Opinions on my next vehicle

[allntrlundrgrnd]

Hey fellas, some of you may remember me, most of you will not. Ive been gone for a few months. This was my coupe I sold last year when I joined the military, I miss it dearly.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5012572878_14a9bb4ef5_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4965515689_d9f3b80b4f_b.jpg

Anyways, I got stationed in the Bay Area and need a car, I live on a goddamn island. What I'm looking into are 2009 WRX hatch, 2010 GTI, and kindasortamaybe Mazdaspeed 3's. So let's here some opinions/personal experience/hate/love. I need a reliable commuter that I wont go flaccid looking at/driving. Thanks duders, I miss zilvia!

[VROOOM]

i had an 08 Mazdaspeed3. they have tons of midrange power(and torque steer) but there is no top end at all, they handle really well for a fwd and the brakes are really nice too. its a pretty fun car especially for the price. im not sure about now but back when i had mine ther werent too many aftermarket parts available.

[lucky7]

i'd prob get an S2000 if i was in your position. fwd is not my cup, and i'm not really a fan with how subarus drive. i experienced torque steer for the first time in a long time today, driving moms JCW cooper S around on snow tires. ugh.

[Daniel.]

Welcome to the bay area.

2009 wrx all the way. Forget the Speed3. You'll be much happier with the rex.

[HyperTek]

out of the cars you listed, the wrx will probably be the only car on that list that is still cool 10 years from now

[redline racer510]

get a ford pinto and swap in a SR JP, lol.
If I were you i would get a s2000 or a 350z

[jacobs13]

This is just a personal thing I have with subbies. My friend got an impreza wagon and had a million problems with it, it was always in and out of the shop. He then crashed it and got an sti. Same thing happened to this one, hes always fixing shit. His exhaust bolts back out and the exhaust came off, the a/c broke, diffs are grinding, turbo gasket leaks, popping coolant lines and this car has 80k and is stock. I dont know if its coincidence that he got two shitty suburas but his is a momey pit. He payed 16k for and honestly im not impressed. Its quick but for 16k its not that nice but I am an interior person haha but the awd is a plus.

[WanganRunner]

Meh, that Subie 5spd transmission is still garbage.


Buy this. Lancer Sportback Ralliart. Be different.



http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/large/3749/Mitsubishi-Lancer-Sportback-Ralliart_1.jpg


Coolest thing any car company sells for under $30,000, and you *never* see them.

[ronmcdon]

The WRX would be the nicest car from the list.
Test drove a '08 model (with 227 hp as opposed to 265) and softer suspension.
Very comfy car.
Also owned a 06 STi for 2 years, kept stock, had no issues whatsoever.

Don't own a Mk4/5 GTi,
but my mom drives a 06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG, in fwd.
It's a fun, comfortable car that's not too bad on gas consumption.
Just don't think it compares to the MS3 or WRX performance wise.

I'd probably just opt for a newer '11 WRX if I were you.
There's usually decent APR & lease specials.

I would also suggest considering perhaps a wider range of cars.
If you can afford it, the EVO X (current driving) and the Mustang 5.0 are really awesome.

The Genesis Coupe w/ the V6 was also a joy to drive on a recent test drive, although I wish it had a bit more torque.
Was a bit disappointed with 370z test drive, that car felt very cumbersome imo.
Personally I think the Genesis Coupe is a lot more responsive & fun to drive than Z, regardless of performance specs.

[allntrlundrgrnd]

Thanks for the opinions guys. If I had 30 grand to drop it would be an evo x no contest. My budget is more around ~20k. An s2k would be cool but I need something a little more practical.

No one has an opinion on the 2010 gti? I really hate fwd but I love the interiors of those cars.

Im really leaning towards the wrx. Always wanted one and can finally afford it. Hmmm

[ronmcdon]

Meh, that Subie 5spd transmission is still garbage.

Buy this. Lancer Sportback Ralliart. Be different.

Coolest thing any car company sells for under $30,000, and you *never* see them.

I got to test drive one last year (tried persuading her to buy/lease one).
Very fun car, but I just can't justify them being only a few grand less than the evo x, once you throw in the Recaro pkg.
The seats are a must imo.

I think Mitsu would have done better with the Ralliart with sales, if they offered a manual tranny and a lower price.

[ronmcdon]

Thanks for the opinions guys. If I had 30 grand to drop it would be an evo x no contest. My budget is more around ~20k. An s2k would be cool but I need something a little more practical.

No one has an opinion on the 2010 gti? I really hate fwd but I love the interiors of those cars.

Im really leaning towards the wrx. Always wanted one and can finally afford it. Hmmm

You might be better off checking out vwvortex on that.
If you don't mind the sedan body, I think the '11 or '12 GLI will be out in May.
Pricing should be a bit more affordable than the GTI.

Jetta GLI First Photos and Impressions - UPDATED (http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/article_2876.shtml)

[Daniel.]

Forgive my ignorance, but is there a base on Treasure Island or something? If not, what "island" are you stationed at?

[SochBAT]

Mazda2. OH YEAH BUDDY!

[allntrlundrgrnd]

Forgive my ignorance, but is there a base on Treasure Island or something? If not, what "island" are you stationed at?

Right next to treasure island, Yerba buena.

Im waiting for my loan to come through. Probably gonna end up getting the wrx.

[WanganRunner]

If you've got a ~$20k ceiling, go looking for an ~07 Legacy 2.5GT Spec B.

