Cheap Luxury SUV's? Try Porsche and BMW

Porsche Cayenne & BMW X5

Sorry for the lack of postings. The auto-poster has been messing up and I tried to tweak the html code and just ended up messing more stuff up. Anyways, Today I write to you about a couple luxury SUV’s built by Porsche and BMW. I would have included Audi, but they are a bit too expensive. The Porsche SUV that I am reviewing today is called the Cayenne and the BMW SUV that I am reviewing is called the X5. Both of these SUV’s are extremely durable and can even go off-roading.

The Porsche Cayenne is relatively new to the Porsche range. Making its debut in 2004, this was the first car that Porsche built which was not a sports car. Porsche was adventurous in building the Cayenne, but I believe that the gamble paid off. The Cayenne comes in a range of models: The base, S, Turbo, and Hybrid S. Like most cars that this blog reviews, the only model that I expect to see for sale is going to be the base, and maybe a few S or even Turbo. The Porsche Cayenne has loads of interior space with all the seats up or down. Your mom might need to borrow it to go to the grocery store, or your dad for the hardware store, and that’s ok thanks to all of the interior space. This vehicle gets fairly good gas mileage when compared to other SUV’s coming in at 16 city/23 hwy. You should not be disappointed with the interior comforts either because after all, you are in a Porsche. Porsche made no compromises when furnishing the interior that is fabulous for drivers and good for Porsche because they have a reputation to uphold. Speaking of reputation, the Porsche Cayenne 2011 model won MotorTrend’s SUV of The Year Award. Now that we know how the interior of the Cayenne is, lets review the exterior styling.

The exterior of a Cayenne contains key Porsche elements hidden everywhere. For example, notice the headlights? Now look at a Boxster’s headlights. Both are almost identical, with few differences. Now look at the “shoulder”, notice and similarities here? Ah yes, the 911.  The “shoulders” of the Cayenne are very similar to the design of the 911’s “shoulders/hips” You may disagree and say it is to far of a stretch, but I did say the elements were “hidden”. The final element totally screams Porsche. The final element is the headlights coming out of the hood, and defining the profile of the car. Ask and Porsche enthusiast about what the most iconic styling element is, and they will say what I just told you. Before I do the prices on this car, let us take a look at its competition, the BMW X5.

The BMW X5 in my opinion is even more durable than the Porsche Cayenne. This vehicle is rugged on the outside, but very comfortable in the inside. The only “special” model that the X5 has is the recently introduced X5 M. The X5 is the kind of car that has multiple personalities disorder. You can drive through the desert during the day looking very adventurous, and then arrive to the party at night looking very sophisticated. The interior of the BMW is going to forever be the car that you want to sit in. The cars that this company makes are probably the most comfortable cars in the world (for the price). The X5 has amazing driver and passenger seats that make you feel like you are sitting on brand new leather couches day after day. The cargo space is also a good size. The X5 does not really identify with “signature” elements of BMW, but it does incorporate subtle hints form each model year in BMW’s range. Parents will be satisfied with the fuel consumption levels too, only 17 city/23 hwy (however, if you get the diesel, you can get 26 hwy).  Now that we have an idea on how both cars are on the interior and exterior, lets figure out what these cars are selling for.

BMW X5: While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find a bunch on cars actually. I found mainly 2001 & 2002 models with 100,000+ miles on them. An exception to that rule is a few 2003’s with 90,000 miles on them. (Side Note: Some of the cars in this price range were $6,500!!!) These cars are great! They are just about 10yrs old and still have half of their life left. A benefit to having an SUV is the fact that you can take anyone and anything anywhere! These cars are in good-average condition, and like always, please inspect the vehicle before you buy.

Porsche Cayenne: While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Based on the first production date and usage, the Cayenne is not in this price range.

BMW X5: While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '06's with 100,000+ miles on them; however I did come across 1 ’03 that had 50,150 miles on it for a price of $13,500. The difference in styling is only a little bit of modernization throughout the years so far. As far as a driving experience, well these are “The Ultimate Driving Machines”. No matter what you start out feeling while driving this car, you will soon feel relaxed, and start to become a more passive driver because of how comfortable you will be. Then again, if you want fun, these cars can preform too. The quality tends to be in average-great condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Porsche Cayenne: While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find a few 2004’s with 85,000+ miles on them. There were two Cayenne S that were fully loaded for $11,000 however they had 165,000 miles on them and I don’t feel that this would be a wise investment. These cars are in average-great condition and still have just over half their life left.

