Iceman

I won't be getting a new car until my GS is paid off in 2 1/2 more years, but if I had to buy today I'd pick one of these to replace my Acura. I'm just curious what others think of these choices? All of them (except the SC430) would be in the ballpark of $100K the way I'd outfit them.

fireballs gs400

elite group of cars you have picked out. I seen a masaratti the other day, shock factor was WOW. i would say to be honest..a car to keep for a long time. the lexus, then the nsx, then the spider. the benz and jag. no thanks.

mooretorque

Why not Porsche?? C4S (or C2S) Cab would be pretty sweet plus all weather capability. My opinions on the current Lexus vegetable have been posted elsewhere. Don't see why no one is questioning the Maser's reliability (anybody remember the Biturbo aka Firebombo); the Cambio Corsa trans has been a source of aggravation, too, at anything less than WOT. Only drawback to NSX is that it's 14 years old; however, supposed to be new model for '05 so would have to still be considered a potential contender, considering your time frame. Redesigned Jag slated for '05, too, but agree that reliability still a concern. Merc looks good, but imho there are growing problems with quality/reliability, plus dealers almost guaranteed to treat you like used snot. Cadillac XLR?? I don't think so for me, but a good effort............

Hmmmmm..........several new models coming by the time you'll be in serious mode. 3 model years is a long time in automobile time (sort of like dog years??). If it were today, I'd stand by my first choice, the Porch.

jet864

i would take an XLR over those cars. The Maser is REAL nice, but like other Italian cars, the upkeep will be a huge PITA. The XLR, to me at least, is a sign of what Cadillac has been working towards since the Escalade, in which is making cars/trucks/whatever, which can be used and appreciated by everyone. Caddy is making a come back and its not the ol' man's car. I would be all over the XLR, oh, and its the 2nd cheapest up there, for about 76K.

EDIT: I almost forgot, the CLK55 is the only AMG benz without forced induction. it stil puts down about 360 i think, but for the price it would def have to be comparable to the other AMG cars (in power).

James

RNM GS3

Out of those i would take the Maserati.

I would also suggest the MB SL500 and SL55, those cars have great styling and performance. The Porsche 911 would be my first choice though if i had up to $100,000 to spend.

Iceman

Thanks for the opinions--keep 'em coming!

As for some of the suggestions, I am not considering the Porsche because I'm frankly intimidated by the sheer selection of options on that car. I tend to buy the "top of the line" model choice (another thing I couldn't do with a 911) and then load up on all the options, which would probably push the price of even a base 911 over $200K.

The same reasoning sort of applies to the SL--I would want an SL55 and could only afford an SL500 in this budget range. With the CLK55 I could even get a designo package and all the bells and whistles and still come in for less.

The Caddy does nothing for me in terms of styling, plus it will probably take decades of proven reliability for me to believe that American carmakers have learned how to build a vehicle worth owning. I've been down that road and won't fall for it again...