Fifth Ring

... in insurance money, what would you buy (assuming you could not add too much to the insurance money)? And why?

I can honestly say that I might just buy the same car (C32) or a C55. For what I need, and what I like, and what I like to spend on cars, the C32 is just about perfect. The only alternative(s) I might consider are an RX8 or an M3 of similar vintage (2002/4).

shahedC

My 2004 C230 Sport got totalled in 2005, and insurance gave me almost enough to cover the cost of the remaining loan, so I paid the remainder myself.

I invested in other things since then, but I am finally buying a 2007 SLK350... well, I ordered it this summer, but I expect to have it in early October.

I was really tempted to get a newer version of the same car, or upgrade to the C55, but after driving the SLK (both 55 and 350), I opted for the SLK instead.

AdaMBombC32G

THIS IS A BENZ FORUM and YOURE IN THE AMG THREAD SO I WILL SAY CUT THE AND GET THE AMG.

AND, if im not mistaken the RX8s engines have been recalled for all 2004-2006 models. LINK: http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/...rly-all-rx-8s/

M3s should be dropping in price HOPEFULLY b/c of the pre-release info. on the newer V8s coming. so you may find a good deal on a used one. I heard theyre making a hardtop convertible M3 and a SEDAN to follow the COUPE.... should be exciting to see!! good luck with your choice, and please do post pics!

amgmark

I would probably buy another c32.. one with lower miles.. and keep it until the new C comes out..

Shahed, Man that pic of your totalled SLK is really sad.. ouch..

shahedC

Look again, that totalled car is a 2004 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan.... the SLK that I am getting won't be ready before October, but hopefully it won't meet the same fate!

Fifth Ring

Sorry if I wasn't clear. It was a hypothetical. My car's not totalled, and I'm keeping the C32. And if it was totalled I'd probably look for another one. Shame about the RX8. It's a remarkable car in many ways. There are not many four seaters that can tear up a road course like the RX8.

shahedC

yeah.. i haven't driven the RX8 myself, but I've ridden in one, and it's an awesome ride!

m3_eater

I know I'm gonna get some flak for this, but I'd buy a clean, used Acura NSX-T not in snap-ring range. All it needs to address a slight power deficiency (they turn low 13's stock just like the C32, BTW) is a Comptech supercharger and exhaust. Later, some Type-R mods, and voila! You have THIS:




Someone also makes a nice rear splitter:

ScottW911

Geez, I've driven the RX-8, before I got my AMG. Not even worthy of mention in the same thread with the C32. It was, well, boring. It did not feel anything like the published numbers. When Autoweek had one for an extended, one year test, they showed a combined MPG of 12. And I thought I had the worst milage car on the road. At least I get 15-16 around town and 24 on the road. RX-8.....shhhhhheeez.

Oh yeah, and it felt every bit of the Japanese/Mazda heritage on the interior trim and feel. I prefer the Teutonic finish and feel, personally.

Fifth Ring

The mileage is feeble, but I can't say that gas mileage is a reason to buy either one.

If you're into straight line stuff and not handling, then the C32 is more fun. But if you like to DRIVE, including shifting your own gears, then it's the RX8. I love the teutonic finish too, and I wish the C32 had it. Honestly, there's as much cheap plastic in the C32 as there is in the RX8. Don't get me wrong. I need an automatic (due to traffic) and I need a comfy back seat, and I love the 350HP. I'd take the C32 over the RX8 for those reasons.

ScottW911

Those are the reasons we are both C32 drivers/enthusiasts and not Mazda drivers.

FrankW

if that's really the case...drive my Beetle and possibly get an 03-04 E55.

pshek

Porsche 911 Turbo or later model. I really like those P-cars now.

ellery

I'd get another c32... hopefully low miles like mine but with Navi this time around.

Expat

Next time probably an E55, if I'm not allowed to switch classes then a C55, NSXs are notorious for eating tires (something to do with their suspension) but a friend of mine had one and it was a blast but I need 4 doors & seats.....

albanianbenz

I'd prolly wait for the new M3 or get 03+ E55.
As for the RX8 I test drove one before I got my 98 M3 and it was okay but not something that would put a smile on my face for long after I bought it.

offtopic: Are the NSXs rear wheel drive, I am pretty sure they are midengine but not sure if rear or front wheel.

AWDman

early nsxs had quite a bit of toe in for stability unfortunately the scrubbing wore tires. this was changed a few yrs later. the oem tires have poor treadwear so i don't think the car eats tire per se. a good friend has an nsx and had snap ring failure cost 4k to fix. my prob with nsx is that i had with my s2000- hate the vtec transition.

i would get another c32, a 2004 audi s4 (v8 before ugly grill). even an e36 m3 4 dr and have quite a bit of money left over.

somehow don't see fifth ring pulling into the office in that NSX tho...bit too young. but that's cool i can say been there done that.

i drove the rx 8 and was not impressed. really no power to speak of. consumes oil and difficult to top up. maybe the rumored masdaspeed version may be better.

p cars - i only like the gt3 the motor is derived from a true race motor.

i still like the e55 even more not that e63 is here. but i have decided to have some fun with my c32- "use it up" before moving on.