Another one of those 'what car to buy' threads.

[shakalaka]

Alright guys so wanting to get some opinions/suggestions going here. I was looking for something along the same lines a few months back but ended up deferring my plans till now.

First of all the budget is of about $16K. I would like the car to be atleast from the year 2000 and preferably have under 100k km's or somewhere around the region.

I have only been able to short list two cars so far. BMW 3 series and the Nissan 350Z. Which of the two cars do you think is better? I've owned an older 3 series and absolutely loved it, so wondering if I should just go with the newer model of the same.

Also if you some other suggestions of cars that are similar and fit the bill, please feel free to mention them.

[shakalaka]

I am digging this one
http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/CALGARY_Alberta_2000_MERCEDES-BENZ_S430+_3622904.html?srcid=1775435&source=24&pgno=1&srt=10&CompanyID=&r=calgaryalberta&ad-attributes=photos,,

Although I don't understand the tile says s430 and the car and description says cl500. Scam?
:dunno:

[adidas]

Originally posted by shakalaka
I am digging this one
http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/CALGARY_Alberta_2000_MERCEDES-BENZ_S430+_3622904.html?srcid=1775435&source=24&pgno=1&srt=10&CompanyID=&r=calgaryalberta&ad-attributes=photos,,

Although I don't understand the tile says s430 and the car and description says cl500. Scam?
:dunno:

Thats fake. California plates in the background and there is no number. Plus Mercedes only has 4 door S-Class versions. That car is nowhere close to a S-Class.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[InRich]

get this one
http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/CALGARY_Alberta_2002_HONDA_ACCORD+EX%2bL_3622541.html?srcid=1779885&source=24&pgno=1&srt=10&CompanyID=&r=calgaryalberta&ad-attributes=photos,,

[Bizzareo]

Does it have to be located in Canada (can it be US)? Imports only? Is it going to be driven as a daily or a summer cruiser?

[shakalaka]

Well i would prefer it to be in Canada cause importing from states is a lot of hassle. The reason I narrowed down to those two cars was because I like both of them, not really because of any functionality reasons per-se. It would most likely be a daily car and not just the summer car, I obviously would get winter tires and stuff if I was to get a 350z or 3 series.

[shakalaka]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
A 350Z and a BMW 3 series are totally different in a lot of ways;

What exactly are you looking for in a car as far as features and functionality go?

I am just after a 'good' looking/sporty car that has a decent engine I suppose.

[shakalaka]

Originally posted by adidas


Thats fake. California plates in the background and there is no number. Plus Mercedes only has 4 door S-Class versions. That car is nowhere close to a S-Class.

Oh man seriously? I knew it was too good to be true and I got excited for no reason.:facepalm:

[Sentry]

I'd be looking for a 2004 GTO with a 6 speed. They can be had for around/less than that, but the 05 and 06 with the LS2 are pretty pricey still.

EDIT: Just looked around. There's one in Quebec for 11 grand, any of them in western Canada are like 25 grand. :rolleyes:

[Banned9x]

Originally posted by Sentry
I'd be looking for a 2004 GTO with a 6 speed. They can be had for around/less than that, but the 05 and 06 with the LS2 are pretty pricey still.


EDIT: Just looked around. There's one in Quebec for 11 grand, any of them in western Canada are like 25 grand. :rolleyes:


Buy a penis car, and go rent a used condom from a taiwanese hooker you fool!

[Sugarphreak]

...

[shakalaka]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak


350Z is pretty performance driven, BMW 3 series is more luxurious and comfy; split the difference and get a G35 coupe :thumbsup:

I actually was thinking about a g35 as well although can't find any in the price range though. At this point I am leaning towards the 350z. The 'status' or luxuriousness factors 3 series used to have at one time, doesn't realy exist anymore either imo. They seem to be overrated these days and seem dime a dozen really. But I know they are great cars since I've owned them, so I am just a little confused I suppose. But I think at this point 350z seems like a good option to go with, I love how they look. Just don't like the fact that they are only 2 seaters but I guess I will have to compromise in one department or the other regardless, no matter which car I go with.

[4doorj]

Out of the two I would choose the 350z. They look really good and are fun cars!

[shakalaka]

So far I've looked on Kijiji, Autotrader and scoping out buysell.com right now. Are there any other websites that I am missing or are recommended?

[SRT10Killer]

Originally posted by Sentry
I'd be looking for a 2004 GTO with a 6 speed. They can be had for around/less than that, but the 05 and 06 with the LS2 are pretty pricey still.

EDIT: Just looked around. There's one in Quebec for 11 grand, any of them in western Canada are like 25 grand. :rolleyes:

did you just look at the first pic? Looks like the car was hit gently by a train..


G35 seems like a good bet

[Sentry]

Originally posted by SRT10Killer
did you just look at the first pic? Looks like the car was hit gently by a train..
LOL whoops

Well they're still overpriced as fuck here. You can get one in one piece for that much just across the border.

[shakalaka]

I dunno I am not a big fan of Pontiac's in general and don't really like how the GTO looks.

About the G35 I found a couple in my range although they are pretty high in km's (135k) I dont know if I want to get a car with that high of a mileage.

[max_boost]

How about a used WRX?

[shakalaka]

Originally posted by max_boost
How about a used WRX?

I do like wrx's and they are very quick as well. It was actually one of the cars I thought about in the start, however I decided against getting a 4 door car.