BMW X5: While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '06's with about 35,000+ miles on them; however I did come across a $21,000 ’04 that had just less than 20,000 miles on it. These cars have not changed a bit in styling because we are still in the same model range as before. These cars are perfect for anything you could possibly need to do. The quality tends to be in Great-Almost new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Porsche Cayenne: Get pumped. While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find a MANY 06’s with 30,000+ miles on them. There are also TONS of “S” models with 45,000+ miles on them. A benefit to these cars is that they are only 5years old so the styling still looks very “new”. This car is extremely comfortable, and can be fully loaded with almost combination you want in this price range. The 06’ Cayenne just improves on the already almost perfect previous models, and picks up where it left off. The quality tends to be in great-almost new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Bottom line: BMW X5: Great fun little toy, interesting styling, and has a never-ending power-hungry engine.  This car is very versatile and safe, so why not ask your parents if you can give it a test drive?

Bottom line: Porsche Cayenne: This car looks amazing and drives like no other SUV on the market. So what could possibly be holding you back from getting one? The price. Unless you have at least $15,000 you probably are not going to be able to get it. 

American Muscle: The Mustang

Some of my readers have expressed that most teens cannot afford a $25,000 car. True, but I am not JUST reviewing cars for twenty-five grand. I give options for less than $8,000 and less than $15,000. Both of these price ranges offer a vast amount of vehicles that teenagers and their families can afford to purchase for them. I procure a $25,000 review for those lucky few who can afford a $25,000 car, or simply have that much to spend on a car. Please do not take these reviews as endorsing parents to buy their kids a more expensive car than you need too. Also, I realize that the purchase price for some cars may be low, but the maintenance isn’t cheap. Yes, one could purchase a 2000 Porsche Boxster for $8,000, but the maintenance on that car isn’t going to be a walk in the park. As a writer, I hope that you (the readers) understand that cars not made in the USA are going to have higher running cost. But hey, if you can afford a couple hundred dollar oil change 1-2 times a year, you should be fine. Now let us move on to the review of the Ford Mustang.

The Ford Mustang, America’s classic pony car. A pony car is similar to a sports car, but it has a long hood with a short rear deck (The area that connects the rear window to the bumper of the car. Most use this as a trunk lid).This modern day behemoth had humble beginnings starting in the mid-1960s. The Mustang is the only pony car to have continuous production from the release date. All of the others: Chevy Camaro, Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger have started and stopped production over the years. The mustang is currently in the 5^th generation of styling (I have found that the 2011 Mustang GT has a really awkward blind spot over the driver’s left shoulder. It also feels too large for the road). Most of the Mustangs I will review will be from 2000 and newer. This age bracket includes the 4^th generation styling as well which provides diversity. Most people can see a 5^th generation Mustang and instantly know what it is thanks to both the mass-procurement of these cars, and the styling. The most commonly known mustangs are the GT model, and the supped-up Shelby GT5000. The GT is known for being slightly sportier than the base model, and it has a special “emblem” on the back that reads “GT”. The Shelby can be described as a hoss. This car can get the job done. It is commonly recognized for its racecar styling, snake emblem on the grill, and (optional) racing stripes. The Shelby GT500’s are expensive, too expensive for this blog anyway with prices in the high thirties. Most Mustangs on the used market will be base or GT models. Are you ready to check out the stats?

