Mazda3 Replacement

[kevm14]

There is also this. 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

Nice chassis (it's Alpha), twin turbo V6, just as fast as your Camaro. You are at the bottom of the market and still not at $15k. Bob has one.

There is also the G8 GT.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

G8 GT is probably the better daily driver option over a V1. V1 has the better chassis and more engaging to drive, with still some usable space. There is also the whole AFM thing with the G8 GT so you'd have to deal with that or buy one from a private seller that's already converted away. But still, I think they are in the mix. And they run.....13.8 @ 104. Same basic range as everything else we're talking about. It's really a 4 door Camaro SS, probably more the FE3 variety. So if you don't care about the extra space, probably better off to just get the Camaro. However, the automatic Camaro SS also has AFM so that doesn't fix the issue. The manuals are the LS3 though.

But again look at the screaming value of the G37X. AWD (they also come in RWD, and manual, too), same acceleration as the G8 GT, better chassis, and you can get that 2011 that seems to have been well maintained for $10k.

[kevm14]

AWD Charger R/T in the $15k bracket.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... =spotlight

I don't think I would bother with this as it ticks the fewest of your boxes. I think these engines have their own problems, as well.

A little cheaper option.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

Plus you can go to Gaylord to look at it.

Challenger (RWD) option in the $15k bracket. Impressively this one is actually a 6-speed manual. But OMG that aftermarket Pioneer deck in single DIN adapter. You have got to be shitting. I guess these cars are owned by people who want to relive the 90s.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

Closer to $10k option.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

This 09 with 6 speed manual runs....wait for it....13.8 @ 102. Don't know yet what the 5A runs but probably similar.

Looks like the 08 was SRT-8 only? I don't remember it that way but ok. Anyway that one runs 13.1 @ 108. Haven't checked prices on those yet. I guess this may be a better option in auto vs a Camaro SS due to the 1LE, assuming the 6.1 hemi didn't also have some problems. But the R/T auto has cinder deactivation just like the L99. Plus I think the R/T handles like crap.

[kevm14]

https://www.thethrottlehouse.com/car-re ... us-ls-460/

See their awesome Youtube video on this as well. Very entertaining.

Curious of the Lexus LS460 and variants is worthy of adding to consideration.

Initial info: The LS600h had AWD, a 5.0L V8 and around 439 hp. Don't know what the resale is. May be a bridge too far for Bill anyway.

LS 460 came in regular and long wheel base. Assume regular is more than sufficient. AWD became available in 2009 (or standard?). It has a 4.6L 357 hp V8, so sort of a little evolution of the Northstar in my STS if you want to think of it that way.

Performance is lacking. It looks like the AWD version is basically similar to my STS and the RWD version is probably similar to the RWD STS (faster 0-60, yes, AWD doesn't always help).

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2009-Lexu ... iew-c21478

This says 5.9 for the AWD (5.4 for the RWD, better). That's not too exciting. But, minus the good chassis and steering on my STS, this is a Toyota version of my STS. Great stereo, fast enough for daily situations. I'll have to dig up some auto trader examples.

2011 with 96k for $12k.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

So again the cons are significant. Not sure what the 1/4 mile is but I would predict somewhere similar to the MS3. Handling is going to be poor. It will, however, be quiet, comfortable, very good stock audio (should be equal or superior to my STS), and it's a Toyota. Plus it's a V8 and V8s are fun even if the numbers aren't as good as they could be. Run premium. But that goes for a LOT of the stuff we've been discussing. This stuff is all well over 300 hp. That's just how it works.

I could still make a VERY strong case for the G37X over this. Quite a bit more performance and given the list we've been keeping, maybe only second to the Lexus in reliability.

[bill25]

That TL is nice, but a little pricey for the miles. Worth putting on the list and looking for a lower mileage one.

The second gen Speed3 is out. to goofy looking, I already am not a hatch fan and that adds the front bumper smile...

The Infinity is ok, I think I like the IS better.

Looking quickly, the ATS AWD 2L turbo is in the 10K range haven't looked up performance.

AWD Charger should be on the list. they are a little on the higher side though.

[kevm14]

This is timely. And informative.
https://youtu.be/PNr6ap5_MfY

[bill25]

Charger R/T AWD would be on the list, but a little on the high side. Looks like average is around 15K w/100K plus miles. better deals for 18K w/lower miles, but 18 is too much.

[kevm14]

Considering it's no faster than a $10k G37X and handles worse? Uh, yeah, I'd say that's too much.

[bill25]

Thinking about this more, it is going to be tough to not get something like this:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing


This has the RS package... Which means I could swap stuff to the other one... Which would be pretty cool.

[bill25]

Hilariously... this just happened:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0FovWeqzOA

Mazda just made what would definitely be in the discussion. Now if the 3 lasts another 5-8 years this should be in my price range...

[kevm14]

Aren't they coming out with a RWD based car?