Post by: lostboyz on December 24, 2009, 07:16:00 PM
Potentially I might ride out a year on a ford company lease vehicle, which is nice because my drive to work will be about 100+ miles/day, and would be put on a car I dont own.
Main choices
2009+ subaru wrx.
Pro: 265 hp, awd, lots of stuff to mess around with
Con: its not an sti, I utterly hate the impreza fanboys
2009+ subaru wrx sti
Pro:305 hp, 6spd, better breaks and driving options
Con: its almost 10k more than the wrx
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Pro: cheap, fun to drive (a friend owns one), did I say cheap?
Con: its a hyundai
Im curious to see the subaru/toyota's ft86 vehicle actually turn out to be, or to see if the the wrx/sti get a facelift in 2011 model year.
Any other cars I have missed or any other suggestions would be great.
Post by: twistedsymphony on December 28, 2009, 07:59:00 AM
EVO has evolved into more of a powerhouse performance car... WRX has devolved into a "sporty sedan"
case and point: it has a push button e-brake
I do love the boxer motor but... the rest of the car has been ruined IMO.
What about a 370Z? out of all the "new" cars on the market, that and the Evo are the only two I would consider buying personally. The Genesis coupe is ok but it just seems like a fat Tiburon to me.
I'm also patiently waiting to see what happens with the FT-86, it looks like it could turn out to be a fantastic car.
any reason you want a 2009? you dip into the past a little and there are lots more options... the eco-friendly movement has killed off most of the good performance vehicles.
Post by: lostboyz on December 28, 2009, 01:59:00 PM
I will consider the evo a little more, and the 370z is more expensive and less practical
Post by: twistedsymphony on December 28, 2009, 08:14:00 PM
if I were ever to buy one again i would go with an older GC style, or maybe another GD. But since they went to the hatch the platform has gone way downhill IMO.
-------
I agree that the 370Z isn't exactly a "practical" car... but it's no less practical than a Genesis Coupe.
you know you can always get a 240... they're cheap AND capable (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) the S13 hatchbacks are not only easy to find but they're also extremely practical when you consider the storage capacity. lots of guys in my club have used their own 240 hatch to pickup their engine swaps or even haul complete body kits/ladders/etc.
This post has been edited by twistedsymphony: Dec 29 2009, 04:21 AM
Post by: lostboyz on December 28, 2009, 10:14:00 PM
I am going to look more into the mitsu, I just dont like the idea of pushing 300hp from a 2.0l engine as a DD. That and they cost more than the subaru.
That and hearing about the 2011 mustangs, i might have to consider it. The V6 is 305 hp and 30mpg, V8 is the new 5.0 and 412hp
This post has been edited by lostboyz: Dec 29 2009, 06:44 AM
Post by: twistedsymphony on December 29, 2009, 07:01:00 AM
Now on the other hand the new Camaro would be something to consider, it makes the same power from the V6, and beats the crap out of the mustang in nearly every aspect of performance as well as comfort and looks.
This post has been edited by twistedsymphony: Dec 29 2009, 03:02 PM
Post by: lostboyz on December 29, 2009, 06:41:00 PM
I personally don't like the camaro, it looks like a cartoon to me. Maybe the next model year, because the power and price seem very competitive (I'm sure that taxpayer money helps it to be)
I guess I have more to go test drive, such a shame
Post by: twistedsymphony on January 11, 2010, 07:53:00 AM
if I didn't know it was a ford I would have sworn the thing was designed and built in China... the whole thing just felt cheap and plasticy.
FWIW I get that same impression from a lot of US built vehicles... though that's not to say there aren't some that don't have a higher quality feel to them.
the Ford Focus, and the Edge both feel like proper vehicles, some of their pickups look and feel well put together too.
90% of GM's output was GARBAGE up until the 08-09 model years when they miraculously snapped out of it and started producing good cars again.
-----------------
I'm not talking crash tests, handling, or engine acceleration...
I'm talking about how the car feels when you get in and manipulate the controls... are they crisp, smooth, appropriate? do they fit your hand well, are they located and sized appropriately? do the trim panels fit together with laser precision? do they look high quality?
go take a few test drives in new BMWs and Audi's to know what I'm talking about... If you want some specific examples checkout a Cooper S or an Audi S3
That aspect of a car is what those two companies do better than anyone else... that's not to say anything of their ACTUAL quality... but just feel the controls and look at the details in the cabin when you get in the car... then compare it to what you get in a mustang.
