[Rad Agast]

Couldn't find the show off your car thread so I'm posting those here. Got this a couple of weeks ago.

Will take some full body pictures once the sun comes up. Enjoying it so far, still breaking it in.

[tarius1210]

Oooooo....congrats dude. For some reason that car looks better than the Toyota version.

I have to post pics of my new ride too. Still breaking it in too. Haven't gone over 4000 RPMs yet.

[Rad Agast]

tarius1210, thanks a congrats on the new car. Which one did you get? and what's the colour?

[TylerD]

Couldn't find the show off your car thread so I'm posting those here. Got this a couple of weeks ago. Will take some full body pictures once the sun comes up. Enjoying it so far, still breaking it in.

Congrats on your BRZ!

I am still waiting for a chance to drive one. Looked at a BRZ and a FRS in the dealer showrooms. Sitting in the BRZ got me excited because it just felt right. The only dealer that has got BRZs so far in my area has them all optioned as limited with the rear diffuser and homelink rear view mirror. They have sold all of them for over 35k.

So, here is the list of cars I have test driven over the past several months and some brief notes and my impressions. I revised my planned maximum spending from around 30k to 20k recently due to the possibility of having a very travel heavy job for the next 5 or more years.
--------------------------------------

+2008 Acura TL Type S - felt like a much nicer Accord, tons of center stack buttons and very busy steering wheel controls. Pretty quick but not looking for FWD and 280 with wrong wheel drive is too much. Would have to get a manual for the LSD. The best looking TL gen by far and still very handsome. Still want to drive a manual type-S if I can find one. Heard very good things about it.

+2008 B7 Audi A4 2.0T FWD with a CVT - First Audi I ever drove, very impressed with the build quality (doors, trunk, hood, clicky console buttons) not so much the CVT and power seemed a little lacking. Selecting "gears" with the paddles on a CVT felt wrong.

+2005 B7 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro and a MT - enjoyed this much more than the FWD, CVT A4. Shifter felt a little vague and worn out. It had over 150k miles. Felt much quicker and powerful than the CVT.

+1995 BMW E36 M3 - fantastic engine, surprised how smooth it rode, interior is not as modern as I would like. Very affordable (purchase) M3 but they are getting up there in years. Recommended by our old pal BoobPhysics101. Wouldn't feel appropriate for customers to ride with me.

+2003 BMW E46 330i w sport package & shiftronic - E46s are still damn fine looking cars, liked the engine note a lot, trans in manual mode did not shift as fast as I would like. This one had black and tan interior that was very pretty. Seems like the perfect balance between comfort, luxury, and sportiness in the range I want to spend. I think a 04-06 330CI\I ZHP with a manual transmission is at the top of my list right now.

+2006 BMW E90 330i with shiftronic - drove this right after the E46 330i and while the shifting in manual mode felt much faster the car felt really big and much more insulating. The interior was much more worn than in the 330i with 30k more miles. Good car but E46 was much more fun to drive IMO.

+2007 BMW 335i coupe w sport package and MT - aggressive looks, great power, not much turbo lag, love the sport seats. If i wanted to spend upwards of 30k any more a CPO 335i would be extremely tempting. Feels like it should and could be blasting down the autobahn at 140 all day.

+2008 C6 Corvette with MT - coworkers' car, poor guy finely bought one after wanting it for so long and he is afraid to drive it for fear of it being harmed. Bought it from a trucker with 27k miles. Such an amazing package. shifter is in the perfect spot, V8 rumble\torque\power, clutch feel is magical, I was shifting smooth as can be on the 3rd shift. Ride was much less harsh than I remember in older Corvettes. Interior is meh but everyone knows that. To get that much car for 26k is a sick deal. I feel like it would be a ticket and cougar magnet.

+2002 AP1 Honda S2000 - I think this one thrilled me the most but I don't want two cars and a S2000 as a daily just isn't comfortable enough for me. Really got my adrenalyne flowing and made my palms sweaty. Might have been it getting a little squirrely over an on ramp bump... Such a high stung machine that demands and loves to be flogged. 8800RPM redline!

+2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Rspec M\T - most disappointing car of everything I have driven. Interior felt and looked cheap, the shifter knob was twisting in my hand and there was a loud buzzing noise coming from below the shifter when downshifting. Car had 58 miles on it. Hyundai has come a long way but their suspension tuning still needs a lot of work. Car lacked in overall refinement.

+98 NA Mazda MX5 Miata - Such a great drivers car that gets a bad wrap for being a chick car. Huge bang for the buck. Slow enough to drive hard in DD use.

