 PM

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

i say get a Lexus SC430. big pimp it, but YOU want sedan...
so iunno.

I've looked at the SC300s. I like them, the older ones. I've thought about it and doing a TT Supra swap into it. I'd have some real power there. I like AWD though, but the SC300 keeps bopping up time and time again in my mind. I want something that will handle. First priority is handling, then speed, then comfert, look, and sleeper are close together. Depends on how I'm feeling which one feels more important. I don't crave a sedan, if I could find a coupe that didn't attrack attention, I'd love that.

[Cutrara]

i say get a Lexus SC430. big pimp it, but YOU want sedan...
so iunno.

I've looked at the SC300s. I like them, the older ones. I've thought about it and doing a TT Supra swap into it. I'd have some real power there. I like AWD though, but the SC300 keeps bopping up time and time again in my mind. I want something that will handle. First priority is handling, then speed, then comfert, look, and sleeper are close together. Depends on how I'm feeling which one feels more important. I don't crave a sedan, if I could find a coupe that didn't attrack attention, I'd love that.

I believe I've read an article about a SC300 - 2JZ-GTE swap. I was supprised, it was a LOT harder than I had expected.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

i say get a Lexus SC430. big pimp it, but YOU want sedan...
so iunno.

I've looked at the SC300s. I like them, the older ones. I've thought about it and doing a TT Supra swap into it. I'd have some real power there. I like AWD though, but the SC300 keeps bopping up time and time again in my mind. I want something that will handle. First priority is handling, then speed, then comfert, look, and sleeper are close together. Depends on how I'm feeling which one feels more important. I don't crave a sedan, if I could find a coupe that didn't attrack attention, I'd love that.

I believe I've read an article about a SC300 - 2JZ-GTE swap. I was supprised, it was a LOT harder than I had expected.

It has the same motor as the NA Supra. I know there's been some TT Supra swaps. And the SC400's fit a V8 in there, so the engine bay can't be that small, so it must fit in there. Why is it hard? I'm not saying I don't believe you, I'm just saying I don't understand.

[Scott]

Car and Driver ran a few articles on turbochargers for recent model 330ci and M3 coupes. You could look into a used one of those, they sound like the right price range.

[hellsyphon]

have you tried looking at a Mazdaspeed 6?

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

Car and Driver ran a few articles on turbochargers for recent model 330ci and M3 coupes. You could look into a used one of those, they sound like the right price range.

I've thought of BMW, and it's been on my top 3 for a long time. It was actaully #1 for a long time. If I get the 4 door M3, that would be nice. Alright, it's #1 again. I told my girlfriend about it, and she said, "Why do you have to have just one? You'll never find something perfect if you just pick one. And for the money we'll be making, $50K isn't very much to spend on a car." So, a nice RWD for summer and a AWD for winter would be nice. Girlfriend made me really happy today. I'm still sticking with the $50k though. But at least I know she's not going to be upset with me.

have you tried looking at a Mazdaspeed 6?

Mazda 6 is FWD. FWD is not a choice. I don't think I'll ever miss it.

[hellsyphon]

the Mazdaspeed 6 is AWD the regular Mazda 6 is FWD

This post has been edited by hellsyphon: Jan 10, 2006 - 8:26 PM

[Consynx]

mazdaspeed 6 is a TT Inline 6
the 2jz into a SC300 is not only hard, but EXTREMELY expensive, as you would want a USDM clip, and then to use the 6-spd you have buy a lot more, not to mention the 6-spd Getrag is like $2000 alone, and the stock W58 from the sc300 can't handle over 500hp.

[GeEkBoY]

My vote - Saab 9-2X with a USDM STI swap!!!

speed6 is nice, it is a 4 cyl, 2.3 lt Direct injection turbo car with intercooler AWD and 6 speed, magazines refer to it as a WRX for adults.

[Consynx]

Geekboy is the winner, i forgot about the 92x
freakin BRILLIANT!

[soulshadow]

To be honest just get something that is nice, luxuriz, and a really big gas saver.
You might have all that power with a acura, or a lexus but you have to remember that gas prices will eat you up unless your just some rich bastard. Anways look into a Subaru Legacy GT. Its got that extra bump for power, 4 doors, AWD, Leather optional, and so much more tat you could ask for. Best of all its under $30K.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

the Mazdaspeed 6 is AWD the regular Mazda 6 is FWD

I love the 274hp and 280ft lb of torque this this has. That's nice. It's a little ricy for my tastes. Ricy isn't the best term, and I don't like using it, but I don't know how else to explain that styling aspect.