This post has been edited by twistedsymphony: Jan 11 2010, 03:58 PM
Post by: yaazz on January 11, 2010, 11:40:00 AM
That said, the price is right
Post by: lordvader129 on January 11, 2010, 03:31:00 PM
that said, i get the most compliments on the interior, but it also has the premium interior package upgrade, im not sure what the stock interior is like
Post by: twistedsymphony on January 13, 2010, 03:05:00 PM
(IMG:http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/ChevroletMalibu/Images/Dash-md.jpg)
plastic garbage on top of plastic garbage
searching around I can't find a picture that looks like the mustang interior I sat in...
the auto shifter was literally a cheap black plastic bar with a button on the end and it was so lose it would rattle against the center console, everything else was just a monotone gray with no accents or chrome trim or anything... it didn't even have fabric on the doors the panels were just a solid hunk of plain gray squeaky plastic.
I guess I'm used to car with foam dashboards that at least LOOK like they're actually covered in fabric, with trim that is either painted, real metal, or real fabric.
I mean the interior in my 1995 Nissan is nothing to write home about, but at least they try to hide the plastic, or at least spruce it up and there's no fake metal or fake trim seams.
This post has been edited by twistedsymphony: Jan 13 2010, 11:13 PM
Post by: lordvader129 on January 13, 2010, 05:17:00 PM
Post by: lostboyz on January 13, 2010, 06:49:00 PM
Random info:
I got a job working for chrysler, though I am on contract and therefore have no obligation nor intension to buy one. Though today I did find out that the current mitsu lancer and dodge caliber share platforms, my god how could they screw it up so poorly. I found a little gem in one of the lots today that is a "caliber ext" that closely resembles the lancer rather than this piece of crap.
(IMG:http://www.ericbeckinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dodge-caliber-srt4-2007-7888611.jpg)
I'm going to ask a few people wtf happened, or what drugs the designers were smoking to end that way.
Post by: twistedsymphony on January 15, 2010, 02:34:00 PM
the new lancers are friggin sweet though, one got traded in at a Nissan dealership near me, black on black, slammed with a huge HKS intercooler in the front, the thing looks like it would devour other cars for fuel
The whole winter thing is why I now have multiple cars.
the WRX I had was awesome in the snow but at the end of the day it pained me to trash the car every winter... so I bought a pickup to get me around during the salt months....
After that I started questioning if the WRX was really worth it if it wasn't an all year car and the answer was a clear: NO.
Post by: lostboyz on January 15, 2010, 03:46:00 PM
Though I am really getting excited for the FT86. It would really be the perfect car to fit what I want, boxer engine 6 speed manual, and rwd. A new video came out today from the tokyo auto salon for a special version of the concept car(didnt know they made sales packages of concept cars). I am also curious to see what the subie version ends up looking like.
video of the toyota
Post by: twistedsymphony on January 18, 2010, 02:15:00 PM
Post by: Rylinkus on January 24, 2010, 01:55:00 PM
QUOTE(lostboyz @ Jan 14 2010, 02:49 AM) 
Living in michigan, a rwd car would be fun for awhile then annoying for the remainder of the winter (what seems like 11 months of the year). Thats really where the awd is coming into play, that and being a fan of rally.
Random info:
I got a job working for chrysler, though I am on contract and therefore have no obligation nor intension to buy one. Though today I did find out that the current mitsu lancer and dodge caliber share platforms, my god how could they screw it up so poorly. I found a little gem in one of the lots today that is a "caliber ext" that closely resembles the lancer rather than this piece of crap.
I'm going to ask a few people wtf happened, or what drugs the designers were smoking to end that way.
I only own RWD vehicles and live in a snowy environment. A RWD is more than capable in the snow. My miata as nearly as capable as a 4x4 truck. That said, I won't let it out in the winter as I'm afraid I may have a bit too much "fun" with it.
Post by: twistedsymphony on February 03, 2020, 06:56:00 AM
it's all about the TIRES...
Post by: lostboyz on February 03, 2020, 04:53:00 PM
Post by: lostboyz on February 06, 2010, 06:59:00 PM
Any opinions for or against?
Post by: Chancer on February 07, 2010, 06:34:00 AM
QUOTE(lostboyz @ Feb 7 2010, 01:59 AM)
So I started looking at the Rx-8. Pretty decent looking car as far as fun and unique factors go. There is a mazda dealer up the road I might go look at one. It's something I could afford now and maybe sell in a couple years when I have more money and buy something with more power.
Any opinions for or against?
I like the Mazda. went for a test drive in one before I ended up buying the Audi S3.
I like the way the reaar door sections open to allow easy access to the back. Not much room for reaer seaters in these though but nice driving position. Only passed it over cos the S3 was quicker.
Nice car
Post by: hamwbone on February 07, 2010, 08:05:00 AM
i made up for the torque steer by getting a motorcycle to compensate.
/my excuse
//sticking to it!
Post by: twistedsymphony on February 08, 2010, 02:03:00 PM
QUOTE(lostboyz @ Feb 6 2010, 08:59 PM)
So I started looking at the Rx-8. Pretty decent looking car as far as fun and unique factors go. There is a mazda dealer up the road I might go look at one. It's something I could afford now and maybe sell in a couple years when I have more money and buy something with more power.
