Cat would like a New Hot Rod...
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
From: Highway Pull Councelor
Cat would like a New Ride - IS350 VS 370Z VS 135i
Hi guys. I'm back.
I'm getting tired of my new Mazdaspeed 3. I actually regret getting it. The pulling power on the highway is awesome, but I can't stand the styling of the vehicle. That big smiley face is eventually getting to me and I feel like I got a kids car. There is no sexiness to it.
Now that I got my financial situation taken care of, I wanna get me a nice hot rod..... i mean a nice cool ride.
It has to be brand new car, and has to be small to medium in size. It has to have at least 300HP. Manual transmission is preferred, even more importantly, I want high build quality and made of premium materials. Mazdaspeed 3 was so-so. Acura TL was terrible for its price.
Got it down to the following list:
- 2011 Lexus IS350
- 2011 Nissan 370z
- 2011 BMW 135i (the chance of getting this one is very low, but at least considering)
Any suggestions? Any thoughts? Anything you want to share about the vehicle? What should I get????
Cat loves cars.... I can't settle for Mazdaspeed 3. This time, I want a car that I can enjoy and be satisfied. I'm planning to keep for long time, it won't be a 1 or 2 year ride like I've been doing for the last several years. Thanks!
meowCat
I'm getting tired of my new Mazdaspeed 3. I actually regret getting it. The pulling power on the highway is awesome, but I can't stand the styling of the vehicle. That big smiley face is eventually getting to me and I feel like I got a kids car. There is no sexiness to it.
Now that I got my financial situation taken care of, I wanna get me a nice hot rod..... i mean a nice cool ride.
It has to be brand new car, and has to be small to medium in size. It has to have at least 300HP. Manual transmission is preferred, even more importantly, I want high build quality and made of premium materials. Mazdaspeed 3 was so-so. Acura TL was terrible for its price. Got it down to the following list:
- 2011 Lexus IS350
- 2011 Nissan 370z
- 2011 BMW 135i (the chance of getting this one is very low, but at least considering)
Any suggestions? Any thoughts? Anything you want to share about the vehicle? What should I get????
Cat loves cars.... I can't settle for Mazdaspeed 3. This time, I want a car that I can enjoy and be satisfied. I'm planning to keep for long time, it won't be a 1 or 2 year ride like I've been doing for the last several years. Thanks!
meowCat
Last edited by meowCat; Aug 9, 2011 at 10:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
From: Highway Pull Councelor
Glad to hear you loved it. You no longer have the vehicle now? Why? And what year did you get? 
Any 135i owners, 370z owners, 2011 IS350 owners, please share your experiences with your vehicle.
What improvements (at the top of your head) has been made from 2009/2010 to 2011 on the IS350? Same goes for the 2011 370z...
How is the 2011 135i? has the HPFP issue been completely addressed on the 2011 model? How is the reliability on the 2011 model overall? What was your experience?
If I go IS350, it will more likely be standard, no optional packages. And it will have to be special ordered. I am a serious buyer here.
If I go 370z, it will be just a Sport Package, no other options, no Touring b.s.. the packages easily bring this car from 30k to 40k! I am willing to pay 33k for this vehicle.
If I go 135i, it will have Sport Package, everything else standard....
Thanks,
Any 135i owners, 370z owners, 2011 IS350 owners, please share your experiences with your vehicle.
What improvements (at the top of your head) has been made from 2009/2010 to 2011 on the IS350? Same goes for the 2011 370z...
How is the 2011 135i? has the HPFP issue been completely addressed on the 2011 model? How is the reliability on the 2011 model overall? What was your experience?
If I go IS350, it will more likely be standard, no optional packages. And it will have to be special ordered. I am a serious buyer here.
If I go 370z, it will be just a Sport Package, no other options, no Touring b.s.. the packages easily bring this car from 30k to 40k! I am willing to pay 33k for this vehicle.
If I go 135i, it will have Sport Package, everything else standard....
Thanks,
Last edited by meowCat; Aug 8, 2011 at 09:33 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 0
From: NYC/ATL
Buy a Dodge Charger R/T with the 5.7, do an intake, exhaust and tune, that will last you 150k with relatively just preventative maintenance, you can upgrade the entire suspension to handle as well as a 3 series, keep in mine that it cost the same to mod and upgrade as an E-Class
The 3 cars you have listed are not hot rods, more like boy racer/pocket rockets, you did say you feel like a kid behind the wheel
The 3 cars you have listed are not hot rods, more like boy racer/pocket rockets, you did say you feel like a kid behind the wheel
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,629
Likes: 280
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Hi guys. I'm back.
