New car?

[DisgruntledVirus]

I am thinking about getting a new car, and last saturday I went out and test drove the Lancer GTS with paddle shift and in the normal manual gearbox. I don't know about anybody else but the paddle shift felt too much like an automatic for me. The other one I test drove with the gear selection box instead, and wow was that a fun car. What are everybody thoughts about the Lancer?

I also looked at the Honda Civic Si and Accord, but the Accord is too much of the middle age type nice comfortable ride for me. The Civic Si was fun to drive but insurance I think would be too killer on it. Anybody have thoughts about the Si?

 

[warmodder]

I really like the new lancer's styling. I've never driven one though so I have no opinions on it good or bad.

 

[Arkaign]

If you're testing those cars, go directly to your local Nissan dealership and try the Altima Sedan or Coupe. If you drive a manual, the 2.5S model will be decent enough. If you have some more $$ to spend, or are willing to look at last-year closeouts, you can try the excellent VQ 3.5L V6 (up to 270hp!).

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
If you're testing those cars, go directly to your local Nissan dealership and try the Altima Sedan or Coupe. If you drive a manual, the 2.5S model will be decent enough. If you have some more $$ to spend, or are willing to look at last-year closeouts, you can try the excellent VQ 3.5L V6 (up to 270hp!).

I never was a huge fan of Nissan's. When I got rear ended I drove the Sentra while mine was in the shop, and didn't like it at all. It is something I will go look at though, along with the Mazda 3/6, RX8, and the Volkswagon GTi. As for the price I want to stay under $25k with final price so depending on how much they are I will look at the 2.5S as well (I refuse to own an automatic for myself).

 

[Arkaign]

Yeah. The Sentra is pretty crappy. It's ugly, and just feels cheap compared to the Civic and Corolla. The Altima is a different story altogether, but I'll let you decide for yourself on that note. They just did a model refresh on the Altima, so you can find previous-gen (same platform) V6 Altimas cheaper than normal. $25k should bag you perhaps even a SE or SE-R model .

 

[mwmorph]

You seem to like driving and for $25K you can pick up a V8 Mustang. RWD, about 2x the hp, true sports car.

Also for $25k, might as well look at a Mazdaspeed 3. I'm not sure if you need 4 seats so I'd also look at the Mazda Miata. It's actually almost as quick 0-60 as a CivicSi and much better handling and more fun to drive while not raping your insurance.

 

[KDKPSJ]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Yeah. The Sentra is pretty crappy. It's ugly, and just feels cheap compared to the Civic and Corolla. The Altima is a different story altogether, but I'll let you decide for yourself on that note. They just did a model refresh on the Altima, so you can find previous-gen (same platform) V6 Altimas cheaper than normal. $25k should bag you perhaps even a SE or SE-R model .

Hmm.. I don't think 1 1/2 year counts as just. It's been about a year and half since its 2007 model change (released Sep 2006), and there are bunch of used 2007 Altima around now. But yes, if you are looking for used 06 Altima, then you might have luck. (BTW, SE-R trim is only for Sentra)

Si is good one. I usually call it an Acura RSX/Integra in disguise of Civic, because they have similar HP/torque, characteristic, etc. It's pretty well known that Honda discontinued RSX as it hold back Acura to become premium brand. And as a RSX replacement, they introduced Civic Si, just like Toyota did with Celica and tC, in order to efficient image marketing.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
You seem to like driving and for $25K you can pick up a V8 Mustang. RWD, about 2x the hp, true sports car.

Mustang....true sports car.....BUWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...hold on let me catch my breath here *a few tears sneak through the profound laughter*...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....ok sorry about that....cars that are overwieght by more than 800 pounds, contain cupholders and live axel rear ends are NOT sports cars, and are FAR from a "true sports car". An example of a "true sports car" would be a lotus elise, or even a miata. Now...what you were looking for is pony car (and no, not muscle car) and the mustang is the namesake for the term so I guess it is true at being that, but amazingly awful at doing anything. Only a half blind lumberjack with no feeling left in any part of his that commutes in a straight line with a company gas card would enjoy owning one of those.

With that out of the way, I would strongly suggest taking a look at both the mazdaspped 3 and 6's and the Subaru WRX as well.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: everydae

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Yeah. The Sentra is pretty crappy. It's ugly, and just feels cheap compared to the Civic and Corolla. The Altima is a different story altogether, but I'll let you decide for yourself on that note. They just did a model refresh on the Altima, so you can find previous-gen (same platform) V6 Altimas cheaper than normal. $25k should bag you perhaps even a SE or SE-R model .

