I think I know what car I'm gonna get next

[Jess]

Drove by a dealership earlier today and saw a 2004 Mini Cooper S. Couldn't help myself b/c I've always wanted to drive one and figured I'd really like it. Ends up I didnt like it, in fact I hated it. It was nice in boost but out of boost it sucked balls, plus the suspension was way too hard (even more-so than my miata) and the seats absoloutely sucked nuts. It was way too obviously drive by wire and I don't like that. I dont mind if a car is DBW, but when there's a constant reminder that you're not actually doing anything with your foot, it pisses me off.

Went to another dealership and drove a 2003 RSX-S. It was pretty nice. I was about to consider talking numbers with the guy when he mentioned he had a G35 2 door with low miles. Went for a ride and liked it even more. Sounded awesome and drove great. No complaints other than the more complicated than necessary climate controls and not-so-great interior (IMHO) although the seats were uber comfortable, probably the nicest seats I've ever sat in.

But, after the car shopping I decided I really want an IS300 (wife has one), so in the coming months I'll be looking for a higher-miles IS. I'm still 50/50 on the auto vs. manual though. Manuals are possible to find but nowhere near as plentiful as the autos. Once I pay it off, i'll throw a snail on 'er.

I'll have to do some research on how much power people are putting down on their stock auto trannies. It's a great transmission and I won't be doing any real racing in it, so I wouldnt mind the auto. Actually I think I might even prefer it so long as it'll put up with some abuse.

[Swine]

hell yeah dood!!

...and get a mo f'in manual dood.:rolleyes:

[Zx RaTeD]

Good choice, I've scooted around in my friend Ginelle's a few times, not a bad car...but mine can beat it : ) Yay! Snailess of course : (

[phillyd]

I like that choice. 2jz beeeoch. Post up what you find out about the auto tranny's strength.

I am with you on the auto/manual debate. Commuting with a manual can be a bit annoying if the traffic is bad.

[xamraci]

auto-trans from the IS300 can handle about 350-400WHP:)

GL buddy...you can find them for good prices:dance:

[Jess]

Found one about an hour north of me. Was listed on craigslist less than 30 minutes ago. Price is a bit high. Just sent an email to see if it was set in stone or not. Only downside is, it's the same color as my wife's. :D

http://charleston.craigslist.org/car/599609771.html

[Pegasus_Red]

must be one o dem JDM v-6s :D

[easy2speed]

Found one about an hour north of me. Was listed on craigslist less than 30 minutes ago. Price is a bit high. Just sent an email to see if it was set in stone or not. Only downside is, it's the same color as my wife's. :D

http://charleston.craigslist.org/car/599609771.html


That's an ES, you want an IS.

BTW, good choice on cars, that is the best option for boost. I can easily get you an IS300 when you are ready.

[2Fast4Radar]

The VVT-i 2JZ-GE's have some weak points that the old GE didn't. Weaker rods is the main things. 300-400rwhp is doable, and probably safe--but anything past that is probably not a good idea on a stock internal motor. The automatic transmissions in the 98+ GS300 & 01+ IS300 are not strong enough to beat on with over 350rwhp. Check out www.boostlogic.com's built auto tranny that is proven to go 9's day in and day out. The W55 5-speed in the IS300 isn't much stronger--it's not the same as the W58 found in the NA MKIV Supra and Lexus SC300. If you have any other questions I could probably help out. Good luck man.

[Jess]

wow thanks for all the info, very informative. I didnt know the 5-spd's were *that* weak. But in all honesty, if/when turbo time comes around, ~300whp would probably suit me just fine now that I think about it.

I found this in Charlotte, NC (about 1hr, 15min North of me). I want to go check it out Wednesday, we'll see what the wifey says. :eek:

http://www.autoextra.com/vehicledetail/adid-75797076/2002/lexus/is300/charlotte/nc/price-11500/tp-DLR

[2Fast4Radar]

wow thanks for all the info, very informative. I didnt know the 5-spd's were *that* weak. But in all honesty, if/when turbo time comes around, ~300whp would probably suit me just fine now that I think about it.

I found this in Charlotte, NC (about 1hr, 15min North of me). I want to go check it out Wednesday, we'll see what the wifey says. :eek:

http://www.autoextra.com/vehicledetail/adid-75797076/2002/lexus/is300/charlotte/nc/price-11500/tp-DLR300rwhp is nothing to do on stock compression. You could use a little baby turbo @ 6-7psi to achieve this & probably make it work on the stock 330cc's. All you would need for the entry setup is a mani, turbo, dp, intake, oil lines, etc. Past 325rwhp--i'd go with a thicker headgasket to lower compression so that you can get up to 1bar safely, but then the tranny & stock internals are subject to failure. It can become a money pit, but when done right it can be a very reliable 400rwhp car.

[Zx RaTeD]

wow thanks for all the info, very informative. I didnt know the 5-spd's were *that* weak. But in all honesty, if/when turbo time comes around, ~300whp would probably suit me just fine now that I think about it.

I found this in Charlotte, NC (about 1hr, 15min North of me). I want to go check it out Wednesday, we'll see what the wifey says. :eek:

http://www.autoextra.com/vehicledetail/adid-75797076/2002/lexus/is300/charlotte/nc/price-11500/tp-DLR

Looks good Jess, I wouldn't mind coppin' that shit, but hrmmm, where's the mileage listed?

[Jess]

139k, I had to call and find out. My wife's has like 100k and it runs and drives like brand new, hoping this one does too.

[Jess]

That's an ES, you want an IS.

BTW, good choice on cars, that is the best option for boost. I can easily get you an IS300 when you are ready.

shit thats weird, i sent the entirely wrong link. http://charlotte.craigslist.org/car/600923726.html

[marlow<12]

ive autoxed a non s cooper before and was very suprised (well first i was susprised that i fit in the damn thing)
needed moar s tho, kinda slow
handled good, if lots of understeer compared to the ol corolla