If (insert Asian brand here) did (insert wish here) I'd buy one....

[A Horse With No Name]

I think I saw that one, that chick looked like she was in pain.

On a less porn-related note, I think LA is on to something. There is a lot of anti-foreign sentiment around here.

There is, but Sixty Eight drove a Datsun Forever, Carbiz and his BF/Husband/Partner are driving around in a Korean built car, Oldsmoboi IIRC is riding around in his BF's Honda since the battlewagon sold, You drive a Prius, Siegen drives an Acura Integra IIRC, I drive a Miata, half the people here lust after Nissans, Lamar drives a Nissan or two IIRC, Dodgefan drives a Prizm which is basically a Toyota, Moltar doesn't hate anybody or anything, Duncan drove a Mazda, BV drove a Mazda before the Volkswagen, etc.

And lets face it, the Asians build some crappy cars as well as some brilliant ones. The RX-7 and RX-8 are brillaint IMHO, the Tundra is moronic IMHO.

Chris

[A Horse With No Name]

oh and the GTR of course

...nahhh, you need a Viper. For thye price of a new GTR you could pick up two clean Vipers used.

But a GTR would be sweet.

Chris

[Intrepidation]

...nahhh, you need a Viper. For thye price of a new GTR you could pick up two clean Vipers used.

But a GTR would be sweet.

Chris

Well naturally, I would buy a Viper first, because I have always loved them. A black ACR would be incredible. But the GTR, like the ZR1, is an amazing car you could faitly comfortably live with daily.

That being said I have always loved the fearsomeness about the Viper. very few cars make you rely on your own skill to weild them, and reward you so much for your efforts. It also is an axe murder, ready to kill foolish victims.

Edited August 22, 2008 by Dodgefan

[§carlet §wordfish]

If Toyota built a new Celica, I'd buy one... eh, maybe.

If Infinity built a Q that wasn't pig ugly, I'd buy one.

If Honda sold the Civic hatchback here, I'd buy one because they are awesomely styled.

Of course, this is all assuming I'd ever have enough money to buy a new car.

[LosAngeles]

Actually I think it would be really cool to have an African car company. I know a lot of very artistic African Americans, and my son Joel is going to a high School (http://www.artcollegeprep.com) for the arts that is mostly African American.

There are some really cool students at his school, and I would just LOVE to see what a different culture could come up with in terms of cars.

I bet it would be a damn site better than a Camry!

Well, black folks are in high places at the the Detroit three (see Ed Welburn), that's different...

I mean if African countries started up new brands...

and I don't mean South Africa.

Like if there was a Kenyan company that built a car called a Marathon. Probably would have major range.

Or if the Nigerians built a car called a 419. Claimed it was really fast and exotic, but would have consumers afraid it was a ripoff.

Anyway, tacky jokes aside, it would be nice to see African industry go in such a direction. Especially keeping in mind that a lot of extremely highly educated people call the continent home.

Moving on from that rant and back to Asians...

If the Indians built a very peppy and sporty Mini-competitor, and it was some kinda crazy setup like a flex-diesel twincharged hybrid* (I feel like I'm 9 typing this, but) I'd have to test drive such a torquey, miserly beast.

Why aim for Mini? Well, India is a British-influenced country with a need for fairly small cars.

And no disrespect to the Indians, but for a country to pride itself on education and have its student often lean towards engineering, it should be their duty to come up with the cooler things in life!!

*Imagine the weird noise a car like that would make. Wouldn't know whether to be quiet, klackety klack, or whine like crazy.

[Robert Hall]

If the Indians built a very peppy and sporty Mini-competitor, and it was some kinda crazy setup like a flex-diesel twincharged hybrid* (I feel like I'm 9 typing this, but) I'd have to test drive such a torquey, miserly beast.

Why aim for Mini? Well, India is a British-influenced country with a need for fairly small cars.

And no disrespect to the Indians, but for a country to pride itself on education and have its student often lean towards engineering, it should be their duty to come up with the cooler things in life!!

*Imagine the weird noise a car like that would make. Wouldn't know whether to be quiet, klackety klack, or whine like crazy.

It will be interesting to see if Tata brings cars to the US eventually... Working in the software biz, I know alot of Indians...most seem to drive Toyotas--Corollas and Camrys, though I know a few that drive Nissans, Hondas, VWs, BMWs, and one fellow that drove a TrailBlazer..

[Blake Noble]

A modern-day incarnation of the Nissan 240SX would catch my attention.

[A Horse With No Name]

A modern-day incarnation of the Nissan 240SX would catch my attention.

Mine too, but I think a modern day version of the original 240Z would be even better.