Mustang: While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '04's models with 40,000+ miles on them; however I did come across a few ‘05’s that had 110,000 miles on them. Lucky for you, this price range also has a few GT models. The 2004 models are the last year the generation four was produced. This generation consisted of long smooth sweeping curves throughout the bodywork, and an aggressive stance that would be considered a “want-to-be” by the current year model. Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how cool a 4^th generation mustang is, these cars were really popular and have just over 40,000 miles on them usually. These cars still have plenty of life left in them, and can be easily customized with aftermarket performance parts more so than body kits. The interior of these cars are comfortable enough for a quick drive to the store, but I would not recommend driving across the country in this car. Signature Ford elements in the cabin give the driver a refreshing driving experience. The quality tends to be in average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Mustang: While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '07's with 15,000+ miles on them and ‘08’s with 20,000+ miles on them. I did come across one ’05 that had 10,000miles and it was a GT for $14,999. I also came across some ‘09’s that had 45,000miles on them for $15,000. The 2005-current models are the latest generation of ‘stangs. Generation 5 is the best generation Ford has produced yet in my opinion. This generation consists of a long smooth hood, a very BOLD and aggressive stance; a very well put together aero kit, and great fuel economy. You should be excited sitting at your computer reading about how amazing 5th generation mustang is; these cars are really popular and have racing stripes on them usually. These cars still have a majority of their life left in them, and can be easily customized with aftermarket performance parts and body kits. The interior of these cars are more comfortable than the previous generation, but leaves a little bit of room for improvement. If you had to, I would recommend driving across the country in this car. Signature Ford elements in the cabin give the driver a thrilling driving experience. The quality tends to be in above average-like new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Mustang: While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find an abundance of used 2011-12’s with less than 500miles on them; however I did come across an abundance of 08-10’s with less than 14,000miles. This generation consists of a long smooth hood, a very BOLD and aggressive stance; a very well put together aero kit, and great fuel economy. You should be excited sitting at your computer reading about how amazing 5th generation mustang is; these cars are really popular and have racing stripes on them usually. The aero kit even further modernized with design touches which make it look VERY nice. These cars can be easily customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars have been upgraded from the 2008’s and are even more comfortable, and have massive steering wheels with a congregation of buttons on it. If you are the driver of one of these, you will experience the thrill of horsepower, comfort, and joy while driving around. Side-effects include making excuses to drive, wanting to take your friends on vacation, and running out of gas. The quality tends to be in pretty new-Almost new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Bottom line: A true American classic. Old and young alike will have good memories with this car. If you like mustangs, get one. If not, don’t. In my opinion, there are much better cars for the money. These cars do rank high in the easy to maintain category though which keeps its ratings high. Before buying, I would recommend test driving a Camaro, or a Charger just to compare the differences.

So you want a roadster from Japan?

Thanks for waiting readers, this week has been crazy for writing and anything else I try and do. I continue my reviews of affordable cars with an underground monster. Although it is more commonly called street racing, underground and unofficial racing is the same thing. No matter what you call it, this next car is a favorite for the racers because they are plentiful on the used market, and SUPER easy to customize. These cars come with a stock 237hp engine which can boost this car 0-60 in about 5.5seconds. This car is cheaper alternative to the Lotus Elise, Porsche Boxster S, and the BMW Z4. Even though the car is cheaper, the performance is almost on par with the other cars listed. While the aggressive styling keeps this car timeless, it is also a bad thing. If you are a male, and are over 5’10, you are not going to fit in this car. If you are 5’11 you might be able to squeeze, but it will be very uncomfortable.  A benefit to driving a Honda is that there are parts almost everywhere making running costs and maintenance relatively cheap compared to a Porsche and BMW.

The Honda S2000 is actually quite a good car. Parents will be surprised at its MPG and safety ratings, while teens will enjoy the convertible/roadster aspect. The Honda S2000 gets around the mid-twenties combined fuel economy, and is rated 5 stars for both the front occupants, and for the roll-over test. The styling of this car is almost described as a fighter jet version of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The front clamshell is composed with a huge air intake, that helps define both the front of the car and the hood. It loses its fighter jet charisma and becomes rather bland when one looks at the middle of either side of the car. At the rear, one expects to have a banging rear-end like the Z4, Elise, and Boxster? No, this car has a rear-end that looks like a 2008 Toyota Corolla and a 2003 Aston Martin DB7 had a kid. This kid does not look hideous, but it leaves us wanting so much more. The driving experience is somewhat limited to the select few who will not fit, but if you can get into this car, you won’t be too unhappy. The interior of this car is subpar to say the least, but giving that it only cost $35,000(base) new, I expected a lot better. The Honda S2000 is not being produced anymore. One can purchase an almost fully loaded 2011 Dodge Charger SRT8 R/T Max for that price (just to put things in perspective). The Interior design is rather plain, even on Honda standards but everything is where it should be with nothing placed in a weird area. The seats are relatively comfortable, and the steering wheel is a perfect size. A unique feature about this car is the trunk space. Most people believe that little cars and convertibles do not have any “decent” trunk space at all. Well, to those people I say “This car has some of the best real usable trunk space for its class and price point.” Now that we have gone through this car, lets continue with what you can actually find for sale for $8,000.

