New Car decision WOES argh... impreza or Z

[Akiros]

UPDATE 8/2/08 mazdaspeed6 time. page 2

Alright, it's time to get rid of the GTO. it's fast, but I have to have something that handles better, and something that's more my style. The 2 options that I've narrowed it down to: 05 Z anniversary or brand fk new 08 WRX

2008 impreza WRX: its newer, brand new, and can be had hopefully for around 22-23k if I can haggle good enough.

2005 Anniversary 350z with 15k miles: they want 23.9k for this one, it's freakin sweet. 6spd, black, brembos, black and brown leather seats.

anyhoo, I owe 12k on the gto, and I can get 14k out of it, I really REALLY want to not finance over 20k, so the 350 is pushing it just a little. Any other options I should look into? I want a relatively brand new/ SLIGHTLY used car. nothing over 25k miles. NOTHING fwd. Also, there's an 06 speed6 with 24k for 22.9 close to here, but ultimately the Z is way more attractive to me than these other two.

[Okinawandrifter87]

2008 impreza WRX: its newer, brand new, and can be had hopefully for around 22-23k if I can haggle good enough.

I like this one out of the two options given but thats just me.

[drift freaq]

They want to much for that 05 Z. For that kind of money you could find a used 07. Oh and I would take a Z over a WRX any day of the week. Ones a true sports car, the other is a people mover done up for Pro Rally and not that pretty either. In other words unless you have a wife with kids and she won't let you buy a sports car get the Z. :D

[k's_silvia2.0]

WRX is a little more praticle yea?

[stiizy]

i say wrx but it's in my blood to say so



I would get the 350z though







or you can save 6k and buy mine lolz(shameless plug)

[drift freaq]

WRX is a little more praticle yea?

Only if you have little monsters running around along with a significant other. Its not like their is tons of room for hauling stuff in it either.

[Akiros]

yea, I found a white 07 base for 22.9 listed price about 140 miles from me. has 13k on it. this would trump both deals for certain. i'll give them a ring.
I just liked the brand newness of the WRX idea. AWD, turbo, tune can put you in the mid 13's, and flash back to stock to keep the warranty, but when it comes down to it, I'm a nissan fanboy at heart, despite how I hate to admit it ;) Plus a Z is way more stylin' than a rex.

[VROOOM]

I know its FWD but at least test drive a Mazdaspeed3. i bought mine for 23k
it has 263 hp and 280ft/lbs(dynoed at 238hp 267 ft/lbs stock), stock LSD, 6 speed tranny. i was very impressed with it when i test drove it.

[Akiros]

I thought about that, but it's not for me. There's a few down at the local mazda dealer

[stiizy]

;) Plus a Z is way more stylin' than a rex.


I think you have your choice right there!!

[kyoru]

I would recommend a Z but it's terribly impracticable, but I would still go for the Z haha.

[BustedS13]

fuck both
get a C5
save money go faster with better gas mileage

[S13_Nightkid]

uhhh being practical. finance payments would be lower(hopefully) for the rex because its a brand new model(dealership?) And insurance blah se blah. Im doing the same thing.. i can pay everything but i dont wanna get raped by my insurance company because of past driving mistakes. What the hell are you gonna use it for anyway?

[Akiros]

c5 = too old to get financed for, too many miles. I want a new car to have peace of mind. you would be suprised the hell a car can go through in 44k miles (previous owner of the GTO, for instance, haha. :( )

uhhh being practical. finance payments would be lower(hopefully) for the rex because its a brand new model(dealership?) And insurance blah se blah. Im doing the same thing.. i can pay everything but i dont wanna get raped by my insurance company because of past driving mistakes. What the hell are you gonna use it for anyway?
finance payments will be about the same as I'm paying for the GTO. 369/mo with 40 months left. I started the loan with 0 credit, so hopefully after making payments for a little over a year, payments for the new car, financing 20k will be around the same with a lower APR doing 60-66 months. Monthly insurance isnt really a problem for me, I've got a good insurance company :)

the 2007 Z seems like my favorite option. same price, just 13k more miles than the suby. waiting on my loan officer to call me back to see what my options are.

