Car recommendation: 190kw+, 4 seats, 2+ doors, 2006+

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Car recommendation: 190kw+, 4 seats, 2+ doors, 2006+

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115 posts

Master Geek

#1583775 30-Jun-2016 23:49

Have you considered a VW Passat, 3.2L V6, 4motion ? Down on power a bit from what you spec'ed but reasonably adequate. I think about 176kw. Got 6 speed double clutch gear box. I got a 2007 wagon version. The saloon version looks ok but you also get the CC version with more sporty lowered roof line. It is very comfortable and fast enough to give my son a good run for his money chasing his Skyline GT at Ruapuna raceway.I was passing him at 180kph on the front straight and the brakes are quite good for about six laps before fade sets in ! Gets about 11.5L per 100 round town and about 7.5 to 8 cruising at just below " officer interest speed" Tows our 16 foot boat easily as well. For 20k you should be able to get a good 08/09 model.

lxsw20

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#1583784 1-Jul-2016 00:30

I've personally owned a Mazda 3 MPS in the newer shape with the bonnet scoop. Enjoyed that car a lot and still miss it. Quite practical, nice interior, 10 speaker bose stereo (sounded good for a factory system) and certaily had a bit of power. There are a few on TM around the 20k mark.

Toyota Blade Master G could be another option. - A Corolla with a 206KW V6 shoehorned in sounds like a pretty fun car to me.

Batman

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#1583811 1-Jul-2016 06:46

Toyota puts their 200kw engine in just about anything huh

My toyota van has it
The highlander has it
The rav4 lookalike has it
Now the corolla too?!

Yogi02

238 posts

Master Geek

#1583812 1-Jul-2016 06:47

Bit of a nana car being a lexus, but v8 and rwd. Its on my mates car yard and very very tidy.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/lexus/auction-1109618186.htm

mclean

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#1583896 1-Jul-2016 09:44

Aaroona: .......I do have a friend with a '97 A4, the 1.8lt Turbo - really nice car considering its age, and not a slow poke.
The B8 might look okay, not sure if thats one of the years Audi screwed up and made it look like a bubble - will take a look!

Will take a look at the A6 too.

Avoid the earlier B7 model if it has the Multitronic CVT gearbox. Manual or Quattro are fine.

davidcole

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#1583897 1-Jul-2016 09:46

B8's are the prettier ones (IMO) have the front wings etc. I have the B8 3L TDI. Unsure what the 2 L turbos sell for

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maxeon

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#1583911 1-Jul-2016 10:02

Really like the IS350, but converting it to an NZ radio is a big cost. Otherwise it would be the top of my list!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/lexus/auction-1092573340.htm

This guy has done the stereo for you. It's slightly over your budget though.

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Inphinity

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#1583943 1-Jul-2016 10:56

joker97:

Subaru V6/GT ?

Yeah, my first thought was a Legacy. The 4th gen (approx 2004 - 2009) 3.0 is ~180kw or so, the 2.0GT ~175kw to 200kw, the 2.5GT is ~185kw. Good sized, but fun, all-wheel-drive etc.

trig42

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#1583959 1-Jul-2016 11:25

lxsw20:

I've personally owned a Mazda 3 MPS in the newer shape with the bonnet scoop. Enjoyed that car a lot and still miss it. Quite practical, nice interior, 10 speaker bose stereo (sounded good for a factory system) and certaily had a bit of power. There are a few on TM around the 20k mark.

Toyota Blade Master G could be another option. - A Corolla with a 206KW V6 shoehorned in sounds like a pretty fun car to me.

I have an 07 Mazda Axela/3 (import) MPS - older shape - bit like a wolf in sheeps clothing. 200kW, goes really well and is fun to drive (I look for excuses to go for decent drives now - it just chews up hills and stays flat in corners). Can pick them up for well under $20k now - I got one for 17k with 60,000 on the clock. The newer ones (with the scoop) have the same engine and running gear - newer shape and interior.

The radio in mine was pretty easy to 'convert' - got a band expander and a 3rd party Bluetooth module - works well.

Mine has a bit of road noise, but it doesn't bother me. You will read reviews mentioned Torque steer (usually American reviews), but it has never bothered me. It would be an issue if you planted your boot and were only holding the wheel with your pinky finger. There are a lot of aftermarket mods for it too.

nunz

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#1583977 1-Jul-2016 11:43

Aaroona:

Hey team,

I'm busy looking for a vehicle to replace my current car, which is a bit impractical (two seat vehicle). I bought it on a whim and while I've really enjoyed driving it (REALLLLY enjoyed it), it's probably a good idea to get something more practical.

I've been looking at a Lexus IS350, but am wondering what other options there are?

Budget is around the $20,000 mark, I could go an extra $1000 or so for the right vehicle, but it'd really have to be a good buy.

It's surprisingly hard to find a vehicle that fits these specs, so does anyone have any recommendations?

I would prefer a V6, but could be tempted by a turbo'd vehicle, if it seems reliable enough.

Go old school. Honda put out a couple of quick cars in the 90's, Mercedes has a 500HP version that fetches around 16k on trademe. An older Mazda RX or RX8?

Get hold of one of the upgraded peple moves and scare the pants off the soccer mums when you drop the clutch on the way home.

Better yet - here is some inspiration: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10-collectible-classic-muscle-cars-you-can-afford-feature

Morris minor upgrade. Four doors and with certain transplants will hit 200HP no worries.

Be green - recycle an old school and have fun.

1eStar

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Uber Geek

#1583984 1-Jul-2016 12:08

My father says he preferred his old Signature class 2005 IS350 Limited over his current NZ new 2015 IS350 Limited. Highly recommended either way.

Scott3

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#1585304 3-Jul-2016 21:32

Surprised no-body has mentioned the rally cars. Both have engines in the 200 - 230kW range (I'm not sure what spec NZ got), in small, fairly lightweight bodies, with power going to all wheels.

Being four door car's, they would be fairly practical too.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2008 $20.5k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/auction-1068544200.htm

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2007 $22k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mitsubishi/auction-1116041786.htm

Batman

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#1585322 3-Jul-2016 21:43

Scott3:

Surprised no-body has mentioned the rally cars. Both have engines in the 200 - 230kW range (I'm not sure what spec NZ got), in small, fairly lightweight bodies, with power going to all wheels.

Being four door car's, they would be fairly practical too.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2008 $20.5k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/auction-1068544200.htm

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2007 $22k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mitsubishi/auction-1116041786.htm

Maybe because most have been trashed to breaking point? If you do then buy a one owner off a mid-life crisis man/woman.

Paul1977

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#1592669 14-Jul-2016 16:54

I'm a bit late to the party, but what about a Toyota Mark X 350S? Same engine and transmission as Lexus IS350.

Batman

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#1592710 14-Jul-2016 18:38

Paul1977:
I'm a bit late to the party, but what about a Toyota Mark X 350S? Same engine and transmission as Lexus IS350.

Same engine as my van :)
But yeah good suggestion. How does it look?

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