silverfool Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 i decided i want something bigger so i can easily get my kids in and out of the car seat without banging their little heads. here are the list of potential cars, any input from those whom have driven them? i know i put out a similar thread a while back when considering a 3rd car, but now that they've been out there, i figure people may have more firsthand input. 1. hyundai genesis sedan- although, they don't seem to be moving on the price...it seems like they're still asking for >$30k even on the V6 2. honda accord sedan- with the 6cyl. with most dealers making such a sweet deal on a loaded one (~27k) that it may be a no brainer. 3. mazda 6s 4. pontiac G8 vs G8 GT. i know, why not spend a couple more bucks and get the V8 only, but i'm curious if i'd really need to tap those extra horses very much- i got a pretty short commute. all of them have the size and power i'm interested in. some have an excess the accord will probably be best in fit and finish, as well as damn reliable. it also is the only one that has been in production for awhile and therefore may have the fewest problems from the first model year gremlins i suspect the G8 will be the sportiest drive. i think the 6s looks damn fine and the hyundai also looks quite distinguished. i'd love to hear opinions from people whom have atually driven any of these, especially those with small kids.
collegemt Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 I see that none of the cars listed are AWD. Is that a concern for you? Do you get snow in your area. If AWD is not a concern, I would go with the G8 GT. Seems like a very fun car with alot of mod potential. Magn charger offers supercharger for the G8 thats increases whp by over 100.
Ryandigi Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 the accord probably would feel the biggest in back due to no drive shaft running down the middle of the back seat.....just a thought since you said you were looking for space (granted the genesis is pretty big, but for that price)
RangerMan Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 Since the OP is in So. Cal, I am guessing snow isn't much of a concern :-) I think the Accord will be the largest since space is the main factor. Obviously the only way to find out is to drive each of them!
asdf1234 Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 although the accord has a good amount of power, its very unentertaining to drive ... test drove an 08 and it was just uninspiring .. new mazda 6's look real nice, g8 is sick too
neelnug Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 The G8 has actually been in production since 2006. (Holden Commodore) I've love my G8. Great performance, comfort and value. Swing for the V8. Its not just about power. Its sounds a lot better, has nice low end torque (quieter when not on it) and you get a 6 speed auto. The gas mileage is 1 mpg difference. The aftermarket is just starting to pick up and just a CAI gives you 20hp. Huge and comfortable back seat. The car gets a lot of looks. (you have to get the 19in wheels) Remember that you get a 100k powertrain warranty. Cons: Bland interior, stock exhaust too quiet, more of a sports sedan, less luxury sedan, interior button location strange. (was already used to it since I had a GTO) I really liked the Genesis but it the first attempt for Hyundai... it remind me of the VW Phaeton. Very good car but the market isn't ready. I would get it if you are looking for a true luxury car and you do not care about resale at all.
Habitual Line Stepper Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 CAI gives you 20hp. No joke? Thats pretty cool. "I for one do not doubt you, dude. Your car is fast and an internet legend." -Gire
neelnug Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 No joke? Thats pretty cool. The stock restriction is pretty crazy. Look at the picture below. The intake goes into a couple resonance chambers. Its makes for a very quiet small block V8. http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos.yahoo.com/ag/pontiac_g8_sedan_2009_other_9_346x270.jpg
rao Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 Sounds like you really want a Crown Vic Rob IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CAR YOU SHOULD NEVER DRIVE IT
edkwon Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 I say get the hyundai if you want a nice RWD sedan for the family, it wont be the most hardcore performer but will be the most luxurious for the money. Forget the Mazda or the Accord, be different.