+2011 VW GTI - didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Driving the Audis and BMWs first doesn't do it any favors. Thought the stick was too long and felt a little vague finding each gear. Suspension felt good but didn't have the refinement of the other Germans. Really nice exhaust note but felt really light and a little finicky on the highway.

That is pretty much all I can think of right now. There were several more that I would want to drive but it doesn't make a lot of sense to get a new car or CPO right now because I am going to be travelling so much for work.

If any of you guys can suggest something for less than 20k that I might like more over a 330i ZHP please do. It has to have more than 2 seats, no convertables, RWD or AWD only, and be available with a manual.

I have to say after owning two Porsche 944s and driving the BMWs and Audis there is something special with the German makes.

[Rad Agast]

I have to say after owning two Porsche 944s and driving the BMWs and Audis there is something special with the German makes.

Yep. You can't go wrong with the German cars. I'm partial towards the 330i but the A4 is quite a lovely car. I was wondering why you haven't looked at the C class though.

[aznpxdd]

Ordered some H&R Springs for my X1 today, should be here in a week!

Played with photoshop a bit, and hope this is how it will look once on springs.

[tarius1210]

tarius1210, thanks a congrats on the new car. Which one did you get? and what's the colour?

A brand spanking new 2012 Infiniti G37x.

I ordered it in black but was put on waiting list till the end of the month. Unfortunately, that vehicle had more options and would've cost more money so I told them I'll pick a different color. I chose silver with black interior. So beautiful.

I picked it up on Wednesday and it's awesome.

[Rad Agast]

Good choice going with silver in my opinion. Black hides the lines on the G37. Enjoy it and drive safe.

[mescalineeyes]

Yep. You can't go wrong with the German cars. I'm partial towards the 330i but the A4 is quite a lovely car. I was wondering why you haven't looked at the C class though.

the 3 series makes both the A4 and the C class its bitch, really.

[Enron]

A brand spanking new 2012 Infiniti G37x. I ordered it in black but was put on waiting list till the end of the month. Unfortunately, that vehicle had more options and would've cost more money so I told them I'll pick a different color. I chose silver with black interior. So beautiful. I picked it up on Wednesday and it's awesome.

Another one for the G club, yo

[robox]

If any of you guys can suggest something for less than 20k that I might like more over a 330i ZHP please do. It has to have more than 2 seats, no convertables, RWD or AWD only, and be available with a manual. I have to say after owning two Porsche 944s and driving the BMWs and Audis there is something special with the German makes.

cool impressions. i'm sorta looking at the same types of cars with slightly less budget and prefer a wagon/hatch over a sedan. might i suggest the subaru legacy gt and volvo s60r? both available in turbo awd for the performance aspect.

[AlphaSnake]

The VQ Army is assembling mighty fast.

[N-Bomb]

Just saw a parked red FRS when i was picking up pizza earlier, not a bad looking car.

FRS or BRZ? Would like some opinions on how Scooby's Lightning Red looks in person.

Couldn't find the show off your car thread so I'm posting those here. Got this a couple of weeks ago. Will take some full body pictures once the sun comes up. Enjoying it so far, still breaking it in.

Congrats on getting a true driver's car!

Ordered some H&R Springs for my X1 today, should be here in a week! Played with photoshop a bit, and hope this is how it will look once on springs.

Proud owner of a shooting brake.

+1995 BMW E36 M3 - fantastic engine, surprised how smooth it rode, interior is not as modern as I would like. Very affordable (purchase) M3 but they are getting up there in years. Recommended by our old pal BoobPhysics101. Wouldn't feel appropriate for customers to ride with me.

I really don't get this 'not modern interior' complaint many people have about older cars - what exactly are you looking for?

For me, as long as it's somewhat ergonomic, isn't shitty cheap plasticy, doesn't rattle, and isn't consumed by bhutans and infotainment, I'm happy. Am I misguided here?

The VQ Army is assembling mighty fast.

That army needs some fitness training. D:

[Duracelllll]

Hey, picked this up a little while ago, Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in Bayside Blue. Car was about 5500 km away, so flew over and bought it, then drove on a 900 km road trip to take it to the transporters. I had to remove the licence plates for the drive. Once I dropped it off, it then took 2 weeks to get to me, and finally she's here. Then went to the depot and picked it up and drove it home, then the next day got up at 4am to get it registered and get my new plates fitted. The car is 100% original and unmodified, still has factory exhaust, radio etc, and came with Japanese log books and service history. It's taken 9-1/2 years of long, hard work to be able to get it, so I'm pretty excited.









