What would you buy and why
 

So I've been stuck with an Audi A4 since I sold my 04 WRX in august of 08... I have been completely stumped on what car I should buy next. Which is actually great becasue my savings account just got bigger with time. There's so many options and I have test drove just about all of them, they all seem like they would make very enjoyable cars. So I'm going to enlist you guys to give me your opinions on what to buy next.

So I'm looking for a sporty/sports car that is small, probably AWD, preferably turbo, and has some degree of practicality. Check out my car selections, and feel free to mention cars that I might not have thought of.

Subaru WRX (09,07,06)
Subaru STi (05-09) (Maybe swing for a 07 limited)
Subaru Forester XT sports (08)
Mitsubishi Evo 8 (maybe 10)
Mitsubishi ralliart (if they ever release a manual)
BMW 335xi
Audi S4 (b5 or b6)
VW r20 (see link) http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...erica_car_news
Volvo S40 R

Also I guess I should mention that I have a stable job, and I would like to buy new, but 600 dollar car payments are not my cup of tea. So that's why cheaper cars like the 06 WRX and B5 S4 are in that list next to the likes of BMW 335xi's.

Buy the 09 wrx is Aspen White. Fun fast car and it's acutally faster than a stock STI

My vote would be an 07 STi Limited...but good luck finding one...

335i is great, a little too nice if you race but a great daily driver
Evo 8, to race because they've become dirt cheap in this economy
GC body impreza if you really want to race, lightweight,easy engine swaps,no frills,cheap

Something you can buy outright without payments.

Keep saving your money and invest it in something that goes up in value.

A4 is a great car. What year/options is yours? No S4 or STI, but not half bad. I tracked my basically stock B5 1.8TQMS for over 3000 miles and a few years of autocross before it retired to DD status.

I wouldn't buy another Audi though, or a VW or Volvo.

Legacy GT with a 5-speed. Preferably the 2005 wagon. Then do a few things to it. Not a dedicated race car, but a fine machine with excellent looks and reasonable practicality.

Even more practical would be the Outback XT or (as you listed) Forester XT. Handling of course cannot compare with the rest of your list, but they have great clearance. Better on insurance I would imagine.

I really like the looks of the sporty little VW hatches, but I know absolutely nothing about the mechanicals or longevity.

Exactly.

I have a 00 A4tqm... without sport package, its basically the slowest car I have ever owned and the second worst handling. But I'm on the Audi forums and understand that its a very modifiable platform. But to get it to stock STi levels i would have to spend 10k (at least). So its not worth it... i was sorta thinking about keeping it as a winter beater and getting a RWD sports car.

But yeah... I'm looking for something that's a good DD and can handle some track time.

07 STi limited's... 2 for sale in bay area currently. I'm just scared to death of how many miles the original owner put on the stock tune.

I loved the BMW 335i i drove... the shitty thing is that even used I'm paying mid 30's for it.

I leaning toward an 06' WRX or STI becasue I have a DP and COBB sways that will fit collecting dust in my garage.... and they are reasonably priced. But I also like the 09' 5 doors for practicality and under the radar style.

Well, on the Limiteds, what was the tune? Was is a Cobb stage 2 flash? Or a bigger tune? If it is the Cobb flash I really don't think you have anything to worry about. The STi is a pretty stout car and unless the guy was an idiot and had an intake and a bad tune I bet you are fine.

Also, keep in mind that those sways you have won't find a WRX and an STi, the STi sways are a little different than the WRX ones (I think the STi ones are a little longer...) Likewise, I bet you know this, but you can't just slap a downpipe on and call it good, you need a tune...that was in reference to the DP you have...

So i guess the 07 STI's had a horrible stock tune... where they would basically fry the rings. But i guess its nothing to worry about because Subaru is pretty good about talking care of you if the car is stock (and under warranty).

As far as everything else... yup not really new to the Subaru game. COBB builds their parts to fit several models without having to be retooled, so to put the sway on either cars all you do is mount it on different sides of the endlinks. Well I think that's how it goes?

STI is not a great DD.

Dedicated track car is not a bad idea. Here is a RWD option.

Chip the A5 = +50HP and put some suspension on it. The former can be had fairly cheaply and later can be done in stages.

Both are often available at Audi Club event auctions at drastically reduced prices.

+1 for not trying to have one do-it-all car. Get something nice for DD, and something cheap but with potential for the track car.

From that list, the 335 XI is by far the best car for a sporty, refined DD... However, I love our 07 Limited, it is the perfect balance of fun and comfort. I could be comfortable in a 08-09 STi as a DD though, as long as it were to stay mostly stock. I'd pass on the rest, there are too many "little things" that disqualify the rest in my opinion.

What is this about the limited tune? I've never heard of an issue, can you provide a link? I'm curious.

