Thinking about buying a newer muscle car
 

I like my Subaru Impreza a lot, but I really miss the rumble of a V8. I am starting to assemble a list of newer muscle cars I could potentially buy to replace my Subaru.

Question is, what should I get?

I really like the new 5.0 Mustangs. Always been a fan of Camaros, but not sure I am the biggest fan of the new styling. A Dodge Challenger or Charger would also be nice. Also on my list is an 03-04 Cobra Mustang. I could get the Cobra cheaper, and have a Mustang that actually has an independent rear suspension and a lot of power under the hood.

Any other cars I should consider? What do you all think about the cars listed above? Keep in mind I am looking to spend no more than 30k overall.

get a STI Subaru. Those other cars are gonna be shit compared to the Subaru when it comes to quality and longevity.

Hmmm. Interesting question.
I'd love to have one. Always been a Chevy guy, but the others look bad ass as well.

I've heard, but I'm sure some others know first hand or not, but the challengers might be a bit heavy?

Tell yea what I'd like is a Cadillac CTS-V with that Vette engine. Good lord. Dude at my apartment complex a few yrs back had one, and that mother was bad ass. He had a pro charger on it as we'll I believe. That car would give you tunnel vision it accelerated so hard, and seemed to never let up.

Nt sure how to embed from the iPad.....:drool:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5kC_DGUm-w0

IMO you can go wrong with a Mustang or a Camero. But I do agree, the new Camero look isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Or pick up a nice low mileage Z06

I have a 2005 Mustang. Bought it the first year they came out with the new remodeled Pony's. Love it. Have 110K miles on it now without any issues.

My Subaru is a WRX. 2.0 4 cylinder, turbo charged, full Greddy exhaust, Turbo XS front mount intercooler, Perin short ram intake. It's a speedy little car, and great in the snow. I am conflicted between just adding different parts to upgrade this car or if my heart actually desires some V8 muscle.

Like Dayze said, look into a caddy. It's not a grandpa car anymore.

I love the new camaro. Dealers wife has a black one with blacked out rims. I'd love to have one like that.

I like the Challenger too, but don't know much about it. I believe HemiEd has one.

Conversely I do not like the Charger. At all.

He wont find many "lower" mile jobs out there for 30k, but even one with 70-80 or so is a gem if its been well maintained.

The Corvette is the best true muscle car money can buy in my opinion, the challengers and stangs can compete, but only the vette gets across the board high acclaim from the worlds top drivers and car afficionados.

Regular vehicles? GM is at the bottom of the big three, their transmissions to this day are consistenly the loosest i see on a daily basis... put one in park on an incline/decline and it will roll a solid foot.

But the Z06 vette gets that brands star treatment, one thats really been taken care of is always a beaut.

Go with the Terminator (03-04 Cobra), you cannot go wrong with that car. It has the looks, it has the gas mileage thanks to the 6 speed, and they are fast as ****. Not even kidding, set of drag radials, full exhaust, and an upgraded pully, and you're at 500+ WHP and well into the 11's for nothing at all.

Avoid the Charger/Challenger reboots IMO, too heavy, not enough power. The Camaro is very nice, but in all honesty, I'd rather have a 2012+ Mustang over a Camaro any day of the week, even if the Camaro SS will beat the 5.0 Mustang. The car rides better, drives better, handles better than the Camaro, gas mileage is about the same, aftermarket support is about the same, but there is just something fun about that new 5.0 Coyote Motor they put in there, makes great power, sounds good, and it is reasonably efficient.

Having been an import guy myself at one point in my life, I understood the draw of the WRX, STI, EVO etc. and had a Turbo XS Stage 4+ WRX (with some of the STI goodies like the gold BBS Wheels etc.). The car was great, quick, fun in the snow, got decent enough gas mileage, but I just wanted something different. Now I drive a mustang and I'm in love all over again :D

Nice. I'm hopeful here in a few years, I can get a used muscle car as a fun car/non daily driver. I'm positive they're fine as everyday drivers, but I'd likes freshly polished and waxed baby to break out. :)

I have a 2012 5.0. Its the best car I have ever owned. Refined, best handling stang since the terminator, 26 mpg highway. And a very smooth gearbox.

:hmmm:
You're not helping my patience with getting a muscle car. :p
And if that bastard gets 25mpg (not doubling you), then shit.....my Rabbit gets about 23mpg last time I calculated. jFC.

Your talking about the LS9 :thumb:. Same engine that's in the ZL1 Camaro.

Ah, ok. Man I'd love to have a CTSV. Luxury and a powerful motor.
Damn

I like too many cars lol

You can get ZL1 and 1LE Camaro's factory with black rims.