And some pics from the road trip:

First fuel stop after 300km


Getting car cleaned for quarantine


Driven away at transporters


2 long weeks later


Edit: Sorry for the giant photos I had them resized to 1024x768 but they look massive. :(

[cajunator]

Oooooo....congrats dude. For some reason that car looks better than the Toyota version. I have to post pics of my new ride too. Still breaking it in too. Haven't gone over 4000 RPMs yet.

Thats because toyota can't style a car to save their life.
Subaru can take even a flawed design like the GT86 and make it look alright.

[Rengoku]

Hey, picked this up a little while ago, Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in Bayside Blue. Car was about 5500 km away, so flew over and bought it, then drove on a 900 km road trip to take it to the transporters. I had to remove the licence plates for the drive. Once I dropped it off, it then took 2 weeks to get to me, and finally she's here. Then went to the depot and picked it up and drove it home, then the next day got up at 4am to get it registered and get my new plates fitted. The car is 100% original and unmodified, still has factory exhaust, radio etc, and came with Japanese log books and service history. It's taken 9-1/2 years of long, hard work to be able to get it, so I'm pretty excited.

Goddamn! Absoluately Gorgeous. Congrats!

[spats]

Edit: Sorry for the giant photos I had them resized to 1024x768 but they look massive. :(

It's ok. *drools*

[Mattlikewhoa]

Hey, picked this up a little while ago, Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in Bayside Blue. Car was about 5500 km away, so flew over and bought it, then drove on a 900 km road trip to take it to the transporters. I had to remove the licence plates for the drive. Once I dropped it off, it then took 2 weeks to get to me, and finally she's here. Then went to the depot and picked it up and drove it home, then the next day got up at 4am to get it registered and get my new plates fitted. The car is 100% original and unmodified, still has factory exhaust, radio etc, and came with Japanese log books and service history. It's taken 9-1/2 years of long, hard work to be able to get it, so I'm pretty excited.

Congrats on the new ride my man! I've ALWAYS wanted on but they changed the Canadian RHD import laws from 10 to 15 years and it threw a wench into my plans...Since I bought a new house I won't be able to really think about buying one till we consider moving to a larger place in a few years...

I'll just live vicariously through you and my friend who bought a GTR33 :(

[Stripper13]

Wasn't really sure where else to ask, so here will do.

I have an (Australian) Ford XR6 Turbo. It's completely stock at the moment.

I have replaced my car every 12 months or there abouts since I've had my license... and I've had this one for 2 years now. I still LOVE the car (6 speed manual, black, 270kw 533nm... dumb fun) however I can feel the boredom starting to set in. This is the feeling I get before I start making excuses to trade the car in and start with something fresh.

I want to save some money though... I don't feel like getting new car finance and dropping wads of cash to get into something that in all honestly, probably won't be much faster or sound much better. So I've decided it's time for some (mild) modifications. Little cost, makes the car a little more unique, and the end goal is to have a car I am happy to keep for years longer.

Basically I'm planning a nice clean set of 18" Mags (it has 18" Alloys at the moment, but they're beginning to bore me). I'm going to remove the middle muffler and make it sound a bit beefier. Finally, and this is why I'm posting, I'm heavily undecided on a Blow off Valve. Before anyone laughs... I think they CAN sound good . However many of the people I have mentioned it to, have laughed off as pathetic/boy-racer/ricer material and a total waste of money (it's relatively insignificant in cost).

The alternative (maybe) is that I throw some mags on the car, and spend the money I would have spent on a BOV (and then some) on a strong exhaust setup for the car. I'm not sure it would be worth it to be honest... the car already has a good sports exhaust setup from factory and many of the XR6Turbo's I have witnessed with exhausts generally sound worse.

So in a nutshell... BOV, yay or nay?

[Snkfanatic]

Hey, picked this up a little while ago, Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in Bayside Blue. Car was about 5500 km away, so flew over and bought it, then drove on a 900 km road trip to take it to the transporters. I had to remove the licence plates for the drive. Once I dropped it off, it then took 2 weeks to get to me, and finally she's here. Then went to the depot and picked it up and drove it home, then the next day got up at 4am to get it registered and get my new plates fitted. The car is 100% original and unmodified, still has factory exhaust, radio etc, and came with Japanese log books and service history. It's taken 9-1/2 years of long, hard work to be able to get it, so I'm pretty excited. (

Awesome! Congrats

[Aguirre]

simply beautiful
[

the three R's come to mind: robust, repairable, reliable

[surrealist]

simply beautiful [ the three R's come to mind: robust, repairable, reliable

Best SUV ever. A Landcruiser will outlive its owner. I'd love to pick up a FJ80, but 13 MPG is keeping me away.