Chris

[Lamar]

Actually I think it would be really cool to have an African car company. I know a lot of very artistic African Americans, and my son Joel is going to a high School (http://www.artcollegeprep.com) for the arts that is mostly African American.

There are some really cool students at his school, and I would just LOVE to see what a different culture could come up with in terms of cars.

I bet it would be a damn site better than a Camry!

Chris

I think so too, but like it was said earlier, with some of the anti-Asian sentiment thrown around here, it would be real interesting if the negative sentiment was turned toward Africa.

Hmm... I wouldn't be too surprised if within the next 30 or so years, we began to see some development from someplace like South Africa or Nigeria.

[Sixty8panther]

The last 2 gens. of the civic have def. gone way downhill...

esp. mechanically, (suspension...) as well as styling goes!

Satty, small car perfection was achieved in 1959 with the

Original mini!

[Sixty8panther]

The two seem easily blurred here at times. Like brands are hated on simply because they're Asian. While many European brands that aren't exactly much better or the friend of fans of American cars seem to be cut much slack by comparison.

Some people expressing WWII- and communism-based views about some cars as if the Asians can't make anything worth driving.

Trust, I don't care for the current Toyota or Honda or the culture in the U.S. that feels neither can do wrong either.

But some of these posts are clearly sending a message based on something completely different.

I'd hate to see what kinda views would be shot off if an African car company existed.

LA:

With all due respect do NOT pull some race-card nonsense.

My buddy Sean i mention is S. Korean, he hates most

non-Datsun asian cars... owns like 7 Chevy cars/trucks &

has had dozens of muscle cars/hot rods incl. a '32 highboy

with a 5.0 & the 69 camaro all of you have seen.

The only Japanese car he's ever owned was a Datsun 240Z

and he converted it into a Shelby roadster repli-car using

some kit from a '70s catalog... is he racist too...

Like Camino said, its a car forum.

[Sixty8panther]

Hmmmm... the NSX is from louisiana.... can u say "flood car"?

either way while 24K may seem decent for a clean NSX but 146k miles?

There's not many cars with 146k miles worth $24... the NSX is NOT one!

[A Horse With No Name]

Satty, small car perfection was achieved in 1959 with the

Original mini!

As a huge fan of both the original and new mini/MINI, I would have to agree!

Chris

[deftonesfan867]

I think you're thinking of Larry Shinoda. Mike Shinoda is the rapper for Linkin Park. But yes, Larry Shinoda did design some of the most iconic cars in American history. Of course, he was American, not Asian, and his designs are deeply rooted in the American automotive design tradition, not the Japanese.

I know who Mike Shinoda is, not sure why I was thinking him and Larry had the same name tho.

[Camino LS6]

I have to disagree on the original Mini.

Even though it had a storied racing career, driving one is akin to being in an oven - one that is full of gas fumes.

Yes, I've had the displeasure of driving one.

The new Mini is another story entirely, it is one of a tiny number of FWD cars that I actually like. And the packaging under the hood is a miracle of engineering.

[ocnblu]

If Datsun made a true spiritual successor to the original 510... A sensible 4-seat body with a spirited 4 cylinder, manual transmission, and great handling... 2 door, 4 door and wagon, like the original. That'd be cool. This upcoming Subaru RWD coupe sounds interesting as well.

[Satty]

I saw this earlier. Its a 300ZX and a Supra, the pic isn't the best. If I could have one (or both) I'd be happy.

Edited August 24, 2008 by Satty

[siegen]

Hmmmm... the NSX is from louisiana.... can u say "flood car"?

either way while 24K may seem decent for a clean NSX but 146k miles?

There's not many cars with 146k miles worth $24... the NSX is NOT one!

The NSX is a vehicle that holds its value, and is worth that amount assuming it is in excellent condition and hasn't been abused. It is a rare vehicle as well, which helps to increase its value.

[Satty]

Wow, that black NSX looks like a C5 from the a-pillar forward. Wait, the NSX came first.

[Robert Hall]

The NSX is a vehicle that holds its value, and is worth that amount assuming it is in excellent condition and hasn't been abused. It is a rare vehicle as well, which helps to increase its value.

Yes..my buddy Steve bought his '91 in '98 for about $35k..it had 30k on it then...not sure how much it's worth now, but has 45k and is still very clean..black on black. It's my favorite Japanese car, probably..have driven it a few times--I love the feel...manual steering, manual transmission, great engine sounds, very reliable. There are a couple guys in the Colorado NSX Group that have over 100k on their cars--one guy has a '91 with almost 200k, has driven it cross country several times.

[Intrepidation]

I saw this earlier. Its a 300ZX and a Supra, the pic isn't the best. If I could have one (or both) I'd be happy.

+1

[A Horse With No Name]

The new Mini is another story entirely, it is one of a tiny number of FWD cars that I actually like. And the packaging under the hood is a miracle of engineering.

