The time has come to consider trading in RX8 for something else. I need a 4-door car that wife can drive (which means auto), but it has to be a worthy replacement. The budget is about $30K, new or used.

Basically I'm looking for a car with a spirit, with a soul, so to speak. So I'd like to hear from folks who have switched to something else and are not disappointed.

Thx!

 

S2 autos with 6speed, lol

 

I say you get an IS350.

 

i dad has a 350z and i love to take it off his hands every now and then lol

 

.....

 

You might enjoy an Infiniti G35/G37 sedan, they're actually a good amount of fun and probably the best value in the rear wheel drive class of nicer cars. You should be able to pick up a fairly new one for around that price. The equivalent BMW (335i/335 S drive) is overpriced and only slightly better IMHO. You could almost get a new Mercedes c300 for that price but while they're okay, not much soul. Honestly a decked out mazda 3 wouldn't be bad, and for that matter a mazda 6 is reasonably fun to drive also. If it's not too small, the acura TSX is actually quite a nice little car. Not a ton of power in the 4 cylinder model, but I was quite impressed when I drove it, especially for a front wheel drive car.

 

for new cars, forget the Infiniti G35/37, BMW 1 or 3 series, Mercedes C, or Lexus IS... all out of your price range, as those all go for over $30K -easily- with tax, license, and options... for under $30K new cars... maybe the mazda speed3, subaru wrx, audi a3, civic si...

for used cars, german cars have more soul- esp the bmw's 135i and 335i. but, you -will- pay for it with expensive repairs and constant visits to the dealer/ repair shop. so, unless you're willing to deal with that, stick with japanese models...

happy shopping...

 

Mazda6 S GT.

you can get one for less than 26K.

 

BMW 335d

Diesel Twin Turbo Inline 6 motor with a range of almost 600 miles to the tank.

Already makes ridiculous amount of torque: 425 lbs / ft of torque!

Although the 265 hp isn't as much as the 335i, that car hauls *** and is the most perfect family grocery getter with an edge.

I'd buy one.....since they're also giving a lot of credits and tax credits for the vehicle.

 

Acura TL Type S. Very sporty but very roomy for a family. If not maybe the TSX as mentioned.

 

He said AUTO (speed3 and civic si are out)

 

since your already used to not getting the best gas mileage with the 8 i say go old school and get a '68-'73 olds cutlass 442. real fun to drive and fast as hell (used to have one and made the mistake of selling it)

 

d'oh! good catch...

 

like I said S2 Rx-8 autos

 

The new WRX's I heard were coming out in an automatic. Dont knoe exactly if that's true or not but if it does then I'd say go with that. I test drove a few and I was thrilled with how amazing this car was. Looks great and has alot of power. Also, the TL type S is a great car. You said used and you can find a great used TL type s with low miles only a few years old for roughly 24-27 thousand

Also, An Audi S4 comes in Auto ... I had one before my 8 and I miss that car greatly. It was an amazing car with AWD. Great power, luxurious interior, very roomy, and looks amazing

 

Evo X MR

 

i say get a used 335 really good car and the used price

 

How is a 335i "only slightly better" compared to a G sedan?

 

My opinion would be to get a used 2006 Audi A4 in black with mileage in the teens for around 20-25k. 200hp and tq... chip it and get 280tq and 250hp... Plus its AWD.

Its a very nice car. Drives nice, rides nice, looks nice, and pretty good gas mileage. Its everything you would want.



Or just grab a S2 Rx8 AT.

 

Some of you think the auto RX8 is a "worthy replacement"

 

^^^Yup

 

Thanks! And what about ze bigger, more expensive onez? Like A6, CLS class and stuff?

 

2005 0r 2006 BMW 5 series you might find for 30k or just under

 

As already mentioned a certified pre-owned 335i would seem ideal.

 

Audi S4 Avant