[AlexMogil]

What is the attraction to the Skyline? I think it's a pretty car, but I don't get the obsession. I'm not saying this to knock anyone's opinion, I am just genuinely curious.

[Dreams-Visions]

That Vanquish.

;_;

[Stripper13]

What is the attraction to the Skyline? I think it's a pretty car, but I don't get the obsession. I'm not saying this to knock anyone's opinion, I am just genuinely curious.

From what I understand, it's a classic. And in my opinion, it looks amazing.

I've mentioned this before on GAF I think, but it amazes me what people appreciate.

Over here in Australia - a Skyline is relatively common. A 34 GTR would sell for decent money and be appreciated by enthusiasts... but I doubt many would consider it special.

However, if you managed to get a Mustang/Camaro/Challenger or Corvette over here, you'd have stupid amounts of attention.

That said, an R34 GTR is definitely a special car worth every cent you spent on it. Look after it!

[surrealist]

What is the attraction to the Skyline? I think it's a pretty car, but I don't get the obsession. I'm not saying this to knock anyone's opinion, I am just genuinely curious.

The technology, over engineered chassis. The long racing pedigree. And having very handsome muscle car like proportions. R34 is so much better looking than R35

[N-Bomb]

Hey, picked this up a little while ago, Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in Bayside Blue. Edit: Sorry for the giant photos I had them resized to 1024x768 but they look massive. :(

Congrats!! I've always desired one of these to some extent. Where did you import it TO?

Wasn't really sure where else to ask, so here will do. I have an (Australian) Ford XR6 Turbo. It's completely stock at the moment. So in a nutshell... BOV, yay or nay?

Your car should already have a BOV or BPV on it from the factory as a turbocharged car. What you seem to be asking is to swap it for one that vents to atmosphere, if I'm correct?

I can only say, do what you want. There's 0 performance benefit. You'll just basically be attracting more eyeballs/enjoying the sound.

[Stripper13]

Congrats!! I've always desired one of these to some extent. Where did you import it TO? Your car should already have a BOV or BPV on it from the factory as a turbocharged car. What you seem to be asking is to swap it for one that vents to atmosphere, if I'm correct? I can only say, do what you want. There's 0 performance benefit. You'll just basically be attracting more eyeballs/enjoying the sound.

Yeah it comes with a BOV from factory. I am debating whether to get one that vents to atmosphere like you said. I know there is no performance benefit... but, they can sound so cool. I feel like I'll be acting like an 18 year old if I get one though.

[AlphaSnake]

Hey, picked this up a little while ago, Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in Bayside Blue. Car was about 5500 km away, so flew over and bought it, then drove on a 900 km road trip to take it to the transporters. I had to remove the licence plates for the drive. Once I dropped it off, it then took 2 weeks to get to me, and finally she's here. Then went to the depot and picked it up and drove it home, then the next day got up at 4am to get it registered and get my new plates fitted. The car is 100% original and unmodified, still has factory exhaust, radio etc, and came with Japanese log books and service history. It's taken 9-1/2 years of long, hard work to be able to get it, so I'm pretty excited. Edit: Sorry for the giant photos I had them resized to 1024x768 but they look massive. :(

The bigger the better...

*fap*

[Mattlikewhoa]

What is the attraction to the Skyline? I think it's a pretty car, but I don't get the obsession. I'm not saying this to knock anyone's opinion, I am just genuinely curious.

The technology, over engineered chassis. The long racing pedigree. And having very handsome muscle car like proportions. R34 is so much better looking than R35

surrealist nailed it...

[Dave Inc.]

I really don't get this 'not modern interior' complaint many people have about older cars - what exactly are you looking for? For me, as long as it's somewhat ergonomic, isn't shitty cheap plasticy, doesn't rattle, and isn't consumed by bhutans and infotainment, I'm happy. Am I misguided here?

I agree whole-heartedly. My only comment would be that cars that were "well-equipped" back in the 80s or 90s will seem obnoxious now; if there are 20 knobs and levers and an equalizer just for the radio it's going to be a burden. A simple, well built interior with quality materials is timeless.