I'm biased because I'm a Chevy homer. But, as far as Camaro's you could get a 2010 2SS RS 6 speed Manual for sure in your price range. Maybe a 2011 or 2012 depending on mileage. I'm either going to buy a 2013 2SS RS off a lot or just wait for the 2014's and order one.

Also have in my head in the future to yank the factory engine and stick in an LS7 which 427 cubic inch or have a short block LSX 427 built up. I'm very into the nostalgic things when it comes to new muscle cars.

dude, keep that car!!!!

I rid of my 4cyl turbo for a v8 twin turbo and I miss my 4 banger!

GAS PRICES

Very true, a 2010+ Camaro V8 is suggested to run 91 or 93 octane.

I absolutly love my 06 Infiniti M45 Sport. V8 rear wheel drive and absolutly hugs the road. Highly recommend. If I were to go with one of the one's you listed it would be the Cobra. I love those things.

Big Smoke, What were you planning on doing with the car? Is it just a have fun around town type of car or would you track whore it a couple of times?

I ask because what you might be interested in would be a 2012+ Mustang Boss 302. You can track it and have fun there but also go around town. You get a very good suspension setup along with the Brembo Brakes. Comes with the Coyote 5.0 engine that is tweaked a bit. Extremely fun in HPDE tracks or even carving some cones.

I had a friend go with a Terminator but he got one that had the IRS suspension swapped out for a solid axle. The IRS didn't do well in drag racing type format. Also be very careful and take a test drive on those later cobra's. There are some known issues with them if people have been abusing them.

The newer Camaro's do push out a lot of power but take a test drive in them as well. Some people have an issue with visibility out the back. If you can live with it then it is a very nice car as well.

If you are just looking at "Pimp factor" then you can look at the Charger and Challenger options. The Challenger looks nice but both offerings are extremely heavy and you will need the hemi to really get them to move at all. I have not seen any out on a track going through the twisties.

Hope this helps.

I suggest test driving all 4-mustang, camaro, challenger and the Charger.

I have a charger r/t. Highly recommend it. The thing is, the charger gives you more car then the others. The Camaro is cool, but for the money you truly get less car. Challenger and Mustang are cool as well, but not as much room. For me anyways. The Charger is big mean and fast.

Test drive them and then price compare.s that's what I did, and I came out with a Charger.

I always knew Carlota was cool. Charger R/T!! My dream car.

Look for an older Z06 Vette. Big bang for the $$.

A car that gets over look is the Pontiac GTO.

http://i47.tinypic.com/1fzn8i.jpg

It’s basically a Corvette driveline in a Pontiac body, so aside from the scoops on the hood and some badges it looks like a grandma’s car. Until you uncork it. A factory “sleeper”.

I cant argue with this, I have two an 05 and an 09. If you can stretch your budget out another 10K Id pick up an 09+ V. 556 HP from the factory, runs deep into the 11's with minimal mods and into the 10's with ease. IMO its the best of both worlds luxury and power. I have a track rental coming up and *should* have a 9.7 time slip by the end of the day.

Yeah; I seriously think my next 'cool' car might be the CTSV. never had a cool car, but that thing makes my weiner tingle. NTTAAWWT.

I don't think you will touch the new Mustang GT for 30K unless it is used.
The new 5.0 is the best version to date...414 HP!! I hope they build them better than earlier models. My 2005 became a rattle trap on the inside. And all my driving was on highways and city traffic. The cheap plastic inside will drive you nuts.
The Challenger looks really sharp but in performance tests it brings up the rear to Camaro and Mustang.

2010 Hennessey V700
700+ HP Cadillac CTS-V pulls 0.99 g's at launch
11.07 @ 128 mph in the 1/4 mile

Pretty cool video on youtube of this car and onstar calls to see if everything is ok. LMAO

This. I just got mine last week

And they are cheap, I don't think you'll find a less expensive 400 HP car.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49...ps1dfd0506.jpg

<object width='670' height='377' classid='clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000' id='SFID016554228495806456'><param name='movie' value='http://www.streetfire.net/flash/SPlayer.swf' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' /><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always' /><param name='wmode' value='transparent' /><param name='allowfullscreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='video=92684921-54e9-4a65-8040-9e84008a5431&servicecfg=386'/><embed src='http://www.streetfire.net/flash/SPlayer.swf' flashvars='video=92684921-54e9-4a65-8040-9e84008a5431&servicecfg=386' allowfullscreen='true' wmode='transparent' width='670' height='377' allowscriptaccess='always' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' /></object><br/><a href='top-gear-season-6-episode-11-all-rightsbbc-uk_2198406.htm'>Top Gear Season 6 episode 11 (All Rights--&gt;BBC UK)</a>

I love whats under the hood on the CTSV, but imo I think Cadillac body design is atrocious.