Any Subie with the 6MT is better than any Subie without the 6MT, IMO. Much stronger.

[SlideWell]

3 of my friends that work/worked at AUDI/VW said they will never buy one. i stand by their word. just for one, i wouldnt want a car where the engineers couldnt think around an issue such as replacing the headlight on a passat, where you have to take the whole front bumper off :smash:. buy the WRX, it will hold its value the best. its higher quality car too.

[Gnnr]

If I had to choose from that list maybe the WRX. I have to see how the interior is. I've come to the conclusion if your interior is garbage (cheap materials and uncomfortable) the daily driving experience is balls. Those smaller cars usually have crap interiors. Mid-size and larger tend to have better ones. Personally I'd pick up a used M35 or some other Infiniti or Lexus with 20K. Do you want something your not tempted to modify or whats the deal?

[jacobs13]

Get an e46 m3. They are comforatable and will shit on wrx's

[simmode1]

Around $20k budget? Personally, I'd just stick with S-Chassis until I could afford a base C6 Corvette. 05's are around $23k now. A targa-top would be nice. Totally impractical, though...
http://fatlace.com/lacedup/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/3.jpg

[blingbling]

Around $20k budget? Personally, I'd just stick with S-Chassis until I could afford a base C6 Corvette. 05's are around $23k now. A targa-top would be nice. Totally impractical, though...
http://fatlace.com/lacedup/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/3.jpg

Yeah there's a commuter for ya.:snoop:

[h2v7]

what bridge is that in first pic?

says bay area but i cant place it.

[Big Zee]

hey when you forget milk at the grocery store it could become that quick 2 minute run!

[drift freaq]

Right next to treasure island, Yerba buena.

Im waiting for my loan to come through. Probably gonna end up getting the wrx.

Used to be a Naval Base on Treasure Island. My dad was stationed at it in the late 40's.
Yerba Buena used to be strictly officers housing.

[niscur29]

09 WRX DO IT!!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3871092118_b588f4725e_b.jpg

When she was new and in Florida....sigh MD and road salt! Shits always dirty now.

[WanganRunner]

Current WRX *does* look good as a sedan.....


Y34 would be cool. Not sporty really, but looks beautiful. Tons of parts for them.

[Big Zee]

forgot to cast my vote

I say a 07-08 G35 coupe in black, 6mt, and dual intake system. black color with gold or white TE37's or Varrstoen ES2.2.2 in 19's. great car, reliable, classy and looks really good still :)

[oscarmagana]

i love my STI!!!

[allntrlundrgrnd]

I really don't like how the sedans look. The more I think about it the more I want to get something I wont be tempted to modify.

Anyone have an IS250/350?

[driftsilvias13]

Had one since feb 06'. Very reliable and good on gas. Backseat is kind of small though.

[0100]

^Nice I like those.

The ralliart sportback is cool. Not totally liking the way the back flows but it's cool. My buddy has a regular ralliart, which I have drove a few times and it's a fun car. You would be tempted to mod it though.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o263/Paulinmi/photoshoot1.jpg

[lucky7]

i still can't wrap my head around why you'd want an awd car, yet you live where it never snows? i haven't liked any awd car i've driven. they just don't feel right.

HOWEVER, where i live, it would make lots of sense if it were a DD. even living here, i don't want one. :keke: i just picture dealing with a rwd car in the winter is plausible, because in the summer months it will really shine and make up for it. :)

[blingbling]

Awd cars don't feel right? Not sure if that one makes sense. Drove a stage 2 sti and I was lovin it. Im baffled at the fact that you wouldn't find them appealing, especially when launching. Id say go with the ralliart. It has the aesthetics of a toned down evo, plent of performance, and offers the ease and finesse of an auto with paddle shifters. Win win win on a daily.

[lucky7]

every awd car i've driven tends to understeer. i've never driven an STI, but i've driven a couple of WRX's, and did not at all like how they drove. i just don't think they stack up to rwd cars, regardless of how they launch. lol, they're not for me. not for a fun DD anyhow. maybe if i had it as a 2nd car, that would be more understandable. my opinion of course.

[VROOOM]

every awd car i've driven tends to understeer. i've never driven an STI, but i've driven a couple of WRX's, and did not at all like how they drove. i just don't think they stack up to rwd cars, regardless of how they launch. lol, they're not for me. not for a fun DD anyhow. maybe if i had it as a 2nd car, that would be more understandable. my opinion of course.

you need to drive an Evo X. it feels much better than the WRX/STi. it actually oversteers.

[240sx123$]

'98 Impreza L for the daily grind, '98 SR 240sx for the nice days.

Eventually itll be STi for the daily grind, LS1'd 240sx for the nice days.

[0100]

If you know how to set the car up, you can get an AWD car very neutral, without a lot of understeer. It's too bad they never offered the RA for cheaper with a manual. I am pretty sure the RA uses the same rear diff as the evo IX. If that is the case get this (http://www.teamrip.com/EVOLUTION%20REAR%20DIFFERENTIAL%20SERVICE.html) with the 2 way rear diff, and you will have all the oversteer you ever wanted and still have the AWD.

[allntrlundrgrnd]

Lucky7, awd > fwd

I prefer rwd but there aren't many practical options. Maybe i'll just get my grown man on and buy a lexus. They can be had for roughly the same price as an 09 rex nowadays with relatively low miles.