Topic: Top Picks: Used Serious Sedans

[alexdc]

^^I thought the torque steer was horrific...

I didn't quite put the pedal to the floor but it has so much torque down low. Well, I did when it had the oem suspension but I don't remember. It's a cheap, very decent driver's car when you tweak it just a little bit.

It's way better than the 2010 G37 auto of my aunt though. A lot more fun. It feels a lot faster and the steering doesn't feel artificial like the G. Even my mazda3 has better steering than that g37.

[Solstice2006]

^^Nothing like a V8 though.  I loved the V6 that was in my IS350 (same as new GS), but much prefer the V8.

You make me want to buy one  if I can sell my econobox this spring. lol I always had a thing for BIG lexus sedans.

Funny you say that, brother works at a dealership in the service department.  Texted me today asked me if I was interested in a 2005 Lexus ES330 (fully loaded all the options), with a 150k, for $5000, traded in that day.  Needs tires, front brakes, rear brake service to certify.  Was in an minor fender bender 2 years ago, but had the paperwork from dealer that it was repaired.

Have to admit, made me think.  I said no, because it would delay my other car plans...so the Sentra will keep on going...

[rrocket]

^^That's about as boring a car as you can buy.  BUT...it's a very comfortable cruiser for daily driving duties.

[alexdc]

^^Nothing like a V8 though.  I loved the V6 that was in my IS350 (same as new GS), but much prefer the V8.

You make me want to buy one  if I can sell my econobox this spring. lol I always had a thing for BIG lexus sedans.

Funny you say that, brother works at a dealership in the service department.  Texted me today asked me if I was interested in a 2005 Lexus ES330 (fully loaded all the options), with a 150k, for $5000, traded in that day.  Needs tires, front brakes, rear brake service to certify.  Was in an minor fender bender 2 years ago, but had the paperwork from dealer that it was repaired.

Have to admit, made me think.  I said no, because it would delay my other car plans...so the Sentra will keep on going...

but the es is less tempting. it's a camry.

[johngenx]

The first IS300 with a stick is a very neat car.  Not super quick, but a very nice RWD platform and that six has lots of potential.

The newer IS350 is nice.  The IS-F is wicked.

The old GS400 is a shockingly good car.  The V-8 is very nice.  If that car could've been had with a DIY shifter, it would be worshiped today.

[Solstice2006]

^^That's about as boring a car as you can buy.  BUT...it's a very comfortable cruiser for daily driving duties.

It is very boring, I know.  It's not like my Sentra is screaming...hey look at me!  I know it's just a dressed up Camry, but this car is the same/cheaper as 2005 Camry with that mileage would sell for.  And the leather is nicer, stereo is great.  As soon as I said no to my brother, he told used car sales manager, wholesaler bought it right away.

[rrocket]

The first IS300 with a stick is a very neat car.  Not super quick, but a very nice RWD platform and that six has lots of potential.

The newer IS350 is nice.  The IS-F is wicked.

The old GS400 is a shockingly good car.  The V-8 is very nice.  If that car could've been had with a DIY shifter, it would be worshiped today.

Yep..This is what IQ drives.  It was a bit of a PITA to find with a stick.  But the stick comes with LSD.  And as you say the engine is very stout and full of potential...and has great character.  With her minor bolt ons, the car put down a solid 220WHP and matching TQ.  Very nice indeed.

[mixmanmash]

The first IS300 with a stick is a very neat car.  Not super quick, but a very nice RWD platform and that six has lots of potential.

The newer IS350 is nice.  The IS-F is wicked.

The old GS400 is a shockingly good car.  The V-8 is very nice.  If that car could've been had with a DIY shifter, it would be worshiped today.

Yep..This is what IQ drives.  It was a bit of a PITA to find with a stick.  But the stick comes with LSD.  And as you say the engine is very stout and full of potential...and has great character.  With her minor bolt ons, the car put down a solid 220WHP and matching TQ.  Very nice indeed.

All it needs to have more power is a 2JZ-GTE swap.  Seen a couple done very nicely here in Alberta.  Heck, people have even boosted the NA 2JZ successfully.

[rrocket]

The first IS300 with a stick is a very neat car.  Not super quick, but a very nice RWD platform and that six has lots of potential.

The newer IS350 is nice.  The IS-F is wicked.

The old GS400 is a shockingly good car.  The V-8 is very nice.  If that car could've been had with a DIY shifter, it would be worshiped today.

Yep..This is what IQ drives.  It was a bit of a PITA to find with a stick.  But the stick comes with LSD.  And as you say the engine is very stout and full of potential...and has great character.  With her minor bolt ons, the car put down a solid 220WHP and matching TQ.  Very nice indeed.

