Need your inputs/thoughts on a few cars...

[AmazingGracePlayer]

I'm planning on getting a car really soon. After researching since summer of '08, I've narrowed by selection down quite a bit... Here are my few choices in no specific order. Which would you suggest? Reliability is the most important; next, the lower the maintenance the better; and sportiness/luxury is on the same level of importance as maintenance requirements. Infiniti G35 is also a possible contender.

Each of the cars is unique in its own way. While one may be more sporty, the others may be more durable. And there are things I love and hate about each and every one of those.

Other suggestions are welcome too.

My current thoughts...
Nissan 350Z: Most reliable for the amount of effort/money needed to be spent on in comparison to the other cars. Many people don't like the looks of the Z, I'm still debating. And this car has a timing belt, which costs quite a bit to replace every once in a while.

Chrysler Crossfire: American = no reliability. That's the general consensus almost everyone can agree one. But, it uses the MB's SLK engine, which makes the reliability issues a little better. I hate the look of the hatchback, but love the convertible. Maintenance/repair is lower in comparison to other cars.

Cadillac CTS: The safest car in the selection, also the least sporty. The handling on the CTS (or at least the CTS-V) is similar to European cars because most parts of the performance parts (other than the engine) is similar to German cars'.

Audi TT: A bit feminine looking, but the convertible is a bit more masculine. The maintenance is ridiculous as I know some people with Audi's and when they talk about their car, complaints about maintenance comes up every time. But when the money is put in, the car should be able to be counted on.

Mini Cooper: I hate the interior design of this car. But you can drop $150 for an extra 50HP. Maintenance is almost as bad as Audi, and it's a bit more reliable.

[iamlowsound]

Your request for reliability automatically drops the Caddy and the Chrysler out. The Mini is reliable, but has high repair costs. The Audi TT will be very reliable but also has high repair costs. The Nissan will be reliable with the lowest repair costs, although I would break the bank and buy the GTR. The 350Z is also the nicest looking IMO. Audi would probably do the best on a track.

lowsound

[AmazingGracePlayer]

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

Your request for reliability automatically drops the Caddy and the Chrysler out. The Mini is reliable, but has high repair costs. The Audi TT will be very reliable but also has high repair costs. The Nissan will be reliable with the lowest repair costs, although I would break the bank and buy the GTR. The 350Z is also the nicest looking IMO. Audi would probably do the best on a track.

lowsound

Sportiness is not the most important because it's mainly used to satisfy the testosterone needs rather than racing on tracks earning money and fame.

[Mingus]

350z out of that bunch... Crossfire is a total sham as far as my readings, it just looks cool. Personally though.... I'd look into an S2000...

Honda is known for their reliablility, etc.

[doctorjazz]

Z FTW. I'd go for the highest-performance variant.

[Chunk-O-Funk]

I voted for the 350Z as well. Personally I like the looks.


The Mini Cooper is also a really cool car, IMO.

[Khronic]

Audi TT hands down.

[steve21]

German.

[Rathead123]

I collect Nissan "Z" cars and have several. They are neither reliable or cost effective as daily transportation. All the band wagon jumpers are judging on looks, and the "coolness" factor of the sports car. All the parts for them are VERY expensive, and need more than average service.

[Dr Stankface]

I'd go with the 350Z out of those but humbly disagree with your "American = No relability" statement.

[Rathead123]

Originally Posted by Dr Stankface

I'd go with the 350Z out of those but humbly disagree with your "American = No relability" statement.

Yea, I have, still operating, oldest, to newest.
79 Chevy one ton, 454
81 Chevy Luv (diesel)- granted it is Isuzu..
85 Pontiac Fiero
86 Buick Riviera
87 Buick G.N.
2005 Buick Rendezvous

Even though I love the "Z" cars, I have an..
85 turbo "Z" = fast
a 95 twin turbo"Z"= VERY fast
a 005 350 "Z"= not so fast, handles well though.

[Vic Winters]

IMO the Crossfire looks like the Ambiguously Gay Duo car.

[iamlowsound]

Originally Posted by Rathead123

a 005 350 "Z"= not so fast, handles well though.

Nissan is never going to make another super fast "Z" car, because they have the GTR now. Unless they do a Z version of the GTR, would would be the scariest car ever made.

lowsound

[mimaz]

After looking at your potential choices, I can't help but wonder where the gear will go when you are gigging?

Some of those barely have enough room for a bass, let alone an entire rig......do you have another vehicle for gigs?

[CapnSev]

I said the Mini. My guitarist has one, and it's a riot to drive! Plus, it's never had a single problem yet, and he has over 60,000 miles on it.

[hbarcat]

Every one of the cars on your list is built by a company that lost billions of dollars last year. That means that their quality sucks and you shouldn't buy from them.

WalMart made lots of money in this past year. I'd buy a bike from them.

[68Goldfish]

The Chrysler is a mercedes. Period. There is nothing in or on that car, besides maybe the chrysler emblem that has anything in common with other chrysler cars. Well, I take that back, they do use the NAG trans in a couple other chrysler cars. I havn't seen any real problems with them.

[MJ5150]

I've owned a few Audi's in the 20 years I have been driving. I would not consider them to be reliable cars unless the production quality has improved 200% in the last eight or so years.

-Mike

[AmazingGracePlayer]

Originally Posted by mimaz

After looking at your potential choices, I can't help but wonder where the gear will go when you are gigging?

Some of those barely have enough room for a bass, let alone an entire rig......do you have another vehicle for gigs?

My dad has a Hummer H3. That's good enough for all the Ampeg concrete boxes.

Originally Posted by MJ5150

I've owned a few Audi's in the 20 years I have been driving. I would not consider them to be reliable cars unless the production quality has improved 200% in the last eight or so years.

-Mike

The TT came out in 2001 or something, so it probably should not have the reliability issues of the older Audi's.

[DrMWP]

Of those listed I picked the Mini. Higher fun to $ ratio than the others. And you can haul a surprising amount of gear.