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Comments
Now the cool thing is Bonnie drives an older black BMW M3, with around 35K on it. I noticed that one of her ultra-low profile tires looked low, and sure enough it was. So Bonnie tossed me the keys to go get air.
What a sweet ride. It didn't seem much different than my WRX in terms of power, but oh what music that inline 6-cylinder engine puts out as you're winding through the gears. I'd love to see Subaru hook up their 6-speed to their H-6!
Bob
Did you happen to forget you had an air compressor in your garage?
Bob
I started really liking those when I drove one at the Taste of Lexus event, ironically enough.
The 3.5l engine was a big leap forward from the 3.2l, which wasn't bad in its own right.
As for hardtops, Mazda can't make enough PRHT Miatas to keep them in stock, some dealers have only had one, and they sell before they arrive in dealers.
So the idea of a hardtop is very much in demand.
I think you'll love it. Go for it! Roadsters complement Subies perfectly. You have a sunny day car, and a Subie for just about everything else. I did that for years.
a. way too expensive
b. vestigial back seat (what's the point and besides, true roadsters don't have backseats)
c. bumble bee butt
d. strictly a boulevard cruiser (nothing "sporty" about it)
e. styling that mainly appeals to women
Fortunatly for me she likes the styling of the SLK also
-Frank
-mike
If the wife doesn't like it we may end up with a 5-passenger Tribeca, though I'd prefer a more fuel efficient Forester for her mostly commuting duties.
Until your e-mail, I was convinced Subaru was going curvy w/the new Forester.
I'd prefer to see a boxy design, though I wouldn't mind some nice flares for character.
Little story: went to test drive the R series which was nice but too pricey given it costs $20k more here in Canada. My daughter went into the building to use the washroom. On her way out through the dealership, she spied the SLK and made straight for it. Climbed in by herself after opening the door and sat in the drivers seat. After humouring her for 2-3 minutes, my DW said OK, let's go. No response. Repeated, more stern instructions and the 1-2-3 count met with similar lack of success. After wrestling her out of the car, she cried for the next 45 minutes uninterupted.
-mike
Fun cars just have a way of doing that!
Jim
I hope Deb is doing well- Breast Cancer is so well treated these days I'm sure she'll do fine. My prayers are with you both.
Still have an itch to get something faster. Had a '07 911 Carrera S convertible for a day- even though it was a Tiptronic it was a blast. The most communicative steering of any car I've ever driven- almost telepathic! But as nice as it was to have, I just can't see spending $100k on one. I'd rather get a Z06 and a convertible!
I've been a little disappointed with the new Rex as well, but am hoping the new STi will be better. Oh well, if not, there's always the current STi or Evo. Looking at something used to play around the local racetrack. Also considering an S2000 or RX-8.
Frank, the SLKs are nice- but the Lexus will be a ton more reliable. But ultimately it's what makes you happy. Just don't get 'unhappy' when it breaks down- it's just part of the experience.
Hope everyone is having a great 'back to school'. It's been a little rough in my household!
tom
Then gain, it probably lasts longer than 10 years, like my simple vinyl top does.
Back to Subaru - build the B9 Scrambler already!
Oh and Juice, I wouldn't hold my breath on the B9 Scrambler
-Frank
I bet the new Miata PRHT puts some pricing pressure on the used ones, given they're likely competing head-to-head in price.
-Frank
700,000 people own NA and NB Miatas with soft tops. Lots of them are ready to step up in to something newer, perhaps a little more comfortable.
People shop by price range. $25-30 grand ought to be the ballpark for both of those.
Not new vs. new, but new vs. CPO.
Bob
Frank, sounds like you've thought it through and really want the car, so I say get it! You can always sell it in a few years and get the Mazda.
tom
not to discount the other ... but still ... YAY
-Frank
Boy that's the truth Brenda
Juice, While most people certainly do shop by price range, they usually narrow it down to a particular category (small SUV, family sedan, full-size truck, etc.)