All it needs to have more power is a 2JZ-GTE swap.  Seen a couple done very nicely here in Alberta.  Heck, people have even boosted the NA 2JZ successfully.

The NA 2JZ block is actually a better platform to boost than the GTE...it's a bit stouter.  Some of the guys with the obscene HP Supras use the NA 2JZ block.

Tuning is a bit trickier with the full on NA 2JZ because that engine has VVTI, whereas the GTE does not.  No worries though....ProEFI is available for the IS300.

[bensonc]

All it needs to have more power is a 2JZ-GTE swap.  Seen a couple done very nicely here in Alberta.  Heck, people have even boosted the NA 2JZ successfully.

Totally agree.  400ps is easy just with some fuel and turbo waste gate mod.  But the chassis and the 4 sp. auto just can't keep up....
(car is a stock aristo JDM spec, moded with super front brake and KYB suspension kit only)

[mixmanmash]

All it needs to have more power is a 2JZ-GTE swap.  Seen a couple done very nicely here in Alberta.  Heck, people have even boosted the NA 2JZ successfully.

Totally agree.  400ps is easy just with some fuel and turbo waste gate mod.  But the chassis and the 4 sp. auto just can't keep up....
(car is a stock aristo JDM spec, moded with super front brake and KYB suspension kit only)

I've seen a few Aristos around here with a manual transmission.  That would be fun.

[bensonc]

I've seen a few Aristos around here with a manual transmission.  That would be fun.

I too was thinging about manual trans swap back in the time, but with the high demand for super 6 speed, the cost i over what the car worth.....And our Aristo traded for a 540i later


98 car, but fitted with M5 grill, facelifted bumper cover and tail light, its a steal price when I buy as it is cheaper then 528i on the used market..

[alexdc]

The cadillac STS (05+) with the northstar v8 could also be on that list. From what I've read it's pretty reliable and it's a bargain on the used market. The reliability seems to be better than the CTS. a lot better.

[bensonc]

And this is my brother's E38.... I guess this is why I enjoy this article so much as my family are full of sedan of this kind.

[alexdc]

I've seen a few Aristos around here with a manual transmission.  That would be fun.

I too was thinging about manual trans swap back in the time, but with the high demand for super 6 speed, the cost i over what the car worth.....And our Aristo traded for a 540i later


98 car, but fitted with M5 grill, facelifted bumper cover and tail light, its a steal price when I buy as it is cheaper then 528i on the used market..

how is reliability?

[bensonc]

how is reliability?

I will say this is very reliable car.  I remember mostly are wear out item(on a 5yrs old car) like suspension bushing, idle control valve, cam position sensor.   But 1 different is the car in HK is Euro spec, which have a much simple emission system(no air pump....)

[ktm525]

I had a G8 for about 8 months....

You forgot to mention the shattered sunroof.

Unless I'm confused and it was someone else.

I totally forgot about that debacle. IIRC GM wouldn't touch it (under warranty) and wanted 2-3 grand if I recall to fix.  I found a glass shop who was able to replace just the glass. Driving around a side street and it explodes...

[rrocket]

4 sp. auto just can't keep up....

You couldn't be more wrong. That's the same tranny as in the MKIV Supra. It's bullet proof and in a high hp application s actually gets through the gears faster than a manual. With a 3200 stall converter with that tranny, you have nearly full boost....right off idle.

Go ahead...ask me how I know.

[bensonc]

You couldn't be more wrong. That's the same tranny as in the MKIV Supra. It's bullet proof and in a high hp application s actually gets through the gears faster than a manual. With a 3200 stall converter with that tranny, you have nearly full boost....right off idle.

Go ahead...ask me how I know.

I mean the trans and chassis not up to control the car in twisted road.  It does a fine job for acceleration for sure.  People in Asian name the aristo as Japanese 5 series.  I found this was very wrong.  The chassis twist in the corner so bad you can really feel it.  There are many other cool 4 doors my friends let me tried, Toyota Chaser, Nissan Glory. Miss those old time. Now those same friends drive mini van or suv...(myslef included) 

[alexdc]

You couldn't be more wrong. That's the same tranny as in the MKIV Supra. It's bullet proof and in a high hp application s actually gets through the gears faster than a manual. With a 3200 stall converter with that tranny, you have nearly full boost....right off idle.

Go ahead...ask me how I know.

I mean the trans and chassis not up to control the car in twisted road.  It does a fine job for acceleration for sure.  People in Asian name the aristo as Japanese 5 series.  I found this was very wrong.  The chassis twist in the corner so bad you can really feel it.  There are many other cool 4 doors my friends let me tried, Toyota Chaser, Nissan Glory. Miss those old time. Now those same friends drive mini van or suv...(myslef included) 

what about the second gen with the 5 speed?