Any opinions for or against?
They look great, they sound cool, they're comfortable and their rear wheel drive
I test drove one when I was looking for a replacement to my WRX, I was underwhelmed with the power, though the rotary is a very high rev engine so I'd suspect part of that is due to the fact you have to rev the piss out of them to get into the power band.
Steering felt very "nervous" compared to my WRX as well. Maintenance on a rotary is DIFFERENT than a normal piston engine too so that's something to keep in mind.
I also test drove a 350Z... FWIW the 8 had a stiffer feeling chassis than then the WRX and the 350 was stiffer than the 8, the 8 felt like it had more power than the 350 but the WRX decimated them both. overall steering response and "planted" feeling in the corners was the WRX then the 350 then the 8... even thought he WRX had more flex it felt "lighter" in the corners, it would react strong and appropriately.... by comparison the 8 felt like a go-kart, initial turn in was quick but the car felt very heavy and lumbering after that.
An FD chassis is superior in almost every aspect, though an 8 is obviously much easier to find, I know a few people who own 8s and love them.
I'd take a GD impreza over an 8 personally, but that's me.
no harm in test driving one
Post by: deilzfcjk on February 08, 2010, 07:36:00 PM
QUOTE(twistedsymphony @ Feb 8 2010, 01:03 PM)
They look great, they sound cool, they're comfortable and their rear wheel drive
I test drove one when I was looking for a replacement to my WRX, I was underwhelmed with the power, though the rotary is a very high rev engine so I'd suspect part of that is due to the fact you have to rev the piss out of them to get into the power band.
Steering felt very "nervous" compared to my WRX as well. Maintenance on a rotary is DIFFERENT than a normal piston engine too so that's something to keep in mind.
I also test drove a 350Z... FWIW the 8 had a stiffer feeling chassis than then the WRX and the 350 was stiffer than the 8, the 8 felt like it had more power than the 350 but the WRX decimated them both. overall steering response and "planted" feeling in the corners was the WRX then the 350 then the 8... even thought he WRX had more flex it felt "lighter" in the corners, it would react strong and appropriately.... by comparison the 8 felt like a go-kart, initial turn in was quick but the car felt very heavy and lumbering after that.
An FD chassis is superior in almost every aspect, though an 8 is obviously much easier to find, I know a few people who own 8s and love them.
I'd take a GD impreza over an 8 personally, but that's me.
no harm in test driving one
my bro has an FD and it is leaking oil and has a boost leak. haha. Those rotaries are bitches. you drive it hard it blows a vacuum hose. they are there for looks. man it's just too high maintenance. you gotta have money to own one. my bro had the engine rebuilt with new apex seals too. paid someone else to do it, and it still has problems. this car caught fre under the hood and burned all the sensors and harnesses. my bro fixed it over course of two and half years. fd parts are expensive as hell. yikes. luckily he bought the car for 4k only. good luck with rotaries. I hope the rx8 is different.
Post by: lostboyz on February 08, 2010, 08:09:00 PM
QUOTE(deilzfcjk @ Feb 8 2010, 09:36 PM)
my bro has an FD and it is leaking oil and has a boost leak. haha. Those rotaries are bitches. you drive it hard it blows a vacuum hose. they are there for looks. man it's just too high maintenance. you gotta have money to own one. my bro had the engine rebuilt with new apex seals too. paid someone else to do it, and it still has problems. this car caught fre under the hood and burned all the sensors and harnesses. my bro fixed it over course of two and half years. fd parts are expensive as hell. yikes. luckily he bought the car for 4k only. good luck with rotaries. I hope the rx8 is different.
they are plenty more reliable, I know a couple people that have put over 100k on them with nothing more than regular maintenance and an extra bottle of oil every 3500 miles.
Twisted, I looked at the 350 it looks cool, obviously has some speed, but only having 2 seats is something I couldn't deal with. I don't mind having ungodly uncomfortable back seats, but not having them at all is a problem. After giving up on the new model impreza, I started looking for a GD but its almost impossible to find one around here that hasn't been raped by a ricer, still looking though. I figured I'd give the Rx8 a shot, and it seems after the first couple years it holds its value pretty well to ditch in a couple years for something else.
Post by: twistedsymphony on February 11, 2010, 02:43:00 PM
also try to find a car forum specific to your area... for instance I run 240sxONE.com (240sx owners of New england) and if there is a 240sx for sale anywhere in new england WE know about it.
I'm sure you can find a local Impreza or Subaru club and though that you'll probably find a much higher caliber of car than say craigslist or autotrader.
Before I took ownership of 240sxone I lurked there to find a 240 and I snagged a 1995 with all factory options and 65K original miles, completely unspoiled for $5K... the car was never listed anywhere else.
