I went to the San Jose Auto Show yesterday. It's only a few blocks away at the San Jose Convention Center, so I figured why not go and check out the cars?
Unfortunately, the majority of my photos were taken with my Sony digicam, which for some strange reason no longer works on MacOS 10.3.2, but worked fine under MacOS 10.2 . I'm going to have to bring the CD to work and get it copied onto a CD that my Mac can read.
I've more or less decided that I want my next car to be something different than my Celica. The Celica is a great car -- I love it to death, but there are definitely times when I want to drive something different.
Mazda RX-8
The RX-8 was something that I had been excited about for a long time for a variety of reasons -- rotary engine, 4 doors, good coupe-like design... but when i actually got into it, while as a driver it looks and feels great, for the passengers, those rear 2 doors do almost nothing... I had expected the doors to be opened flush against the car like the back of a van, but instead, they only barely cracked open. I'm not a big guy, but anyone larger than me would have a problem getting into the back.
Nissan 350Z Roadster
I actually like it a whole lot more than I thought I would, and in California, where we get sunshine for most of the year, I could definitely see myself driving one of these.
Audi TT
The seats in the back are only suitable for carseats for infants. Trying to squeeze an adult back there would require the amputation of their legs.
Infiniti G35
I looked at both of these. Initially I had discounted the G35 coupe from the list of cars I was considering, mainly because my Celica is a wonderful coupe. The G35 has something my Celica does not, however -- motorized seats which move up and lower to let someone into the back. Not only that, but there is ample leg room in the back of the car.
The sedan is pretty much identical to the coupe, with the exception of having 2 additional doors, and having the option of All-Wheel-Drive (drool...).
Subaru WRX STi and Mitsubishi Evo 8
I've never been really happy with Subaru's styling on the WRX -- but this car is fast and doesn't look it. Both this car and the Mitsubishi Evo 8 are AWD, 4 doors. They both put out gobs of horsepower, but neither one of them really excited me.
In the end, saw loads of great new cars, but I've decided to just save my money until I can afford to get the car I really want, because I'm pretty happy with my Celica for now.
But I must say that looking at all these cars definitely tempts me to purchase something new. There's a lot out there to choose from.
hmm...i envision you with a modest house in the suburbs and at least 4 cars parked outside. who would've figured? "p
I think you're right ... I need a 2-door coupe, a 4-door sedan, a nice convertible, and a station wagon.