Alternatives to BRZ, sub $30k

[Want.FR-S]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

Getting another car means you settle. When you settle, you get angry. When you get angry, your kids notice. When your kids notice, they go to therapy. When they go to therapy, you look like a douche......Don't look like a douche. Switch to a BRZ today

This is indeed a good quote!!

OH, to OP, If I were you, I would keep the Civic as long as it is still functional and see if either you can:

1. get the allotted BRZ shipped to California (am I right, RRonald?)
2. get another BRZ in California

By the time you are there, you have plenty of time to get the BRZ and probably forget about the hassles of registering an out-of-state car in California.

[zygrene]

Originally Posted by Want.FR-S

This is indeed a good quote!!

OH, to OP, If I were you, I would keep the Civic as long as it is still functional and see if either you can:

1. get the allotted BRZ shipped to California (am I right, RRonald?)
2. get another BRZ in California

By the time you are there, you have plenty of time to get the BRZ and probably forget about the hassles of registering an out-of-state car in California.

I have three major concerns:

1) Shipping will be damn expensive?
2) I feel like I need to get used to driving the car before I start driving to work every day. I've never owned a manual car before.
3) I'm planning on trading in my Civic at the dealership, so I wouldn't have a car to drive to CA if I have the BRZ shipped over.

[Want.FR-S]

Originally Posted by zygrene

I have three major concerns:

1) Shipping will be damn expensive?
2) I feel like I need to get used to driving the car before I start driving to work every day. I've never owned a manual car before.
3) I'm planning on trading in my Civic at the dealership, so I wouldn't have a car to drive to CA if I have the BRZ shipped over.

1. I don't know the price exactly, but this could be somewhere in 500+?
2. Anyone from NorCal can tell you the traffic in the morning. I think you will get to know your car pretty quickly, even in a manual car.
3. In that case, would it be better if you trade in your car in CA and forget about shipping the car all at once?

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by zygrene

Well I'll be getting my undergrad degree from UT Austin this May. I'm moving out to California for work only, possibly just one year, maybe more if I like it, I don't know yet. In that case, would I need to file for residency in CA immediately? And would there by any additional taxes/fees if I bought a car in CA vs TX?

Think it will depend on a few different things, the DMV has their info here:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/newtoca/newtoca.htm

This specifically dealing with car registration/residency:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures...r9.htm#feesdue

I think the gainful employment and renting somewhere mean you're going to be paying something. Taken from 2nd link above:

When fees are due

Fees must be paid within 20 days of entry or residency to avoid penalties. Any vehicle owned by a California resident must be registered within 20 days of entry into California unless a special permit was obtained. Nonresidents whose vehicles are properly registered to them in their home state or jurisdiction may operate their vehicles in California until they:

• Accept gainful employment in California.
• Claim a homeowner's exemption in California.
• Rent or lease a residence in California.

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by zygrene

You, sir, should be a car salesman. I'd be 100% sold on waiting for the BRZ if it weren't for the minor fact that I don't have kids.

Even if I do test drive the WRX, I don't think it will matter since I won't be able to test drive the BRZ. In which case I don't think I should "settle" for the WRX like you said. I just wish time wasn't an issue...

Thank you.

Do you have any animals?? It would be a damn shame if you did and because of your anger, they ended up here on this commercial.



But in all seriousness, settling is settling. You might be happy for the time being but then once you start seeing them around more and more, you'll wish you had just stuck it out and got the BRZ. For me, it was a matter of bang for the buck. The WRX is listed for-I think-$100 more than a BRZ. So for $100, I get 4 doors, AWD, Turbo etc. I wasn't so set on whether it was AWD/RWD 2/4door. Just wanted something nice and fun to drive around and gave me value for the amount I spent....that's why I went the WRX route...which will be here tomorrow

[Spaceywilly]

I'd probably go with a used 370Z. I think the BRZ is a much better deal though.

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by Spaceywilly

I'd probably go with a used 370Z

And I just threw up in my mouth a bit

[Spaceywilly]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

And I just threw up in my mouth a bit

Why? That would be the first car on my list if the BRZ didn't exist. What's wrong with it?

[86'd]

If the weather wasn't as good as it is here in So Cal I'd go for the WRX in a heartbeat. (Ironically it's raining right now)

If on the off chance something happens where I absolutely need 4 doors or a big hatch, I'll get a WRX.

The gas mileage, seating position and shifter turn me off, plus the base WRX doesn't have HIDs. Otherwise if you want power and a great aftermarket and need the space like Tyler says, than it's a no brainer.

