I have AADD, you have AADD, help me will you please...(yes, a what car thread)

I know we all have Automotive Attention Deficit Disorder, so I would appreciate some opinions from the group.

My current '06 Acura TL automatic is boring me (owned for ~18 months) and I am on the cusp of some larger maintenance items so I have been shopping around. I would like to trade it in to pay off the lien versus selling private party, and have the finance pre-approval lined up for the next vehicle (from PenFed, max $15k). So, although not ideal, I am trying to find vehicles at dealer lots so I can trade-in and purchase in one fell swoop.

Although, I would love to get out of the habit of bouncing from one loan to the next so am shopping in the cheaper range of the budget.

I want to get back into a manual with a sporting feel, and tend to like rarer models/editions of cars (previously owned Acura CL Type-S 6MT, Trailblazer SS, Dodge SRT-4, etc.). So think vehicles that may go undetected by 90% of people.

The vehicle will handle my daily commute of ~12 miles each way of flat, pretty straight Florida roads, but also my weekend activities (triathlons, transporting our 70 lb weim/lab mix, football games/tailgating, etc.). So reliable, good a/c, decent mpg (20ish mixed). A plus would be if I could do basic DIY maintenance. Needs to seat 4.

The wife has a trucklet with AWD to do any heavy transporting, so I am keeping my options wide open. I would love to have a classic C10 pick-up as the third vehicle in a couple years, but not at the moment.

So, what have I found? A Lexus IS250 manual with 114k for $7k and an E36 328i convertible with 186k for $4k so far, any thoughts for/against? I am in the Tampa area and would prefer to not have to travel too far to inspect/test drive. No big rush, as I have a couple months to see what pops up, but I know you guys love these "what car" threads as much as I do.

E36 M3 Sedan? 4dr E46 ZHP?

I would recommend a nice older IS300 over an IS250 by a long shot.

How did you go from a CL Type-S 6 spd to an auto TL anyway? Why not a 6spd A-Spec?

Older Altima SE-R 6spd?

Vigo wrote: E36 M3 Sedan? 4dr E46 ZHP? I would recommend a nice older IS300 over an IS250 by a long shot. How did you go from a CL Type-S 6 spd to an auto TL anyway? Why not a 6spd A-Spec? Older Altima SE-R 6spd?

I would love an M3/4/5, but haven't seen any come up in my (albeit limited) search range. Ditto for a manual IS300 (although I hear they are gas hogs). I test drove a 330i ZHP a few years back and liked it, I could be open to that as well if it comes in the price range and has been well cared for.

The TL was meant to be more of a tweener-car to get me to the next fun one, but I ended up needing to do a timing belt, water pump, motor mount(s), battery, etc. so I ended up keeping it longer than I would have liked.

Great suggestion on the Altima SE-R as well. I liked the old manual Maxima's so that might be a fun ride.

E46 M3's can be had in similar price range to the others listed above... Also first gen CTS-V's are there as well. I'm in the same auto hunt currently as you...

What about a G35 sedan with the manual?

people bash the IS250, but stock for stock it consistently tests quicker than a is300 in reviews (PS those that argue this please track down the writers of the other articles and bitch at them, at least that would get you some effective use of your time.) Honestly if the the IS350 didn't exist and they 250 was named a 300, people would love it.

An IS300 still has the I6 vs the new V6 and the mystic of "It's a 4 door Supra without the turbo." Which the engine is in that family.

I would get the stick IS250 instead of something every squib, momma's boy, and wanna be FF8 co-star is looking at.

At least then when you turbo/engine swap the 250, no one will suspect you.

people bash the IS250, but stock for stock it consistently tests quicker than a is300 in reviews

It probably is faster in the long run, but it's not torquier, and when you are trying to do RWD things with your RWD it sure is nice to have a little torque.

Vigo wrote:

people bash the IS250, but stock for stock it consistently tests quicker than a is300 in reviews

It probably is faster in the long run, but it's not torquier, and when you are trying to do RWD things with your RWD it sure is nice to have a little torque.

The wife had a 350 and it was a pretty fun car. Shame they didn't make those with a manual as well. I have been happy with all the Lexus/Toyota vehicles we've owned (IS350, RX350, 3rd Gen 4Runner, CT200h) and this last Acura kinda soured me on Honda a bit.

I might drop by and drive the 250 just to see how it feels. To me it seems like it could be a newer, more reliable 3 Series (think E46 328/330).

The manual G35 was on my last short list but I never made it to test drive one. I've read that they burn a little oil but VQ goodness and sound would be nice.

Another thought is the ubiquitous Mustang GT. I had an 02 GT and test drove an 05, and a convertible GT might be a fun option.

