Daily Driver time, Need opinions please

  • Thread starter Thread starter nismo4life
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nismo4life

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Ok so its time to get a nice daily. Want it to be decently quick but definately comfy and not some bucket piece of chit. So far I've thought of the following to go try out

RSX Type S
Mazdaspeed Protege
RX-7 (FD)
E36 M3
Audi S4 (B5)
04-05 WRX
350Z
CL Type S 6spd
Audi TT 225hp Turbo Quattro
3000GT VR4 (2nd gen)

My brain is shot, I can't think of anymore so if you guys can recommend stuff to go try out I'd love you. I want something that handles pretty well, has some decent acceleration and will cost me under 20k. Also keep in mind rwd is okay, as long as its not a pain in the ass to drive in these New England winters, so I might scratch the Z since I heard its REALLY bad in the rain/snow.
 
A few of my picks:

- B5 VW Passat W8 4MOTION (6M or 5A)
- MKIV VW Jetta GLI (VR6 or 1.8T, 6M)
- MKIV VW Jetta GLX (VR6, 6M)
- Pontiac GTO (5.7L LS1 will do, 6M)
- Cadillac CTS 3.6L (6M)
- Lincoln LS (V8)
- Lexus IS300 (6M)
- Infiniti G35 (6M)
- Nissan Maxima SE (6M)

...Thats about it...?
 
YSSMAN
A few of my picks:

- B5 VW Passat W8 4MOTION (6M or 5A)
- MKIV VW Jetta GLI (VR6 or 1.8T, 6M)
- MKIV VW Jetta GLX (VR6, 6M)
- Pontiac GTO (5.7L LS1 will do, 6M)
- Cadillac CTS 3.6L (6M)
- Lincoln LS (V8)
- Lexus IS300 (6M)
- Infiniti G35 (6M)
- Nissan Maxima SE (6M)

...Thats about it...?
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mmmm Maxima...4th and 5th gens would be nice. G35 too but I cant find any under 20k. IS300 they only made in 5spd but I have been highly considering one. GTO for use as a daily driver in New England? lol. CTS and LS seem like "older" mens cars, keep in mind I am 19 lol. the GLI is another car i have been thinking of trying.
 
If I had a choice and it was for 24K~ or less. I'd go with the RSX-S just because it's the most comfortable on the list AND it's quick and agile. Not extremely quick or extremely agile, but more then enough to have fun with on a pretty regular basis. But if you're going to be in it everyday, then I would say the RSX-s, for the comfort level.
 
opendriver19a
The insurence for a 320hp 4WD spotrs car is going to be insaneley high
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Insurance for a turbo awd talon is 220 a month. Quote for 03 Evo was 240 a month. Keep in mind my talon is going to have 400hp on pump, insurance is the least of my worries with these gas prices LOL.

Swift
If I had a choice and it was for 24K~ or less. I'd go with the RSX-S just because it's the most comfortable on the list AND it's quick and agile. Not extremely quick or extremely agile, but more then enough to have fun with on a pretty regular basis. But if you're going to be in it everyday, then I would say the RSX-s, for the comfort level.
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My brother is trying to con me into buying his 04 Ralliart, but I don't really think that car would stay stock for too long LOL.
 
How about a Cobalt SS/SC? It's faster then a RSX, has factory backed upgrades which will allow you to keep a warrenty, and I find it to be very comfy. As for reliability I haven't heard any major concerns with the car yet and I know mine is running great at 1k miles. Granted that's not many but I have full confidence in the ecotec. It's tried and true. It's just a thought.
 
I'd say go for the WRX. 4wd, good accel, nice looking car, roomy. I say all that cause I have and '06 STI. Don't even think about a GTO i paid 34k for my 6.0 Ls2, its very fast 👍 but I doubt it will handle good in snow.
 
Holdenhsvgtsr
srt-4?
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There is a reason I didn't state that car lol.

