My first NEW CAR?

nooshinjohn
nooshinjohn Posts: 25,466
edited November 2013 in The Clubhouse
At 48 years old, I have yet to own a brand new car. I have had Jags, Mercedes, Cadillacs and everything else, but never bought a car that had fewer than 35k on the clock before my but got in the seat for the first time...

Currently, I drive a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, which belonged to my wife for ten years while she went through school for her Doctorate. Soon I will be able to look for a new car for myself, and she wants me to really treat myself. I have always wanted a Ferrari, but she insists that I buy new and both the Jag I want and obviously anything from Maranello are outside the budget. What do you guys think of this?
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,226
    edited November 2013
    Maserati Ghibli.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • mark090852
    mark090852 Posts: 996
    edited November 2013
    2001 Pontiac Sunfire to a Maserati. Kind of a lateral move, wouldn't you say? Just kidding! Looks like a fantastic car!
    McIntosh MA252 Integrated Amp, LUMIN D2 Network Music Player, Yamaha Aventage RX-A840 receiver, Emotiva XPA Gen3 2 channel amp, Polk LSiM 703 speakers. Oppo UDP-203 Blu-Ray player, Polk LSiM 705 speakers. Polk Signature S20 speakers.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,338
    edited November 2013
    "Movin' on up"...Like George Jefferson

    Nice ride
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
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    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,466
    edited November 2013
    A huge move up the food chain. My previous car was a Jaguar Vanden Plas Super V8. I left it behind in Indiana because the car would not have been able to meet CA emissions. After ten years in her little Sunfire and punishing herself to become a Doctor, she deserved a new car more than I did... she now has a new C300 Mercedes.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited November 2013
    Go with what your heart desires as lifes too short, thats the way I think
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited November 2013
    Beautiful car! Lucky you - I've never had a woman buy me a car. That transaction always went the other way. Enjoy! Sounds like you and your wife are both very dedicated individuals.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,466
    edited November 2013
    BlueMDPicker wrote: »
    Beautiful car! Lucky you - I've never had a woman buy me a car. That transaction always went the other way. Enjoy! Sounds like you and your wife are both very dedicated individuals.

    I will be the one buying it, but I need to pay off ALL my credit cards to zero and forgo any further audio upgrades until I pay the car off. She is doing the down payment for me as a birthday gift.

    I think the waiting list for one of these is at least 6 to 9 months right now anyway...

    What I cannot WAIT to see is the look on the salesman's face when I roll up in the Sunfire, some ripped up levi's and a t-shirt...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,466
    edited November 2013
    nbrowser wrote: »
    Sunfire = HTIB, does it kinda ok but leaves ya wanting more oh and it includes 22 gauge speaker wire !

    Maserati = LSiM 707 with a Mac behind them ? :)

    Maserati = my Carver Monoblocks with Jesse's Joule preamp and fully hot-rodded and restored SDA-SRS 1.2TL's...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited November 2013
    I will be following this thread to see what John gets so lets have periodic updates on this one as we are all curious!
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,230
    edited November 2013
    I did a little research and it seems as though the factory system in that Maserati is an Emo...just thought you should know.

    In all seriousness, beautiful car.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited November 2013
    John just get a Honda and then karma me a set of tube amps hehehe...

    Glad to see you treating yourself. I still am on my second car (2000 Jetta Gol) myself and have yet to enjoy cruise control, power windows, a non stick shift car or under 106k on it lol. Hope to cross a couple items off my list with my next used car.

    But here's the question.... Can you stop the upgrade bug long enough to pay it off lol... My hope is you can.... But I don't know if I could lol.

    PS I kept my first car for over 9 years and it was old enough to drink when I finally upgraded to my Jetta which was already 6 years old when I bought it and am going on 6 with this one.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,606
    edited November 2013
    What...no ala PFB? :eek:

    Here ya go!
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ferrari-360-Modena-Coupe-2-Door-2002-ferrari-360-modena-coupe-2-door-3-6-l-/271317353862?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3f2bc64586&item=271317353862&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2013
    Looks good to me but what would I know. . .I'm slowly rusting out a 2002 Impala fleet car I bought used eleven years ago with 33K on it? lol

    Enjoy the new ride!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,015
    edited November 2013
    Lasareath wrote: »
    Are you going to Test Drive a Tesla S?

    http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric

    I hear now they come with their own fire extinguisher. LOL

    John, if you like Jags, that new sporty one looks nice.....in anything but silver. Stay away from the higher end European cars like Ferrari. You won't be able to afford the upkeep.