I can think of a half-dozen listings on the site right now that are BEAUTIFUL examples of a 240 that aren't listed on CL or Autotrader or anywhere else.
a true enthusiast will take care of their car, and they're also the kind of person to seek out a local club of other enthusiasts, and I know at least with the clubs I've been in they'll sell it exclusively to other club members to help make sure the new owner takes care of it.
for the impreza you should check out the obvious national forums:
clubwrx.net
nasioc.com
rs25.com
i-club.com
wrxtuners.com
wrxfanatics.com
IIRC you're in MI right? (or am I thinking of someone else)
a quick google search turned up this: http://www.misubie.com/
Post by: lostboyz on February 11, 2010, 07:53:00 PM
Post by: lostboyz on March 03, 2010, 03:09:00 PM
Post by: lostboyz on February 02, 2020, 06:21:00 PM
If you have anything else that can offer 305hp, 280ft-lbs torque, 31mpg, 6-spd manual, LSD, and all for around 25k please let me know.
Just have to decide what color
(IMG:http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/8/3/2/ag_la09_mustang.JPG)
Post by: twistedsymphony on March 29, 2010, 11:55:00 AM
though the 31MPG is only from the Automatic model and the Manual gets slightly lower mileage because the gearing is designed entirely for economy as opposed to performance.
I'd question how much of that 300hp really feels like 300hp with the ratios they're using, if it really does balance performance an economy or if they're just playing a numbers game.
considering the wide disparity between highway and city mileage (12MPG difference) I'd say that at very least 6th gear is useless for anything but low RPM highway cruising. Much like the late 90s early 00 F-bodies that had a 300hp+ V8 with a 6 speed and were able to get in the high 20s for highway mileage.
Not trying to down the new Stang... but they haven't released any real performance numbers beyond the factory estimated power, no 0-60, no 1/4 mile, no skid-pad, and no real world dyno graphs (at least none that I've seen)... just don't buy it till you drive it.
Post by: lostboyz on March 29, 2010, 06:21:00 PM
Is it going to be the fastest, best handling car? no. For ~$25k? maybe
With the way I drive will I actually get 30mpg? absolutely not
I am being realistic I think. Having the options to redline and get 300hp, or take it easy and get decent fuel economy is really what I am looking for. If after taking it for a spin and being anything like what reviews I have read, I think I'm going to order one.
Until then I have to suffer through a Mariner. Focus was up and no more big lease discounts on them since they are selling pretty well. I will miss that focus even knowing it was the european's retarded half brother.
Post by: lostboyz on April 08, 2010, 04:58:00 PM
I had one question, and Twisted I might just end up sending you a PM...
Only performance option I was looking at was the 3.31 rear instead of the stock 2.73. Its about $400 add on and I'm not sure if its worth it. Both are LSD.
Otherwise I'm getting the v6 premium, kona blue, with the mustang collectors package (wheels, billet grille, and other random crap) should be around 25k with a-plan discount.
pictures of package (but in red)
http://z.about.com/d...ge-mustang2.jpg
http://z.about.com/d...ge-mustang3.jpg
Post by: lostboyz on April 13, 2010, 05:41:00 PM
V6 Premium, Mustang collectors of america edition, 3.31:1 LSD rear diff. With A plan it came to just over 25k, which is about 3k below msrp and 1k below invoice
Now the dreaded 6-8 week wait, luckily it gets built about 20 min from my house so delivery time shouldn't be long. Will post pictures when it gets here
Post by: twistedsymphony on April 27, 2010, 08:51:00 AM
it's "worth" is really quite dependent on the gearing of the transmission and the powerband of the motor... when it comes down to it just driving it would let you know if it requires more aggressive gearing or not.
Post by: lostboyz on April 27, 2010, 02:48:00 PM
Post by: lordvader129 on April 28, 2010, 08:57:00 AM
QUOTE(lostboyz @ Apr 27 2010, 01:48 PM)
no worries man, I got it anyway. It is still supposed to be built next week, though that might be delayed from that damn volcano causing part shortages. Pics will be up as soon as the keys are in my hand.
make sure they give you 2 keys with it, then buy a transonder blank on ebay (about 20 bucks) and make a 3rd, i learned that the hard way when i lost my spare key and had to pay 200 dollars for a new one
but if you have 2 keys you can program your own, so thats why i keep 3 now, so if i lose one i still have 2 and can do it myself
Post by: lostboyz on April 28, 2010, 02:51:00 PM
Post by: twistedsymphony on May 17, 2010, 11:15:00 AM
really wish they added the V6 camaro to the list but great article non-the-less
Post by: lostboyz on May 17, 2010, 05:12:00 PM
speaking of which it should be in my driveway tomorrow, ill post pictures when I get them