[s-cars] RE: New or nearly-new car purchase

[TM]

Bill-
I'm considering the BMW Z3 2.8 or 3.0, depending on what I can find.
I don't know how poor these cars might be as a year-round daily driver,
though.

The WRX is still one of my top choices, gotta drive the Mustangs, Evo
and
a few others before I can make my decision.

Taka

-----Original Message-----
From: William Noland [mailto:wenoland at pacbell.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 10:22 AM
To: s-car-list at audifans.com; t44tq at mindspring.com
Subject: Re: New or nearly-new car purchase


The WRX is very much a performance bargain (I have an 03 Wagon).
Aftermarket is excellent and it's reliable. Refined, it is not --
econobox origins show through, though not objectionable. I slapped on a
set of aftermarket wheels and tires (225's) and handling is very nice.
Parts/service/aftermarket are relatively cheap.

You could pick up a used M Roadster, or Coupe -- looks are an acquired
taste. I have the Roadster, but the Coupe is probably a better choice
for handling and the occasional track day. I'd call it relatively
refined, handling of the Coupe is pretty damn nice (Roadster slightly
less so, but still pretty heroic), reliability has been excellent from
my experience and acceleration and braking performance will keep you
happy for some time to come. Best part is, many of these cars tend to be
garage queens and relatively unabused.

Miata is a nice car and (stock) will probably out handle the above on an
autocross course. Afraid I'm too much of an acceleration junkie for the
Miata, though.  :-)

Bill Noland