lookslikeanevo Posted October 19, 2008 Posted October 19, 2008 the 4cyl genesis is very similar(if not the same) to the 4b11 in the 08+ lancer/evo...so parts wise should get pretty big, i dunno tough choice, i havent personally driven all of those cars Current:MY05 SWP wagon - 253/290 UP, AEM CAI, Invidia Q300, tuned@yimisport OLD: MY06 GRP - 274/314
silverfool Posted October 20, 2008 Author Posted October 20, 2008 1. AWD is not a requirement for me at all. Honda pro: excellent fit and finish. huge interior and trunk. reliable. con: likely be bland driver Hyundai pro: luxury con: doesn't look like hyundai is moving much on the price of the genesis, so i may toss it out as i was hoping to stay under 30k out the door, loaded. Pontiac pro: probably the sportiest of the 3. i'm not sure if i'd need to get more power outta the G8 GT. hell, i was even thinking bout the V6. i've already been asked to slow down a few times by the CHP. it definitely looks like the most fun. con: despite the fact it's a Holden, I'm still very leery about reliability. hell, there are some things about the Subie that still bothers me. also, the look is still a little too boy-racer for me, but i guess that's what makes a pontiac a pontiac. Mazda pro: best looking of the 3 con: reviews say bland driver too. also, it seems like Mazda has more than their share of gremlins. obviously, behind the wheel will be the dealmaker. but i'd still love to hear from other enthusiasts whom have gotten to drive these.
IwannaSportSedan Posted October 20, 2008 Posted October 20, 2008 1. AWD is not a requirement for me at all. Honda pro: excellent fit and finish. huge interior and trunk. reliable. con: likely be bland driver Yup... Ugly and bland, but practical. Hyundai pro: luxury con: doesn't look like hyundai is moving much on the price of the genesis, so i may toss it out as i was hoping to stay under 30k out the door, loaded. Genesis is brand new. It has barely been on the lot, and the V8s aren't even out in force yet. But it looks to be a nice, comfortable, good looking car. Pontiac pro: probably the sportiest of the 3. i'm not sure if i'd need to get more power outta the G8 GT. hell, i was even thinking bout the V6. i've already been asked to slow down a few times by the CHP. it definitely looks like the most fun. con: despite the fact it's a Holden, I'm still very leery about reliability. hell, there are some things about the Subie that still bothers me. also, the look is still a little too boy-racer for me, but i guess that's what makes a pontiac a pontiac. Definitely the sportiest so far. The car weighs 4000lbs, so a small block would be the choice to motivate it. With more torque, and taller gears, it probably cruises more easily, and might actually get the same or better gas mileage. I think it has cylinder de-activation, as well, but don't quote me on it... I could be wrong about that. Mazda pro: best looking of the 3 con: reviews say bland driver too. also, it seems like Mazda has more than their share of gremlins. The new 6 is decent looking, but they seem to be going more camry-appliance than sport sedan lately. The V6 lost the stick option, so it would be off my list. obviously, behind the wheel will be the dealmaker. but i'd still love to hear from other enthusiasts whom have gotten to drive these. I would probably go with the Hyundai, if they'll deal (theirs, and everyone else's sales tanked last month, and credit is more difficult to get, so their sales figures might be willing to let them start to deal...) Or the Pontiac, perhaps in a muted color, to minimize the LEO attention. I don't like the accord, and Mazda is nice, but seem to be losing their edge. Otherwise, I might look at a lightly used 2nd-gen Caddy CTS... if you could find one... or a lightly used G35 sedan. I would probably buy a used Acura RL before buying a new Honda Accord. But you seem to be going for new, rather than used. The 30k for loaded price point kind of keeps you at the Accord/Camry/Taurus level. The G8 GT is kind of the break-out performer of that crowd, and one of the bigger cars in the class, and the only rear-driver. Unless you count the 300C, and Charger, but I would be really leary of a Chrysler product right now... Chrysler's future might be a bit up in the air.
05GT Guru Posted October 20, 2008 Posted October 20, 2008 First of all for the reliability of the G8 gt it will be great. If you think Gm has bad reliability you would be wrong. That engine can handle 150more hp than it has, as for the tranny i dont know much about the 6 speed auto but if its the same as the new vette then it too can handle alot more power than it has. As for the 300c and charger unless you get the SRT-8 versions the g8 will walk all over the r/ts all day. And a fully loaded SRT-8 300c or charger is getting into the low 40,000s and the gas mileage is in the teens even on freeway in some cases.If you would be ok goin with a 6 cylinder version of the 300c or charger than that would fit the mold. I would say out of the cars you listed the only two to even really consider is the Hyndai and g8 gt. The choice is yours, drive them, test them, see whats best for you.
ehsnils Posted October 20, 2008 Posted October 20, 2008 What about the Legacy/Outback Wagon? The rear doors are a lot better on wagons.