[BustedS13]

I would recommend a Z but it's terribly impracticable, but I would still go for the Z haha.

what the msglength

[BustedS13]

http://images.corvettefever.com/techarticles/corp_0410_24_z+C5_corvette_classic_design_concepts +completed.jpg

[Akiros]

What the hell are you gonna use it for anyway?
daily, maybe a little auto-x since that's all we have here. can vq35hr's make decent NA power?

[ronmcdon]

between the 2 choices, I'd opt for the wrx. for the money, I'd just rather have a brand new car instead. Other than that, the new wrx hatch really does have a lot of room inside. you can haul a good deal of junk, in addition to comfortably seating 4 adults.

I got the chance to test drive an 08 wrx earlier this year, and really enjoyed the way it drove. I prefer the 08 wrx's steering over my previous 06 sti. the wrx's steering feel was solid, heavier, communicative, and not as quick. chassis, suspension, clutch feel and shifter were solid and very confidence inspiring. It was a car I felt comfortable pushing fairly hard from the start. It reminds me of a more mellow, practical, civil version of my current evo. materials inside were also pretty good. power delivery was smooth, and it had good (but not impressive) power. for 24k, I thought it was a great package.

Things I didn't care for so much, was the less efficient mpg and the more toyota-esque exterior design. The un-supportive seats were my biggest gripe. It could use a bit more power, but that's essentially a non-issue with how easily the ej25 responds to power making mods.

Oh, don't bother with the base 08 impreza. You can prob lease that for under $150/month if you're cheap. But that car's completely garbage. Everything feel vague, too soft in it. Reminded me of an old caddillac more than anything else. It's also a bit too underpowered imo. Mileage ain't that great either.

With the Z33's, no comment. I have never been a fan. But, hey as long as you like the way it drives and what it offers, then why not? :)

[drift freaq]

daily, maybe a little auto-x since that's all we have here. can vq35hr's make decent NA power?

hahahha thats a understatement. Technosquare did a ECU flash for a guy with a 07 and Nismo Y pipe and nothing else and turned out 296 WHP. Another guy strapped a Greddy Emanage on his stock ECU with high flow cats and exhaust and turned out 306 WHP. VQHR's are badass engines.


Oh and to Busteds13 while a C5 Vette is a decent car at this point the C5 has entered fall apart stage. Its a GM and currently most GM's start falling apart after the first couple of years of life. Modern Vette's are notoriously in this rattle can catagory.

He the OP is better off getting the Z. I don't think he wants to spend time fixing little shit.

Oh I might add, your going to get very opposing arguments in this question because basically a WRX and Z should not be compared. They are completely different cars attracting a completely different type of driver for the most part.
A Z will attract a true Sports car driver and fan. Whereas a WRX will attract a sports car enthusiast though not always people in love with driving true sports cars. Some WRX drivers like Z's most don't. Most Z car drivers though appreciating WRX's will most likely always opt for a car more like a Z less like a WRX.

[Akiros]

no way would I get a base impreza ;) and I'd opt for the WRX sedan, hatches are alright, but I'd prefer a sedan.

so, with tune and I/E I can have the same power my LS1 makes stock? sweet, I'm in. any programs available incase I need to flash it back to stock for warranty sake?

[HyperTek]

land a z33 with gps and the brembos =p

its still a Z car = has that Z heritage behind it as every Z car has.

At least your not like the last guy on zilvia who was considerin a srt4 heheh

[S13_Nightkid]

its your pick though.AWD vs. RWD. coupe vs. sedan. etc..

if you want ill hapily spend the money!

[Akiros]

land a z33 with gps and the brembos =p

its still a Z car = has that Z heritage behind it as every Z car has.

At least your not like the last guy on zilvia who was considerin a srt4 heheh

it pretty much comes down to, do I want a newer Z with the HR or an older Z with brembos and leather niceness. HR wins :hsdance:

[S13_Nightkid]

At least your not like the last guy on zilvia who was considerin a srt4 heheh

who was this??? buying an srt-4 is like trying to play with dead babies. It just doesnt work out.

