Getting a new vehicle...

http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicle...av4_mainlg.jpg

2004 Toyota RAV4 L Automatic 4X4.

This is going to be my wife's new vehicle. We are going to pick one out this weekend. I already have the funding in hand, insurance ready to go, etc so when I get to the dealer it's just a matter of finding one with all the options we want in a color we want (Titanium, Spectra Blue Mica, or Black) and then hammering them on price. $500 above KBB determined invoice (not including manufacturer holdbacks for the dealer), not a nickel more.

We were very close to getting a BMW 3 series coupe for her... but between the payments and the insurance premiums, I'd rather spend our cashflow on other things. (Like PC upgrades! ;) )

My "turn" for a new vehicle was actually before hers, but since my car is still in pretty decent shape for 85K miles, I didn't see the need to get a new one to put so many miles on. But the 2005 Mustang sure is tempting! But we could really use a pickup truck... especially if I start racing again.

Have you looked at the Kia Sorento? Great warranty, V6, 4WD, bigger and more standard options. Just a little bit more $$$, but perhaps worthy of a look. I just did three trips to Korea last year and they are very very popular.

-nuts

I haven't looked into it much, as I'm not yet 'comfortable' with the Hyundai or Kia makes yet. Their warranties are superb, and their quality is improving, but with Toyota I pretty much know what I'm getting in terms of quality and service.

(sigh.)

You coulda had a Volvo...

Ya,... I've got a sweet 1990 240 if you're interested. I'll cut you a good deal.

I'm a former Swedish Brick owner! I had an 89 240 DL. :D

Hmmm pickup truck eh? :D

IMO Best truck on the road right now pound for pound is the Dodge Ram with a Hemi. (also the best looking).

Oh if you need something for towing, the cummins turbo diesel is now gonna be 325 horsepower, with 600lb-ft of stump pulling torque :D.

Edit: I'm probably gonna trade in my truck fro one of 'em, especially if it's true that Allison's gonna have their Transmission in the Trucks in 2005 :D.

The Hemi also is a quick little bastard of a pickup!


Or then there's the SRT-10 Pickup, but it's over 45K...


I agree that new mustang looks killer. But on the other hand, with a new style of corvette coming out in the next year or 2 (depending on how fast they get the 2005 models out this year), the C5 corvettes (new ones are C6) just might sell for DIRT CHEAP. Kinda like what happened with the C4's when the C5's came out. (and right now, in dollar for dollar performance the C4 corvettes are considered one of the BEST deals out there).

Then there's that Nissan 350Z (But I want a performance car that has either a turbo with a 6, if not it's gotta either have 8 or more cylinders).

In other words, if your gonna get a car (for you), do you want something that's gonna be tuned up over time, or something that'll be used the way it came the majority of it's life. If it's to tune, C4 Corvette, Old 5.0 mustangs, Any year camaro, 300ZX Turbo, Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, Toyota Supra Turbo, etc... If you want brand new, I'd take a 350Z, or a slightly used C5 corvette (so I don't have to pay brand new prices) would be my choice.

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Originally posted by HitMan
Hmmm pickup truck eh? :D

IMO Best truck on the road right now pound for pound is the Dodge Ram with a Hemi. (also the best looking).

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I found myself laughing at Dodge's "Hemi" marketing that other day. What a load of crap. Virtually every high performance engine, and ALL four valve engines, made in the last twenty years have hemispherical combustion chambers... thus making them "hemi's" too.

While you're on the subject of cars with good bang for the buck, my S2000 is a helluva bargain to me. It's a pure sports car and you can get a good one for about $21k. I've owned and driven a lot of really fast cars, but my Honda is among the funnest. There isn't another car out there that you shift at 9000 rpm... which is certainly better than my '79 Volvo. ;)

Toyota's a great car company, they last forever. Good call.

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Originally posted by [AK]Sonic Boom
(sigh.)

You coulda had a Volvo...

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Knock it off! ;)

Yeah but the reason I didn't include the S2000 is because you have to rev it to 9000RPM's to tap all that power :D.


I mean look at the numbers:

250.0 bhp @ 8300 rpm
153.0 ft lbs @ 7500 rpm

With a 9000 RPM Redline.



I mean that's a not a whole lot of torque, and you've gotta rev the shit out of this engine to touch it. I personally don't wanna rev the shit out of an engine just to get 153 lb-ft of torque...

Honda really must had advanced timing to an ungodly degree to have this engine this high strung.


Albeit it's a nice little car, it just could use improvement in the engine department IMO they made it slightly better for 2004 with a new engine, but again, needs to bring it all to a lower RPM.

Chalk it up to personal biases for not posting this in there :D


Also the RX-8 from Mazda will rev up to 9000RPM's :D

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Originally posted by HitMan
Albeit it's a nice little car, it just could use improvement in the engine department IMO they made it slightly better for 2004 with a new engine, but again, needs to bring it all to a lower RPM.