I'm getting tired of my new Mazdaspeed 3. I actually regret getting it. The pulling power on the highway is awesome, but I can't stand the styling of the vehicle. That big smiley face is eventually getting to me and I feel like I got a kids car. There is no sexiness to it.
meowCat
I'm getting tired of my new Mazdaspeed 3. I actually regret getting it. The pulling power on the highway is awesome, but I can't stand the styling of the vehicle. That big smiley face is eventually getting to me and I feel like I got a kids car. There is no sexiness to it.
meowCat
For example, look at the black Mazda3's.....painted the same color as the grille. The grille hardly shows at all.
The same would (probably) apply for any other body-color as well.
Last edited by mmarshall; Aug 8, 2011 at 11:40 AM.
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Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: CA
I second that. You should definitely consider a Gen Coupe 3.8. It is a great alternative to the 370z. Especially if this will be your only car. I have driven both of these cars extensively, and the Gen Coupe would be a better daily driver. It has a more compliant ride and great overall driving dynamics. In fact, it feels a lot like a 3-series BMW.
The 370z blows the Gen Coupe away in every measure of performance. It is an absolute blast to drive. However, the outward visibility is horrendous, and the engine emits a very unpleasant sound. The ride is harsher than the Gen Coupe, and it gets tiring on long drives.
The 370z blows the Gen Coupe away in every measure of performance. It is an absolute blast to drive. However, the outward visibility is horrendous, and the engine emits a very unpleasant sound. The ride is harsher than the Gen Coupe, and it gets tiring on long drives.
Out of Warranty
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,925
Likes: 13
From: Houston, Republic of Texas
Reference to one's self in the third person is indicative of narcissism with potential dissociative tenancies. Wanting a hot rod, - particularly as one approaches middle-age - however, is perfectly normal and to be encouraged. 
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 0
From: Bronx, NY
I second that. You should definitely consider a Gen Coupe 3.8. It is a great alternative to the 370z. Especially if this will be your only car. I have driven both of these cars extensively, and the Gen Coupe would be a better daily driver. It has a more compliant ride and great overall driving dynamics. In fact, it feels a lot like a 3-series BMW.
The 370z blows the Gen Coupe away in every measure of performance. It is an absolute blast to drive. However, the outward visibility is horrendous, and the engine emits a very unpleasant sound. The ride is harsher than the Gen Coupe, and it gets tiring on long drives.
The 370z blows the Gen Coupe away in every measure of performance. It is an absolute blast to drive. However, the outward visibility is horrendous, and the engine emits a very unpleasant sound. The ride is harsher than the Gen Coupe, and it gets tiring on long drives.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
From: Highway Pull Councelor
That car just isn't it for me. It does not meet my expectations / standards as far as styling goes and the interior quality and attention to details... 370z and IS350 excels...
Buy a Dodge Charger R/T with the 5.7, do an intake, exhaust and tune, that will last you 150k with relatively just preventative maintenance, you can upgrade the entire suspension to handle as well as a 3 series, keep in mine that it cost the same to mod and upgrade as an E-Class
The 3 cars you have listed are not hot rods, more like boy racer/pocket rockets, you did say you feel like a kid behind the wheel
The 3 cars you have listed are not hot rods, more like boy racer/pocket rockets, you did say you feel like a kid behind the wheel
What's up buddy hah, weren't you considering the Genesis Sedan with the 5.0 V8 at one point?
The IS would be my first choice. You had one, so you know what their capable of. Quick an well detailed. And although the rear seat is tight, thats 3 more seats you have than the Z which is much less practical. The materials used are also much better in the Lexus than the Nissan hah.
The BMW would be my second choice, it's styling is somewhat frumpy to me, but the performance and handling make up for that IMO. I don't care much for the bland interior though.
The Z is a cool car don't get me wrong, but I feel it's more a weekend toy than daily driver. Too Spartan of an interior for my tastes too.
Have you considered a new WRX/STI sedan or the newer MBZ C-class with the updated V6?
The IS would be my first choice. You had one, so you know what their capable of. Quick an well detailed. And although the rear seat is tight, thats 3 more seats you have than the Z which is much less practical. The materials used are also much better in the Lexus than the Nissan hah.
The BMW would be my second choice, it's styling is somewhat frumpy to me, but the performance and handling make up for that IMO. I don't care much for the bland interior though.
The Z is a cool car don't get me wrong, but I feel it's more a weekend toy than daily driver. Too Spartan of an interior for my tastes too.
Have you considered a new WRX/STI sedan or the newer MBZ C-class with the updated V6?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 48
From: NY
It has to be brand new car, and has to be small to medium in size. It has to have at least 300HP. Manual transmission is preferred, even more importantly, I want high build quality and made of premium materials. Mazdaspeed 3 was so-so. Acura TL was terrible for its price.
meowCat
meowCat
If they are real, sell them all and have Pininfarina build you a P5/6 based on a FXX Evoluzione, you won't be bored anymore