[moka989]

friends dad just got a 09 350z soft top and man, its a beaut, he loves it more than the S2000

beamers are EVERYWHERE, if you budget is tiny go get a cheap bmw and look like ur rich

[sneek]

For that price you can probably find a good E46 330Ci but they are ultra common. The 350Z is a nice car, from what I hear it is great to drive too, but for day to day I might go for the BMW. Both have great aftermarket support, but I think the Bimmer feels a lot nicer without giving up too much in the way of driving pleasure. For the most part the interiors are soft touch plastics, versus a lot of hard plastics in the 350Z.

Hands down though, if this was just a summer car, I'd get the 350Z!

[shakalaka]

I think in terms of winter they both are more or less the same to be honest. Like I said before I've had a 3 series before and it being a rear wheel drive (same as 350z) I don't really see how it would be too much different when it comes to driving in winter? I would need to get winter tires for both the cars. I do agree about the BMW interior being nice though as I have had a few of them and I am not too familiar with Nissan interior.

There are a couple of reasons I am considering 350z over the 3 series at this point. Like the fact that I've had a 3 series before. Also that they are way too common these days. The 350z would obviously be quicker and I think they look much better. Though the only thing detrimental to the 350z in my head is it being a 2 seater car. Although most of the times it's only me and my gf together anyway, I wouldn't mind having the option of using the back seats for emergencies or something.

But like I said before no matter which car I go with, I am gonna have to compromise on something, so let's see what it ends up being. lol

If I was to get a M3 I would be satisfied from every point but that would obviously mean stretching the budget a lot. I could probably do about 20k and in States I see some decent one's for around there, but really don't want to bother with the whole importing procedure. Plus apparently they charge crazy taxes and duties now which ends up adding another 2-3k easy.:dunno:

[gqmw]

Originally posted by shakalaka


I do like wrx's and they are very quick as well. It was actually one of the cars I thought about in the start, however I decided against getting a 4 door car.

Hmm non 4 door, you're probably best off going with a 350z. They're good looking cars and decently priced in your price range.

[gqmw]

If you can stretch the budget though, hands down the m3.

[Cos]

350 for sure

[shakalaka]

I am going out today to check out a couple of 350z's I was able to short list yesterday. Messaged a few people selling them on kijiji as well though never got any responses back from them yet. I think I have run out of places to look:dunno:

[heavyD]

Originally posted by max_boost
How about a used WRX?

You still selling yours?

[max_boost]

Originally posted by heavyD


You still selling yours?

Yeah....will be listed shortly here haha



OP: How about S2000 or RX8??

[shakalaka]

Originally posted by max_boost


Yeah....will be listed shortly here haha



OP: How about S2000 or RX8??


I don't mind how the Rx8's look actually, but don't really know much about them? Maybe I should do some research on them.

The s2000 do they make those in hard tops or just convertible? My mustang is already convertible and don't really want another one. Plus with s2000 I think it would just look too small on me. I am 6.1, 200 lbs, well-built structure so I think I may look too big for the car.:dunno:


I went today and had a look at a 350z but it had some front damage on it and the bumper will need to be replaced. I am gonna get my mechanic to go see it and give me an estimate before I proceed with it though. Otherwise it's perfect low km's that orange 350z colour. Just about the damage now I guess.


On a side note: If someone has access to Carfax and doesn't mind running a VIN number for me, I would really appreciate it.

JN1AZ34E03T014715

[max_boost]

Just noticed your profile, if you already have a X5/Mustang/Ducati haha you really don't need another car :nut: :dunno:

[shakalaka]

lol I know..i don't per-se 'need' another car but I haven kind of been wanting to get one for almost 4-5 months. Was able to talk myself out of it the last time but it's deff not gonna happen again. lol

Anyway does anyone know off any good shops that work on the 350z and carry parts for it and stuff (stock/aftermarket).

[shakalaka]

Ok so although I am in talks with a guy about a 350Z, still negotiating and stuff. I cam across another car I really like.

It's a 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK 320. What do you guys think of that? I really like it to be honest, maybe even more than the 350z, so I am confused and debating about the those two now.

[Sorath]

i have an 01 c320 with 21000kms on my lot for 16900

[beyond_ban]

Originally posted by shakalaka
Ok so although I am in talks with a guy about a 350Z, still negotiating and stuff. I cam across another car I really like.

It's a 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK 320. What do you guys think of that? I really like it to be honest, maybe even more than the 350z, so I am confused and debating about the those two now.

As long as its not the Hatch "sport" version, you got my thumbs up.

[shakalaka]

Oh I hate those hatchback one's they are so ugly. BUt this one I quite like. Although my only beef with this compared to the 350z is the engine. It's not as fast. Also I really like how the 350z looks compared to most cars. And the couple upsides I can see in the Merc is that well it's a Merc for one and the two extra seats at the back.

I am still kinda leaning towards the 350z cause the one I am looking it is a very good deal. Very low km's and lots of extras already in it.

[Cody D]

A really good site for car shopping is www.searchused.ca it combines all of the Kijiji sites from Alberta into one search, it does craigslist and another one as well. It's really handy.

[shakalaka]

^thanks for the link, it's actually pretty good.

I've narrowed the search down to the 350z and clk 320 now. Just need to make up my mind now, although clk 320 aren't as many out there as I would like, since I only like the shape of 03+ models.

[Beyond***123]

Here's a real sweet 08 CLK350 cabriolet in Vancouver. Black on black with only 18,000km's. I'm sure its more than you were thinking of spending, but a real nice ride.

http://www.leasebusters.com/en/details.asp?ID=92121