My vote - Saab 9-2X with a USDM STI swap!!!

I'm going to have to say, it's a toss up between this and a turboed BMW M3 4 door. The reason I am leaning tword M3 is because I know there's a big aftermarket for it and I know there's tons of help on how to build it. What's this STI swap? Are you talking about putting a 2.5 turbo Subaru engine in there? I've never been a big Saab fan because, well, I never thought they made anything any good. But I guess I was wrong. If you're talking about putting a Subaru engine in, I know the potential is very high, but what if not? What could I expect to get out of this thing?

Thanks for the input everyone.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

To be honest just get something that is nice, luxuriz, and a really big gas saver.
You might have all that power with a acura, or a lexus but you have to remember that gas prices will eat you up unless your just some rich bastard.

I grew up in a house were we never had a lot of money and so did my girlfriend. We were not rich kids bought up with silver spoons in our mouths. Everything I have, and everything I will have, I've work for. Honestly, I don't care too much for money as long as I have enough to live. My girlfriend wants to be a doctor because it's just what she wants. She would do it no matter what the money. I want to because I want my kids to have all the things I didn't. I don't think there's anything wrong with having money as long as you earned it. So I don't think I'll ever be rich bastard. But that's just my opinion.

[GeEkBoY]

First off, Saab makes good cars, problem is they are FWD. Check out a 9-5 Aero, 2.3 lt turbo 250 hp with an overboost ecu control that exceeds that for short periods. Reliability is good, not toyota great, but good. Styling is another story, some people like it, most hate it.

back to the 9-2X:
The 9-2X is a facelifted subaru imprezza. Different front, rear and interior. It came with either the 2.5lt na or the 2.0 lt trubo out of the WRX. If you have read up on Subaru swaps, all of the drivetrains are compatable. You could swap in a WRX STi engine, trans, diffs and ecu. Now the swap would be expensive (all scooby swaps are).

non turbo cars run less than 20k used, the swap would be big coin, but you should be able to get it done within your budget. If you are interested check out:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386462

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

First off, Saab makes good cars, problem is they are FWD. Check out a 9-5 Aero, 2.3 lt turbo 250 hp with an overboost ecu control that exceeds that for short periods. Reliability is good, not toyota great, but good. Styling is another story, some people like it, most hate it.

back to the 9-2X:
The 9-2X is a facelifted subaru imprezza. Different front, rear and interior. It came with either the 2.5lt na or the 2.0 lt trubo out of the WRX. If you have read up on Subaru swaps, all of the drivetrains are compatable. You could swap in a WRX STi engine, trans, diffs and ecu. Now the swap would be expensive (all scooby swaps are).

non turbo cars run less than 20k used, the swap would be big coin, but you should be able to get it done within your budget. If you are interested check out:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386462

I'm checking them out, and I've got to be honest, I've got the goose bumps. This car is beautiful for me. Very simple looking style. Not many are going to know what it is. Nice and eligant. And very high potential.

[jgreening]

This thread is pie in the sky and I have $100 bet that says a $50,000 car project by the bull dog will not happen in the next half decade. No offense, of course. Just gotta call out the BS when I see it.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

This thread is pie in the sky and I have $100 bet that says a $50,000 car project by the bull dog will not happen in the next half decade. No offense, of course. Just gotta call out the BS when I see it.

Honestly, I'm surprised you're the first. Not surprised at you of course, just the fact that it took so long for someone to call BS on me. No one has to believe me, that's okay. But if you don't want to believe me, just think of it as a hypothetical thing. If you had at top limit of $50K and my tastes, what would you do? I may be over optimistic on how soon I'll have the cash for this. With getting married and buying a house, I'm sure my cash supply will not be overwelming. As well as I don't think I'll jump strate out of college to make a ton. I'm just doing the research right now anyway. But Jay, maybe we can trade info and make this bet offical that I won't start this project in under 10 years. I'm willing to take this bet, just for the fun of it, of course.

[jgreening]

This thread is pie in the sky and I have $100 bet that says a $50,000 car project by the bull dog will not happen in the next half decade. No offense, of course. Just gotta call out the BS when I see it.