Personally, if I were spending around $30k on a fun DD, I'd go w/ a '08 STi. Sure they're a little harsh, but my GF (fiance!) has a Saab 9-3 which is plenty cushy for a long trip or something.

IMO, the STi in stock form is plenty refined for putting up with daily, has plenty of power to spare, has plenty of cargo space/4-door practicality, AWD for the snow, and can go to the track w/ just a set of brake pads tossed in the Brembos.

If I could sell the race car and the SVX for decent prices, I'd be all over an '08/'09 STi.

Yeah... i drove an 06' STi from SF to Tahoe. The seats were a little uncomfortable for the long drive, but all in all it seems like a very livable DD.

MattR: I read way too much crap on nasioc, its probably not healthy. But since 07' Subaru started using open loop and closed loop maps for the STi's and the tuning was crap... that's why they keep issuing reflashes for the 07-09 STi's. All in all I think its nothing to worry about... its probably something the nasioc kids blew out of proportion.

An I love the new STi's... some don't... but i do. I have not driven it yet because lithia doesn't have any to test drive. Its on my list of things to do.

and if the BMW wasn't 45K it would be really hard to choose between the two

If you really like the BMW's, isn't the 135i quite a bit cheaper than a 335i?

The practicality is way down with a 2 door, 4 seater, RWD. Also I just don't like how the rocker panels are curved. And I'm pretty sure they are still high 30's.

If i was going for that small of a car i would look at one of those Hyndai Genesis coupes... cheaper, more reliable, brembos, and a LSD. (only M-series BMWs have LSDs these days)

I loved my evo. Although it may not be as practical. Long trips suck, because there are no cruise control, but i never had any problems with the seats they were comfy enough for me and no one ever complained.

The 08 STi would be sweet. 4 doors, wagon, and fast, I would sport it haha. Another option you could look at is the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliarts? they are a 2.0l turbocharged 237 HP motor with mivec. Never driven one but ridden in one and they get up and scoot, and they wont rape your wallet either.

Ralliart is a good option... but lack of manual trans makes it a no go; I'll take mine without the slappy paddle sissy shifter please.

very true. i did hear that it works pretty damn well though.

09 wrx.

/thread

Why? Sorry I guess its just me but I hate having to worry about tranny issues...and there is nothing different about the 09 trans...

worry wort

Meh, I don't really worry about it so much anymore...well with the Stg 2 power, but I want to slap on an 18g and that just isn't goin to happen until I beef up the trans....

I still think the 09 WRX would be the best bet. It's faster than previous years and already has a very nice suspension. Comfortable ride as well. I'm 6'5 and it was a joy to drive one.

my vote goes to the new Evo X GSR with SSS, Aero, and Nav.

You can get em for as low as 29k$ plus TTL.

It all highly depends on what you want. If you want to mod it and go fast, the Evo's are the way to go. Even though it's a subie forum.. most subie guys will agree. However, the STi's are much nicer cars all around. The interior doesn't look half bad and the drivetrain is fuking awesome. My point being, there are ups and downs for either car.

I've owned an evo VIII and an M3.. and my bro owns an "STi". All in all, I like the new X best.. but it must have the nav, sss, and aero.. otherwise, my vote goes to the last model of the older body style STi.

The list you put up compare totally different cars. If you want lux, go with BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, maybe even VW.. ;) It all depends on what YOU want.

Which sucks, because I have no clue what I want... I know I loved my last Subaru and hated to sell it. I also know that the A4 I'm driving now is a good looking car that drives nice and gets good mpg's; sadly it lacks any sporting ability.

So I'm thinking I want a well rounded car that has sport and luxury... So if i went with an 09' WRX it would be premium package. STi has a lot of those options standard. BMW, Audi, and even the VW I mentioned has a level of German refinement that I admire and enjoy.

All in all I think I can pick any of them and be happy with my decision... it all comes down to how much I want to pay.

You already have a comfortable daily driver with AWD which is great because you can get something sporty for weekend warrioring. I'm thinking stage 2 09 WRX or STi or something with RWD and balls.

:?:

http://southern4x4.com/images/Truck%20Nutz.jpg

exactly!! very practical, sporty, easy to drive and park.....

Those truck nuts are so frickin' lame. I roll my eyes every time I see some overly raised penis extender driving down the road with them. :roll: They're on par with the flames in the grill and on the emblems like the one in Kevins post.

I'm going to put nuts on my car, picture them swinging on the autox course:banana:

And put bull horns on the front... epic

I think others have touched on this but why not keep the Audi and get something crazy to have a good time in? Kenne Bell Cobra? :lol:

Yeah I like that option... I might keep the Audi regardless of what I get (mainly because its not worth anything). A blown mustang would definitely be fun.

