What would you have done differently?

Originally I was looking for a new touring model, mainly because I wanted the leather and possibly Nav. Now after doing some research, I find the Enthusiast model has all I really want, minus the leather. The stock rims and stereo would be replaced eventually anyways, and I dont plan on using this as a track car by any means.

So would you guys recommend just getting the Enth. model and getting leather seats later, or just paying extra now for the leather and additional items that come with the touring? Also, would you buy new at this time of the year or just buy a used model and save a few extra dollars? Im not planning on modding this as far as peformance goes or taking away from daily drivablilty. Just a nice looking car to enjoy myself in and "get on it" every now and then. (ETA- Im looking for the six speed)

Thanks, looking forward to suggestions from you guys who have already bought and decided what you liked/didnt like and what you needed and didnt need.

Jimmy

 

Reasons why I got a touring:

Leather. Sure, you can go aftermarket but it's a pain in the butt and you can't get the...

Heated seats. I loooove heated seats

Cruise Control. I'll be taking this car on weekend trips and the like, and cruise control is a must for me.

It's not THAT much more expensive than the other trim levels.

 

If could have done it over......I would have not bought the 2003 model. I would've waited til 2004 and got the convertible. I also would not have bought the HRE rims that I did. I would've gotten something a little less expensive. Everything else I would not have changed.

 

Go for the touring... its a 2-3 k difference if im not mistaken?

 

I'm happy with touring...

I like leather, heated seats, I'm cool with the Bose and have no intention of upgrading my audio. The touring 6mt wheels look good (not as nice as 35AE) but I'd like to get something nicer looking and wider, with better grip etc.

I also like having VDC for rainy days (there are a few in socal), gives me peace of mind.

I also feel safer with the side/curtain airbags... you people who remove your steering wheel to put an aftermarket one with no airbag scare me...

There are so many traffic lights in LA that have no "left turn arrow" which means if you are turning left, and someone opposite you is running a red light, there is always a good possibility of getting in a sideways collision.



Since I doubt you could get an enthusiast with side/curtain airbags and then add leather over the seats without rendering the side airbags useless, I definitely wouldn't have done anything differently.

 

i would have gotten a base model cause of all the modding I'm doing.

 

i would buy the 06 Vett.

 

I got the enthusiast because I went aftermarket on every single item anyways. The enthusiast has HID's and an OEM lsd, which is good to start off with until you upgrade that as well

 

No regrets whatsoever.....Touring, leather seats, 6 speed, VDC, etc. I could have bot a Vette or M3.....you must ask yourself: What will make me happy EVERY time I drive it?

 

i got the enthu and aftermarket leather/stereo upgrades. combined i spent about $2000 on those mods. i haven't been able to upgrade my wheels, but i'm getting to love the stock rims more and more.

 

Enthusiast is best bang for buck; from your post I think you would be happy.

Buy new if you can.

Enth comes with cruise control.

 

I'd do the same thing with no changes.

 

I was torn between an Enthusiast Coupe, Enghusiast Roadster, or 35th Anniversary...ended up going with the Enthusiast Coupe. I added the wheels I wanted and an iPod compatible stereo and have had no regrets.

 

+1.....

 

While I love my Touring I think if I would have to do it all over again I would have bought an Enth. Model and built it up. For what I paid for I just can't see myself tearing out the seats nav and what not.

 

I love my performance and luckily (knock on wood) haven't had any of the usual problems with mine. I wouldn't change anything (except my job and how much money I make so I can dump more into my car, ).

 

Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate all the input, seems everyone is happy with their choices. Well I'll be on the lookout and will post pics when I end up bringing mine home!
Jimmy

 

imo, heated seats are for puzzies.
a/m leather is much less expensive than dealer leather. remember, you're not getting leather seats. you're getting leather seat covers.
if you are a tuner/modder, get a base, and add upgrades as you go. you can then sell your stock parts to recoup some of your costs.
ps: side airbags, head curtain is a must.

 

My 04.5 PPW Enth is perfect for me.

The only thing I wish I had from the factory on this car is the brembo brakes but I figure I will add those later.

Chris

 

I wish I would have learned to play the piano.