I picked up an 06 gto last August. Has high lift cam, headers, injectors, couple other odds and ends... I absolutely love it! It put 405 to the wheels at the last dyno, but I don't think it had a good tune. You should really consider one for the price, even though it would be a few years older. There isn't many cars on the street faster, but I've been told the new 5.0's put out 400+ stock... But idk. If I could go with any, it was be a Challenger srt8. They are awesome, just wish they were not so heavy!

If pure muscle is what you want - You can get a low miliage 08 - 09 Shelby GT 500 for right around $30K. They are sooooo easy to mod. Just a pulley/tune/cai and you're at 560 RWHP (650 flywheel) and Low 11's at the track (with DR's) in a street legal car. Plus, if you ever get bit by the "mod bug" the stock engine can handle 700+ RWHP. The excelleration is BRUTAL.

:tup: looks good!

yeah, they're definitely one of those 'love it' or 'hate it' designs that's for sure.
they've grown on me the last few years.

love the Goats. at my last apartment complex (which seemed to be littered with killer cars) there was a guy and his girfriend who lived above us. really nice couple. He had a black Goat, lowered just a tad, had the chrome stock wheels; his grilfriend had a blue one.

that'd be another one I'd like. I check on them sporadically on auto trader; sometimes they're plenty, and sometimes they are scarce.

have you seen the twin turbo CTSV vid?
good lord. I'll try to find it if I can.

It's similar to what you described - in the 750+ hp range.

I truly think, in the new age muscle car era, they are the most bang for your buck.

:hmmm: I may have, but its not ringing a bell. I'd be interested in seeing the video.

Not sure if you've heard of a company called Nickey Chicago? They've been building Super Car Muscle cars since the 60's They have 3 different stages for the 2010+ Camaro. Stage 3 engine is a LS7 427 base that can be turbo or super charger equipped with of course other internal goodies. Stage 3 can be 750 to 1000 hp based on how much money you wish to spend. :p

Since I'm a noob I can't obviously post links.

:hmmm:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...39461661&Log=0

I totally agree, with the advancements in engine technology its unreal what car makers can do with engines.

A muscle car in sheeps clothing. I rode in one similar to this. Slick cars.

the CTS V used market is tight right now. either they don't make a lot of them to begin with, or people get them and hange on to them.

the good news is I saw a couple of them in that 19-25k range with anywhere from 40k -70k miles. damn good value IMO for what you're getting Basically 2 cars in 1. Comfort, dedcked out. and a beast under the hood.

Its pretty ****ing awesome!!!!:thumb:

I knew Carlotta was a cop.

:drool:
http://img-00.carmax.com/Images/0/87...3-b4d6fe7f.jpg
http://img-00.carmax.com/Images/0/87...3-e005f585.jpg

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, they are all good cars.

Our owner has a new Camaro SS, and has bought two more for her kids. It is a very nice and fast car, but the cost of a Brembo brake job kind of soured me. Holy crap, unbelievable. Also, they are pretty common around here, nothing unusual.

My Challenger has been flawless, except for a failure of the HDD in the sound system shortly after I got it. I don't really blame Daimler/Ceberus/Fiat/Chrysler for that, and they replaced it right away.
It was on my bucket list to order a car someday, and I did it, but it wasn't a real smart financial move. I ordered mine totally loaded, and it has a lot of stuff on it, 7 computers I was told.
It is 4 1/2 years old now, without any issues or even a door ding. I love the fact that it will run a mid 13 at 108 in the 1/4 and will get 28mpg. Pretty good for a 4100 lb. car.

The Mustang probably is without a doubt the most bang for the buck of all of them, but they are even more common than the Camaro. You can get a Mustang that will blow the doors off of about anything on the road if you want it.

I'm assuming your talking about changing brake pads? :hmmm:

I'm not sure why it cost so much? Knock out 2 alignment/keeper pins. Squeeze the caliper pistons on both sides. Slide out brake pads, slide in new ones. Install pins.

Is that car for sales somewhere? If so where?

First of all thanks to everyone who added their input. It never crossed my mind that a GTO might be a good choice, and I never seem to think about them much until one roars by me othe interstate. I will have to look into the GTO a little further.