While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing.  While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Well, actually you can find a few cars but all of them are either wrecked, crashed, damaged, bad title or all of the above. Sorry!

While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find an abundant amount of ‘05’s. You can get a 2005 S2000 with as little as 70,000 miles, and going back to the ’01-’02 models you can find them with 40,000+ miles. One big advantage to this car is that it is a convertible. However, as with every car, expect the roof extensively before purchase because you could end up having to replace the top. The body style for this price range is one that never has more than 1-3 changes per model year. Most of the changes that Honda did on the S2000 came in to play behind the scenes (aka chassis, engine block, electrical stuff ect.). Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great a 6-10 year old car is with 70,000 miles. These cars still will cause some slight head turning, and will last forever. The interior of these cars are about the same comfort as the previous years, and the quality tends to be in average-above average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find numerous 08's with 25,000 miles on them and numerous '07’s (some '06's) with 35,000+ miles. This car is still only offered as a convertible.  However, as with every car, expect the roof extensively before purchase because you could end up having to replace the top. The body style for this price range is the final morph that went into effect for the S2000. The biggest (and greatest change) that is noticeable is the giant protruding air intake.  Do not be disheartened by the thought of driving a '08 with 25,000miles, or a '06 with 40,000miles. These are great cars that will turn heads even more than in the last price point. The interior of these cars received a minor upgrade in the comfort compared to the ‘05’s. The quality tends to be in above average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Bottom line: If you want a reliable Japanese roadster, this is your car no matter what year. The only caution I have is this “The Honda S2000 is not being produced anymore.” So just be careful out there, and drive safe. Hope you choose to park yourself in front of the next review about the BMW and Porsche SUV’s.

Ready for Adventure: Jeep Wrangler

Hey guys! Thanks for stopping by, there are a few parking spots left so choose one and let’s get started! The car we are reviewing today is not even a car at all, it is a Jeep. Jeeps are a vehicle that provides you with no limits other that the fuel tank, which is fine because you can transport extra fuel around in the back. One could take his jeep hunting through the forest, and then drive it back to his house on the freeway. This vehicle eliminates the need to purchase a car and a four-wheeler. Another cool thing is that depending on what interior you get, it might be able to be hosed out. THAT’S RIGHT! You can literally take a hose, and washout all the mud/dirt that got into your Jeep! These cars can fit 5 people comfortably while riding, then if you go camping it can fit 3-4 without people in each other’s space. As I mentioned earlier, this vehicle has really bad gas mileage. It gets the same gas mileage as a 2003 Maserati F1 Coupe which has 14/18. So tell me this, just by going on looks, would you rather show up to school in a Maserati or a Jeep? While those cars are not comparable by any means, I would much rather be in the Maserati getting bad mpg’s than a Jeep because I would look good wasting fuel. Don’t get me wrong, Jeeps look great! Especially when they are dirty. It may take some time getting use to the interior though because the dashboard is a perfect 90 degrees (which makes for easy cleaning). The interior does not have everything “right where it needs to be” like any other car, however once you learn where it is the location of the knobs/switches/gauges is somewhat “normal”.

The Jeep Wrangler does not really have any competitors. Yes, technically the Toyota FJ competes with it but I feel that the jeep is superior in almost every way. Reverting back to the no limits theme, one could actually take the doors and roof completely off of the jeep and it still be legal to drive. The FJ, well let’s just say it by the time you got one door off, you would have lost interest. Jeeps are a fun vehicle for almost any age, although I do not think I have EVER seen someone over 45 in a Wrangler. These cars are great for outdoorsmen and people who love spending time with the elements. These cars are not recommended for people who would rather have super lush interiors than rubbers throughout the cabin. The last note that I will point out about the Jeep Wrangler is that if you get stuck, you and 3 of your buddies could lift/pull it out of the mud or whatever it got stuck in/on. So now that the literature is out of the way, let us start at eight grand. Sorry for these price reviews to be so short, there really is nothing left to talk about except how much fun is produced from these vehicles.

