Chrysler Crossfire, Lexus SC430, or something else

[wutangnomo]

I don't really understand this as your choices are contradicting in a way. You don't want a Nissan 350Z but are going with the Infiniti G35?? They are virtually identical cars. Moreover, I don't know about down there but G35's are extremely common vehicles up here (that's b/c they are one of the best 'bang for your buck' vehicles so it's one of the better "deals"). From your choice of vehicles I doubt quality and best bang for your buck are all that high (CHRYSLER Crossfire is not quality, Lexus is a scaled up pricier Toyota).

Also, why wait for a supercharged Crossfire? It doesn't seem like performance is what you're after because there are better performing competing vehicles in the same car class as those two. If you want a more powerful Crossfire why not get a MB SLK350 or better yet the SLK55 AMG? The MB SLK55 AMG is essentially a scaled up version of the Crossfire (supercharger or not). The Crossfire is a re-badged MB SLK. Although the price difference between the Chrysler and MB are substantial, I doubt that matters much given the fact that you are considering the 70K Lexus and the SLK55 is right around there anyway.

You haven't listed what criteria you are looking for in a vehicle; however, given your choices of vehicle I can only conclude that quality, price, performance, and 'brand name' don't matter much to you.

I'll go against the grain here and recommend the Toyota Solara (which comes in a convertible version) and Toyota Prius (hybrid vehicle). The Solara looks like an SC430 though you don't see too many people driving one, while the Prius is a damn hoot to drive and looks very distinctive. Check out the Infiniti FX series, the Acura lineup, and the Mazda RX-8 as well.

 

[wutangnomo]

Check this out Matt:

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/camrysolara/exterior.html

The Solara is essentially a more user-friendly SC430. Bigger trunk and more space all around, better fuel economy, and a good 40K less expensive. It would make a better daily driver then the SC430. If you don't think that dentists and their ilk also apply to the Lexus brand (ESPECIALLY the SC430) then you are sadly mistaken. With the Toyota Solara you won't be associated with that same stigma, yet get almost all the perks of the SC430.

I should also note that the Toyota Prius is one of the most unique vehicles you will ever drive and has an interior design scheme that is beyond this world.

 

[Spartacus]

the lexus supra
http://www.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=2727

 

[ceo]

I've driven a few G35's (coupes and sedans). Get a manual tranny coupe if you go this route.

Personally I love the Acura TL. Sport sedan with 270hp. Good looks, reliability and performance. These are very very nice imo.

 

[puddlemonkey]

I have a Lexus SC400 Sports Coup, can't go wrong with Lexus!

 

[Mr. dB]

The Solara is essentially a more user-friendly SC430.

No, the Solara is a Camry with two doors.

 

[wutangnomo]

No, the Solara is a Camry with two doors.

You obviously have not seen the Solara.

Yes technically the Solara is classified as a "Camry Solara" but it clearly has styling cues from the Lexus brand as it was intended. The "Camry Solara" has a slightly more powerful engine and NOTICEABLY different exterior/interior then the Camry. The exterior of the Solara has almost the exact same lines and flow as the SC430. There is no doubting that the Camry Solara looks extremely similar to the Lexus SC430. That is why most reports on the Solara say,

"The new Solara's styling on the outside seems to have a Camry-meets-Lexus-SC 430 philosophy."

"The new Solara has a sweeping console, large, bright gauges, almost-Lexus-look controls and thoughtful touches, such as new seatbelt extensions that make it easier for front-seat riders to reach their shoulder belts."

 

[XBiker]

So I will add the G-35 to the list; everyone I know off of this board said the same thing.

I saw a cool looking Crossfire in traffic, I thought I might be interested, you guys have talked me down.

Aston Martin, Ferrari etc., too much stress at this point...I have enough.

I am partial toward the SC430; I just think they look cool and as a Lexus owner I am pretty happy with the make in general.

Feminine? Maybe. But I can deal with it.

Honestly, Matt the reason the have the "feminine" stigma is you (I) tend to see mainly women driving them.

They're hot cars. I saw one as a Lexus dealership with some really nice 19's on it and it was smooooooth.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Check this out Matt:

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/camrysolara/exterior.html

The Solara is essentially a more user-friendly SC430. Bigger trunk and more space all around, better fuel economy, and a good 40K less expensive. It would make a better daily driver then the SC430. If you don't think that dentists and their ilk also apply to the Lexus brand (ESPECIALLY the SC430) then you are sadly mistaken. With the Toyota Solara you won't be associated with that same stigma, yet get almost all the perks of the SC430.

I've seen that car, it's stylish, it's not for me. It comes off as a "look-alike" car, the cheapened version of the real thing.

 

[pitbullstl]

I've seen that car, it's stylish, it's not for me. It comes off as a "look-alike" car, the cheapened version of the real thing.

Not to mention V6 as opposed to a V8.....no comparison IMO....other than the frame and body.