The new Sentra SE-R V-spec looks pretty cool. So does the Acura RSX Type S and Honda Civic SI-R. All pretty fun.

If you want a slush box for commuting, maybe the WRX wagon (haul A$$ little wagon with plenty of utility), or the new 240hp Altima.

 

I went out this afternoon. Nothing in mind, just drive from dealer to dealers. Well, I stopped at the Acura dealer first. Checked out the CL-typeS, very nice car, perfect/sporty interior but the exterior is a bit too long/and smooth for my taste. I took it for a spin. The acceleration was ok, but the auto-stick doesn't have it. Overall it's a comfortable car, with features like pw-seat, navigation, 6CD-changer ect..

Second stop: Lexus dealer.
I went straight to the Blue IS300. I love the looks, much better than the typeS. Ok interior, the cockpit is kidda confusing if you're not use to it. Performance is disappointing (handling wise), acceleration is a little slower than the type-S.

Third stop: Subaru dealer.
NO! they didn't have any WRX in. What the heck. I skeamed throught the LS, which I think the body is pretty much the same as the WRX. BODY wise, it looks much better face to face than in the picture. Trust me I hated the way the WRX looks in all the mag/pic. But it's much better outside.

Final Stop: Very exciting.
I was on my way home and drove past a VW dealer. I turn and look at it. To my surprise, I saw a blue BMW park right in the lot with a BIG CHROME RIMS. M3 came to mind. I busted a U-turn on the next light and head straight to the dealer. I was shocked, when I found out that it was a brand spanking new M3 in a VW dealer. It's blue, with 79miles on it. I asked the guy, *what the heck does a M3 doing in a VW dealer*. He said that some guy have this car for couple of days and his Porsche came in so he have to get rid of it. He's a good friend of the owner bla bla bla. While he was speaking, my concentration was on the 18inch rims and big brakes. I ask him for a test-drive but he denied, DOUGH!. But he manage to get the key and crank the engine up. It sounds so sweet, and the HID was as bright as the S. Perfect interior/cockpit. I kidda dislike the dash on the passenger side, too luxury looking. The price was 63,995. I asked him *are you sure?* he stared at me funny. What do you guys think of that price? I can get it, but I have to loose the S. I'm not much of a beemer guy, but the M3 changed everything.

NICK
PS. JESUS! it's long. Sorry guys, got a little carry away there.

 

paying over sticker (I damned near loaded M3 is $52K in the US) for a used (yes used as the car has already been titled) is crazy. I love the new M3 a whole lot. My suggestion, if you decide that is what you really want, is to do one of two things. 1. Wait a few months until the dealers finish gouging or 2. Take a European delivery of the car (you get a trip out of it and get to drive the car in Germany). All in, this program normally works out to be a little less than MSRP in the US and you both give the finger to these A##hole dealers and avoid the markup.

Good luck.

PS- kind of curious how you got from a simple commuter, to a entry luxury car (CL-S, IS300) of about $35K to a super car M3.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Da Hapa
[B]paying over sticker (I damned near loaded M3 is $52K in the US) for a used (yes used as the car has already been titled) is crazy.

 

Geo Metro, is all I have to say.

 

I'd go for the WRX, if you plan on staying within your budget.