Racer's Lounge - Help with new car?

well i think its coming close to that time where i feel that i should upgrade. my 99 has almost 150k miles on it and since i got a new job (Jacobs Engineering :)) i will be driving about 100 miles everyday between home, work and school and i want a comfortable DD also something with fairly good MPGs (im getting 18 at best). im looking to stay under 20k (to have lower payments) and might be preferring a 6 speed due to gas and ive got a list of potential cars..

04-07 BMW M3
Pontiac G8 GT
02-04 z06 (dream would be white but thats pushing it)
c6 vette (probably will be ls2 unless i can get a good deal on an ls3)
05-08 Charger SRT8
04-07 CTS-V

any more ideas? i really would not like anything over 100k miles so the lower the better..

If you get something with a big V8 you know you're just going to punch it anyways so still not going to get great MPGs.

The m3 won't be any better on gas than your current car. Motortrend only got about 15 in their long term car and you'd probably drive it the same way they did. Out of what you have listed the Corvette will probably get the best mileage.

I would buy the vette and a just get a chepo 4 cyl beater

I'd say one of the Vettes. I know some people were pulling 33mpg on the highway in a stock C5. I'd assume an LS2 C6 should still be good for 30 on the highway, if you keep your foot out of it.

Id also check out the GTO they are MILES ahead of 4th gens in terms of comfort. The seats are amazing and they also have irs. But i would try to get an FRC and get a good tune for it. A good mpg tune on it you should be able to knock down 25+ mpg average if your easy on it.

Keeping my foot out is no problem for me, I keep it out of mine anyways since gas costs so much haha. The only thing about and frc is it would have to be slightly modded..

The g8 is a nice car. Just not our problem ridden pos

I would say if you're wanting to keep the bird and get another car for a daily then my choice would be a WRX. With just a tune to tweak some of the software I've seen several guys getting 27+ highway and around 21-22 in town. I have one that's all stock and I get a good 23/24 combined without a tune.

Wrx's just don't seem like they are comfortable. And i will be getting rid of the bird most likely so i want something I will enjoy like the bird but more comfortable. My friend upgraded to a gto and that is ridiculously comfortable!

Get a car that won't need 93 octane gas either. Does the G8 GT need premium? not sure, but the GTO will and the Vette will, and I wouldnt be surprised if some of those german cars did as well.

Why even look at cars like that if you are going to drive it like a grandma and never use the power?

You'd be better off with an acura TSX or something like that to save on gas if that is what you really want.

Also - good luck finding a C6 for under 20k

The best pic on your list is C5Z - but i'm bias.

also, white was only available on 01 Z06s....

Keeping my foot out is no problem for me, I keep it out of mine anyways since gas costs so much haha. The only thing about and frc is it would have to be slightly modded..

well keep in mind a good set of heads, tune, underdrive pulley, intake, exhaust could all help you get better gas mileage.

You could run like a 224 on 114 cam also and it would have no effect on your mpg. So it would be very realistic to have a car with full boltons and a 224 cam with some ported milled 243's that would get better gas mileage then stock and make 420-430ish rwhp.

Jacobs Engineering

I work for Jacobs in Houston FWIW.

Why even look at cars like that if you are going to drive it like a grandma and never use the power?

You'd be better off with an acura TSX or something like that to save on gas if that is what you really want.

Also - good luck finding a C6 for under 20k

The best pic on your list is C5Z - but i'm bias.

also, white was only available on 01 Z06s....

damn, your right about the white. i could have sworn i saw a white 03 once. and i will keep my foot out of it when im driving to work. im not looking for the best mpgs all the time, just the time that im driving the most haha. i cruise at about 65-70 on the way to class everyday and its times like that when im driving the longest that i want good mileage and not the 18 i get now.
ive found a few c6's for about 22k. they were 05's with about 50k miles

I work for Jacobs in Houston FWIW.

what section? mines just an internship in the transportation/infrastructure but its a year round internship

Wow, everybody has been getting rid of their F-Bodies lately, kinda crazy.

My personal choice would be the CTS-V, don't see too many nice ones. I would say the E46 M3 because they are great cars, but I couldn't swing the maintenance for them if something happened to break. C5 Z06 would be cool too, but those are kind of bare bones for a daily driver, kind of similar to F-Bodies in that regard. I see too many G8's and Chargers and they don't look as sweet as CTS-V's IMO, so that would still definitely be my choice.

You could take out your stock ls1 and tranny get a built ls motor and a lv2 4l60e and a 9 inch and make it run fast as hell and get a beater. I love driving my grand am gt

I would say if you're wanting to keep the bird and get another car for a daily then my choice would be a WRX. With just a tune to tweak some of the software I've seen several guys getting 27+ highway and around 21-22 in town. I have one that's all stock and I get a good 23/24 combined without a tune.

your high, i had an STI and was the worst DD ever. Ride sucked, radio sucked, seat was uncomfortable after 30 min, no creature comforts, noisy. ect. I realize the STI is different from the WRX but i could not justify buying one as a DD after i realized how bad stuff like the radio was.

