My Rotors My Be On Their Last Leg

Cadillac ATS?

You sound like the demographic the 350Z was aimed at.

I don't think Mustangs have been "youth focused" since the 80s. Not too many youths have enough money for the really fun ones, and for what the cheaper ones run, you can get a lot more youth-focused than that. They're focused on the people who WANTED them as youths, 20-30-40 years ago, and they are setting their sights a little more broadly now with the new car.

First, thank you for not unleashing the spelling / grammar Nazis on me for spelling muscle cars as mussel cars in my last post…I knew it didn’t look right but I was on my way out the door so I let it go.

Kenny,

I really like the tectonic styling of the ATS but I know absolutely nothing about them….any direct experience?

Knurled,

I’ve got access to Ford’s X-Plan and the Mustang checks all my “perceptions” of what I want…RWD, Manual Transmission, etc. so it’ll at least be the Easy Button / Benchmark to Beat solution.

I had some time to check out the Mustangs at the dealership while they were getting my new Explorer ready and I couldn’t help but notice that my old 2005 RX-8 was actually significantly more refined…it had high quality cloth where the Mustang has hard plastic, etc., etc.

The differences aren’t a deal breaker but they do make you go, hmmm.

I have a unique opportunity to test the theory that I’ll go crazy driving the lumbering beast that our 2003 Explorer is. Although it’s at 176,000 miles, it looks and runs great so why not let the experiment that fell into my lap play itself out.

I officially moved into the old Explorer on Sunday and I immediately put it to work by cleaning out my garage and taking big items to Good Will, buying pool supplies that wouldn’t fit in my RX-8, etc.

Additionally, the door is wide open now for me to pick up a toy that requires towing…did I mention that I cleaned out my garage.

I have sailing and dirt bike experience so…

RX Reven' wrote: I’ve got access to Ford’s X-Plan

Can you get a new Mustang on that? I thought new models were exempt for a year or two.

Knurled wrote:

RX Reven' wrote: I’ve got access to Ford’s X-Plan

Can you get a new Mustang on that? I thought new models were exempt for a year or two.

My wife is the one that has access but I asked her to get a X-Plan price on the Mustang and she came back with a number.

However, I believe the price quoted was close to MSRP.

Added Later...

BTW, Ford is giving an additional $500 discount if anyone in your family currently has a leased car regardless of the manufacturer.

WTF is up with that - why does that matter???

I once walked out of a Jeep dealership because they refused to give me the special $500 “Teacher” discount they were offering on their Grand Cherokee.

Why am I a second class citizen because I don’t lease cars or don’t teach for a living or whatever other stupid, greasy Berkleying thing they decide to come up with?

Oh yeah, now that you don't have an RX-8, you won't be able to qualify for S-plan pricing just because you scared some cones a couple times a year...

(offer not valid on Miata)

You could just hold out for a Focus RS.

RX Reven' wrote: I really like the tectonic styling of the ATS but I know absolutely nothing about them….any direct experience?

I've driven multiple ATS with all the different drivetrains and none of them have blown me away. They just never really feel that special or enjoyable to drive. Not to mention they have that cursed CUE system, which is one of the worst infotainment systems I've ever encountered. The reliably/quality is also Cadillac-grade, which is not good. At one point there were over 15 recalls on them before we could even deliver them.

How about a WRX or STI? My parents got a 2015 WRX and are very happy with it. The new ones are more grown up and civilized than the older ones and the 2.0 in the WRX at least gets quite good mileage.

RX Reven' wrote: It’s gone. I traded it in on a 2016 Explorer for my family and I’m using our old 2003 Explorer as a lifeboat until I figure out what I want. What should I get??? I think I can’t stand front wheel drive but a VW GTI would be perfect if it wasn’t for the poor reliability. I think I can’t stand automatics but if I got something with a torquey narrow RPM range, I’d get it with a slush box. Basically, I need four seats and the back two can’t be a joke, otherwise the BRZ / FR-S twins would be an option. The Mustang has evolved into a viable candidate (I prefer sports cars to muscle cars) but I’m 51 and tend keep my cars for a long time so I’m a little hesitant to get something too youth focused – sounds dumb even typing that so keep the Mustang as a possibility. A 3 Series BMW would be ideal but I don’t want high operational costs…IS 250 perhaps. Thoughts???

I am making a couple of inferences/assumptions based on this post, and figured it might be good to get them out in case some of them aren't true - may open up some options if they're not.

First, whatever you get, the 03 Explorer is going away.
Second, from the cars you mentioned as an example it sounds like you're in the $25-30k ballpark, and that you're leaning towards new or very lightly used.

Are you looking to re-capture the character of the RX-8, or looking to go in a different direction this time? With all this said, the only things I am coming up with are the Infiniti G37/Q50, or maybe a Hyundai Genesis coupe. If older is an option, 1st generation CTS-V seems to fit the bill nicely.

I also vote infinity G37.

Any thoughts on the new Miata?

JtspellS wrote: Any thoughts on the new Miata?

Pretty sure he said he needs functional rear seats.