While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find Lots of ‘02’s with 100,000miles on them. I did however come across a few ‘04’s with 120,000miles on them. I also found about 30 1999’s that had between 30-40,000 miles on them. These cars can be hard tops, soft tops, and “no-top”. These jeeps tend to be in average condition which is amazing considering all of the possible uses for a jeep. Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great a 6-10 year old car is with 100,000+ miles. These cars still will cause a smile to become plastered to your face, and will provide a lifetime of memories.

While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find an abundant amount of early 2000’s with less than 10,000 miles on them as well as 2007’s with 60,000+miles. These cars can be hard tops, soft tops, and “no-top”. These cars still will cause some memorable outings, and will last forever. The interior of these cars are about the same comfort as the previous years, and the quality tends to be in average-above average condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find NEW JEEP WRANGLERS! Of Course, if you could purchase a new Jeep that probably means you could get amazing deals on the used market. Numerous 10's and 11’s with less than 500 miles on them make up a heavy population of cars in this price range and as you know from reading my past reviews, the lower the miles, the better. These cars can be hard tops, soft tops, and “no-top”.  These are a fun vehicle that is sure to be a blast when enjoyed with friends. The interior of these cars received a minor upgrade in the comfort compared to the ‘08’s. The quality tends to be in above average-like new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Bottom line: If you want a vehicle that can double as a four-wheeler, a vehicle that can handle any terrain or weather, or simply want a vehicle that can be exposed to the elements and not be affected. This is your car. If you do go off-roading, please be careful out there and drive safe. Hope you choose to park yourself in front of the next review about the Coolest Cars under $25,000.

MAXOUT part 1: The Cars ($50k, $65k, $80k)

This article has been looming in the distance for as long as it could. Now however, it is taking full flight. Top 10 Exotic/Supercars under $50k, $65k, $80k. THIS IS A MAXOUT EDITION! Please do not complain that these cars aren’t affordable and/or practical for a teenager or some adults. This article is simply for fun, and should be taken as just that. Thanks to everyone who reads this blog, it means a lot to me. Anyways, I now present the list of Top Exotics and Supercars under $50k, $65k, $80k.

Top Ten Exotics/Luxury/Supercars under $50,000

1.       Lotus Exige (S240): 2006-2007 (2007)

2.       Lotus Elise (SC):  2005-2011 (2005-2009)

3.       Maserati Coupe: 2002-2006

4.       Aston Martin DB7 Vantage: 2002-2003

5.       Jaguar XKR (convertible): 2000-2008 (same)

6.       Chevy Corvette(convertible): anytime-2012basemodelnew(anytime-2011)

7.       BMW M6 (convertible): 2006-2008 (same)

8.       Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG: 2005-2008

9.       Porsche 911 turbo 4: anytime-2004

10.   Land Rover Range Rover Sport: 2006-2010

Top Six Exotics/Supercars under $65,000

1.       Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe: 2007

2.       Lotus Exige (S240): 2006-2010 (2007-2010)

3.       Ferrari 360 Modena: 2000

4.       Lotus Evora: 2010-2011

5.       Porsche 911 Carrera 2: 2000-2009

6.       Dodge Viper SRT-10 (also under $50k): 2000-2008 (2000-2005)

Top Six Exotics/Supercars under $80,000

1.       Lamborghini Gallardo: 2004

2.       Aston Martin DB9: 2005-2006

3.       Ferrari 360 Modena: 2000-2002 (F1 Spyder available 2002)

4.       Maserati GranTurismo: 2008

5.       Porsche Panamera: 2011-2011new

6.       Nissan GT-R: 2009-2011

7.       Audi R8: ($95,000) 2008

Reviews for all of these cars will be posted between the 'Affordable Rides' postings.

Readers Request: The 350z & 370z ($8k, $15k, $25k)

Sorry for such the delayed posting of this review. I have been busy with other things and this just kept getting put off. Today I write to you about a reader requested Nissan 350z/370z, or as I like to call them, the Z’s. One might not think of Nissans being quality cars as base models, let alone a sports car. This thought is incorrect in every meaning of the word. Nissans are great first time cars because they have extreme longevity. The interiors are also quite nice too, although don’t be expecting BMW Z4 nice. These cars are perfectly fitted with the right amount of interior comforts, tech gear, and power to make any teenager or adult pleased with their purchase. Even though your buds won’t be thinking “Luxury, Expensive, and Quality” do not be disappointed. Instead they will be thinking “Fast, Great Design, Cool and Fun to drive.” The Nissan Z has been around since before I was born (But that is not really saying much because I was born in ’94). In my opinion, the “classic” Z is the 240. That car had great styling, it was fast, and it looked like it could be a Ferrari (a stretch I know, but if you squint your eyes and hop on one foot, you can see it).