Hmm.. I don't think 1 1/2 year counts as just. It's been about a year and half since its 2007 model change (released Sep 2006), and there are bunch of used 2007 Altima around now. But yes, if you are looking for used 06 Altima, then you might have luck. (BTW, SE-R trim is only for Sentra)

Si is good one. I usually call it an Acura RSX/Integra in disguise of Civic, because they have similar HP/torque, characteristic, etc. It's pretty well known that Honda discontinued RSX as it hold back Acura to become premium brand. And as a RSX replacement, they introduced Civic Si, just like Toyota did with Celica and tC, in order to efficient image marketing.

Altima SE-R is a real Nissan from the factory :

http://www.roadandtrack.com/ar...n_id=6&article_id=1682

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

One of the things I am looking for is the in dash GPS and 7 in touch screen. I am not sure if the WRX, or Mazda's have them yet, but that is one of my key things I want in a new car.

Originally posted by: nismotigerwvu

Originally posted by: mwmorph
You seem to like driving and for $25K you can pick up a V8 Mustang. RWD, about 2x the hp, true sports car.

Mustang....true sports car.....BUWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...hold on let me catch my breath here *a few tears sneak through the profound laughter*...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....ok sorry about that....cars that are overwieght by more than 800 pounds, contain cupholders and live axel rear ends are NOT sports cars, and are FAR from a "true sports car". An example of a "true sports car" would be a lotus elise, or even a miata. Now...what you were looking for is pony car (and no, not muscle car) and the mustang is the namesake for the term so I guess it is true at being that, but amazingly awful at doing anything. Only a half blind lumberjack with no feeling left in any part of his that commutes in a straight line with a company gas card would enjoy owning one of those.

With that out of the way, I would strongly suggest taking a look at both the mazdaspped 3 and 6's and the Subaru WRX as well.

I was thinking about taking a look at the Impreza WRX as well, and the mazdaspeed 3 was a thought but I have seen a few things that it suffers from some issues because it has a crapload of power in a small/light chassis.

As for the Mustang, 2 of my HS friends had them and one of my friends bf's has one as well. I am not impressed by them. I think the mustang is too heavy and big of a car, I would rather have a smaller more nimble vehicle (before anybody says the Accord is a big car, yes I know and have ruled it out already. The Lancer is also on the "bigger" side of vehicles but it still is fairly small and such.)

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
You seem to like driving and for $25K you can pick up a V8 Mustang. RWD, about 2x the hp, true sports car.

Also for $25k, might as well look at a Mazdaspeed 3. I'm not sure if you need 4 seats so I'd also look at the Mazda Miata. It's actually almost as quick 0-60 as a CivicSi and much better handling and more fun to drive while not raping your insurance.

The new GT mustangs are awesome

 

[Funyuns101]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
One of the things I am looking for is the in dash GPS and 7 in touch screen. I am not sure if the WRX, or Mazda's have them yet, but that is one of my key things I want in a new car.

The new WRX do have built-in NAVI's now, but I don't know if they are touch screens. Definitely take it out for a test drive... kills the SI in my opinion.
Looks are debate-able and so is the interior quality but the same can be said about the Civic. But if you're looking at those, don't bother w/the Mazda3 test the Speed3 if you can find one near you.

If used isn't a huge deal to you, try to find a 03-04 Honda S2000

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
One of the things I am looking for is the in dash GPS and 7 in touch screen. I am not sure if the WRX, or Mazda's have them yet, but that is one of my key things I want in a new car.

The new WRX do have built-in NAVI's now, but I don't know if they are touch screens. Definitely take it out for a test drive... kills the SI in my opinion.
Looks are debate-able and so is the interior quality but the same can be said about the Civic. But if you're looking at those, don't bother w/the Mazda3 test the Speed3 if you can find one near you.

If used isn't a huge deal to you, try to find a 03-04 Honda S2000

I am looking for a 4 door vehicle, not a coupe. I usually am the driver for anytime my friends and I go out places, so I need a back seat (and want one as well)

 

[overst33r]

If practicality is not an issue: S2000; best sports car in your price range, bar none. If you need four doors and room accompanied with the most muscle in its class, nothing beats the Mazdaspeed 3 (slightly quicker around Laguna Seca than an S2000 btw).

 

[Funyuns101]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
One of the things I am looking for is the in dash GPS and 7 in touch screen. I am not sure if the WRX, or Mazda's have them yet, but that is one of my key things I want in a new car.

The new WRX do have built-in NAVI's now, but I don't know if they are touch screens. Definitely take it out for a test drive... kills the SI in my opinion.
Looks are debate-able and so is the interior quality but the same can be said about the Civic. But if you're looking at those, don't bother w/the Mazda3 test the Speed3 if you can find one near you.