OP it seems like your looking for another fun car instead of a DD. Stuff like a corvette and an M3 are possible to DD but why not just look at some little VW golf diesel and get a gazzilion miles to the gallon and have some cash on the side for a toy?

honestly, i dont want to deal with 2 registrations/insurances and i dont really have a place to park 2 cars so i just decided i want to upgrade. im not really in the mood to mod my car just because shes getting tired and id have to spend a ton of money to get it to the level of just getting a different car with less miles. plus i really wouldnt have time to drive the second car if i had a beater so it would be pointless haha.

how rough is the z06 ride compared to an fbody? i just want comfort along with speed really. the ctsv is lower on my list just because its slower then what i have now since i would probably be stuck getting the ls6 version.

Z06 is more comfortable, definately not as harsh or jarring over the rough stuff. much more luxurious and comfortable inside with less noise and rattle

honestly, i dont want to deal with 2 registrations/insurances and i dont really have a place to park 2 cars so i just decided i want to upgrade. im not really in the mood to mod my car just because shes getting tired and id have to spend a ton of money to get it to the level of just getting a different car with less miles. plus i really wouldnt have time to drive the second car if i had a beater so it would be pointless haha.

how rough is the z06 ride compared to an fbody? i just want comfort along with speed really. the ctsv is lower on my list just because its slower then what i have now since i would probably be stuck getting the ls6 version.

get an M3, youll love it. vettes are fun and whatnot but the M series takes it to a whole new level. Even my old balls M5 gets a ton of compliments and the ride is great. Id say M3 or M5 over vette for ride quality and creature comforts. Z06 for go fast.... although the M3 would probably take it at a track.

If you want decent gas mileage but something with some power look into a 135i or a 335i. I have one of each and they get excellent gas mileage and with a simple tune they can pickup about 80hp over the 300hp stock. Comfortable, fun, good gas mileage, and cost prohibitive.

Get a C5Z06 and full bolt ons with a good tune and don't look back. Ive never been happier. I have owned 08 G8GT, 6 Fbodies, a 2006 Charger RT (Peice of shit DO NOT buy a charger PM me if curious as to why) 2 GTO's and briefly a BMW 330. Hands down the C5Z is the most fun car I've ever had. It handles great, it's more refined than an Fbody, and I think it looks great. If you're ever at any of the Jax meets at peir 1 I'll let you take mine for a spin and see if you like it. Also I get mixed 20MPG in 65% city 35% highway.

what section? mines just an internship in the transportation/infrastructure but its a year round internship

ESCG, machinist at NASA.

Get a C5Z06 and full bolt ons with a good tune and don't look back. Ive never been happier. I have owned 08 G8GT, 6 Fbodies, a 2006 Charger RT (Peice of shit DO NOT buy a charger PM me if curious as to why) 2 GTO's and briefly a BMW 330. Hands down the C5Z is the most fun car I've ever had. It handles great, it's more refined than an Fbody, and I think it looks great. If you're ever at any of the Jax meets at peir 1 I'll let you take mine for a spin and see if you like it. Also I get mixed 20MPG in 65% city 35% highway.

ill let you take me for a spin, i hate driving other peoples cars because i always get super worried. plus i havent driven a stick in a while so i wouldnt want to embarrass myself infront of everyone haha

how do you feel about 03 cobras? yeah i think a white c5z will be hard to find lol, its up to you but my buddys cobra i freaking love, he has a big kb blower on it , cars a blast to drive,rides good, and i think it has more comfort than a f body, i would mention some better ddrs but your list makes me think you want something fun to drive, if your anything like me you cant have a normal car lol

how do you feel about 03 cobras? yeah i think a white c5z will be hard to find lol, its up to you but my buddys cobra i freaking love, he has a big kb blower on it , cars a blast to drive,rides good, and i think it has more comfort than a f body, i would mention some better ddrs but your list makes me think you want something fun to drive, if your anything like me you cant have a normal car lol

i want something fun, yet comfortable when im driving it to work and stuff. my fbody seems to ride like shit compared to my friends gto and its alot more comfortable. ill have to get a feel for a c5z to see if its better. cobras are badass, but i dont see it being a good dd car also. the interiors are not that nice in my eyes

ill let you take me for a spin, i hate driving other peoples cars because i always get super worried. plus i havent driven a stick in a while so i wouldnt want to embarrass myself infront of everyone haha

Haha I know the feeling.

I have a G8 GXP with exhaust only and the best I can get is 18 MPG tank to tank. Be warned. This is normal driving.

im not looking for the best mpgs all the time, just the time that im driving the most haha. i cruise at about 65-70 on the way to class everyday and its times like that when im driving the longest that i want good mileage and not the 18 i get now.

18mpg's on the highway? Whats wrong with your car? Unless your sig is not up to date (just seeing bolt ons) you would be getting low-mid 20s on the highway with an auto. Hell Im getting high teens average mostly stop n go traffic with my 383 H/C stroker untuned and likely running rich... I got 27+mpg highway with just bolt ons (although Im an M6 I know).


how rough is the z06 ride compared to an fbody? i just want comfort along with speed really.

The Z06 is stiffer, but less jarring due mainly to vastly better shocks. Throw a good set of shocks on your car and your ride (and handling/stability) will dramatically change for the better.

the ctsv is lower on my list just because its slower then what i have now since i would probably be stuck getting the ls6 version.
Huh? Unless I missed something the V1's are low 13 second cars (which is around where your car should be, but the V will be quicker from a roll), the same as every other car on that list other than the Vettes.

Z06 for go fast.... although the M3 would probably take it at a track.
Very unlikely.

id go c5z or even a clean FRC cuz im a little baised lol. Just get a beater honda or something which will cost next to nothing to maintain and get good gas mileage