The Z family like every other company has certain styling elements that make the car identifiable by just one glance. The styling that is so identifiable consist of:  Low roofline, low and wide body stance, lots of subdued curves and front bumpers with (in more recent years) boxy air intakes. The base model is the regular 350z/370z. Other models that Nissan has to offer include: a convertible option, and even more recently, a NISMO 370z. The NISMO is an absolute BOSS of a roadster and could easily take on any other “common” roadster while giving it a run for its money. Granted, the NISMO 370z is $41,000 base. Not a pretty sight for the pocket book, but fun to look forward to in the future years.  I will compose this article just like the Porsche article.

350z: : This is going to be an UBER let down…While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Well, actually you can find a few cars but all of them are either wrecked, crashed, damaged, bad title or all of the above. Sorry!

370z: While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Based on Nissan’s production, the 350 is older than the 370 so it is not unusual that you cannot find a 370z in this price range.

350z: While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '06's with 65,000+ miles on them; however I did come across 1 ’03 350z Track edition that had 12,000 miles on it for a price of $12,000. Lucky for you, these cars are both coupes and convertibles! There is not that many (if any) 350z in this price range. The 2003 350z started off a new generation of Z with a bang from both a styling and performance point of view. This model set the tone of what aggression should mean for a car. This car has both hard and soft lines throughout the exterior, a long sloping roofline, aluminum door handles, and a massive rectangle of space to provide the 287bhp 3.5L V6 with plenty of much needed oxygen. Another feature that proves these cares are not just “Junk/Crap/never-want-to-be-seen-in-this” kind of car, is the fact that the Track trim level gives it Brembo brakes. AKA some of the best racing brakes on earth!  Yet another cool fact is that this car is featured on the cover of FORZA Motorsports 2 because the car is so easily tweaked for on the track. Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great a 7-8 year old car is with some miles on it. These cars still have plenty of life left in them, and can be easily (SO EASILY!!) customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars are pretty comfortable, and have the signature Z placed quite avidly throughout the cabin. The driver will feel a shift in mood the moment they start the engine. No matter what they start out feeling, it will end with feeling charged and ready for fun. The quality tends to be in average-great condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

370z: While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Based on Nissan’s production, the 350 is older than the 370 so it is not unusual that you cannot find a 370z in this price range.

350z: While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '08's with about 25,000+ miles on them; however I did come across a $20,000 ’04 Convertible that had just less than 4,000 miles on it. Lucky for you, these cars are coupes and convertibles! There are lots of convertibles in this price range. The mid 2000's that started to develop the styling and aero kit get only slight modifications just to make it “Modern”.  These cars can be easily customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars have been upgraded from the 2003’s and are even more comfortable, and have signature Z elements leaving the driver with a content driving experience. If you get upset over a car that has 25,000miles on it and that is 3years old, something is wrong with you. Please grow up. These cars are perfect for anything you could possibly need to do (in a small car). The quality tends to be in Great-Almost new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

370z: GET EXCITED. While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find a few 2010 370z’s with around 25,000+ miles on them. There are only a few out there, but they are GREAT cars. Another benefit is that these cars are 2010’s! Meaning that they are only ONE YEAR OLD! The ones that I found to be for sale however are not convertibles. They are sport coupes built for fun. This car is extremely comfortable, and everything still has the Z plastered wherever a designer saw fit. The 370 just improves on the already almost perfect previous Z, and picks up where it left off. The 370z has little “snake-like” fangs that help separate the big open rectangle air vent into something visually appealing. The quality tends to be in almost new-pretty new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Bottom line: 350z: Great fun little toy, interesting styling, and has a never-ending power-hungry engine.  If you can get one, or if your parents just want you to get a more common sports car, get it. The only thing that it is holding me back from one is the front air intake. I don’t care for the styling.

Bottom line: 370z: An absolute rocket for the price, great value (because it is the newest car I have reviewed so far that you can get for $25,000), and looks amazing. They fixed the massive intake and left little to be desired, so what could possibly be holding you (and me) back from getting one? I’m looking at a Lotus Elise, that’s why. I don’t know what your reason is, but I hope it is a good one.

