So what new car should I buy?

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Vic

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
I'm thinking about buying a new car and I'm interested in some suggestions.
Here's the scenario: my current car, a '98 Acura Integra GSR-L, is paid off and has about 73,000 miles on it. It's in absolutely perfect condition, looks great (I wax and detail it roughly 4 times a year), and has tinted windows and 17" Momo Arrow wheels with 40 series tires. I figure its trade-in value at about $10,000 (per KBB plus the extras). I'd like to buy the new car for roughly $25,000.
I prefer smaller, sporty, fast imports. I do not need nor want a truck or SUV because I already own a paid-for '93 Toyota 4x4 V6 Ext. Cab which suits me just fine for any truck-like purpose. I had previously thought about getting one of the new 350Z's but now that I see getting one of those for less than $30,000 will be impossible and I don't really think they're nice or fast enough to justify paying more. I test-drove a WRX a while back and really wasn't sold on it.
Right now I'm thinking about buying a new VW GTI VR6 w/6-speed manual. Anyone have any opinions on these? I haven't test-driven one yet but I've seen some good reviews, I like the low-torque power characteristics of the new 24v VR6 engine (as opposed to Honda's no-torque V-TEC), and I could get one fully-loaded for an MSRP of roughly $24,000.
I looked at the Sentra SE-R Spec-V and while it has a good price, I don't think I like it.
Opinions? :)
 
S

StrangeRanger

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,316
0
0
Vic,
I work at a dealership and sell both Acuras and VW's. I've driven both types a fair amount and will take the VR6 GTI any day hands down. That motor with the 6 spd tranny is a marvelous thing. LOVE to take them out for flogs...uhh..I mean test drives any chance I get. People always ask me to put it thru its paces before they drive to get an idea of what it can do and they are amazed and enthralled with the car. So, if by chance you live in the northeast and wanna talk or work a deal, drop me a line. Good luck with your search.
j
 
Vic

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Obviously a maxima.
Click to expand...
:p

radioouman, I don't want to buy the RSX (even the Type-S) because I am tired of the lack of torque in Honda's V-TEC engines. I've loved my GSR but the only reason I'm thinking about selling it is because I want something with a bit more... uhh... oomph, if you get my meaning. Nice cars, I know as I basically have one, EXTREMELY reliable, but I want something different. To be fair, I probably will take an RSX Type-S out for a test drive.

StrangeRanger, thanks for the advice. I know a bit about the older 12v VR6 as a friend of mine had an older GTI with one and that motor was just awesome. It really wasn't any faster than my GSR, but the torque sure made it seem faster. I guess it was just easier and more fun to drive. Great exhaust noise too. :)
Unfortunately, I live in the NW, or I'd give you a call. You've definitely confirmed my suspicions about the 2 cars though, thanks.
The VW's have good resale value.
Click to expand...
So I've heard. VW is very popular right now and likely to get more popular as their cars improve it seems.
 
StageLeft

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Nissan's resale isn't great, so if you were to get a Max I'd have to recommend a slightly used one. For example $21k I saw a fully loaded 2002 SE with everything and only 10k miles ;)
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,152
635
126
If you get yourself on a waiting list you can get a nice 350Z for about $31 out the door. A guy here at the office did. WOW!

Or, if you can wait a bit, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo should be out first half of next year. Similar to WRX except with a straight 4 and 275hp, at least.
 
ScrapSilicon

ScrapSilicon

Lifer
Apr 14, 2001
13,625
0
0
Originally posted by: NutBucket
If you get yourself on a waiting list you can get a nice 350Z for about $31 out the door. A guy here at the office did. WOW!

Or, if you can wait a bit, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo should be out first half of next year. Similar to WRX except with a straight 4 and 275hp, at least.
Click to expand...
after watching this Subaru WRX is a good choice..;):D
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,152
635
126
Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
Originally posted by: NutBucket
If you get yourself on a waiting list you can get a nice 350Z for about $31 out the door. A guy here at the office did. WOW!

Or, if you can wait a bit, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo should be out first half of next year. Similar to WRX except with a straight 4 and 275hp, at least.
Click to expand...
after watching this Subaru WRX is a good choice..;):D
Click to expand...