Chalk it up to personal biases for not posting this in there :D

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I suppose it's all in what you want. I wanted an S2000 *because* it's engine is so high strung. The motor set a world record for the most horsepower ever per cubic inch in a naturally aspirated engine. It is still the only production piston engine to ever rev to 9000. I disagree that it needs any improvement in the engine department.

The torque numbers are also deceiving. Because of the low curb weight (2800 lbs.) and the low gear ratios, the car really hauls ass... particularly on a racetrack. In fact, it comes darn close to the feel of a real race car, which is what I was after.

Regardless of our differing opinions, I certainly think it belongs on a list of best bang for the buck cars, particularly if you compare it to the target it was designed to compete with, the Porsche Boxter.

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Originally posted by [AK]Sonic Boom
I suppose it's all in what you want. I wanted an S2000 *because* it's engine is so high strung. The motor set a world record for the most horsepower ever per cubic inch in a naturally aspirated engine. It is still the only production piston engine to ever rev to 9000. I disagree that it needs any improvement in the engine department.

The torque numbers are also deceiving. Because of the low curb weight (2800 lbs.) and the low gear ratios, the car really hauls ass... particularly on a racetrack. In fact, it comes darn close to the feel of a real race car, which is what I was after.

Regardless of our differing opinions, I certainly think it belongs on a list of best bang for the buck cars, particularly if you compare it to the target it was designed to compete with, the Porsche Boxter.

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The RX-8's rotary revs over 9 grand :D

rx-8's aren't as powerful as their ancestor rx-7, yet they both have about the same gas milage. it's a damn good looking car, but mazda's time away from rotary production does show. any rotary revs over 9 grand though. i saw a video where they took two rx-7s and kept them reving full throttle in neutral until the engines died. they went to 12.5 grand and stayed there for over fifteen minutes until the engines smoked.

as for the toyotas lasting forever, i can atest to that. i have a '81 fj-40 land cruiser with the stock four cylinder. engine still runs decently after so many years and miles. the body is rusted like hell, and i replaced the gas tank (as that rusted off) with a fishing boat's outboard motor gas container. i only use the cruiser now for plowing snow and pushing cars around due to its condition, but i'm saving up to throw in a chevy v8 and renovate this great car.

my personal sporty car i'd like to get is the subaru wrx sti. a friend of mine bought one, and practically no one can touch this car. it's easy to mod too.

I just bought a 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan, myself. It's not the STi, so it has about 73 less hp, but it still goes like hell and corners like a champ. I got it fully loaded with premium sound (6-disc changer, extra tweaters, improved speakers, and subwoofer) and the winter package (moonroof, heated seats, windshield wiper de-icer, and heated mirrors). You'd be hard-pressed to find more bang for the buck (under $30,000) anywhere else. It looks almost exactly like this (I haven't taken any photos of it yet):

[IMG]/assets/imprezawrx.jpg[/IMG]

If you have the money, it's hard to beat the Audi S4. The 2004 model sports a 4.2 liter V-8 rated at 340 hp and Audi's excellent Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It has the power of a pure sports car with the refinement of a luxury sedan. I almost bought a 2001 S4 with the smaller 250 hp bi-turbo V-6, but I decided that the money would be better spent on something new.

[IMG]/assets/audis4.jpg[/IMG]

Palooka,

The Audi is one of my wife's favorite vehicles, but it's just a little more than we want to spend right now. I love the Subaru (I'm a WRC Rally fan) and that car is a fantastic bang for the buck, even more so with the STI. If I decide to return to racing again, I may look at Rally Racing as a new experience and pick up a used WRX to do it in.

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/483829.jpg

Believe it or not, another bang for the buck in fun factor is the Dodge Neon SXT. Those things really get up and go pretty well.

Subaru is what I drive. Excellent car - especially for the money.
For my needs the Forester was the optimal compromize of quality, performance (here in the land of ice and snow), price, mileage, and practicality.

http://images.automotive.com/review_...00forester.jpg

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Originally posted by [AK]Hylander
The Audi is one of my wife's favorite vehicles, but it's just a little more than we want to spend right now. I love the Subaru (I'm a WRC Rally fan) and that car is a fantastic bang for the buck, even more so with the STI. If I decide to return to racing again, I may look at Rally Racing as a new experience and pick up a used WRX to do it in.

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You also might want to look at used A8's. The depreciation is shocking, so you can get an unbelievable low-mileage car for $32k or less. The only reason for the depreciation is that nobody knows how cool they are, so there's no demand. To me, the S8 is the greatest luxury sedan ever made.

Regarding the WRX, it's a helluva car. With the ongoing blood feud between Mitsubishi and Subaru, both the Lancer and WRX are going to get nothing but better. I'm even considering buying one eventually.

