New Car Time

[LA]

I am leaning towards a 2004 -05 WRX STI , Also maybe a Evo 8 or 9
[/quote]

I love the WRX, but I was looking for something cheap and found it.  I know some will revel in horror, but I just bought my daughter an 04 SRT4 Dodge Neon and it is the most fun I have had in a long time.  This thing is a hoot and when the power hits, a handful.  The car equivalent of hamfistedness is not tolerated well, but well driven, it will put a very big grin on your face.  NO turbo lag, very lightly modded and 250 HP and a little over 250 lb.ft. at 2200-4400rpm (2850 lbs. too). It is a freaking blast.  Came with a $1500 DVD and a radar detector in it too.

I'm buying myself one first chance I get.  The car really reminds me of my motorcycle - very docile or a beast, your choice.

50,000 mi. for $9,000 - a deal in my book.  It has a new engine cause the kid blew it and Dodge replaced it and Granddad picked the car up from the dealer and sold the car.  Hope I can get parts if good ole Chrysler goes the way of the Dodo.



LA

[jagstang]

330i, 330i ZHP, 2001-2002 M3

Tricky to find in a manual, although they are out there...  How are they reliability-wise?

I'd look for a used Lexus..........

So you're recommending an IS?  Never tried one- same situation as the 330?

I  really like the Infinit G35x. 
Has everything you want and you can get a 06 or 07 in your price range. 

I'd probably prefer the Z over the G35, but not by much.

don't let the FWD scare you away from the GTI....or the Mazda(speed) 3....but mostly the GTI. It's a great handling car!

I'm also a big fan of the A4 quattro

I've had great experiences with friends' A4s in the past.  What are some good years of those and GTIs to look for?  I like that many GTIs came with the DSG transmission!

Thanks for the help guys, keep it comin!

[cyrus buelton]

So you're recommending an IS?  Never tried one- same situation as the 330?

I was leaving that up to you to decide, I was just recommending a manufacturer.

I picked up a 2003 RX330 with 72k miles for under 15k

[Le Pirate]

I think if you want a DSG in the GTI, you need to look for an 06 or newer. They should be well within your price range too.


I had a 02 audi, and I've drove a 07 for about a week and a half...both were great

[Latinbalar]

Space might be an issue but a Honda S2000 a used one falls into your price range, reliable and will is a joy to drive on twisty roads.

[corey]

18k?
used v8 stang.

[junior varsity]

Get a sweet old IROC-Z and put some dollars into the motor, and save the rest for rear tires. And maybe a bandanna to cover your noodle.

[jagstang]

Ok, so here is the list so far:

Audi A4 Quattro (or a nice S4 if I can find one)
BMW 330
Ford Mustang GT (05+)
Mazda 3 (cheap enough to buy new)
Nissan 350Z (also an Infinity G35)
Subaru WRX
VW GTI

No convertibles, should have mentioned that earlier.  Any additions?  Or, if you had a bad experience with one, subtractions?

Oh, and no IROC.  Although, along those lines, simplicity of maintenance is a plus.

Test drove a Mazda 3 after work today.  Nice and quick for a front driver, although I hate when you hit a bump midcorner and the front steps out what feels like a foot to the outside.

Brb, just accidentally inhaled powdered sugar off jelly doughnut, need to expel. 

[ROBsS4R]

You have some good choices there. You have 3 or 4 models I was considering on that list 

[jagstang]

Might get my head chewed off for this one, but has anyone tried a Holden (Pontiac) GTO (Monaro) from a couple years back?  They seem like they could be fun.

[bluemoco]

Might get my head chewed off for this one, but has anyone tried a Holden (Pontiac) GTO (Monaro) from a couple years back?  They seem like they could be fun.

GTO could be fun.  Along similar lines, I was going to recommend a Cadillac CTS-V with the big V8 + 6 speed manual trans.  I don't think you'll find a nice CTS-V for less than $25K, though.

Of the cars on your list, I'd vote for the BMW 330 or a late-model 3-series variant (maybe even an M3 if you've got the cash?).   I have seen Mazdaspeed3's and 350Z's haul some serious ass at a track day, so those would be my second- and third-choice recommendations from the cars on your list. 

I'm not a fan of the ridiculously big stepladder/wing on the WRX, but I'm sure they're a blast to drive.  If I'm going to be driving in a <cough> spirited manner, I like cars that don't draw a lot of attention from the  .  Your call on that one.   

Good luck.  Let us know what you decide. 

[Snake]

You CANNOT go wrong with the new WRX.  Although when new, it may be a little out of your price range (25kish). The used models are excellent as well but only have the 225(?)hp motor.  Still a blast to drive .  Also, the used infinity G35 coupes are gorgeous cars and I have never heard a negative comment about one from an owner.  The mazdaspeed3 and mazdaspeed6(no longer made) can be had at a reasonable price and are a hoot to drive.  My buddy at school just recently purchased a used speed6 and loves it.  Didn't have a single problem in the record Erie, PA winter.  The speed3 is just FWD however.  Good luck with whatever you choose!

Glenn

[the_Journeyman]

Out of that list, the 350Z is my personal favorite.  Reliable too ~

JM

[Le Pirate]

Might get my head chewed off for this one, but has anyone tried a Holden (Pontiac) GTO (Monaro) from a couple years back?  They seem like they could be fun.

I bet he could get a nice, new, off the lot G8 (the new GTO) for around 18k, though I haven't looked. They are a nice car.



I'd take the mustang off, just because you can close your eyes and throw a rock and hit one somewhere. There are so many of them on the road....granted, they're all v6 ones....but it's like a song on high rotation on the radio...you get tired of seeing them after a while

[Autostrada Pilot]

I agree, take the Mustang off the list.  Yeah, the GT's might be kinda quick, but there are sooo many on the roads that I don't even notice them anymore.

I vote G35 or 350Z.  My wife has a G35 and it's a zippy car.  Turns well, too.