Car Shopping.....what to choose???

[DuBobD]

I am starting some car shopping and so far, I have 2 candidates. I was wondering if anyone has any input on these two models and/or other suggestions.

I am looking for 200+ HP, with a manual tranny preffered. I do not want a 4-banger engine. I prefer German or American and it has to be under $30k.

My choices so far are: (updated at 4:30pm)
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Comp. package
2003 or 4 Chrysler 300M Special
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T

Let me know what you think!

Thanks!

 

[CraigRT]

well i'd definitely go Stratus R/T over the crappy VW.

 

[GasX]

buy a used car...

 

[gordy]

Stratus...


just don't put one of those grotesque-gaping-arsehole-exhuast extenders on it

 

[DuBobD]

I am 26 and on my 2nd used car......it's time to buy something brand new, unless I can get a 2001 M3 for ~$30k!.

 

[Viper GTS]

Under $30K would get you a VERY nice selection of 2000-2002 models.

Let someone else take the first year depreciation hit.

Viper GTS

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
buy a used car...

like a nice contour SVT

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: DuBobD
I am 26 and on my 2nd used car......it's time to buy something brand new

That attitude won't get you very far financially, but if you MUST get a new car have you looked at A4's?

A 2003 3.0 Quattro is a little over your $30K limit, but a 1-2 year old should be well under.

Viper GTS

 

[DuBobD]

Thanks Viper! Also I am 6'1" so leg room is important.

Don't worry about the fart-pipe.......I want to eat rice with this. I already have plans to make it a sleeper with a supercharger under the hood.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: DuBobD
Thanks Viper! Also I am 6'1" so leg room is important.

Don't worry about the fart-pipe.......I want to eat rice with this. I already have plans to make it a sleeper with a supercharger under the hood.

too bad you're not in Mexico.. the Stratus R/T is a 2.4L Turbo (same as the SRT) but I guess in the states it's a 2.7L V6 200HP.

 

[DuBobD]

No, the R/T is a 3.0L Mitsubishi V6.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: DuBobD
No, the R/T is a 3.0L Mitsubishi V6.

riiiiiight
first i hear of this

 

[CraigRT]

R/T 2.7 sedan

end of the first paragraph mentions 2.4turbo Stratus R/T

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: DuBobD
Thanks Viper! Also I am 6'1" so leg room is important.

Don't worry about the fart-pipe.......I want to eat rice with this. I already have plans to make it a sleeper with a supercharger under the hood.

This will seem like an odd suggestion, but have you thought about an Accord V6 Coupe?

My Accord coupe had more legroom in front than just about any vehicle I've driven. I'm 6'2 & was VERY comfortable, & I've heard the same from many other people.

I think I'd take a 350Z over an Accord Coupe, but the Accord is a very, very nice ride and it fits neatly under $30K.

Viper GTS

 

[Mill]

Used 2003 Cobra or New GT.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: DuBobD
Thanks Viper! Also I am 6'1" so leg room is important.

Don't worry about the fart-pipe.......I want to eat rice with this. I already have plans to make it a sleeper with a supercharger under the hood.

This will seem like an odd suggestion, but have you thought about an Accord V6 Coupe?

My Accord coupe had more legroom in front than just about any vehicle I've driven. I'm 6'2 & was VERY comfortable, & I've heard the same from many other people.

I think I'd take a 350Z over an Accord Coupe, but the Accord is a very, very nice ride and it fits neatly under $30K.

Viper GTS

apparently he only wants american or german that's why no accord coupe

 

[vi edit]

Leg room is TERRIBLE in the Jetta's.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: CraigRT

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: DuBobD
Thanks Viper! Also I am 6'1" so leg room is important.

Don't worry about the fart-pipe.......I want to eat rice with this. I already have plans to make it a sleeper with a supercharger under the hood.

This will seem like an odd suggestion, but have you thought about an Accord V6 Coupe?

My Accord coupe had more legroom in front than just about any vehicle I've driven. I'm 6'2 & was VERY comfortable, & I've heard the same from many other people.

I think I'd take a 350Z over an Accord Coupe, but the Accord is a very, very nice ride and it fits neatly under $30K.

Viper GTS

apparently he only wants american or german that's why no accord coupe

I know, but since he mentioned legroom I thought I'd mention it.

Viper GTS

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Leg room is TERRIBLE in the Jetta's.

Ahh, forgot about that. Yes, it is.

Roommate's fiancee has a Jetta, legroom up front is pretty tight.

Viper GTS

 

[vi edit]

You can get a Passat with a 5 speed and a 6 cylinder. Runs mid to high 7's in 0-60. Not a screamer, but certainly fast enough to get out of it's own way. Much better car than a Jetta.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I think the Stratus would be a good choice .... I almost bought one ... but instead i got my 300M ... I'd recommend the 300m, but it does not have a manual tranny.

 

[DuBobD]

Thanks all for your input.

The Stratus Sedan has a 2.7L V6. The Stratus Coupe has the 3.0L V6.

I sat in a Jetta GLI at an auto show and the leg room was a concern. Anyone know how the Stratus's leg room is?

I'll take a look at a Honda Coupe too.

I'd love to get a Mustang Cobra with the Supercharger, but it won't be that practicle......especially after the winter we had here in Southeastern PA!

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: BurnItDwn
I think the Stratus would be a good choice .... I almost bought one ... but instead i got my 300M ... I'd recommend the 300m, but it does not have a manual tranny.

did you get the higher model with the 18's and dual exhaust? man those cars are nice!!

 

[Vic]

My choices so far are:
2003 VW Jetta GLI
2003 Dodge Stratus R/T

Jetta has reliability issues and Stratus has poor resale history.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: CraigRT

Originally posted by: Mwilding
buy a used car...

like a nice contour SVT

With that kind of budget you could get one and do a 3.0L engine swap and add a supercharger. HELLOOOOOO 350HP.