[Mi Beardo es Loco]

r33 gtr ftw!!!!

[drift freaq]

r33 gtr ftw!!!!

Ok lets just throw all the reasons the OP was posting for and looking to buy for out the window here. LOL . I guess everyone wants to get their funny in.

[BustedS13]

buy an ariel atom, it's the only logical choice

[Mi Beardo es Loco]

Ok lets just throw all the reasons the OP was posting for and looking to buy for out the window here. LOL . I guess everyone wants to get their funny in.

the default answer to every question ever asked is r33 gt-r.

How was your day? r33 gr-r
what movie are you going to watch? r33 gt-r
will you marry me? r33 gt-r

see

It's just a force of habit. sorry :coolugh:

But I'd go with the WRX honestly. Z's are cool but the question whether to go new or used on a relatively equal car is pretty easy. Plus, the WRX is 4door.

[stiizy]

Buy a wrx sedan and throw this in for weekends and then remove it for awd traction and it only cost like 6 bills...

http://members.cox.net/mrmccrackin/IMG_1020%20copy.jpg


I think i might get i one and have a dope ass car for drift as well as my winter fighter!!

[ZX88]

i kind of like the impreza hatch the sti looks mean in person. but since your only looking at the impreza id say go with the z cause its a nicer car, better quality components.

[Mi Beardo es Loco]

i kind of like the impreza hatch the sti looks mean in person. but since your only looking at the impreza id say go with the z cause its a nicer car, better quality components.

forgive me if I'm wrong but doesn't Japan not have the 2.5l motor in the WRX's yet? I know it's in the forester or something but I just don't think they have it for the WRX's yet. That 2.0l is certainly no slouch!

[MikeisNissan]

Get the WRX! becuase I am going to get a Z..

[stiizy]

The New wrx does have a 2.5 in it usdm, Jdm one i dont think so..

[Akiros]

Get the WRX! becuase I am going to get a Z..

that's cool. Knowing that I can get an 07 Z for around the same price, I'm going with that. We need more Z33 owners on this board. especially premie Z members :love:

[flip3d]

Since you live in Arkansas, I'm going to say Impreza.

[ronmcdon]

Oh I might add, your going to get very opposing arguments in this question because basically a WRX and Z should not be compared. They are completely different cars attracting a completely different type of driver for the most part.
A Z will attract a true Sports car driver and fan. Whereas a WRX will attract a sports car enthusiast though not always people in love with driving true sports cars. Some WRX drivers like Z's most don't. Most Z car drivers though appreciating WRX's will most likely always opt for a car more like a Z less like a WRX.


They are totally different choices for sure, but fun to drive in diff ways.

Best of both worlds, would be to not compromise and get both! An older bug/blob eye wrx you could get for 12-15k. A great condition older miata w/ low miles. you could get for $5k. I'm in a similar situation. I have my evo, and my s14 (before that, it was a 91 miata). I couldn't be happier having 2 cars with such different driving personality :)

If you got a Z, you might likewise be able to pick up a good condition older impreza (preff 2.5rs) later on.

[exitspeed]

I have to say Z. WRX is just not my bag.

[g6civcx]

How about you make more money and buy both?

[Mi Beardo es Loco]

How about you make more money and buy both?
yeah, that way he could buy a garage, let me live in a little rabbit hole upstairs, buy a Evolution, covert it RWD, let me drift in it, and then die in a Veilside RX7...... good times.

[g6civcx]

yeah, that way he could buy a garage, let me live in a little rabbit hole upstairs, buy a Evolution, covert it RWD, let me drift in it, and then die in a Veilside RX7...... good times.

I'm ready to take that 86 Corolla off your hands.

[S13shaka]

be really different and get a Lancer Ralliart

[SW20Racer]

I have to say Z. WRX is just not my bag.

http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/02/Austin-Powers-Pump.jpg

me either. get the z or @ least an evo. hell, get an mr2 spyder or a miata.