If used isn't a huge deal to you, try to find a 03-04 Honda S2000

I am looking for a 4 door vehicle, not a coupe. I usually am the driver for anytime my friends and I go out places, so I need a back seat (and want one as well)

My apologies. In that case, definitely check out the WRX and Speed3. I believe that both offer sedan and hatch variations.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: nismotigerwvu
Mustang....true sports car.....BUWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...hold on let me catch my breath here *a few tears sneak through the profound laughter*...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....ok sorry about that....cars that are overwieght by more than 800 pounds, contain cupholders and live axel rear ends are NOT sports cars, and are FAR from a "true sports car". An example of a "true sports car" would be a lotus elise, or even a miata. Now...what you were looking for is pony car (and no, not muscle car) and the mustang is the namesake for the term so I guess it is true at being that, but amazingly awful at doing anything. Only a half blind lumberjack with no feeling left in any part of his that commutes in a straight line with a company gas card would enjoy owning one of those.

Do you have trouble removing the drool stains from your collar?

While I too favor nimbleness and handling over power, it's pretty ridiculous to let weight, cup holders, or suspension dictate what does and does not constitute a sports car. It wasn't that long ago when EVERYTHING had live axles. Including the sports cars. OK, so modern sports cars can run circles around the classics. But does that make them not sports cars? Hardly.

By the way, Miatas have cup holders.

 

[BarneyFife]

Lotus Elise has an optional cupholder.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
One of the things I am looking for is the in dash GPS and 7 in touch screen. I am not sure if the WRX, or Mazda's have them yet, but that is one of my key things I want in a new car.

The new WRX do have built-in NAVI's now, but I don't know if they are touch screens. Definitely take it out for a test drive... kills the SI in my opinion.
Looks are debate-able and so is the interior quality but the same can be said about the Civic. But if you're looking at those, don't bother w/the Mazda3 test the Speed3 if you can find one near you.

If used isn't a huge deal to you, try to find a 03-04 Honda S2000

I am looking for a 4 door vehicle, not a coupe. I usually am the driver for anytime my friends and I go out places, so I need a back seat (and want one as well)

My apologies. In that case, definitely check out the WRX and Speed3. I believe that both offer sedan and hatch variations.

I didn't think the Speed3 offered a sedan version. I thought was only 5 dr version, and I kind of remember reading the new WRX isn't in a sedan version. Maybe I am wrong however.

Anybody know if the Speed3 has indash navi?

Edit: It was the WRX STi version no longer in sedan. Not just the regular WRX. My bad.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: nismotigerwvu
Mustang....true sports car.....BUWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...hold on let me catch my breath here *a few tears sneak through the profound laughter*...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....ok sorry about that....cars that are overwieght by more than 800 pounds, contain cupholders and live axel rear ends are NOT sports cars, and are FAR from a "true sports car". An example of a "true sports car" would be a lotus elise, or even a miata. Now...what you were looking for is pony car (and no, not muscle car) and the mustang is the namesake for the term so I guess it is true at being that, but amazingly awful at doing anything. Only a half blind lumberjack with no feeling left in any part of his that commutes in a straight line with a company gas card would enjoy owning one of those.

Do you have trouble removing the drool stains from your collar?

While I too favor nimbleness and handling over power, it's pretty ridiculous to let weight, cup holders, or suspension dictate what does and does not constitute a sports car. It wasn't that long ago when EVERYTHING had live axles. Including the sports cars. OK, so modern sports cars can run circles around the classics. But does that make them not sports cars? Hardly.

By the way, Miatas have cup holders.

You took the cup holders totally out of context.....its reference to the softening compromises a lot of companies have been making. Pony cars can be sporty but they aren't sports cars. You can try to call me names and make little snide remarks all you like, its not going to change the fact that mustang can't go around a turn to save its life and even its acceleration is suspect (why the hell can't the gt500 even keep with a base model corvette....just try explaining that).

 

[ZetaEpyon]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
I didn't think the Speed3 offered a sedan version. I thought was only 5 dr version, and I kind of remember reading the new WRX isn't in a sedan version. Maybe I am wrong however.

Anybody know if the Speed3 has indash navi?

Edit: It was the WRX STi version no longer in sedan. Not just the regular WRX. My bad.

Speed3 is 5-door hatch only. It does have a navi option, but it's quite expensive, imo; unless you REALLY want it in-dash, you'd be better off buying a good third-party unit.

Later this year the GT Speed3s will be getting a somewhat upgraded interior, with alcantara replacing the cloth parts on the seats, and piano black insets replacing a few parts.

<- Drives '07 Mazdaspeed3 GT

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: nismotigerwvu

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: nismotigerwvu
Mustang....true sports car.....BUWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...hold on let me catch my breath here *a few tears sneak through the profound laughter*...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....ok sorry about that....cars that are overwieght by more than 800 pounds, contain cupholders and live axel rear ends are NOT sports cars, and are FAR from a "true sports car". An example of a "true sports car" would be a lotus elise, or even a miata. Now...what you were looking for is pony car (and no, not muscle car) and the mustang is the namesake for the term so I guess it is true at being that, but amazingly awful at doing anything. Only a half blind lumberjack with no feeling left in any part of his that commutes in a straight line with a company gas card would enjoy owning one of those.

