Sounds like some of you guys are going through Mod withdraw

I literally felt no difference, other than peace of mind, when I swapped out the clutch and diff fluid.

Funny thing, and maybe it's the practicality that's been mentioned in the past page or so, but I'd really like my next car to be less of a project and more to my liking in stock form. As I get a little older, I have less desire to spend the afternoon turning wrenches on a car, and I see paying someone to do the mods as a waste. I'd rather hang out by the pool with my kids

 

I will admit to some AutoTrader trolling for the Infiniti M56S, as a go-to car if I were just looking for a replacement because my car got totaled. Somewhat familiar because Infiniti, with super luxury features, space, power, a beautiful interior, but a sheet metal design that only a mother could love. Yuck.

You know, that's a fair question, kind of on-topic:

If your car was totaled, what car would you zero in on as a hold-over to a future hobby car?

 

I think those are good looking cars. I looked at whatever Q they have been rebaged to for the wife but the fuel economy didn't work for us.

 

I can see the inclination to move to a Q70 as the next stage in life type of car for somone who likes the G, but I don't get how they are basically still using the same infotainment as the G35/G37 that was introduced back in 2007...the Q50 has been out for 4 years already with the next generation Infiniti infotainment set up...it jsut seems so lazy and outdated for a 2018 car

 

While I really like the design of the dash, you're not wrong, Hashim. It should equal the Q50, or surpass it.

 

I'm going to guess it's a low volume car. Infiniti is far more focused on the Q50/60 and SUVs, since that's what sells

 

lol, it didnt even occour to me that the sales were so low on it:


Year U.S. Sales[18] Canada Sales[18]
2013 5,283 249
2014 5,034 128
2015 8,449 217
2016 5,872 156
2017 5,772 66


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infiniti_Q70

but to Rochester's point, it should be at least as good or better than a "lower" model like the Q50...you'd think it'd be their "Halo" car for sedans

 

You'd think....but accountants and finance don't think like that. The cost to redesign the dash and electronics, for a low volume car, even if it is a "halo" model, near the end of it's model cycle, likely isn't going to result in an increase in sales sufficient enough to recoup the cost of the upgrade. Poof. ROI negative.

 

I could actually see myself getting the last model IPL, because the previous Coupe feels special, whereas the current Q60 doesn't (to me). Thing is, everything I've already done with my Sedan I'd be wanting to do to the IPL, so... Been there done that. And my next car should be something different.

 

I frequently toss around the idea of a 3rd car in a few years, usually a Mustang GT or Camaro SS, but every now and then a 370Z pops into mind, so I can see an IPL Coupe.

But I hear you, I want something different too.

 

Every once in a while I want an ‘85-‘91 Toyota Hilux/Tacoma or 4Runner with a MT... I’d probably do a quick search for one in decent shape if I had to get a Total replacement.

In my situation i’d end up with a 2012 Grand Caravan and wifey would get a new SUV.. so the truck/toy would have to be a cash purchase

Edit: Would also consider pairing it with ‘92 MR2 Turbo... all told I would be 10-15k for the two

 

Rochester- did they ever make the M56 in a stick shift? I swear they did for a really short time and I thought I saved an old Road & Track with the review, but I have gone back to it a dozen times and it is an A/T. I always thought the Titan V8 in that car would be an awesome boulevard cruiser that could scare away unsuspecting teenagers in Mustangs with an exhaust and a simple rev.

 

Today, I planned to drive an hour and a half each way to a dealership that had a used ATS-V and a used Giulia Quadrifoglio. Unfortunately they sold the ATS-V so instead, I watched a ton of car videos. I think I have narrowed it down to the Cadillac ATS-V sedan 6spd, BMW M3 6spd, Audi RS3, and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio in this order.

First I watched lots of videos on the Audi RS3 due to its blistering acceleration, AWD, and nice interior (with the RS design package). I think the video below is a pretty good review. This car sounds like it is the practical sleeper of the group and maybe the best daily driver, but with some shortcomings on track:
Then I watched lots of videos on the other 3 cars. I think this last video is a good comparison that says the ATS-V is the best handling car, the M3 Competition Package is the best M3 so far, the C63 AMG S is the best luxury car, and the Alfa is the most well rounded (too bad it only comes with an A/T). :

 

That seems like a lot of effort to test drive a car. Are you considering moving up your time frame for a 'new' car?

 

He's family planning, so naturally that means researching next cars until new priorities hit him in the face like a wet towel.

Can't say I disagree with any of those cars, OP. I suspect an Alpha without a proper stick shift wouldn't satisfy and be a headache for out of warranty service just as much as a M3 would be. The ATS would be a raucous bit of fun that eventually disappoints you with blah every time you look at it. And the S3... well, that's a great car, and a perfect sporty DD, but kind of a sideways move from the modified sport sedan you already have.

The first time I saw the Alpha was at the autoshow, and was as unimpressed with the looks as I was the first time I saw it online. But a lot of time has passed, and I've seen it on the road a few times since. I have to admit, I've gone 180° on that opinion. It's special.

No, I was never aware of a MT in the M56S. But that would be cool.

No love for the little 2 series? Specifically the M240i RWD 6MT... not the M2.