Parents Choice: "Safety, but something Johnny won't be teased about."

Tonight I write to you about what parents would call a “More Practical” car. Yes parents, this blog is not about just giving “Little fun cars” (quote from MommaCraze68) reviews. And no MrFuNNy86 I am not encouraging dangerous teenage driving. In fact, I’m encouraging just the opposite. When teens are given or purchase a nice car, they are more likely to take care of it and drive even more careful compared to teens that do not drive “nice” cars. Most teens I know take great care of their cars because they either care how it looks, or just want it to be clean when they take their friends places. Besides, what teen wants to be driving around in a car that is beat-up? Anyways, enough about reader’s comments and back to the car at hand.

The Infinity FX 35. What most people do not know is that Infinity is the “Upper-class” version of Nissan. The FX 35 looks fantastic, almost resembling a sports car on the exterior and a rocket ship on the interior. Even better news (Parents!) this car is considered a small SUV so you know it is safe. Plus you get the fuel economy of a small crossover, while the interior comfort stays close to a Land Rover (in newer models). This car has enough cargo room for just about everything a teen could possibly need throughout High school, college and even later in their young adult life. Infinity’s are noted for their safety and reliability but because of this, they don’t come cheap (in addition to the fact that they are not that old). A new one of these will cost you just under $43,000 base and fully loaded will set you back just under $70,000. So taking the fact that they are not old, they start priced pretty high, and that they are great cars you will not find one of these less than $15,000. Actually, you might find 2-3 but odds are, they have high miles, bad title or something is wrong with it. But hey, don’t kill me parents! Y’all were the ones telling me to find nice, safe, more practical cars! On this note, I start my review at $15,000.

FX35: While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find a couple of ‘05’s with about 95,000 miles on them; however most vehicles in this price range were ‘04’s with 105,000+ miles on them. Lucky for you, these vehicles are small SUV’s! Meaning you can fit all your buds and their gear in your car after practice. The FX35 was available for sale starting in 2003, making this price range some of the “Parents” to the current models. Obviously the early 2000's set the tone for what one should expect from a FX35. Starting with the big bold aggressive front, iconic smooth curves carry the eye to the passenger compartment where subtle design pieces keep the eye flowing to the rear. Do not let your teen be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great a small SUV is. Yes I know that you want something sporty, but this is a great compromise. This car comes stock with 310Hp so having fun (even off road) in not a challenge. Plus it is big enough that your friends could enjoy the ride too. As I have said in every other review, vehicles around/over 100,000 miles are still ok to drive the only thing you need to watch out for is keeping the vehicle well maintained. These cars still have plenty of life left in them if you take care of them and can be easily driven off-road with no side effects on the vehicles abilities. The interior of these cars are pretty comfortable, and have signature Infinity elements leaving the driver like a kid in a candy store with all of the “space-age” buttons/knobs around the cabin.  The quality tends to be in Average-Great condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

FX35: While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '02's with about 20-25,000 miles on them and ‘08’s with 35-40,000 miles; however I did come across 1 ’02 that had 12,000 miles so the range of mileage is vast (good for you because that puts you in a position to bargain the price lower!). Lucky for you, these vehicles are small SUV’s! Meaning you can fit all your buds and their gear in your car after practice. The 2008's continue the smooth curves and aggressive stance, but they take it up a notch. The 2008 FX35 is a Tech teen’s dream. Having Bluetooth, Navigation, and even more buttons to play with. The interior of these cars are extremely comfortable (No joke, these cars can easily compete with Land Rovers in the comfort department). The quality tends to be in great-like new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Bottom line: Parents: You requested it, I did it. This car meets all of your specifications and you will even want to drive it too! These cars last a lifetime and can easily do anything you or your teen needs. Like all things however, they do not come cheap. Even on the used market, so is it really worth $7,000 more to get them this car? (Teens, don’t hate me for this) I say yes it is. They are very safe, and still have enough “kick” to keep me satisfied.

Bottom line: Teens: If you or your parents purchase this car for you then you will not be disappointed. I promise. You have room for all of your gear, friends, pets, anything and everything. It also has some Hp that should keep you secretly satisfied, while your parents relax with the thought of safety.