Went out Autocrossing with the Miata club Sunday, and got to ride with a good driver in a Cooper S. Amazing car.

Also got to watch a 2004 GTO thorugh the cones...also amazing!

[Camino LS6]

Went out Autocrossing with the Miata club Sunday, and got to ride with a good driver in a Cooper S. Amazing car.

Also got to watch a 2004 GTO thorugh the cones...also amazing!

I've put both of those through their paces, and they are both fun rides.

[79VetteZ06]

I saw this earlier. Its a 300ZX and a Supra, the pic isn't the best. If I could have one (or both) I'd be happy.

+1.5 Only if the bolded one was a Turbo. N/A did not have enough oomph to them.

[A Horse With No Name]

+1.5 Only if the bolded one was a Turbo. N/A did not have enough oomph to them.

I'd still rather have an F-body or a Stang for sure though. Esp. an LS1 or Lt1 fourth gen, although I wouldn't kick a third gen F-body out of the garage.

There are a few imports I really, really like, but in the end if I had my druthers (and you get beyond really small cars) I'd still rather have an F- body or Mustang.

Chris

[Satty]

I saw a yellow NSX and wow, that thing was sex on wheels.

[Chris_Doane]

I have to disagree on the original Mini.

Even though it had a storied racing career, driving one is akin to being in an oven - one that is full of gas fumes.

Yes, I've had the displeasure of driving one.

You drove one bad classic Mini. Now go drive a good one.

Well kept classic Mini's are not as you describe.

[A Horse With No Name]

I'm still thinking a new MINI may well be my next car, if it isn't a GTI, TDI Jetta or Cobalt SS.

But yes, drive a good classic mini.

Chris

[Satty]

A new Cooper S was immediately shot down as an option before the Prius came around.

[Camino LS6]

You drove one bad classic Mini. Now go drive a good one.

Well kept classic Mini's are not as you describe.

Perhaps, but the experience has soured me on them permanently, I fear.

I also felt extremely claustophic in it - something the new Mini had no hint of.

[A Horse With No Name]

The revised (current) MINI is even better, as the center stack in the car is narrower and there is more knee room.

Although the speedo is now larger than the rims on a drug dealers Escalade....

Chris

[Camino LS6]

The revised (current) MINI is even better, as the center stack in the car is narrower and there is more knee room.

Although the speedo is now larger than the rims on a drug dealers Escalade....

Chris

I'd like to get a chance to drive the revised version.

[Sixty8panther]

The NSX is a vehicle that holds its value, and is worth that amount assuming it is in excellent condition and hasn't been abused. It is a rare vehicle as well, which helps to increase its value.

Back in 1984 my wife's Mercedes 500SEC was THE MOST expensive

regular production passenger car made by Daimler Benz. You could

have bought two Corvettes or one 500SEC.

Find me one with 148K miles and I'll show you one who's asking price

is 20% of it's original MSRP. That's all I was saying. Not putting down

the NSX, I think it's overrated but an exemplary vehicle, one worth

a good chunk even with 148,000 miles, but not $24,000.

[gm4life]

I would buy a Prius if Toyota promised to die. Really I would, then I would re-sell it. I am wiht Moltar Town Car is the anti-Prius I would be proud to own one.

[Sixty8panther]

Well the new MINI is like twice the size of the original.

Camino:

The original MINI is amazing, it may be a bit uncivilized,

remember it was from the same era as the "glorious"

Nash Metropolitan and all those spartan Crosleys that

amount to a LIL RED WAGON with a motor from a weed

wacker and lacking basics such as doors.

Compare the 1959-up Mini to a 1970s Trabant or other

such craptastic turdbucket and you'd appreciate it.

[Camino LS6]

Well the new MINI is like twice the size of the original.

Camino:

The original MINI is amazing, it may be a bit uncivilized,

remember it was from the same era as the "glorious"

Nash Metropolitan and all those spartan Crosleys that

amount to a LIL RED WAGON with a motor from a weed

wacker and lacking basics such as doors.

Compare the 1959-up Mini to a 1970s Trabant or other

such craptastic turdbucket and you'd appreciate it.

Could be.

The one I drove was a complete POS in my opinion though. I hated every minute being in it.

[Sixty8panther]

If Town Car is the Anti-Prius, with its 4-doors, 4.6 liter V8 and fixed pillars, that

must make my '59 Buick (6.0 liter V8) and even the wife's '84 Mercedes hardtop

(5.0 liter V8) the ANTI-ANTI-Prius.

Or how about a 1971 Cadillac Coupe deVille with a 500 and a trailer hitch?

[Chevy Nick]

If Toyota brought back the Supra (and made it affordable) I'd buy one.........