mazdeuce wrote:Stefan (Not Bruce) wrote: You can find a supercharged CTS-V for about that much.I hate to constantly recommend this, which is why I didn't, but 556hp, manual available, and track ready (including stock brake pads) from the dealer. They're kind of awesome.
That would tick alot of boxes.
Fast, nice, a bit more grown up than the BRZ or something like RS or EVO X.
Things to look out for on them?
In reply to z31maniac:
I seem to remember GRM did a piece on the CTS-V a few issues ago. Unfortunately, all of my issues are at home in PA.
I haven't received a GRM in months since I keep forgetting to call and update my address with them. 
mazdeuce wrote:Stefan (Not Bruce) wrote: You can find a supercharged CTS-V for about that much.I hate to constantly recommend this, which is why I didn't, but 556hp, manual available, and track ready (including stock brake pads) from the dealer. They're kind of awesome.
If I didn't want a hatch or a wagon, I'd likely have bought one already. Unfortunately the CTS-V wagons are just too expensive still; instead there's a Focus RS on its way with my name on it.
They all have a supercharger rattle issue. It can sort of be fixed with a bushing from the dealer if you complain enough, but it's just a design issue that doesn't seem to affect the longevity in any way (as far as I can tell) though GM has replaced quite a few blowers trying to make owners happy. The rear diff will overheat on track if you really beat on it. GM sells an expensive cooler for it.
There are a LOT of V2 cars out there with a pully and a tune. Easy way to add 100hp but I'd be slightly wary of them.
The Recaro seats are worth searching for. They're nice.
The number of V2 cars in youtube street racing videos would definitely make me wary of buying one that had ever been modified. Unless it was already broken. 
Driven5 wrote:Vracer111 wrote: ...Nissan Juke NISMO RS...that vehicle is more like the BRZ/FR-S than the ND miata ever will be...Aside from the fact that they both have a metal roof and rear seats, I'm trying to wrap my head around this statement, and just can't do it.
If you test drive a Juke NISMO RS and the ND Miata back to back after daily driving an FR-S for 4 years you may understand. The Juke NISMO RS has direct steering responsiveness, chassis ride quality, and flat cornering manner that combined are eerily like the FR-S experience...it's crazy how similar they are. The Juke NISMO RS only weighs ~200 lbs more than the FR-S, but it has quite a bit more oomph with 210lbft torque.
The ND miata is more floaty and imprecise in chassis/suspension movement, and it freaking lists like a sailboat in the corners...kind of opposite of the FR-S. I'd choose the Juke NISMO RS over an ND Miata, EVERY time - especially with the nice Recaro's that properly fit a full sized adult. I was super impressed with the Juke NISMO RS while the ND Miata (Club Sport edition BTW) was a major let down.
If there is one sedan I'd want it would be a Cadillac ATS-V, with a manual transmission of course. Way too expensive though...will have to give them a looong time to be a nice used option.
What about an Infiniti FX35/FX37/QX50? It's essentially a G hatchback, so it's nice to drive, looks good, has depreciated enough to be affordable, and has the VQ so aftermarket is insane. 0-60 in 5.5 stock for the 3.7, and a solid 0.85g of lateral acceleration, which I'm sure can be improved with stickier tires.
On paper, the CTS-V seems perfect to me, but I just can't get past the looks. I know some guys love it, but I hate that straight line Cadillac styling. Having a good looking car really isn't important to me, but I just don't want something that I dislike.
In reply to Woody:
I want to step outside in the morning and look at my car and say 'berkeley yea, that's my car'. The only reason I don't own a Miata is because they don't cause that emotional response in me.
I seriously get that the V cars don't do it for some people and really the sedan isn't a car I'd be likely to buy.
No more Juke talk, absolutely not an option. Period. I hate them and I don't care if they drive like a Ferrari.
What year Cadillacs should I be looking for? That's a very intriguing option I hadn't originally considered, but like I said, that ticks a lot of boxes. A lot.
$14k CTS-V 6-speed in RI:
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/cto/5457571214.html
Second gen starts with 2009 and goes through 2015. There doesn't seem to be any real early build issues so the 09 cars seem to be a safe bet. Autodrader shows them from the low-ish 20's to the low-ish 30's for an 09-10 car. Quite few to choose from nationally.
Vracer111 wrote: If there is one sedan I'd want it would be a Cadillac ATS-V, with a manual transmission of course. Way too expensive though...will have to give them a looong time to be a nice used option.
I really like the ATS-V as well, but I bet they will have pretty small production numbers. I lived in the LA area, and now live in central Jersey, both places where small premium cars (BMW, MB, Audi) are as common as Corollas. Rarely see Cadillac A's.
mazdeuce wrote: Second gen starts with 2009 and goes through 2015. There doesn't seem to be any real early build issues so the 09 cars seem to be a safe bet. Autodrader shows them from the low-ish 20's to the low-ish 30's for an 09-10 car. Quite few to choose from nationally.
Very tasty, thanks for the heads up. Any other insight about them?
You'll need to log in to post.
