Originally posted by JVT:

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There comes a point in your life where the "my car is faster than your car attitude" just doesn't cut it any more. Now that I'm a "little" older, my priorities have changed.
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very relevant quote. that's the very reason why you see a "dreaded" SUV in my sig and not the lowered import or CSVT that preceded it. i've hit that point where needs outweighed wants - with regard to performance and whatnot - so i got something that can carry me onto jobsites, carry my bikes with ease, jump curbs when tailgating at auburn football games in the fall, etc. however, i still want the performance - and i'm about to buy a 2nd car myself that will give me something fun to drive.

on topic of the original selections, my thoughts on them:

G35 - my top choice. simply gorgeous lines - there are two 6MT G35c's at my local dealer, one red, one silver w/ aero - and i spent a good 15 minutes late last night just standing by them, walking around them, and admiring their looks. the performance is certainly adequate - RWD, good chassis, decent power; nothing mind-blowing, but it's a well-rounded car that still has all the comforts and conveniences that some of us appreciate, along w/ the cachet of a luxury nameplate and, more importantly, the better dealer service and warranty that (usually) come with it.

RX8 - saw one in my mazda dealer's showroom last night; looks nice, though it doesn't really do too much for me. the idea of lightweight agility and nimble handling is certainly appealing; not sure if i'm a rotary fan or not, though.

cobra - the sound is amazing, but the cockpit is pretty cramped and outdated, imho. a friend of mine just recently bought one after waffling between it and the G35c for months - he bought it solely b/c of the engine, much as car and driver praised the car primarily b/c of the engine. there's even less room in the backseat of a cobra than a G35c, fwiw (in my experience, anyway). it's the sledgehammer approach vs. finesse. definitely will get all the boyracers and mullet-heads around you revving on you, that's for sure.

350Z - i prefer the looks, additional room, better warranty, better service, and everything else that comes w/ the G35. my .02.

STi - just when the old look was growing on me, they change the look of the front - and imho, ruined it. too amorphic and shapeless now...i respect the car but wouldn't buy one.

EVO - contrary to most, i actually like the look of it - but the boy-racer aspect of it is a bit over the top. i probably couldn't buy one just b/c i'd have a hard time paying over $30k for a car based on an econo-class subcompact, even knowing that the two are functionally so different (twice the welds in the chassis for stiffness, drivetrain, etc.). i like how it looks and performs, but i'd spend my $30k elsewhere.

SRT-4 - i totally respect its capabilities and can even overlook its neon roots, but for a daily driver, i'd have to have a car from a class or two above it. i think it would be a fun 2nd car just b/c of its performance, but on a day to day basis i think it might get old. then again, i'm getting old(er) myself, so that may have something to do with it (the comment from the owner above notwithstanding).

so, i'd get the G35c 6mt, probably pearl white w/ aero and premium packages. i actually like the spoiler on it.


blake --former CSVT owner-- MINE: 2002 jeep grand cherokee limited 4x4 - stone white/taupe HERS: 2005 acura TL 5AT non-navi - satin silver/quartz GARAGE ORNAMENT: 1962 chevy C10 fleetside pickup - tan/rust