Originally Posted by italianmafia03
Dave,
We are all enthusiasts here. I don't even own a Crossfire, well not yet at least. It seems you've done your homework and put together a very nice list of cars. I've got few things to say about each...
Thanks for the homework comment - trust me, it's been hard and lengthy research - I had to get rid of my original Corvette due to some physical limitations of my significant other, she couldn't ride in it without severe discomfort and I didn't want to keep it if I couldn't share the enjoyment. The SSR is about all we found that would have the same seating and storage capacity as the Vette but with a better seating position, and I looked at EVERYTHING.
That said, this is my short list - my "long list" includes everything from pickup trucks to sport-tuned sedans. =0)
Xfire - Awesome car, Awesome Price! It's a rebadged Benz for half the money, I don't think you can lose. The handling is off the charts but is still lacking on power. If you are looking for a head turning luxury sports tourer this is it.
Definitely turns heads, including mine every time I see one. That's why it made my list. =0) I worry about comfort, my best friend and I talk cars all the time, he's a fellow Vette owner and said before he bought his 04 Vette he tried out the XF and didn't like the seats - but I'll have to see for myself there.
C6 - Pure American Muscle! You can't beat the Performance for Price. You pretty much get a vehicle that will run with just about anything for a fraction of the price. It also has a lot of technology and was very well engineered. My only complaint would be production #s. I have seen at least 1 or 2 C6s every day for the past few months. That's more 300s than I see in a week, let alone Xfires or Jags. I can't drive a car that everyone else has, I don't know why but I can't. Plus, I know the price is getting up there on the new vettes. If you can afford it and don't mind having the same car as 2 or 3 other people in your neighborhood alone then this is it!
Yeah - coming up with the cash will be tough - my limit has been in the $35k range for the past couple car purchases, cause the other bills ain't getting any cheaper these days. A C6 the way I want it stickers at $49,195 and that's what they're selling for, not a penny less than sticker. If I can wait until after the 2006 models start up, maybe the 05s will be discounted.
I don't see very many C6s around here though, I've only seen maybe 1 or 2 on the road (here around Northern VA anyways) where C5s and C4s abound.
'05 Stang GT - I absolutely love the styling. But, same story as the vette. Every kid at my old high school will probably have a V6 pony in a few months. I feel you hit the nail on the head with the word "juvenile." All in all, its a great car that is begging to be modded. It is already fast and with a few bucks can be even faster (almost vette fast from what I have read). Another issue I have is the interior styling, its not to my liking but maybe that's just me. To sum it up, Awesome looks, Neck Breaking performance, Mod Ready and you get the envy of every teenager across the country.
You and I are about the same on this one - I love the styling, completely and utterly - and I wouldn't buy a V6 model if given a choice. It's got the power and the speed, if a little too far on the heavy/chunky side to be graceful. I actually like the interior design as much as the exterior, a true throwback from the driver's seat. I do know a mature, responsible guy that has a GT Stang, but most of the presence in the mustang forums and when I've seen one on the road, are a little bit young, arrogant and blindly loyal. Now, I'm not one to let a car's following dictate whether I like it or no, but it just rubs me the wrong way.
Used Jag - I don't feel comfortable comparing this to these other cars. It is in a class of its own. Also, it is used and used cars *could* have problems. Fixing a Jag is not the cheapest thing either. Trust me, my dad has an '85 XJ6 and a '67 (I think) E-Type Coupe. I know these are older jags, but a jag is a jag. I have ridden around in one of these when they came out in 97 or so and they are also sweet rides. Very luxurious and powerful. You have to remember that this car had a $80K sticker new, you will be buying an $80K car. It has twice as much money used to produce as the other cars so you will in turn you get twice the car (just an opinion). I am sure Dan Root can give you a great write up on one of these, I think he is a Jag Lover...
Well, certainly wouldn't think of buying a used Jag without service records and a warranty, and a Jag certification. Heh, an XK8 coupe I can buy from the local "real" dealer priced at $37k, I can buy the same thing down the street at a "warehouse" dealer for $29k with no Jag certification or extended warranty, but I'm not a fool.
I personally thought the XK8 was all luxury, the only hint of sport coming from the exhaust note when punched. The light, airy feel of tossing that car around, belies what's really happening as the tires grip tenaciously and the horses come out of the stable.
I hope this helps, sorry for the long write up but you asked for it. If it I was in your shoes and had around $40K, I would be an Elise. But if you want a car off your list I would try my hardest to get the Vette. Stay away from the used jag, it WILL break at some point and won't be cheap. It would make a great second car, just not a daily driver. I love the Xfire, but for the price range you are looking at it really doesn't compare. The stang is, well, a stang and everybody has a V6 one. Take it for what it is...
Lotus Elise, you say? Incredible car, but performance-only, my friend. Won't be hauling anything but A$$ in that. The spartan interior in the Elise makes my SSR and these XFires look like super-deluxe minivans in amenities. But you have good taste =0)
As I said, if the Jag wins out once I compare them all, I would only get one serviced and with a maintenance plan so that's good. Especially 2000 and after, when the Nikasil-lined engines were dropped, I think the XK Coupe is relatively problem-free.
As for the Corvette.... well, got $15k I can borrow, interest-free?
And whenever my girl's new PT Cruiser comes in, I'll be sure to hit up a XFire for a test-run!
Thx!
Dave