Okay, you've all had your chance to imprss us with your cool cars... but, do you have the kind of car guaranteed to pick up 60 year old widowed librarians? Check out my pimp ride:
http://www.billandiris.com/ftpd/volvo.jpg
Boo Yah!
Recognize that flair. That style. The throaty 114hp 2.3 litter beast under the hood. What more could any red-blooded american want than a 4-door gold Swedish brick?

-nuts

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Originally posted by [AK?]Nuts
Okay, you've all had your chance to imprss us with your cool cars... but, do you have the kind of car guaranteed to pick up 60 year old widowed librarians? Check out my pimp ride:
http://www.billandiris.com/ftpd/volvo.jpg
Boo Yah!
Recognize that flair. That style. The throaty 114hp 2.3 litter beast under the hood. What more could any red-blooded american want than a 4-door gold Swedish brick?

-nuts

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j

That's the same tan color as my 89 240DL that I had! Except I had pin striping. ;)

http://www.kinoweb.de/filme/Rock/pix/rock2i.jpg

"I drive a Volvo...a BEIGE one."

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Originally posted by [AK]Hylander
Palooka,

The Audi is one of my wife's favorite vehicles, but it's just a little more than we want to spend right now. I love the Subaru (I'm a WRC Rally fan) and that car is a fantastic bang for the buck, even more so with the STI. If I decide to return to racing again, I may look at Rally Racing as a new experience and pick up a used WRX to do it in.

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/483829.jpg

Believe it or not, another bang for the buck in fun factor is the Dodge Neon SXT. Those things really get up and go pretty well.

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Dodge Neon SXT or do you mean The Dodge Neon SRT-4? :D

Turbo'd/supercharged Neon is just moronic.. its not gonna help you when the low curb height gets you stuck in the snow..

What if you live in Florida?

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Originally posted by [AK]Slaughter
Turbo'd/supercharged Neon is just moronic.. its not gonna help you when the low curb height gets you stuck in the snow..

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This coming from someone who thinks EQ is entertaining. :D

BTW HitMan, you are correct - I did mean the SRT-4. BrainFart :confused:

I can relate to the low curb height, I drive an '94 Eagle Talon. I was at my buddys house and he doesn't shovel his driveway. I thought I was safe because he has a Jetta. I drove up the same tire tracks he made earlier, I only made it half way before the front wheels where off the ground and it was beached.

Oh and for the record, my talon kicks the crap out of your Volvo with 1.8L and 93HP no turbo.

Ride height? The RAV4 L (BTW - We did make the purchase Saturday and should be picking up early this week) is replacing my wife's VW Beetle GLS. If you get 1/4 inch of snow dusting the car plows the snow under it.

It handled extremely well in the snow actually, but it had very little ground clearance.

I dunno how many times I had to go next door to help my friends mom get her Neon unstuck.. it was rather disgusting every single time. Of course it didn't help that she would spin the tires so it got buried.

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Originally posted by [AK]Slaughter
I dunno how many times I had to go next door to help my friends mom get her Neon unstuck.. it was rather disgusting every single time. Of course it didn't help that she would spin the tires so it got buried.

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God Forbid you use winter tires :D

I guess it comes down to what you are going to use it for. As for Toyota, I can only tell you that I've had my 1991 4WD X-tra Caba Deluxe pick-up since 1991. Its by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. With normal maintenance (oil, brakes, belts and a lube job every now and then) they last forever. Toyotas are top notch, you won't be disappointed!

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Originally posted by [AK?]Ages
I guess it comes down to what you are going to use it for. As for Toyota, I can only tell you that I've had my 1991 4WD X-tra Caba Deluxe pick-up since 1991. Its by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. With normal maintenance (oil, brakes, belts and a lube job every now and then) they last forever. Toyotas are top notch, you won't be disappointed!

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Quality is one of the top reasons we chose the Toyota over the Jeep Liberty, etc.

We are picking it up this evening. :D

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Originally posted by [AK]The Beast
http://www.kinoweb.de/filme/Rock/pix/rock2i.jpg

"I drive a Volvo...a BEIGE one."

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i swear i saw this exact same post on something awful.

I'm bored and I can't sleep and while searching around, Check this out, if you want something exclusive, there's a DeLorean DMC-12 for sale on Cars.com for a bit over 10 Grand :D.

http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/s...&src=&cid=null

Drop a 350 V8 in it and watch it go like piss :D.

I hope no one does this with one of those low riding cars in the snow.
Stupid
i dont think anyone posted this here yet but here it is again if so. Just couldnt remember where I saw this for the first time. Anyway, what a bunch of idiots...I couldnt help but just die laughing at how dumb these guys are.

Those guys ought to be arrested for being "FELONY STUPID!" :eek: Evidently the use of a shovel was a bit too taxing on these guys. Probably would have taken them a whole three minutes to clear out a path for that car to simply back out. :tongue:

OMG, that is the damn funniest thing I have ever seen. I mean, being from Canada, and originally from way up north Canada, I've been stuck a few times, and, well, words don't describe I am laughing so hard. LOL


Zo