Well, not to worry. There will be an STI version of the WRX out next year as well w/ similar hp figures:)
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,152
635
126
Originally posted by: Electric Amish
My current list (this is going to be popular ;)):

Suzuki Baja
PT Cruiser
Aztech
Hyundai Tiburon


amish
Click to expand...

Suzuki- haven't seen it yet, but they are well built cars
PT Cruiser- Only if its the turbo version
Aztech- smoke some crack did ya?
Tiburon- nothing bad to say about it. Good warranty.
 
J

JohnnyQueefer

Junior Member
Nov 6, 2002
5
0
0
I have a 2002 1.8T GTI and all I can say is that I love it. I've driven the RSX and prefer the GTI as well.

If you like to drive and don't plan to mod it you can't go wrong with the VR6. :cool:
 
Vic

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: Electric Amish
My current list (this is going to be popular ;)):

Suzuki Baja
PT Cruiser
Aztech
Hyundai Tiburon


amish
Click to expand...
Classic Amish post. It's like he read my mind and magically and knowingly picked the 4 cars that I hate the most. :p
I have a 2002 1.8T GTI and all I can say is that I love it. I've driven the RSX and prefer the GTI as well.

If you like to drive and don't plan to mod it you can't go wrong with the VR6.
Click to expand...
That's what I want to hear. :)
Except I am planning on some minor mods like suspension (I hear they're a little loose from the factory) and maybe a chip (do they have those for the VR6 like they do the 1.8T?)
after watching this Subaru WRX is a good choice..;):D
Click to expand...
Damnit, I can't watch that from work. :(
 
B

BatmanNate

Lifer
Jul 12, 2000
12,444
2
81
If you want something with torque, you might consider an American car. I'm sure a nice litely used TransAM would fit the bill and the price tag.
 
S

SherEPunjab

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2002
3,841
0
0
Originally posted by: BatmanNate
If you want something with torque, you might consider an American car. I'm sure a nice litely used TransAM would fit the bill and the price tag.
Click to expand...

He likes smaller imports. Thats completely against what he's looking for. i think the GTI, Subaru, RSX and so forth is what he's looking for. If he can hold off on selling, and i think he can as he has a decent car already, I'd save up an extra 6k and spring for a 350Z.

that car is awesome.
 
vi edit

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
VR6 is pretty much tweaked to the max out of the box. Nothing short of about $5,000 is going to get any *significant* amount of performance out of it.

I love the VR6. I owned a '95 GTi with that engine under the hood. Fun as hell to drive. But, if I was to own another one, I think I'd go for the 1.8t. Cheaper, lighter, better gas milage, and most importantly, more tuneable.

The 25th anniversary GTi are supposed to hit here shortly. Those are going to be great cars!
 
J

JeffreyLebowski

Lifer
Aug 23, 2000
15,509
1
81
you looked at the Spec V or did you test drive it?

I test drove a RSX-S and though it was fun, the Spec has a little more power down low and can push you into the seats. It's nice to touch the gas and get kicked in the @ss at 3K instead of reving it up to 7K.

And with all the mods comming out for the QR25DE, it's a good bet that it could be the next SR20.
 
S

SherEPunjab

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2002
3,841
0
0
Originally posted by: vi_edit
VR6 is pretty much tweaked to the max out of the box. Nothing short of about $5,000 is going to get any *significant* amount of performance out of it.

I love the VR6. I owned a '95 GTi with that engine under the hood. Fun as hell to drive. But, if I was to own another one, I think I'd go for the 1.8t. Cheaper, lighter, better gas milage, and most importantly, more tuneable.

The 25th anniversary GTi are supposed to hit here shortly. Those are going to be great cars!
Click to expand...

I test drove the Jetta 1.8t and compared it to the VR6 Jetta. If I was to purchase a Jetta, it would be the turbo HANDS DOWN.

The turbo has 150 hp if i recall, but with a 10 year warranty onengine, tranny, and turbo, you can just as well modify the turbo, and add a chip to get it to an easy 187 i've heard. The lighter engine means you'll end up having a higher power/weight ratio. The turbo also handles better and corners better because it is lighter in the front. these are my opinions based on driving both vehicles twice, and doing the research a couple years ago.

 
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