It’s the new SE-R

Well I have finally made the decision on what my first brand new car is to be, the new SE-R. Although it tied up with the Lexus, I decided to make this one my first new car. Boy am I happy that I choose this car, it is really everything I wanted in one. I am proud to be one of the first owners of the model line, I grabbed the honor of having the first one in the Hudson Valley and one of the first ones in general in the US. Just released a month ago, I picked mine up a few days ago and I have just broke the 100 mile barrier, finding nothing really not to like about this ride. The sharp edge exterior design, with really hot rims and body kit all standard on the ride make it a looker. The inside is great with racing seats and gauges as well as a sunroof that is real nice on the highway. The premium sound system defiantly pumps with 8 speakers (2 subs), the Rockford Fosgate system really handles base well keeping the sound crisp and if you do not feel like listening to the radio just plug in the iPod and be your own DJ (great added feature!). Although the sound system kicks, one of the best features on this ride is the intelligent key system. By having the Key Fob in your pocket you can unlock and lock any door by touching it and start your car by sitting in it. As for the performance, Nissan really hit the nail on the head. The steering is very tight, ride is also very tight with the racing suspension add-ons. The acceleration is real quick with the 4 banger pumping out nearly 180HP.

Something that really takes getting use to is the CVT transmission. Known as the “shift-less tranny”, it really seems to just go and no shifting. It is great on fuel economy and defiantly helps the performance end. The added option of switching to “semi-manual” with race inspired shift paddles is a nice added treat for those days you feel like pushing it. This is a great ride and I hope it lives up to it’s Nissan name of dependability for the next 100,000 miles!

PROS

• Fast, Nice Sounding Performance
• Great Looking Car
• Tons of Toys to Play With
• What’s Not to Like???

CONS

• This Car is Fully Loaded and No Bluetooth?
• Back Seats Do Not Fold Down

What Should My New Car Be?

My 1999 Jeep Cherokee has spent half of it’s life with me. I bought it just before I graduated high school with a mere 50,000 miles on it. It is now 8 years old and approaching 100,000 miles. So I have decided it is time and I will finally replace her this summer. I am a person who really plans out things, especially when it will cost a lot. I plan on spending around $20,000 and have setup some qualities I am looking for in a car:

1. It has to be comfortable and fun to drive.
2. Want it to have some pickup, but nothing crazy.
3. An automatic tranny with either steering wheel mounted paddle shifters or stick shifter
4. I am an audiophile, so a great sound system with an iPod hookup
5. Lastly, something that is sharp looking and has a sunroof

So with that said I have narrowed down my search to three vehicles, two are new and one is used. My favorite car company is Toyota which owns Lexus and Scion, so two of the vehicles are from that company. All of the cars have pretty much what I want; some kick, a great audio system, look good, and are comfortable. The 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R comes out in a month, in march. It has all the features I want in a car and is now my number 1 pick. The 2007 Scion Tc comes with just about everything I want with the exception of paddle shifters in the automatic. However it is the only model to have an actual iPod interface so you can control your iPod from the cars audio system. Lastly is my second pick, the Lexus IS300. The only used car I am looking at because of its price. However it is a Lexus so it will last forever. This car also has just about everything with the exception of a iPod hookup.

So what I have decided to do is have a vote to see what car I should pick. Right now my personal vote is the Nissan, then the Lexus, and lastly the Scion. So vote away and we will see what I get around June!