And as you're of course aware, the Miata's perception is that of a cute fun-to-drive reliable little roadster (aka chick mobile) :P Of course there's a subset of secure-in-their-masculinity male drivers who appreciate its pure driving fun
Meanwhile, the SLK is considered by most to be a luxury German sports car. It's main competition being the Boxster, Z-4 and Audi TT.
Also, I would think most potential buyers decide from the onset whether they're in the market for a new or used vehicle.
So while a used SLK can be had for about what a new Miata costs, I just don't see that many buyers cross-shopping the two.
-Frank
Miatas are race cars, ther was a National race yesterday with 60+ miatas at Mid-ohio running spec Miata.
Haven't seen too many Spec SLK races lately.
-mike
Tom - How's my fellow Seattlite? Sounds like you've got your eyes on some serious track fun! I'd like to get out to a performance driving class, auto X or open track day at some point. Someday...
Bob
What mike observes is pretty common - go to any track and the Miata is probably the most common single type of car there.
I'm sure a few 2nd hand ones find their ways in to high school parking lots, but certainly not the majority.
The S2000 in The Fast and the Furious did nothing to help, of course, yet every S2000 owners I've met was male, including 2 friends. One of them even rolled his at Summit Point!
So the Miata soldiers on with an undeserved girly car image, and I suppose the SLK has a bit of a trophy wife image, because girlies can't afford it. :P
If you want a convertible for females, you can't beat the Cabrio. There's a car with a heavy female based owner group. Not sure if the Eos still carries that flame.
The first gen SLK was pretty much a boulevard poser but the current one has much improved handling along with a more powerful V6 engine. There are numerous sports mag comparisons which match the SLK against the Boxster. Yes the Porsche always wins but not by that big a margin and mainly because they're "sports car" comparisons. Throw in the luxury convertible aspect and the SLK wins easily :P
If I was in the market for a track car I'd probably get a Miata. If I wanted a pure sweet-handling roadster, the S2000 would get the nod or if I really wanted to splurge I'd get a Porsche.
But for a daily driver that both the wife and I can enjoy, that has sports car like performance, luxury amenities, and enough trunk space for a weekend get-a-way, the SLK is a pretty good choice
-Frank
Until the day Subaru delivers the first B9 Scrambler for me and Brenda to share.
There's a performance driving school here at Pacific Raceways- just trying to find time to spend a day there. They have Lotus elises and exiges if you don't have your own car you want to use.
I've been trying to put some miles on my bike as well but looks like the weather is not going to cooperate much longer.
Frank, I would agree with Mike. The SLK and Boxter S just aren't in the same class, especially since the S got a bump in horsepower. The Boxter and Cayman are great cars. That Cayman has been really tempting for me. . .
I may try to buy a spec Miata from my partners husband- he's moving up classes.
Any idea how I can get my wife to agree to let me race though? Having some problems on this front.
tom
Surprise her with her own driving school day.
(good news Bob!)
Don't tell me, tell Road & Track, Car & Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, et al. :P
-Frank
Frank, it's just that MB gives more advertising money than a small company like Porsche! :P
But all kidding aside, it sounds like you REALLY have done your homework and want the car. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
Just don't expect me to wait up for you in my Cayman.
tom
Straight line the SLK350 will beat the Cayman but throw in some twisties and I'm sure the positions are reversed.
-Frank
I'll take an Elise, Toyota engine and all.
Hope the weather holds out. I've got quite a few layers though just in case.
Yeah, Proformance driving school looks like fun. I'll just have to do it one of these days. I'm reminded about it every Tuesday during the summer as we race our bikes on PR once a week all summer long.
Frank - Enjoy that SLK!! Is it going to be an AMG version too? :surprise: :shades:
Cheers!
-Ian
tom
I assume you'll be stopping by Munich for the Octoberfest on your way north to Stuttgart :shades:
-Frank
I'll take an Elise, Toyota engine and all.
Heightwise I dunno if you'd fit in the elise. As you know I've driven a lot of track miles. My favorite track miles to date have been in a 996 911 Carrera 4 w/o turbo. The handling and brakes were amazing and is my overall favorite car so far.
-mike