[Enron]

I really don't get this 'not modern interior' complaint many people have about older cars - what exactly are you looking for? For me, as long as it's somewhat ergonomic, isn't shitty cheap plasticy, doesn't rattle, and isn't consumed by bhutans and infotainment, I'm happy. Am I misguided here?

That's exactly the issue with interiors from the 90s. Cheap plastic abounds, hollow-feeling buttons/controls, quality of materials....as you know, I drove my 1990 240sx proudly into the early to mid 00s....and that interior was pretty good, asides from the center console which was el-cheapo plasticyness but it can't even compare to what passes for a mediocre interior now.

[Aguirre]

Best SUV ever. A Landcruiser will outlive its owner. I'd love to pick up a FJ80, but 13 MPG is keeping me away.

13mpg? 1FZ 4.5 straight six petrol? because I have a FJ80 with the 4.2 straight six turbo diesel 1-HD engine coupled with a 5 speed manual transmission and i shit you not, i get 27mpg on motorways, 22 town driving.

i recorded the sound mines make

[FStop7]

What is the attraction to the Skyline? I think it's a pretty car, but I don't get the obsession. I'm not saying this to knock anyone's opinion, I am just genuinely curious.

Scarcity is a factor for sure. Especially in the USA. I live in exotic car central and yet I have only ever seen three Skylines in my life. Two R33s and an R34 V-Spec II. And it was pretty amazing to see them in person. Keep in mind I see the latest and greatest Lambos and Ferraris every single day, so often that I don't pay them a lot of attention any more. But if I see a real Skyline GT-R then I'm gonna be all over it.

(BTW I'm not talking about the new GTR, which are fairly common.)

[surrealist]

13mpg? 1FZ 4.5 straight six petrol? because I have a FJ80 with the 4.2 straight six turbo diesel 1-HD engine coupled with a 5 speed manual transmission and i shit you not, i get 27mpg on motorways, 22 town driving. i recorded the sound mines make

Nice. I'd love a diesel Land cruiser. But in the U.S. there is rarely a diesel option available from any manufacture unless it's a heavy duty pick up.

[ChiTownBuffalo]

Gaf, I lost a bet.

I have to drive an Aztek for a week to be determined.

[ascii42]

Gaf, I lost a bet. I have to drive an Aztek for a week to be determined.

The amount of hate the Aztek gets pretty much solely for its ugly design is getting close to pissing me off these days. I saw a list of worst cars ever made. The Aztek was #1. Not a car where the doors will fall off. Not a car that will explode if you get rear-ended. Nope, they picked an ugly but otherwise mediocre if not decent crossover. Pathetic.

Does this Aztek have the tent add-on? You could go camping in it.

[Mattlikewhoa]

I have to ask...

Does anyone members here read any automotive magazines? If so what do you read?

For me, I buy Option JDM and Drift Tengoku almost every month from Japan. I also pickup GTR magazine whenever they release them (I think it's every other or every third month).

For North American magazines, I read Modified and D Sport whenever the articles interest me, or there's a member of a forum that I know who has his car in the issue.

I also drop stupid money buying Mooks and Hpyer Rev Mooks for car models that interest me. My wife said I need to organize them again as they are starting to pile up again.

[weekend_warrior]

Hey, picked this up a little while ago, Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in Bayside Blue. Car was about 5500 km away, so flew over and bought it, then drove on a 900 km road trip to take it to the transporters. I had to remove the licence plates for the drive. Once I dropped it off, it then took 2 weeks to get to me, and finally she's here. Then went to the depot and picked it up and drove it home, then the next day got up at 4am to get it registered and get my new plates fitted. The car is 100% original and unmodified, still has factory exhaust, radio etc, and came with Japanese log books and service history. It's taken 9-1/2 years of long, hard work to be able to get it, so I'm pretty excited. (

God daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn. It looks like it's straight outta GT5. So fucking jealous.

[yamo]

Tempted to pick up a Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 V6, 2011 year model. Anyone here own one or have any opinion they wanna share to help me make a more informed decision? :)

Haven't been able to test drive any myself yet as have to drive quite far to get to the nearest dealer.

[ChiTownBuffalo]

I have to ask... Does anyone members here read any automotive magazines? If so what do you read? For me, I buy Option JDM and Drift Tengoku almost every month from Japan. I also pickup GTR magazine whenever they release them (I think it's every other or every third month). For North American magazines, I read Modified and D Sport whenever the articles interest me, or there's a member of a forum that I know who has his car in the issue. I also drop stupid money buying Mooks and Hpyer Rev Mooks for car models that interest me. My wife said I need to organize them again as they are starting to pile up again.

