Looking for a new ride...need advice

[bigoak]

1) Thinking something sporty.

2) I'm 6'2"/6'3"...all torso (gorilla boy needs ample headroom).

3) Will be driven in the winter (traction control a virtual must).

4) Drive about 60 miles round trip to work everyday.

5) Could be new or gently used.

On the current shortlist are:

- Nissan 350Z (is there a mod to increase headroom? It's really tight...)

- Infiniti G35 coupe (found a mod to increase headroom)

- Mazda RX-8

- Bimmer 3 Series Coupe

- Mini Cooper S (don't laugh, a bit of a flier, but took one for a test drive and 175 horse and 2500 lbs feels more like a Z than you might think...)

- 15 year old JDM Skyline...(a real flier...)

Any thoughts or comments on experience with the list or anything I'm missing.

Thanks,

[zack_280]

I bought an S2000 early this year. I am 6'-4" and I fit pretty well. There is a mod for getting about 1-2" of headroom. I was considering some of the cars on your list as as well. I sat in the RX-8 and recall it being pretty tight. I guess the best advice is to just drive them and take notes and buy the one you like the best.

[zbane]

I'd lean towards the Skyline myself. Think of it as keeping it in the family! (variable all wheel drive would be a safety plus). The mini cooper is incredible! I'm 6'4" as well, and loved the fit and drive of the cooper S... 60 mph in second gear without even noticing... That is a car I could get into a lot of trouble with

The S2000. That car made me very unhappy when it came out, as did the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky. I was/am simply unable to get into any of those three cars, let alone drive it as my legs are too long. Beautiful cars though.

Of course you should take them all out for a test drive!

[xray]

1) Thinking something sporty.

2) I'm 6'2"/6'3"...all torso (gorilla boy needs ample headroom).

3) Will be driven in the winter (traction control a virtual must).

4) Drive about 60 miles round trip to work everyday.

5) Could be new or gently used.

On the current shortlist are:

- Nissan 350Z (is there a mod to increase headroom? It's really tight...)

- Infiniti G35 coupe (found a mod to increase headroom)

- Mazda RX-8

- Bimmer 3 Series Coupe

- Mini Cooper S (don't laugh, a bit of a flier, but took one for a test drive and 175 horse and 2500 lbs feels more like a Z than you might think...)

- 15 year old JDM Skyline...(a real flier...)

Any thoughts or comments on experience with the list or anything I'm missing.

Thanks,

I thought about the RX-8 for awhile, then went to the forums, rx8web.com and rx8club.com, and they don't seem too happy with the purchase. Still having to replace motors, still get poor mileage (19-20mpg or less), but the price is right for those with used in the 14-17k range.

I'd include the BMW 1 series, the Subaru WRX or STi, the Mazdaspeed 3, a Pontiac GTO (or even new G8). E46 M3s are getting lower in price, too...

I guess some of it depends somewhat on your price range

[doradox]

If you need to drive in the snow invest in a set of winter tires. I run them on my 240SX and the difference compared to all seasons, not to mention performance tires, is night and day. I live down 1.5 miles of rural gravel road that only gets plowed intermittently and have never been close to getting stuck. Traction control is nice but if there isn't any traction to control, well, you get the idea.

Steve

[Arne]

VW R32. Think GTI with 250 HP 32v V6, 6 speed, huge brakes and all wheel drive. Tall greenhouse, should be fine for tall drivers.

[bigoak]

If you need to drive in the snow invest in a set of winter tires. I run them on my 240SX and the difference compared to all seasons, not to mention performance tires, is night and day. I live down 1.5 miles of rural gravel road that only gets plowed intermittently and have never been close to getting stuck. Traction control is nice but if there isn't any traction to control, well, you get the idea.

Steve

Winter tires are actually mandated by law up here. If you don't have them in place by December 15th, they can hit you with a $300 fine.

[Sailor Bob]

Hey Micheal - all wheel drive Skyline sounds sweet, I wonder how they are for snow? I like most of the cars you listed - to me it would be a matter of best fit - I'm a big guy too and I really understand car fit.

btw: The Altima 3.5 is a hoot as well with ample headroom, goes like stink and easy on gas.

You wiil have to post the results of your search with a pic when you're done.

[doradox]

Winter tires are actually mandated by law up here. If you don't have them in place by December 15th, they can hit you with a $300 fine.

Then I'm just preaching to the choir. It must be nice not to have to wonder if the guy behind you has 'em or not cause you're gonna stop way faster than him if he doesn't.

I'm partial to the G35 Coupe.

Steve

[Pariastagard]

Well I'm 6'6" and I have a bunch of people telling me I should look into the 1975 to 1978 Zs and I was wondering if anyone on this forum is of that height, and also I'm mostly torso like the originator of this post. I have a 34" inseam and the rest is upper body.

Does anyone have any ideas as to which models would be best for me in the land of Z?

[five&dime]

No brainer. R32 GTR