I also through my vote in for G35/G37

Find a slightly used M235i?

szeis4cookie wrote:

RX Reven' wrote: It’s gone. I traded it in on a 2016 Explorer for my family and I’m using our old 2003 Explorer as a lifeboat until I figure out what I want. What should I get??? I think I can’t stand front wheel drive but a VW GTI would be perfect if it wasn’t for the poor reliability. I think I can’t stand automatics but if I got something with a torquey narrow RPM range, I’d get it with a slush box. Basically, I need four seats and the back two can’t be a joke, otherwise the BRZ / FR-S twins would be an option. The Mustang has evolved into a viable candidate (I prefer sports cars to muscle cars) but I’m 51 and tend keep my cars for a long time so I’m a little hesitant to get something too youth focused – sounds dumb even typing that so keep the Mustang as a possibility. A 3 Series BMW would be ideal but I don’t want high operational costs…IS 250 perhaps. Thoughts???

I am making a couple of inferences/assumptions based on this post, and figured it might be good to get them out in case some of them aren't true - may open up some options if they're not. First, whatever you get, the 03 Explorer is going away. Second, from the cars you mentioned as an example it sounds like you're in the $25-30k ballpark, and that you're leaning towards new or very lightly used. Are you looking to re-capture the character of the RX-8, or looking to go in a different direction this time? With all this said, the only things I am coming up with are the Infiniti G37/Q50, or maybe a Hyundai Genesis coupe. If older is an option, 1st generation CTS-V seems to fit the bill nicely.

It’s very refreshing to encounter someone that’s both cautious about making inferences and is actually good at making them.

Yes, we’re a two car family (sacrilege in GRM land I know) so the 2003 Explorer will be gone when I buy something.

I think in terms of relative value rather than absolute value so I’d cringe over paying 20K for something I didn’t think much of but I’d be perfectly comfortable paying 40K for something I thought was great.

Having said that, your 25K – 30K range seems to be right in the sweet spot of the cost / benefit continuum so right again.

Honestly though, the best way to characterize me is as someone who’s willing to cut a large check on the front end but gets really pissed being nickeled and dimed down the road.

Going back 30 years, I’ve always just bought a new car, taken good care of it, and driven it until the wheels fell off. However, the nature of used cars as well as my situation has changed so I would be receptive to a “previously enjoyed” car. Basically, when I was younger, I couldn’t count on having money for repairs but that isn’t a concern now.

I have a 90 mile round trip commute and I car pool with two people (one is a doctor and one is 65 years old) so it needs to be presentable, comfortable, and reliable. BTW, fuel efficiency isn’t critically important as I’m getting a multiple of three in terms of seat MPG’s so even a ½ ton truck would crush a Prius when driven solo.

Regrettably, I don’t foresee being able to fully “re-capture” the character of my RX-8 as it was the most agile, precise, and predictable four seat car I’ve ever experienced; Maybe I’m wrong, I hope I’m wrong… I hear nothing but praise about 3 Series BMW’s and I’d be looking closely at them if not for their reputation for high maintenance costs.

I’m terms of your specific suggestions, I think the old G35’s were one of the best looking cars ever made (I never warmed up to the stupid looking fenders, etc. on my RX-8…I’m a clean, simple, to the point man). The G37 is getting a little too swoopy for my liking which is why I was thinking along the lines of an IS 250.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe would probably be too tight in the back but it wouldn’t hurt to check one out.

OK, so the 90 mile roundtrip commute and the carpool partners probably nix the Genesis Coupe, unless one of them is really short and/or there's one you just don't like very much.

Would a 3-series purchased with a really good extended warranty (i.e. Carmax) take care of reliability concerns, or would the downtime also be unacceptable? I feel like you're in the latter camp, but maybe worth exploring?

I will also add for your consideration the 04-08 Acura TL Type S. Misses the RWD, but sharp-looking, stone reliable, will handle when asked, good rear seat room, and Honda manual transmission goodness.

RX8driver wrote: How about a WRX or STI? My parents got a 2015 WRX and are very happy with it. The new ones are more grown up and civilized than the older ones and the 2.0 in the WRX at least gets quite good mileage.

Hmmm, I don’t know why I didn’t think of a WRX.

One of my family members is a big time behind the scenes Hollywood guy that could afford a row of Ferrari’s but choses to drive a WRX.

I won’t say who he is but you guys would love him; Authentic gearhead / wrencher to the core…I’ll give him a call.

I also just saw a CTS (non-V) coupe on my local Craigslist for under 20k, wonder if you could get a base CTS with a manual...

I'd throw my vote in for a G35/37 Sedan. How about a Volvo V70R? Forester XT?

In reply to NickD:

My bad, would a Chevy SS be out of the range?

JtspellS wrote: In reply to NickD: My bad, would a Chevy SS be out of the range?

The SS as in Sport Sedan? You can get these with a pretty large discount because dealers have had a hard time moving them. Our dealership had one for a year and a half before we sold it and rumor was that they knocked 10K off the price just to get it gone. And they are a lot of car for the money. Very nice, very fun to drive and excellent styling. Comfy too.

Knurled wrote: Can you get a new Mustang on that? I thought new models were exempt for a year or two.

No exemption time- just some certain low volume exemptions. All new cars are eligible, if not a low vol special car.

(sorry about the tangent. just want to get that info out)

NickD wrote:

JtspellS wrote: In reply to NickD: My bad, would a Chevy SS be out of the range?

The SS as in Sport Sedan? You can get these with a pretty large discount because dealers have had a hard time moving them. Our dealership had one for a year and a half before we sold it and rumor was that they knocked 10K off the price just to get it gone. And they are a lot of car for the money. Very nice, very fun to drive and excellent styling. Comfy too.

Yep that one, it's one of the only American cars I've ever actually lusted about.