Honestly, I'm surprised you're the first. Not surprised at you of course, just the fact that it took so long for someone to call BS on me. No one has to believe me, that's okay. But if you don't want to believe me, just think of it as a hypothetical thing. If you had at top limit of $50K and my tastes, what would you do? I may be over optimistic on how soon I'll have the cash for this. With getting married and buying a house, I'm sure my cash supply will not be overwelming. As well as I don't think I'll jump strate out of college to make a ton. I'm just doing the research right now anyway. But Jay, maybe we can trade info and make this bet offical that I won't start this project in under 10 years. I'm willing to take this bet, just for the fun of it, of course.

Nice civil reply. You have come a long way with your temper. Nah, I don't want to take the 10 year bet. Actually, I hope you have enough money to do the project well before that. You are obvious a hard core car enthusiast and I respect that and hope your plans come together.

[Cutrara]

I believe I've read an article about a SC300 - 2JZ-GTE swap. I was supprised, it was a LOT harder than I had expected.

It has the same motor as the NA Supra. I know there's been some TT Supra swaps. And the SC400's fit a V8 in there, so the engine bay can't be that small, so it must fit in there. Why is it hard? I'm not saying I don't believe you, I'm just saying I don't understand.

Bah, I was thinking IS300 - 2JZ-GTE swap. My mistake.

Heres that article, anyway. It's pretty cool, I'm sure a gear-head like you would enjoy it.
http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0312tur_is300/

[Consynx]

that is one of few GTE swaps.
is300.net is now my.is or something like that, but if you go there there's prob tons of info on the swap.

it is feasible on both the SCs, ISs, GSs...pretty much anything that had a "300" after it because it most likely used the 2jz-ge engine.
and if it were not vvt-i the only difference b/t it and the gte block is oil-squirters and headgasket thickness(some say there's a little dent or something on the gte pistons).
all of them would be hard, but the GS might be easiest...i believe that's the Aristo...right?

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

I'm still looking at these Saab 92x's. Is there any difference in them and WRX's except the front and tails? The problem is, the more I look at them, the more I just want to get an STi. I wonder if it would be easier to turn an STi into a 92x or a 92x into an STi?

[Consynx]

i believe the 92X IS a WRX Chassis, engine and Tranny.
suspension, and body may vary.
i didn't get the greatest article on it as it was Autoweek just saying how Saab was abusing their powers of being w/ Subaru

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

i believe the 92X IS a WRX Chassis, engine and Tranny.
suspension, and body may vary.
i didn't get the greatest article on it as it was Autoweek just saying how Saab was abusing their powers of being w/ Subaru

Yeah, steeling everything except a front bumper is kind of abusive. But that's what Dodge did with Misubishi with the DSM's. And GM did with all the Geo's. I'd like to just get the front bumper of a 92x and put it on an STi. And remove the Sti badges and put on Saab ones. That way, I won't have to swap in a 2.5 into the Saab. But if I plan on working the whole car over, there's not much of a point in getting the upgrades things that come with the STi except the engine. Now, I'm tworn on this. I'll probably just get a 92x and build it. Because there's some guys out there with the 2.0 that are turning some really nice numbers.

[Consynx]

uhhhh, he said 92-x for a reason
you said luxury
the 92-x is slower than the wrx i'm guessing due to weight w/ all the fancy gismos it has.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

uhhhh, he said 92-x for a reason
you said luxury
the 92-x is slower than the wrx i'm guessing due to weight w/ all the fancy gismos it has.

I don't really need luxury, I just want the car to look nice and classy. As long as it's got a fair amount of things, like power windows and what not. I've driven some pretty crappy cars in my day, so it doesn't take much for me to call something luxury. My girlfriend and I were talking the other night, and we're both kind of afraid to get cars that are really flashy. Everyone knows when you see a nice car, you think, "rich jerk." We don't want people hating us just because we've got nice cars. But at the same time we don't want to look embarrased at work around other doctors because we drive not so nice cars. And, if we've got the money, why not enjoy it and have something fun to drive? I'll probably just the the Saab. That's the plan as of now. It'll be nice for me getting started, and once my bills are payed, I'll have a nice platform to build on.

[Consynx]

screw what other people think
do what you want. Be proud of what you've worked for, not ashamed.
there's educational opportunities for everyone out there, it's their choice if they use em or not.(i know having a 80K deficit isn't a dream)

[bloodrain]

just get the New 630i coupes, my god they are ****in sexy