Although if you can find a Mustang GT for that price...

Honestly there aren't any cars like the BRZ, except for the Miata, and maybe an S2000 but they are too much of a compromise. I'd wait for the BRZ unless you absolutely need a car right now.

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by Spaceywilly

Why? That would be the first car on my list if the BRZ didn't exist. What's wrong with it?

Meh, it's just personal preference is all.

He's
You're

It's not biggy and there is a whole FRS/BRZ v 370 thread for this.

[STJ]

So happy i don't live in the US when i read this thread, so bad you guys can't import what you want!

[zygrene]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to wait to hear from the dealership about availability, and then make my decision. It's not quite as simple as "don't settle" actually, since neither I nor my parents would feel comfortable having me wait for a brand new manual BRZ until I'm in California, for multiple reasons. But yeah, there really is no other car quite like it, IMO. If I can get it before I leave, then great. If not, then I'll probably get a WRX. Will I be satisfied? We'll see. 370Z is probably out of the question, but I'll have to test drive it first.

Originally Posted by STJ

So happy i don't live in the US when i read this thread, so bad you guys can't import what you want!

I would do anything for an R34 Skyline, regardless of practicality. I'd also love an NSX, which isn't illegal in the US, but hard to find with low miles and sub $30K. Possibly my two favorite cars ever...

[fatoni]

okay so im still a little confused. why cant you just wait until you move?

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by fatoni

okay so im still a little confused. why cant you just wait until you move?

This. What dodgy Texan shenanigans MUST be completed before heading to California?

[whaap]

Except for the back seat I've got what you want.

[zygrene]

Maybe I can wait until I get there, I'm not sure. I'll have to talk it over with my parents. But Texan shenanigans cannot easily be avoided.

Man, the Miata looks so old now. And I wish it had a bit more power. And yes, a backseat. If the S2000 was a bit longer and had a backseat, I'd be all over it.

[switchlanez]

That's an easy one. Drive the Civ until you get your BRZ (from a dealer in CA if delayed).

Originally Posted by Capt Canuck

Fees must be paid within 20 days of entry or residency to avoid penalties. Any vehicle owned by a California resident must be registered within 20 days of entry into California unless a special permit was obtained. Nonresidents whose vehicles are properly registered to them in their home state or jurisdiction may operate their vehicles in California until they:

• Accept gainful employment in California.
• Claim a homeowner's exemption in California.
• Rent or lease a residence in California.

I bought a car from Virginia shipped to CA, insured/drove it a couple weeks then kept it garaged. Didn't feel like paying CA registration/tax/license because I was moving to Kansas in 3 months. After the move, Kansas DMV dinged me for not registering within 60 days of obtaining the car. A whopping $12 penalty. I got away with cheaper Kansas registration/tax/license.

Not the same situation but just wanted to point out sometimes DMV late fees/penalties are next to nothing. Not sure how important registration would be though if pulled over in CA with TX registration paid through the year. Insurance is a no-brainer.

[zygrene]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

That's an easy one. Drive the Civ until you get your BRZ (from a dealer in CA if delayed).


I bought a car from Virginia shipped to CA, insured/drove it a couple weeks then kept it garaged. Didn't feel like paying CA registration/tax/license because I was moving to Kansas in 3 months. After the move, Kansas DMV dinged me for not registering within 60 days of obtaining the car. A whopping $12 penalty. I got away with cheaper Kansas registration/tax/license.

Not the same situation but just wanted to point out sometimes DMV late fees/penalties are next to nothing. Not sure how important registration would be though if pulled over in CA with TX registration paid through the year. Insurance is a no-brainer.

Interesting info on registration. I'll have to look into that some more.

By the way, I totally forgot about the 2012 Civic Si Coupe. Anyone test drive one of those?

[SVTSHC]

2013 Mustang V6, that's my suggestion.

[M-17]

Originally Posted by SVTSHC

2013 Mustang V6, that's my suggestion.

Its gotta be a V8 or nothing when it comes to that type of car.

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by M-17

Its gotta be a V8 or nothing when it comes to that type of car.

That used to be the mentality with the old V6, but with the new one putting out 305hp, getting 31mpg, coming base with HID's AND starting below 23k... it's hard to pass that up.

[Capt Canuck]

^Agreed. The V6 is more than enough. Sure the extra thump of the V8 would be great and I do really like the the Boss 302, but that V6 is such value for money.

Of course it's all for not, the OP is not interested in American muscle/pony cars.