Help my friend choose a car!
 

So a friend of mine currently drives an '01 Accord. He's looking to get rid of it and get into something new this summer.

Right now he's leaning towards the new Eclipse, but I'm trying to convince him otherwise. (http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=9634)

His parameters:
- Coupe
- not too common
- preferably 4+ seats, but *might* consider 2
- driveable in the winter (it'll be his daily driver)

I suggested the RSX-S but he thinks it's too common and more of a highschool / college car. Then I suggested the new Mustang but he said "can you imagine a Chinese guy driving a Mustang?" and then I thought about it and that would be a bit funny. The RX-8 is out because I already have one and other "fear-of-the-mighty-rotary" reasons.

Any other ideas? The max he's looking to pay is about $42K Canadian.

I say s2000, 350z or a used m3

maby look into the new 06 miata when it comes out.

miatas are great cars.

NOt sure what prices go for in canada, but a WRX comes to mind, especially with thye 4 w/drive. Also, an srt4, a crossfire, a bmw 330, solstice, the new legacy's look good, s2000, 350z, and I know you said rsx but the 05's are running 215hp, tsx, tiberon, or a cooper s.

What's he looking for besides a coupe, as in room, power, rwd, mod-able?

+10

What about a John Cooper Works Mini? Haven't seen a single one of those on the road, and they can't be all bad with ~200 hp. Just took a test drive in an S model with the gf this past weekend, and was pleasantly impressed with it. Fit and finish are excellent, very unique look (both inside and out), comfortable, etc...

all it took was a test drive. I'll have my MCS in a couple weeks. Great unique car, fun to drive. I'm getting almost every options, plus LSD. I can't wait.

I have a fat SUV and it eats too much gas. so i'm sorry i didn't go with the 8. ;)

I'll pass on some of those suggestions...others (like WRX) are 4 door and he only wants a coupe so those are out.

I'm not sure about room, but he doesn't want a "slow" car, and he probably won't be modding it very much, if at all.

He says "too cute for me" and "I doubt I'd fit into that"...he's over 6 ft.

6'2" here and fit in an MCS fine.

I think the "too cute for me" comment still sticks :)

G35....they are advertising good deals on the radio for them right now....or...I know its not a couple but isn't the MS6 due out this winter?

Yeah I'm trying to convince him to get a G35 actually...base starts at $39K.

I'll mention MS6, too.

Maybe a used 2003 Acura CL-S 6 speed manual. Only 3400 made, but resale values are depressed because of tranny problems with the automatic. Loaded, classy, go like stink.

I'm sure you can find a nice used 2001 M3 for 40k.....That would be my choice.

I heard he doesn't want a four door, but he should really give the WRX a drive! Looks aside I can't see any reason to stick to a coupe.

On that note, please inform him that every single young girl in America will be rolling around in the new eclipse, so don't think it will be unique for very long.

Done and done. Nice one :)

Yeah I don't know why but he's really against 4 door cars.

I mentioned that, he says he doesn't like how the last gen looks...when does the last gen M3s end? Anyways, I was like "who the fvck cares how it looks...it's a frickin' M3!". :p

I doubt he could find one in Calgary...but I'll pass that on. He also is leaning towards A/T because he can't drive stick yet! How embarassing!

the 2001 is the 1st year of the e46 m3....translation "new style" :D


Also has the nice paddle shifters for the auto in the smg model.

The 2007 Hyndai Tiberon...RWD!

I looked in AutoTrader and all the 2001s are ~ $65K CDN....damn!

wow, In the Toronto trader there are many 2002's from $44-50K. I wonder why the price hike in Calgery. Maybe I should open up a dealership over there and buy all the cars from Ontario. ;)

I think it's because these are being sold by dealerships and not private parties :(

Other than that, I have no idea....maybe Calgarians are just jerks?

maybe an Accord V6 coupe? You can get the HFP appearance package (honda factory performance) which makes it look a bit better ...its got 240 horses, and a 6 speed, and pretty fast

definitely matches the asian factor if that's what he's goin for...

id' also recommend an r32, an s2000, and as menshed, the Cooper Works Mini is nice, but it comes at a price in my own opinion.

its too bad he doesn't like 4 doors, cause that literally cuts his choices in half!

what about an M roadster?