[chibo]

I'm ready to take that 86 Corolla off your hands.
Put up your 76 Skyline.

[fliprayzin240sx]

The only thing Ive always hated about the Z is its looks. I was never fond of it. I would rather pick up a G37...

Z vs brand spanking new WRX...I'd still take the Z. If its a Z vs STi, I'd probably take the STi.

[s13poop]

i'd take the Z

after selling my coupe and hopping into a 2.5i (na impreza) i got bored of it quick as a DD

i've driven more than enough wrx's, legacy's in my time and i really don't like the cheap interior of the impreza but the ej25 is a good engine and responds well to mods

with the Z you get a faster car off the lot also better wheel fitment and aftermarket parts for your car ;)

have you even looked into a legacy GT?? they are pretty fast and solid cars as well :bigok:

i think it would be more comparible if you had the Z vs the STI which i would choose the STI over the Z :keke:

[lucky7]

pfffftt! E30. the end.

[Akiros]

i'd take the Z

after selling my coupe and hopping into a 2.5i (na impreza) i got bored of it quick as a DD

i've driven more than enough wrx's, legacy's in my time and i really don't like the cheap interior of the impreza but the ej25 is a good engine and responds well to mods

with the Z you get a faster car off the lot also better wheel fitment and aftermarket parts for your car ;)

have you even looked into a legacy GT?? they are pretty fast and solid cars as well :bigok:

i think it would be more comparible if you had the Z vs the STI which i would choose the STI over the Z :keke:

legacy gt's are too hard to find in my neck of the woods, I do like them. there's one on autotrader in my price range 400ish miles away, an 07 with 7k, but the dealership here doesnt have any GT's for me to test drive I dont think. (plus, I like the Z's ;))

[Akiros]

pfffftt! E30. the end.

funny you say this, because while I was browsing for a new car, I found a 1989 325i with like 200k miles, immaculate body. motor has some sort of "power drain" problem as the dealer described it, but since I owe 12k on the GTO, I offered them that if they pay my car off, we could trade straight up. It's a neat little car, plus I can drive the s13 if I need to get back and forth. No car payment would be super nice.

[drift freaq]

funny you say this, because while I was browsing for a new car, I found a 1989 325i with like 200k miles, immaculate body. motor has some sort of "power drain" problem as the dealer described it, but since I owe 12k on the GTO, I offered them that if they pay my car off, we could trade straight up. It's a neat little car, plus I can drive the s13 if I need to get back and forth. No car payment would be super nice.

wait your going to get them to pay off your GTO and give you their car for the GTO ? LOL whats a 89 325i with 200k worth? $1500?I don't know who is getting the shorter end of the stick here?

[Akiros]

my car has been hit in the rear(fixed through insurance), so no clean carfax. little things are wrong with the GTO and it doesnt hold it's value worth anything, I'm just going to be glad to get rid of it, damn pontiac.

I'd believe its pretty much an even trade, considering I'd take 14000 for my car. I need to make a deal happen by the time I need to renew my insurance, which is August 13, and also when my job changes.

I'm going back to school then too, so this would be a load off if I got the car situation figured out. Also, with no car payment, I can get a lot more done on the s13.

[raz0rbladez909]

since you're looking at a z did you ever think about the g35? pretty much same car, except the g35 has a little bit more room and i hate the z's giant rear strut bar
http://http://www.gruppe-s.com/350z/g35ext/ings_g35c_f.jpg

[blackrms13]

maybe look for a older gen WRX/STi? like 05ish



and I always thought the 35th anniversary comes in yellow ONLY

[Akiros]

maybe look for a older gen WRX/STi? like 05ish



and I always thought the 35th anniversary comes in yellow ONLY

comes in yellow, black, and silver IIRC

g35 is too spensive. since I'd like an 07. Putting the car in the paper for 14.5 obo, theres a kouki with a fender and hood needing replacement I found for 1900, might see something about that.