I normally read Car and Driver, but pretty much stopped caring after Sport COmpact Car went under.

[Mattlikewhoa]

I normally read Car and Driver, but pretty much stopped caring after Sport COmpact Car went under.

They always had great tech articles!

[Enron]

Tempted to pick up a Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 V6, 2011 year model. Anyone here own one or have any opinion they wanna share to help me make a more informed decision? :) Haven't been able to test drive any myself yet as have to drive quite far to get to the nearest dealer. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...pe-600x405.jpg

Someone a few pages back said they drove one and were super disappointed.

[tarius1210]

God daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn. It looks like it's straight outta GT5. So fucking jealous.

Whenever I see that car that's the first thing that comes to mind. Sad :)

[robox]

Does anyone members here read any automotive magazines? If so what do you read?

used to get and read grassroots motosports and evo, from the uk.
at the jp bookstores, i flip through option, doriten, stylewagon, wagonist, vip car, nostalgic hero, and g-works.

[N-Bomb]

The amount of hate the Aztek gets pretty much solely for its ugly design is getting close to pissing me off these days.

It's warranted. Just like there's no excuse for a pretty vehicle being an absolute basket case technically, there's no excuse for an otherwise unremarkable vehicle to be an affront to vision. I avert my eyes whenever I see one, and not out of reverence.

I have to ask... Does anyone members here read any automotive magazines? If so what do you read?

Had a sub to R&T at one point. Got sick of them featuring nothing but luxury and exotics. Then I had a sub to SCC. Loved that mag. Despite much rice, it was very down to earth, and the tech articles are still second to none.


Hey Autogaf, have a fine selection of 80s digidashes.


Buick Reatta


Fiat Tipo 1600 dgt


Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am


Subaru XT (Alcyone)


Aston Marton Lagonda


Italdesign Lancia Orca


Citroen GSA


Citroen BX Digit


Alfa Romeo 75

[ascii42]

You forgot the Oldsmobile Toronado

Buick Reatta

Looks spiffy, but what would an '80s American interior be without copious amounts of fake wood, like in my Riviera

[Dave Inc.]

IHey Autogaf, have a fine selection of 80s digidashes.

Acres and acres of the finest textured plastic money can buy.

[matmanx1]

Hey Automotive Gaf! Glad I found this thread as a new set of wheels has been on my mind these past few weeks. I've been doing some research and will next week actually get out and drive a few things to see what I actually like.

I know that I want an enthusiast car. I've been a car guy since before puberty and in my highschool days used to be all about horsepower and 0-60 times but have since grown up and value a car's handling and overall feel far more than just straightline acceleration. I'm hoping to spend no more than 35k (although it's really more about hitting a monthly payment target than an overall price) and still have many factors to consider.

My shortlist:

1 Porsche Boxster 2005-2008 (Can I live with only 2 seats and a convertible top?)
2 Porsche Cayman 2006-2008 (2 seats again and like all Porsche's the maintenance will be pricey)
3 BMW 128i (It's not a Porsche and I'd have to order one to get a stick shift)
4 Subaru BRZ (I'm not in love with the styling or the wheels)

Anything else I should be considering? I'm visiting the Porsche and BMW dealerships on Tuesday and will be driving those vehicles I listed. I need to know if I can live with the Porsche's on a daily basis and if the lack of interior space will bother me as I've never owned a 2 seater before. If I can then it will just be a choice of convertible or hardtop.

If I can't then I'll take a very serious look at the BRZ and the BMW both of which at least have small backseats that could be used for additional storage or an extra body or two in a pinch.

I'm currently driving a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES that is utterly boring in every way but at least has a 5 speed, is payed for and only has 56k miles on it. I may keep it as a beater or I may decide to sell or trade it. As I said, I have alot of stuff to figure out! =)

[Acid08]

I have to ask... Does anyone members here read any automotive magazines? If so what do you read? For me, I buy Option JDM and Drift Tengoku almost every month from Japan. I also pickup GTR magazine whenever they release them (I think it's every other or every third month). For North American magazines, I read Modified and D Sport whenever the articles interest me, or there's a member of a forum that I know who has his car in the issue. I also drop stupid money buying Mooks and Hpyer Rev Mooks for car models that interest me. My wife said I need to organize them again as they are starting to pile up again.

I read the Top Gear magazine. Most entertaining car mag out there IMO. I've read a couple issues of Import Tuner and Honda Tuning but the writing was less than mediocre.