Vigo wrote:

people bash the IS250, but stock for stock it consistently tests quicker than a is300 in reviews

It probably is faster in the long run, but it's not torquier, and when you are trying to do RWD things with your RWD it sure is nice to have a little torque.

My BRZ has 255/35/18 Star Specs, 151 peak torques, and I have no problem getting the rear loose.

You want to drive a stick around Tampa? You must not get stuck in the 3 bridges traffic cycle on your commute.

What about a Mazdaspeed 3? Seats 4 and room for the pup/bike in the rear.

My BRZ has 255/35/18 Star Specs, 151 peak torques, and I have no problem getting the rear loose.

Maybe you would love an IS250.

Flight Service wrote: people bash the IS250, but stock for stock it consistently tests quicker than a is300 in reviews (PS those that argue this please track down the writers of the other articles and bitch at them, at least that would get you some effective use of your time.) Honestly if the the IS350 didn't exist and they 250 was named a 300, people would love it. An IS300 still has the I6 vs the new V6 and the mystic of "It's a 4 door Supra without the turbo." Which the engine is in that family. I would get the stick IS250 instead of something every squib, momma's boy, and wanna be FF8 co-star is looking at. At least then when you turbo/engine swap the 250, no one will suspect you.

The I6 sure sounds a lot better and is as reliable as an anvil, plus the car feels and drives better especially with alcantara seats. The IS250 gets way better gas mileage and has much more modern tech inside the car. Gas in the US is nearly free so the difference between the two is maybe $25 month for the average driver.

Last time I checked there's currently a very nice e46 M3 in the classifieds for well under $20k (I believe it's in Florida too.

WRX/Evo?

hobiercr wrote: You want to drive a stick around Tampa? You must not get stuck in the 3 bridges traffic cycle on your commute. What about a Mazdaspeed 3? Seats 4 and room for the pup/bike in the rear.

I live in Clearwater/Dunedin and commute to the Carillon area, so while I do get some stop and go I mostly cruise US19 (barring any accidents).

In reply to CobraSpdRH:

I'm in Dunedin too. Great town. 19 is much better since the construction is done!

Great suggestion on the Altima SE-R as well. I liked the old manual Maxima's so that might be a fun ride.

I put two clutches in one and drove it a fair bit. I really liked it. I liked it more than every maxima ever so far, although not by a huge margin. If the 7th gen got a 6spd manual it might be a toss up there.

So do you not like the TL enough to just get a 'good' one? Or are you just looking for a change?

Don't make me say it.

How about one of the newest generation of Camaros. $15K certainly gets you into a V6 with the manual, and real close to a SS with a 426HP LS3. I got mine with about 5K in body damage at salvage auction for $9K plus fees. Not too shabby for a 2SS RS with 11,000 miles.

Why haven't we talked about early CTS-V's yet? Those would be in-budget...

szeis4cookie wrote: Why haven't we talked about early CTS-V's yet? Those would be in-budget...

WHEW! Thank you.

Smarta$$ McPoopyPants wrote:

szeis4cookie wrote: Why haven't we talked about early CTS-V's yet? Those would be in-budget...

WHEW! Thank you.

I have test driven a 1st gen V, and while I could see how it would be a great car, this one had some driveline issues that scared me away. While I walked on that particular car, those are definitely on the radar.

As for the TL, it isn't a bad car per-say, but I've just had a bad experience with it. It seems I've been hit with all the consumables maintenance, and the auto is uninspiring. I might still consider a nice Type-S with a manual if it has a solid maintenance history.

I may expand my search radius a bit and see if anything fun comes up in budget over the next week or so...

Thanks for all the replies

tr8todd wrote: How about one of the newest generation of Camaros. $15K certainly gets you into a V6 with the manual, and real close to a SS with a 426HP LS3. I got mine with about 5K in body damage at salvage auction for $9K plus fees. Not too shabby for a 2SS RS with 11,000 miles.

I may be overthinking it, and driving one would probably be best, but newer cars seem to have the smallest greenhouses. The Camaro and the new Dodges just seem to be so claustrophobic to me.

Also, having driven older Camaro's and Trans-Am's (4th Gen F-bodies) I didn't really like how long the hood felt, almost like I was disconnected from the driving experience. Especially compared to, say, my old Integra where visibility was great and I felt really connected to the car. If that makes sense lol. Maybe I need to go check out a BR-Z or FR-S if those are falling into budget...

I would say IS250 but heads up that the back seat doesn't fold down so I think you would need to get a bike rack of some sort.

I'm right there with you on that analysis of the Camaro. There is literally more room in the cockpit of my TR8s. The styling of the Camaro is about as awful as it gets. Total midlife crisis kind of car. I hate the thing. But thats why I bought it from a salvage auction just for the driveline. The Camaro's driveline in a gutted, caged, TR8 coupe with big sticky tires and a killer suspension. Now thats going to be fun.