[Akiros]

UPDATE:

I've found a 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 with 14k miles for 16.9k

IF all goes well, I pick her up monday and welcome me to the AWD club!

[ESmorz]

G35 maybe?

Best of both worlds?

[Flipzide]

Should've gone for the 350z.. I love those cars. It feels awesome w/o any mods, imo.

[YoungGun]

If you get a wrx get the 06-07 still pretty new and look a million times better than the 08.

Or just get the Z lol.

[Akiros]

IM NOT GETTING AN IMPREZA OR A Z, READ PEOPLE

Should've gone for the 350z.. I love those cars. It feels awesome w/o any mods, imo.
For power goals keeping it in the warranty, a turbo motor is much better for me, plus I've never had an AWD car. should be a fun car.

cancelling the GTO's warranty leaves me with 800 or so to play with. maybe save for some coilovers? :)

[YoungGun]

ZOOM ZOOM beyooootch.

[HyperTek]

at least choose the car that 10-20 years down the line, you can proudly say "i had a so and so".

Mazda 6 probably wont be any type of collector value in 5 years... but then again your still 20, tons of life ahead to get a G ride.. I feel you on that tho, just get something to get you buy without worring about it.

They needa do a mazdaspeed 5. That thing looks pretty dam fly for a wagon/van whatever... throw some deep dish wheels on it and lower it a lil bit =D

[Akiros]

at least choose the car that 10-20 years down the line, you can proudly say "i had a so and so".

Mazda 6 probably wont be any type of collector value in 5 years... but then again your still 20, tons of life ahead to get a G ride.. I feel you on that tho, just get something to get you buy without worring about it.

They needa do a mazdaspeed 5. That thing looks pretty dam fly for a wagon/van whatever... throw some deep dish wheels on it and lower it a lil bit =D

If I cared about that I would keep the GTO ;) (shit is going down in value QUICK, this time next year I bet the 2004's can be had for 10,000)

time to bring wheel fitment and style to the mazdaspeed6 world :)

[flip3d]

impreza impreza impreza

[SW20Racer]

not a bad choice man.

this doesnt look TOO bad
http://www.teamsleep.net/myspace/atenzagarage.jpg

concept, but im diggin the wheels, no lip whore status, but still look good
http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/mazda6_mps_concept2.jpg

its hard to find any good examples of a nice mazdaspeed 6. post some up if ya gots em.

[michaelvic240]

no to the mazdaspeed6 its too big but awd
get the hr z i luvs mines
or wait till the 09 wrxs are out 20hp gain on 08s

[Akiros]

its hard to find any good examples of a nice mazdaspeed 6. post some up if ya gots em.

It really is, I've searched a LOT and it seems these guys are too scared to run decent sized wheels. I've narrowed it down: 18x9 all around +45 will fit with some trimming and rolling. The car is red. It will have gold wheels (VSXX if I can find some in that sizing) 5 spoke or mesh. black out the windows, theres a cool lip they make for it, leave it black. Once the car is lowered, it looks a lot better. I'll probably go with eibach prokits until I decide for coilovers, or better options come out. FMIC, exhaust, tune. that should do me for a while.

[Akiros]

here's 18x9 +45 Advan RS on HKS hipermax coilovers. Pretty much the ONLY one with decent wheel fitment. everyone else is running fucking 19x8 or 18x7.5 or 17x7 or some bullshit :ghey:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/smracer31/DSC00995.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/smracer31/DSC01001.jpg

[ronmcdon]

good job on choosing the red (velocity red?). best color there is for the ms6 imo.

[g6civcx]

How about CTS-V vs. IS-F?

[lucky7]

http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k369/michel1987/DSCF0513.jpg

http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k369/michel1987/DSCF0512.jpg

http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k369/michel1987/DSCF0491.jpg

you can throw an SR in it, if you want. haha.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j96/airbrain/ERK_0076.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j96/airbrain/ERK_0072.jpg

k, im done.

[rb25_s13*CHUKI]

I say the 08 impreza. Factory Awd,turbo,Boxer engine,great sounding exhaust note and they are reliable where ever you go.