I must be reading this wrong. Doesn't every parts department, tirerack, discount tire direct, etc. charge "by the wheel?"

I forgot about Corksport. I have hit their website a few times when considering a Speed3, Speed 6, and RX-8 at different times. I bet they will make this new Mazda 3 Turbo really scream.

 

I've got a Corksport rear bar on the CX5 and it makes a big difference in terms of flattening the handling out. They never really had much for RX7s or my RX8, and my Mazda3 was a stopgap only so...

 

I guess you did read it wrong. From the article:

The interior is worthy, bringing materials and color schemes that evoke high-end European cars. Its features, too, transcend its segment—color head-up display with street-sign recognition, 12-speaker Bose audio system, 18-inch forged BBS wheels (also now available on the non-turbo 3). Those wheels are priced at $919 each, but we didn't have them on our test car. We're pretty sure even Porsche, who would probably upholster your rims in lime green ostrich for the right price, doesn't charge by the wheel.

 

No I guess I did read it right. Everyone sells wheels individually, especially auto manufacturers and distributors like Tire Rack, Discount Tire Direct, etc. I have seen a few places online that charge for wheels as a package, but they are still priced individually. Or are you just trying to say that cars need 4 wheels? It seems the article was trying to point out that forged wheels are expensive (especially BBS) since they cost $919 each.

 

I think the point is that most DEALERS charge for wheel upgrades as a package, not per wheel/tire.

 

I read that as they’re factory options at a per wheel price, not a dealer installed accessory, since it’s inline with a heads up display and Bose stereo, neither of which are dealer installed. And then it goes on to reference Porsche, which has a laundry list of factory options and colors, again, not dealer installed accessories.

C&D either worded that incorrectly, or you didn’t read it right.

 

Mazda BBS wheels are an accessory available at the dealership and accessories are sold individually: https://accessories.mazdausa.com/web...+MAZDA3+5-Door

 

I'm still about 2-3 years from deciding on a 'replacement' for the G; but I like to really look into every aspect and do copious amounts of research, comparisons, etc... So, I went through this thread again - all 218 pages and have determined...I have absolutely no idea.

 

When the time is right, the "right" car will find you, and you will know.

 

Not a bad problem to have. Shouldn't be that difficult to box in some basic parameters. 2dr vs. 4dr, Sedan vs Crossover, FWD or RWD or AWD, proper transmission or slushbox... stuff like that

LOL. Pretty sure this isn't a "the wand chooses the wizard" kind of thing.

 

You're right; but the planner in me wants to have all scenarios/options played out and what adjustments would need to be made to make said scenarios work. Last time I gave in to an impulse buy when it came to a car, before doing research and planning, the mistake sat in my garage for almost three years with numerous issues. Sure, you can run into problems with any car but I guess it would be like getting a pre 2012 G37 and getting caught off guard by the gallery gasket. With some casual research you can see that is a likely issue and plan accordingly; or a CSC failure for a 6MT G37. I want to know what possible 'surprises' are likely with each vehicle option so I can be prepared and not caught off guard; or know what to look for when buying.

I've been going back and forth between different options and scenarios. The manual cars I've been considering are all $40k+, mainly coupes. Would mean trading in the WRX and only using the new to me car on choice occasions when we wouldn't be hauling a pack and play, bags, stroller, etc... Wouldn't be feasible to use as a DD so a cheap DD would be needed. Looking at the likes of ATS-V, GT350, Hellcat (LOL) etc... If I go this route, I'm thinking 'last hurrah' before my late 30s, early 40s.

Or, go with a true replacement for the G (auto transmission, sedan) with options in the $30-35k range. I keep the WRX as a manual fix and for its usability. This would becomes new DD (lightly modded of course) and WRX becomes fun car I go a bit wild with. Cars that fit the bill are the Q50RS400, G70 3.3, Stinger 3.3, Chevy SS, 2018+ Audi S4. Something that checks a lot of boxes and is still usable for my wife in the event her SUV goes down for whatever reason. Consists primarily of quick vehicles that could also be good GT cruisers and can handle light family duties. I think this allows for more use compared to the above choices; then do a true mid-life crisis car if life permits.

 

"before my late 30s"

RMB5190, your mid-life crisis car is going to be electric.

 

"Yes officer, this post right here..."

That's depressing to even think about

 

Maybe it will be something like a 1st gen RX7 converted to electric (needs wheelie bars to not torque itself upright) vs. Chevy Volt. LOL

When I was looking, my specs were:

1. 4 seats (not necessarily 4 doors)
2. HID or LED headlights
3. No Hyundai or Kia or Chrysler (that includes Dodge).
4. Rear wheel or All-wheel drive
5. Stick shift.
6. lb/hp 11.5 or lower (curb weight divided by horsepower)... 11.5 is the RX8. 11.2 is the G37 sedan. BMW 335 is surprisingly 11.6. I thought that would be a better performance indicator than raw horsepower.
7. Bluetooth (but what doesn't have that?)
8. midsize or smaller
9. leather
10. proper attachment points for Kira's seat.
11. not horribly reviewed for reliability

And that ended up being either an STI, the G37, or another RX8 which my wife was religiously against.

 

Also - last hurrah in your 30s?