05GT Guru Posted October 20, 2008 Posted October 20, 2008 He lives in socal, if i did i woudlnt have an AWD car. But wisconsin winter owns non AWD cars everyday.
Habitual Line Stepper Posted October 20, 2008 Posted October 20, 2008 If i knew about the G8 gt while i was looking for a car about a year ago, i woulda waited and come away with one. Test drove a g8 gt and the power delivery is smooth as eggs. The enterior could use some imagination but as far as performance and power it was great. Felt heavy on the curving on/off ramps and the body roll could have been better, but all that can be solved with aftermarket enhancements. As far as power goes i'd prolly do a CAI, now that i know it adds 20hp, and exhaust for a meaner tone. The car has plenty power as is imo. "I for one do not doubt you, dude. Your car is fast and an internet legend." -Gire
Pig Pen Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 Sounds like you really want a Crown Vic Police Inteceptor package
05GT Guru Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 If i were to get one as a DD, which would be hard to do in WI. I would jsut do bolt ons and a tune, make a good 370-385whp
StoplightAssassin Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 My brother has the previous gen Mazda6. It has more headroom in the front than my LGT Ltd, but the back seat headroom is a nightmare! Legroom is about the same. Personally, I'd buy the G8...but if luxury is your thing go with the Genesis...I thought it was a 5 series the first time I saw it. I never really checked out the new Malibu in person but it looks nice...maybe worth a look.
Jerboa113 Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 out of that list if gas mileage wasnt important G8 GT would be the only one I'd really consider.. if gas WAS an issue.. I'd probably take a very close look at the accord.. I dont trust hyundai.. and mazda? no thanks.. no fords please. I cant say I'd trust the G8 for longevity or resale value however.. accord is going to be #1 in both of those.. performance is gonna be the g8, fuel econ.. probably the accord again.. plus doesn't the accord come in an optional hybrid? that would really give it the econ advantage... its all about what you're looking for. for me.. I tend to get frustrated with slow cars and beat the crap out of them.. my LGT is the 1st car I've owned that has not felt frustratingly slow to me.. so I imagine HP would be a priority for me over fuel econ and probably over longevity and resale.. so long as I dont wind up upside down on it. Hope that helps. "The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato
05GT Guru Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 The g8 gt is not some new experimental car, its new to the states but the longevity is great. The drivetrain wil llast a long time in that car. Not to mention it has a warrenty
Jerboa113 Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 ^ its not that.. I just dont consider GM as one of the top performers in regards to reliability.. we've been a GM family for as long as I can remember and despite them being rugged, reliability as in unusual failings have been frequent. I've been inside and out of GM powertrains for years.. despite it being strong and well built, it seems their weakness at least in some newer vehicles has been wiring. we stripped down a silverado wiring harness to fit an old C10, we kept looking for a ton of grounds but only found 1.. eventually when opening the wire wrap we found what looked like a giant block of ground wires in a bal of solder with 1 wire coming out.. maybe this is standard practice in the industry but it looked messy to me.. how do you troubleshoot that? "The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato
05GT Guru Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 I have always foudn there wiring to be quite easy to follow, but there are only 2 gm cars i have worked on where i did anything that required me to even look at the wiring harness, 96-formula, 2000 T/A and 2001 GTP.
neelnug Posted October 21, 2008 Posted October 21, 2008 The G8 is not a standard GM car. Its a Holden. Its made and engineered in Australia. It doesn't share much with US GM cars except for its small block V8. Basically GM came in midway during development and made sure it could be used for the US. As for gas mileage.. I get just over 17 with more city then highway. On a nice long highway trip I got over 26mpg. A tune and intake would actually improve these numbers a little. The V8 does have Active Fuel Management which does help a little. Remember it only needs regular gas.
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