Or just a different platform. I just keep thinking about putting more into my car and have a monstrous 300hp, when you could get a 01-05 Vette, 04-06 GTO, or Terminator Cobra with 400+ out of the box for around 40k. Maybe its just me, I'm addicted to power.

I didn't realize how cheap they are! An 04 Cobra is 24k with 37k on the clock...granted it is a domestic and thats a lot of mileage lol
http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/...6-3c7b514ed2a4

I love mustangs. I don't think I would own one though. I have known too many complete douche bags that drive them.

somethingsomethingsomewrxdriverssomethingsomething

jsut dont by a pontiac haha.

what about like a older z06? that would be amazing and killer on the track and autoX

I've tested an 03 Cobra extensively and wasn't very impressed. Not very torquey, yet lots of wheel hop/shudder in 1st gear. My friend's GTO was way more fun for me; the LS2 is a beast, and pushes you right back in the seat when you hit the loud pedal. I didn't run into any wheel hop, either.

An 03 SVT Cobra isn't very torquey? Huh, yeah I guess they are pretty dead even with the LS2 GTO, but the Cobra is set up to take more boost. Slap on a Kenne Bell, an intake, and a catback for like 6k and it's making 600whp.

What good is 600whp for $6k if it can't put down the stock horsepower and it'll cost you an additional $11k to get the rear suspension fixed up?

I think 11k is an over exaggeration, unless the shop work these guys get is around 8k. That link is from one of the SVT forums with a set up for strong Idependent Rear Suspension for up to 700hp, and costs around 4k (All the hardcore drag guys go to solid rear). Plus, a pulley, cai, and exhaust on one of those things makes 440. Some DR's or just some upgraded rubber will do wonders. Look at any domestic coupe that is offered, minus the Z06 and ZR1 the stock tires are junk...hell, minus the STi most stock rubber is junk...

I was just saying, if he is looking for a fun sports car then why not consider other options? He already had a Subaru and already has a good daily driver. So I was just throwing out my opinion that if he wants something balls to the wall, crazy fast, and fun I would go with a Cobra, Vette, GTO, etc...

http://www.svtsnake.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18264

Yeah I was exaggerating on the $11k, but my point was that you're not looking at $30k ($24k + $6k engine mods) for a 600whp car. You're looking at $30k for an undriveable 600whp car. :lol:

To be honest, I've got a soft spot for the '03 Cobra... they're the best looking (non-classic) Mustang ever made IMO, and they're pretty impressive on paper. They're also probably pretty fun to drive what with the rear-end always chattering and sliding all over the place, but something like a GTO is going to be more comfortable, faster around the track, more practical, and cheaper.

But hell, if I was spending that sort of money on a car, I'd just spend a little more and buy an '08 STi over both of them. $2000 toy cars the Cobra and GTO are not.

Have you driven one? It's really not. You stomp the gas and it doesn't just throw you back, it winds up like a small displacement engine. Which.. it is. The 6.0L of the LS2 is much more fun and responsive, in my opinion.

I've driven a lot of Mustangs, and that one was the most annoying at low speeds. I really could only give it like half throttle in 1st gear, or it would start shuddering like crazy. Pretty much anti-fun.

You can fix it by making all the rear end bushings stiffer, but that takes some work and it makes the NVH worse (obviously).

Yeah, I see what you are saying. I guess the 08 STi or even an Evo X would be a good buy. IDK I'm still just an immature kid :lol: I like POWA!!! I've just condsidered what it would take to make 350 hp out of my WRX and how pitiful that is compared to some other cars around. And also thinking about reliable horsepower or all the components to put into my Suby...and yea I know if I want more than Stage 2 go STi...

Monkey- I guess like Scott said they look good on paper and I should probably not question what I havent driven. Its just hard for me to think of a V8 not throwing you back in the seat, when my 2.5l turbo does it :lol:

Did you think of maybe a Solstice GXP or something of that sort? I know pontiac is on the way out but GM still is going to have to honor your warrantee, I would assume. Then you get the kick in the pants from the turbo + the fun of RWD, and I am pretty sure there is good aftermarket support for them to make it that much better.
Convertible or hardtop...pick your poison.

They never made the hardtop AFAIK, except removables.

Its a definite no on a Pontiac Solstice... maybe a G8 GT. 2 seat convertibles are not my thing... power an refinement more so.

I would like to own a muscle car again but since the gas prices are on their way back up I weary of anything with a V8 (even though they get pretty good MPG's these days). I had a 83' Monte Carlo SS for about 2 months before I sold it, good times. I have also spent a lot of time modifying and driving 5.0 Mustangs.

Plus; handling is important to me, so classy sports car is still my goal with the next car I purchase.

2009s come in a convertible and a coupe package according to the website

strike that it does have a removeable top :/

Those two statements are pretty contradictory. Seems you want a GT, not a sports car.