Do you have trouble removing the drool stains from your collar?

While I too favor nimbleness and handling over power, it's pretty ridiculous to let weight, cup holders, or suspension dictate what does and does not constitute a sports car. It wasn't that long ago when EVERYTHING had live axles. Including the sports cars. OK, so modern sports cars can run circles around the classics. But does that make them not sports cars? Hardly.

By the way, Miatas have cup holders.

You took the cup holders totally out of context.....its reference to the softening compromises a lot of companies have been making. Pony cars can be sporty but they aren't sports cars. You can try to call me names and make little snide remarks all you like, its not going to change the fact that mustang can't go around a turn to save its life and even its acceleration is suspect (why the hell can't the gt500 even keep with a base model corvette....just try explaining that).

I believe it's you that made the annoyingly snide comments first.

We're not talking about the GT500, we're talking about the Mustang GT. It does 0-60 in 4.9. I don't think anyone disagrees the GT500 is not a good car, but the GT for the price and value is an excellent sports car.

For one second, if you will forget all your fanboy bs and look at the facts:

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel...Id=103665/pageId=61306

The most amazing thing about the Mustang in the slalom is the level of grip from the tires, which make it very easy to toss around corners at a high rate of speed, especially for a car priced in the mid twenties. The difference between turning the traction control on and off was virtually impossible to determine because the suspension and tires gripped so well that there was never a need for the traction control to come in. Steering is excellent in terms of ratio, feedback and feel, and while the car had a bit of body movement it wasn't enough to slow it down in the slalom. It will be interesting to see what they do with the suspension on the Shelby and Cobra versions, I'm sure they'll tighten things up a little bit but as is and totally stock the GT's capabilities in terms of slalom speed and stability is excellent.

http://www.motortrend.com/road...son/mustang_specs.html

The five-speed shifter stirs up torque without slop. The steering is tidy. Cornering prowess is inspiring: the GT powers through the slalom at better than 65 mph. Yes, the Mustang's live axle has been roundly criticized for being a blatant cost-cutting measure, but all those sniffy "Independent Rear Suspension" badges won't do other drivers much good when your GT is already leaving exhaust echoes around the next bend.

Mustang GT Slalom: 65.4mph
WRX Slalom: 63.4
http://www.motortrend.com/road...comparison/engine.html

Through the slalom, the WRX posted a speed of 63.4 mph,

So I'd like you to put up some facts instead of FUD.

Interesting isn't it? Better handling, better acceleration, better everything compared to that WRX, which also has the highest insurance rates of any vehicle for young adults.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Who says I'm a WRX fanboy, I drive 2 rwd Nissans for christ sake and aren't you going way off topic here? For one, its mostly down to the mazdaspeed3 or something in that segment, but you can go ahead and troll some more if you'd like.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: ZetaEpyon

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
I didn't think the Speed3 offered a sedan version. I thought was only 5 dr version, and I kind of remember reading the new WRX isn't in a sedan version. Maybe I am wrong however.

Anybody know if the Speed3 has indash navi?

Edit: It was the WRX STi version no longer in sedan. Not just the regular WRX. My bad.

Speed3 is 5-door hatch only. It does have a navi option, but it's quite expensive, imo; unless you REALLY want it in-dash, you'd be better off buying a good third-party unit.

Later this year the GT Speed3s will be getting a somewhat upgraded interior, with alcantara replacing the cloth parts on the seats, and piano black insets replacing a few parts.

<- Drives '07 Mazdaspeed3 GT

I can see why. I test drove the Subaru WRX and Mazdaspeed3 and I am in LOVE with the Mazda. Amazing vehicle, but its a bit more then I had wanted to spend. Wow do I want one though. Smooth shifts, power in all gears, holds the road tight, all around exactly what I am looking for.

I think I will head out to a VW dealer later today and look at the GTi as well. I just wish I could get the Speed3 down from $400/mo to closer to $350/mo or less then I would be seriously looking to buy it.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Sometimes its worth the sacrifices you'd make elsewhere to get something you REALLY love like that. How many miles do you typically drive in a week?

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: nismotigerwvu
Sometimes its worth the sacrifices you'd make elsewhere to get something you REALLY love like that. How many miles do you typically drive in a week?

During the school semester, with work and such about 350/wk or so. It varies though. While I am in school though I spend more time driving then I do at home at my PC lol. Which is part of the reason I am looking, is because I am in the car so much and I am just kind of tired of my current one lol.