The Z winning me over...
 

I have one and only one slow, boring class that doesn't require my 100% attention. And I have been using it to daydream about the first thing I will buy with that big signing bonus after I graduate.

I never read these posts in the corolla forums so I can't expect this post to generate a lot of attention. I guess that's a good thing. Anyways I have been toying with my 05 corolla since I bought it junior year of undergrad, installed some import parts (mostly just visual, it's a corolla, i'm not gonna race it lol), had some fun with it. Hoping to take it to the next level once I'm making real money and am down to a shortlist as far as what I'm hoping to get.

I made a huge list of all the cars I've been eyeing in the $28k-35k range that I could conceivably afford in a few years and have narrowed it down to:
BMW 328/335
Audi A4
Acura TL-S (the old one b/c the new one looks like garbage)
Lexus IS250
...and lately the 370Z

anyways, I've been leaning away from audi and bmw because the interior is sooo bland/uncomfortable, that's how I came across the Z and started reading up on how much you can do with it as far as upgrades and modding. Bottom line is I'm pretty impressed, but can say the same things about the IS. I get that this is going to be a pretty biased forum but I'm gonna keep tabs on things here for a while and see what happens w/ the market over the next 2 yrs.
Happy to be a part of the community!

Hi, welcome to the forum. If I could give you one piece of unsolicited advice, don't ever over-extend yourself on something you can't afford, don't use credit, and save/invest as much as you can.

That said, you only live once...(as best I know).

Hi, welcome to the forum. If I could give you one piece of unsolicited advice, don't ever over-extend yourself on something you can't afford, don't use credit, and save/invest as much as you can.

That said, you only live once...(as best I know).

The Lexus (IS) is going to be completely different from the Z, 4 door v. 2 door, engine size, weight, etc.
I will not sway you one way or the other since it is your money, time, enjoyment but welcome to the community. :tup:

is250 and a4 are in a different league with the 328... the Z is much different than all the cars you have posted - go test drive one and find out whats important to you. This forum is loaded w/ good info about the good and bad things about these cars - read - drive - make up your mind. Welcome :)

I thought Audi's were known for some of the best-designed interiors there are?

Audi has a very good quality interior, but between BMW/Lexus/Audi/etc. sometimes the interiors start to blend together.

Yeah, the Infiniti G37 matches up more with the lux coupes.

Hey and welcome, I was recently cross shopping and ended up buying a 370z myself. I was in the same boat as you and our car list is quite similar. Allow me to pick apart your list, maybe it will help you out.

1. Please PLEASE do not get a 328, they are truly unremarkable and boring cars, if you must go BMW stick with a 335i. Good luck finding one with good options(sport/premium packages) for under $35k unless you want a tired 2007 with 30k+ miles. Also buying a used German car that's coming off factory warranty isn't something someone of your position should get, trust me.

2. I have a soft spot for Audi/Volkswagens, but in the end I passed up both a 2008 and 2009 A4, loaded(without nav). Why? Reliability, while the 2008.5+ models have a MUCH better engine(2.0TSI). I actually traded in my 2008 GTI(2.0t FSI) which I bought new and only had it for 15 months before I got tired of the engine/electrical problems. So if you must get one(with a turbo) shoot for the 2008.5 model year. But again, used German car, better think twice about it.

3. I liked the TL-S but I never gave it a serious look. Only because any examples of this car in the previous generation are going to have high mileage.

4. The IS250 has a very cheap, plastic interior. It's also devoid of fun and excitement, the entry level engine is a complete dog and in general is not worth the money.

I ended up picking the Z for it's great handling, looks, and performance for the price. I have not regretted it at all, and it is by far one of the best cars I have owned.

Good luck!

Edit: I should also mention that in the end, I did not require a large amount of trunk space, or a rear seat for my daily commute. If you can't live without either, you might want to stick with a larger coupe or sedan.

Strong start
 

Wow lotta hits for a newbie post!

Thanks all for the welcomes, tips, and input. I should probably reemphasize that I'm at least 2 years away from a new car, and this "short list" seems to change drastically every couple of months.

I have heard similar stories about maintenance and warranty issues w/ BMW and Audi so it's nice to get affirmation from someplace else. though I can't discredit the quality of Audi's interiors (from what I've seen), I'm really just unimpressed with how basic they are, the A4s in particular - however I will go out on a limb and say that of every chair I've ever sat in my whole life the top 3 are like college futon < uncle's layZboy < AudiTT. s'like sittin in LOTION. without the mess.

As for the lexus, haven't ruled out the 350 just trying to stay budget minded; I will say that I have been 100% satisfied with my corolla ever since I bought it (despite all the recalls... I guess I picked the right year!). I will round this one out by saying I have not driven a single one of these cars. Dare to dream, right fellas?

Welcome man! As others have said don't over extend yourself. Good luck with school. Personally I'd say go with the Z but I may be a bit biased.