Barret, this would primararly be my daily driver unless I could pick up something cheap to handle my daily driving duties. While it would be my daily driver I would probably want to take it to the track a couple times to open her up a little. :D

They seem to come down to a reasonable price after a few years. I saw a few in the 19k-26k range with about 50K miles on them.
Oh, and I just did a quick search on Carmax just because I like the search feature. Though, I don't think i'd ever buy a car from them. They are typically (not all cases) high on their prices, and bend you over on your trade. And they don't haggle.

for some people, they like the convenience of not haggling so the $ they sacrifice is worth. Just not for me IMO.
http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/...d-9e015a2e5615

If I was gonna pony up 30K for a muscle car, I'd pony it up for one that was actually made in that era. You can find a nicely restored 67 stang for that and have the real thing. there is no better feeling than cruising by a guy in his new "classic" car while you are in your real classic.

like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...item19d8b9f271

Dodge Challenger

yep. I'd definitely be torn on how to spend the cash.
I've always been in love with the 70/71 split

I also like the road course (not sure exactly what it's called) stance of some rebuilds.
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rTL3D9ttdPs/0.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/...07808ccce8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...plitbumper.jpg
http://image.chevyhiperformance.com/...o-ss+front.jpg
I think this one is Dale Earnhardt Jr's
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../daleangle.jpg

:drool::whackit: Dude stop it with the split bumper Camaros, my lab counterpart is getting nervous.

Actually, if I was a cop, Id drive one of thoise Ford Crown Royals. I rented one once, man did everyone get out of my way on the freeway. It was a blast :thumb:

LOVE

My baby getting her shades.

Wow, had never met anyone who liked that one. Personally I've always thought they were uglier than sin, but to each his own.

Heck, I got involved with it a little, but couldn't see how it was going to turn out good. Call any of the chains (Midas, Meinke etc.) and have them price out a 2010 Brembo Camaro brake job. It was $1500, and I got a friend to do it at his tire store for $1200. ****ing crazy!

Been there, and restored 14 of them. Time and money I wish I had back.
They just don't drive as nice, nor do they run as flawlessly as the new ones. It is cool to have and old one setting in the garage, and it is fun to drive on occasion. But in varying weather conditions under daily driver circumstances, give me the new one.

:eek: Blasphemer!

I really like the 70 1/2 - 73 body style (though I prefer the '68's like my old RS). However in '74, they went to this, which I hated.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...let_Camaro.jpg

They don't handle as well, get shitty mileage, have hard to find parts, rust like mad and you are always terrified that someone is going to hit you.

Exactly, I used to be paranoid as heck driving the Hemi Road Runner, more so than the others.

Fortunately all of mine came from areas where they didn't have rust problems.

Finding parts was a very time consuming part of the hobby, especially before they started reproducing so many of them.

Interesting that you found 3 different cars with the same aftermarket cowl induction hood on them.

you shut your face.










:p

I hear ya. I guess I'm just an older car junkie. I've now started a Willys cj2a collection that I'm working on and I suppose I agree that I'd like to have a new one to drive around day to day. You gotta admit, there is nothing better than cruising around in the originals on a sunny day. I'm not into getting all the original parts, thats a pain in the ass. With the internet and repro parts, its easy now.

I can't imagine how guys did it years ago when they had to go to junkyards to find original parts.

Yes there is - knowing that you have BOTH! As Hemi Ed said, the new ones drive MUCH better & are reliable as hell and ya don't have to keep F-ING with them to get them to run properly. They're also very easy to maintain. No way I'd take my 68 GT 500 on a road trip, but I've taken my '09 several times. I can blast down the 1320 in the high 10's and drive to the beach in total comfort with cold A/C and my stereo blasting the whole way with absolute peace of mind that nothing on the car is going to break.

You da man. Now THAT's having your cake and eating it too. Unfortunately, my wife would kick me out if I pulled that, being as I spend too much already fixin up the old stuff.

LOL! Well I'm not married. IF that ever happens, my cars are part of the deal.

I'm sure that's what it had, but damn it was a nice looking rig.


I love those cars but catch a lot of hell for liking them. Plus I don't know if the OP would want one that old since they've been of the market for awhile.

Did they put V8s in the g8s? I thought it was a neat car but didn't know of anyone that had one.

**** GM for shuttering Pontiac.

I'll never forgive GM for getting rid of Saturn.

It was more fun back in the late 70s and early 80s before the hobby exploded, because you could actually go to a junk yard and find the cool stuff. Then, once things got going, people started buying all the cool parts and selling them at swap meets etc.

I would love to find an old jeep project for down at the lake, but I don't know crap about them.

ahhh. the pre-fart can days.

If you can find one not totally abused, those GTOs are bad fast. I don't dare **** with one in my Challenger, and it always seems like their owners have something to prove and want to race.
I still kick myself for not buying one of those G8s when they were practically giving them away after discontinuing Pontiac.

proven fact: Japanese writing Stickers, and a NoS sticker (pronounced NAAAHS) make your car go faster.

oh, and an Optimus Prime transformer sticker across your entire back window.
and a huge rear spoiler to allow the back wheels to hook-up.

a few tricks of the trade offered up for free. Other tips will cost you.

dang. pretty sweet deal on a Ferrari.

http://classiccars.com/listings/view...sylvania-16503

cj2apage.com
Everything you ever wanted to know about pre 1950 jeeps. There are other sites as well like the cj5 page and others.