    Of course.....there's always a Porsche Boxster somewhere with your name on it.

    Look at Lexus, they have a few new models coming out too.
    HT SYSTEM-
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited November 2013
    My wife drove a Pimto forever, when she finally got a new car it was Porsche Targa Carerra. What a difference!
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
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    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    edited November 2013
    Gorgeous car but have you researched reliability and cost of repairs?

    http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/granturismo/14382-reliability-dependability.html

    Maserati makes Porsche look reliable. Just something to think about.

    Edit: Seems you can find both sides of the fence regarding Maserati
    Personally, I was a little wary before i got it but really have had an uneventful ownership experience from a reliabilty perspective.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,015
    edited November 2013
    http://www.lexus.com/models/ISF/explore/

    Or maybe a convertible is up your alley seeing your local.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
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    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

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    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

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    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited November 2013
    Nice whip! Definately a car for those that want to be different and want Italian flair.
    A total of 14 exterior paint colors, and six hues of leather upholstery. Seven wheel styles, ranging in size from 18 to 21 inches, are available, and five different colors of brake calipers.

    Go for what moves you!


    Myself, my dream car is the Audi S7...but that's just a dream.



    As far as Maserati reliability? I have no idea....but there is a major radio personality that bought one (Quattroporte I think?) that seemed to have some major issues...and it seems the repair cost was extreme?
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited November 2013
    Lasareath wrote: »
    Are you going to Test Drive a Tesla S?

    http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric

    Tesla has some issues right now with the three fires....but they will get it figured out and will be just fine. I would still but their stock!
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,466
    edited November 2013
    Reliability is just one concern that I have. I will be watching closely the launch of this car, and if it does not seem to be well sorted out, I will look elsewhere. I saw one of these at the local Ferrari/Maserati dealership and was impressed by the car in more ways than one. NOBODY combines style and sex into a four wheeled package better than Italians do. With that however is that each car has a unique personality to go with it.

    Lexus, and any other Japanese brand is out... that leaves Europeans and domestics(read Cadillac only)

    If she will allow another used car, the Jaguar Supercharged XJ would be the choice.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,015
    edited November 2013
    Your crazy bro for not taking a look at Japanese cars. Caddy....seriously ? How do you go from European cars to Caddys ? I will agree that Italians do sex and cars like no other, but that comes with a price tag that only the well to do can afford. The upkeep alone will be the price of another car. Audi has some nice wheels too bro.

    Many options for sure, but if you ever want to continue your audio quest in the future, stay away from the Italian cars. Just go test drive the Lexus, if you still think you'd rather have a Caddy, I'll call ya nuts and move on.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,466
    edited November 2013
    Driven a CTS/V lately?
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,015
    edited November 2013
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Driven a CTS/V lately?

    Nope, but can't stand the Caddy styling. That's just me though. Plus I'd never pay that much for an American car. Learned my lessons way back when. Very few in my family and extended family have GM cars anymore.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    edited November 2013
    Loads of power but the interior is comprised of what seems to be all plastic. I'd have to agree with TonyB and call you nuts for scratching Japanese vehicles off the list. They know how to make a car run forever.

    ...and ever.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,015
    edited November 2013
    If I had 130k, I'd buy a certified used lexus with 30k, and bank the 100k to work for me and make babies.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,700
    edited November 2013
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Reliability is just one concern that I have.
    If she will allow another used car, the Jaguar Supercharged XJ would be the choice.

    John I didn't know you were a mechanic (automobile hotshot). Unless something has changed Jag's were our bread and butter @ Downs auto imports.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,015
    edited November 2013
    Yeah, though I like Jags too, they shouldn't be used in the same sentence as "reliability".
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2013
    tonyb wrote: »
    If I had 130k, I'd buy a certified used lexus with 30k, and bank the 100k to work for me and make babies.

    We're on the same page here!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,466
    edited November 2013
    tonyb wrote: »
    Yeah, though I like Jags too, they shouldn't be used in the same sentence as "reliability".

    I have already had four of them, and got them cheap because of that reputation. Never had to do more than brakes, tires and other routine maintenance to any of them. They deserved the rep a couple decades ago, but that has all changed.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,015
    edited November 2013
    Maybe John, you would know better than me. I hate to paint with a broad brush because I know every auto maker has it's lemons. Nature of the beast I guess. I know the older Jags were horrible, not to mention rusted out a lot. Newer ones, I dunno. I see a lot of rust on 5 year old Jags around the wheel wells. Not inspiring to me.

    The fit and finish seem to need to come up to higher standards given their price and what competitors offer. Just my opinion of course.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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