Thinking of getting a new (to me) car in the near future

[Kelvrick]

You can probably get a used legacy gt for that much.

 

[Thetech]

Go green! get a hybrid or a car that uses Bio-fuels, and then reap the tax breaks

I think what I just said are great options if you live in a metro/city area. If you live in a rural area you might not be able to use such options but there's always ethanol.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Okay...so you want Japanese only...and want it small...and want it torquey...and preferably in a coupe form.

Good luck with that.

You want a BMW 3 series.

bmws don't make much torque either

A 330ci puts out anywhere from 40%-50% more torque than anything else he listed. It's pretty even in specs to the 3.0 I6 in the IS300. Except the BMW is quite a bit more fuel efficient...and quicker.

And if he is concered about the reliability of Euro, I'd *personally* be hesitant to purchase a Rotary engine.

214 ft-lbs is nothing special, particularly for an overengineered double cam 3.0L with all that valvetrain work (double vanos). 3.0L V6 accords make that much torque from runty single cam heads.

The IS300 is also nothing special stock, but atleast those are basically supra turbo blocks.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: BD2003
Whats so bad about the rx-8 that I shouldn't even consider it?

You know that famous 9000rpm redline they're talking about in all the ads? Get used to seeing it if you want to experience any torque.

Rotary engines are also thirsty, both for gas and oil. 20mpg on premium, and get used to adding a quart of oil every 5000 miles or so.

I wouldn't go as far as to say it's a "bad car" ... just "bad for your needs"

- M4H

Lack of torque and poor gas mileage per power output are the big issues. A quart of oil every 5k miles is normal consumption no matter what the car is (in fact, my WRX has consumed at almost exactly that rate -- 1/2 quart every 2500 -- since new).

 

[HgrdGman]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: HgrdGman
Get a Subaru Impreza 2.5rs 2000 or 2001 and then do an STi engine swap...you get good looks and a very fast ride. PM me if you want links for more info on the RS

If you just really hate Subarus then I would go with the RSX type-s

Have you done the swap? I'd love to see the pics.
I own a 2001 RS coupe (un-swapped, it's my GF's ride).
Yes, doing an STI drivetrain swap makes for a hell of a ride, but it's not cheap or easy, and (as the RS was a relatively low volume model to begin with, IIRC around 10k total sold in the US over 4 years) there really aren't a lot of RS's left out there.

I'm slowly saving up for the swap...right now I'm doing suspension mods so I can handle all that power.

 

[thirdeye]

RSX-S is a step sideways, not really up. The RX-8 is a fun car, but if you want power, don't look there. I had an 02 GT-S and traded to an 04 RX-8 after they came out. It was fun for a while, but I got a lemon.

 

[LS20]

decent speed, low end power, and automanual... same price range as cars you posted... new VW GTI sounds perfect for that

nm. you dont like euro. used Nissans with the VQ motor or accord coupe

 

[iversonyin]

Someone already mentioned a used 350z. I would definitely go with the Z if I want some torque. Used 350z cost about $20k more or less

 

[randay]

tc

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: iversonyin
Someone already mentioned a used 350z. I would definitely go with the Z if I want some torque. Used 350z cost about $20k more or less

The 350z was one of the most abusive and uncomfortable cars I've ever driven. And that was the standard tuning. The track ones are even worse. Definitely not a car for a daily driver.

 

[dotcom173]

07 civic Si

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I wouldn't bother with that RX8 - it's not really that fun... when I drove it, I felt like there was no power and handling didn't really impress me either.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Understood you dislike domestics but:

Cobalt SS: Only the RX-8 on your list is faster, light, fun to drive, awesome Recaro seats. 5yr 100K mile warranty as well.

WRX: another good choice but the Cobalt SS is faster and handles better, yes even better than the AWD WRX.

Miata/Solstice/Sky: RWD and fun in a light package.

 

[dbk]

Mustang

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: BD2003
Whats so bad about the rx-8 that I shouldn't even consider it?

You know that famous 9000rpm redline they're talking about in all the ads? Get used to seeing it if you want to experience any torque. - M4H

Yeah, never mind that then...I'm sick of seeing the 8000rpm on the celica just to get the most out of it. At least it gets good mileage.

Your price range seems a bit over the map, from below $20k to almost $30k. Coupes are falling out of popularity, especially with insurance companies, and I suspect resale values will reflect that. My advice would be to look at an Impreza WRX if you want AWD, or a Mazdaspeed 3 if you don't need AWD and wouldn't mind a hatch.

Well, I'd be buying used, something from 15-20k, although I'd like to keep it near 15, and I dont mind buying an older one. The subie sounds good, but I don't think I could afford at 06 anytime soon.

Any sedans worth looking at that fit the bill?

Someone already mentioned a used 350z. I would definitely go with the Z if I want some torque. Used 350z cost about $20k more or less

One day I'll get a Z, or another similar two seater...when I can afford to have two cars. Right now I just can't manage more than one, so it has to be a good blend of performance and daily drivability.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Understood you dislike domestics but:

Cobalt SS: Only the RX-8 on your list is faster, light, fun to drive, awesome Recaro seats. 5yr 100K mile warranty as well.

WRX: another good choice but the Cobalt SS is faster and handles better, yes even better than the AWD WRX.

Miata/Solstice/Sky: RWD and fun in a light package.

Odd then that I couldn't find any reviews to back up that claim. :roll:

 

[bucwylde23]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Understood you dislike domestics but:

Cobalt SS: Only the RX-8 on your list is faster, light, fun to drive, awesome Recaro seats. 5yr 100K mile warranty as well.

WRX: another good choice but the Cobalt SS is faster and handles better, yes even better than the AWD WRX.

Miata/Solstice/Sky: RWD and fun in a light package.

I don't care how fast the cobalt is, it's just a glorified cavalier with just as crappy an interior. no thanks.