I currently have an 2004 RX 330 that has been practically problem free. Now I am ready for something a little for sporty. I'm looking to purchase a coupe. All suggestions are welcomed, but I would really like to have something a little nicer as I am used to the lexus craftmanship.

I originally intended to buy a G35 coupe, but they're a little in expensive for my taste. I was looking for something a step above the RX.

It's funny how most coupes are priced at either 35K and under or 65K and above. That's a huge gap!

Let me know what you guys think.

Oh...here's a list of a few I am thinking about:
slk350
2004 clk320 cab
boxster

Thanks for any input.

 

Hmm so you're looking for a coupe when your list consists of cabriolets and roadsters... Make up your mind! Which one is it?

And since you're used to the Lexus craftsmanship, why not just get something that actually is built with the Lexus craftsmanship, i.e. the SC430? The SC430 is THE most trouble-free vehicle ever of any market segment according to J. D. Power and Consumer Reports. You just can't go wrong with getting a SC430. You can either get a good deal now or wait for the 2006 update with 6-speed auto and a mild facelift.

BTW, welcome to ClubLexus.

 

I meant to say that I was looking for a car with two doors. I'm not all that familiar with the car lingo.

I was looking at used SC430s, but they seem a little pricey unless I look at older ones.

Oh and the new corvette is hot, but a little pricey and kinda gives off a trashy common vibe. Hope that doesn't offend anyone They are great cars and offer alot though.

 

Ahh OK, no biggie at all.Um so what's your price range? You can get a 2002 SC430 for under $40k fairly easily, which costs about the same as a 2004 CLK320 and quitea bit cheaper than the SLK350 (~$45k) in your list.The Corvette is a great hot rod but certainly does not possess the Lexus-like craftsmanship you said you're looking for. Just keep that in mind.

 

I would probably buy a SC430. My brother bought one for about $44,000. Drives great , you will love it. Corvette's are crap compared to Lexus and other cars in it class

 

"Um so what's your price range?"

I'm hoping for somewhere in the 45k neighborhood. Obviously its going to shoot up a little for that perfect car.

I have only been able to find older SC 430s circa 2002-2003 that fit my range. I really wasn't hoping for a anything older than a 2004. For that year, the prices have been late 40' s early 50's.

I really don't want to purchase through a private party. i'd feel safer buying a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.

The SLK's are really on the top of my list. I went over to MB of Newport Beach and said they were selling for 50-55. That's crazy! I'll probably go down the carsdirect route if i opt for that car sice they are selling them at 48.

Who knows though? I may even change my mind for a sporty car with four doors or a sexy SUV. Lexus doesn't really offer anything that appeals to me right now, other than their SUVs. The new GS is nice, but doesn't make me want to go out and buy it.

Here's another set of cars I MAY possible look at:
BMW 530
2003 Range Rover

Their designs are appealing, but are not my primary choices. Something with two doors is what I really want. Oh, that and something that wont be completely redesigned in a couple of years.

 

i would say sc430 too, that's a great car for the price range. get a 03, a lot of lease coming to an end. with around 30k miles there is nothing to lose. they have most updates already anyway

 

In that case I think the new Boxster is a good choice for you. It is just newly designed with a good hp bump, in your price range, and has a generally good reliability track record for a German car.

 

Welcome to Clublexus.

Corvette. Good price, pretty reliable, fast as hell. The interior is slightly upgraded, you can mod it and it looks GREAT to me.
M3, another coupe in that price range. No need to explain this car.
Used 911. Another car that doesn't need explanation
Boxster, wonderful car, the new one just expands on the previous models success.

 

The new 3.5 liter is a really impressive powerplant. And it powers the SLK roadster to 60 mph in an impressive 5.4 seconds (+0.1 for the 7-speed auto) - according to MB. For a normally aspirated V6 - that's pretty incredible performance. Throw in the nifty hardtop convertible roof and the pleasant interior and it's quite a package.

Good luck in your search.

M.

 

I agree, the new Benz 3.5 with the 7 speed auto has gotten great reviews.

 

hmm...a used 911 really?

How old and how high of miles am I talking about here? I have always been a fan of the Porsches. The thought of possibly owning one is exciting.

Though the Corvette is an awesome car with loads of power, it seems a bit too common for me. The XLR would be worth looking at if it wasn't so damn expensive.

And I have to agree about the M3. That's a car I want, but I know I'm always going to be thinking thats its an old body style. I like to keep up to date. I'm a fickle fickle man!.

 

Welcome to Clublexus. The next M3 won't be around at least 2 more years, I say 3. If you lease, it would be up by then. The next M3 will bea V-8.

GM is supposedly having an everyone qualifies for Employee discount pricing this month. The XLR is selling very slow so between that and a possible rebate(s) it will be cheaper. Its still too expensive at 75k to start.

911, oh boy, we can talk about it all day. I would buy the newest model I could in my price range. The headlights changed in 2001 to the turbo style and the car gained 20hp. Before that it had 300hp and shared the Boxster headlights. I like both styles. The later cars kept getting interior improvements.
http://www.6speedonline.com/

is a wonderful Porsche forum not just I but many members here are a member of, they can help tons with Porsche questions.

 

Consider a Shelby Mustang, if you are willing to have less-than-Lexus fit-and-finish.
Has dynamite looks, 450-500 HP, and should go for the low-mid 40's new...depends on dealer markup.
http://www.autobytel.com/content/sha...cle_id_int/576

 

Probably could get a clean 2000 (or if lucky) 2001 911, after that prices are more likely out of your range.

Another car to consider that would just be in this range is a 1997 NSX for that $$. That's the first year the HP bumped up to 290. Fit and finish would be more in the Lexus leauge as well.