IMADreamer
How about a Cobalt SS/SC? It's faster then a RSX, has factory backed upgrades which will allow you to keep a warrenty, and I find it to be very comfy. As for reliability I haven't heard any major concerns with the car yet and I know mine is running great at 1k miles. Granted that's not many but I have full confidence in the ecotec. It's tried and true. It's just a thought.
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I'd perfer to stay away from those cars. Not a fan of either and I can't afford a new Cobalt. If I was going to go that far I'd buy a Sky Redline, but I dont want a drop top...and If I was buying a vert, no contest because it would be an S2k.
 
djblackmon
I'd say go for the WRX. 4wd, good accel, nice looking car, roomy. I say all that cause I have and '06 STI. Don't even think about a GTO i paid 34k for my 6.0 Ls2, its very fast 👍 but I doubt it will handle good in snow.
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A used WRX is generally a bad idea as the drivetrain isn't that tough and people tend to drive it harder then they should. Mainly with launching the car.

Here's what I say...

If you need something for the city and parking next to others, get a 4-door.
If you don't need to worry about that or frequent access to the back seat(for passengers) go with a 2-door.
 
nismo4life
CTS and LS seem like "older" mens cars, keep in mind I am 19 lol.
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I've had the LS on my list for some time. Let's just say based on that statement it's now a little less likely to be considered. :lol:

If I had $20k and your considerations, I'd get an E36 M3 - you can basically have your pick of them, since nearly every one is under $20k. That said it'd be hard to go wrong with most of what you mention, though I'd stay away from the MazdaSpeed Protege and RSX Type-S. I mean, you could be getting an M3, 3000GT VR-4, and WRX - would you really be able to live with yourself if you settled for a front-drive four-cylinder with under 200 horsepower?
 
But the Protoge is so nice...
But I digress. If you have the ability to get a 3000GT for under 20K, than it is steal because you are essentialy paying for half of what the car would be worth new today. Stay away from the Audi TT, as the 225 engine is a highstrung windbag, and they were typically not the most reliable of cars. And if you want a fun car, it wouldn't really be a good choice.
I would also look for a 300ZX TT, as it would probably be cheaper to insure than the 3000GT (negligably so, though).
 
M5Power
I've had the LS on my list for some time. Let's just say based on that statement it's now a little less likely to be considered. :lol:

If I had $20k and your considerations, I'd get an E36 M3 - you can basically have your pick of them, since nearly every one is under $20k. That said it'd be hard to go wrong with most of what you mention, though I'd stay away from the MazdaSpeed Protege and RSX Type-S. I mean, you could be getting an M3, 3000GT VR-4, and WRX - would you really be able to live with yourself if you settled for a front-drive four-cylinder with under 200 horsepower?
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Let me just break it down:

WRX-weak transmission and drivetrain, as stated above.
VR4-will only find with very high miles
M3-Well its a bimmer, who knows how often it will be in the shop lol

RSX-S - WILL NOT BREAK, hondas never die lol
MSP- Turbocharged from factory, if you flash the ecu, take out the cat and up the boost by 4 lbs (which mind you is still a safe boost level for that motor) you are easily at 220fwhp.

I do like the idea of the M3, just need to see how faulty they are, and how much fun ;)

Jim Prower
Mustang? Camaro? in your price range, heck a C4 Corvette would do the trick
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I will never own a domestic. And if you want to argue about the GTO, technically its built by Holden ;)


Swift
A used WRX is generally a bad idea as the drivetrain isn't that tough and people tend to drive it harder then they should. Mainly with launching the car.

Here's what I say...

If you need something for the city and parking next to others, get a 4-door.
If you don't need to worry about that or frequent access to the back seat(for passengers) go with a 2-door.
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Ehh I like the look of 4 doors, and I already have a coupe (95 TSi AWD) so I think I would be better off getting a 4 door, plus then you can put use to the back seats :dopey: hahahaha
 
Ok, then I would go with a late model, spoort compact. Maybe even something like the Spec V or Rally art Lancer. You want something that's not going to break on your regular driving but can still be fun.
 
Toronado
But the Protoge is so nice...
But I digress. If you have the ability to get a 3000GT for under 20K, than it is steal because you are essentialy paying for half of what the car would be worth new today. Stay away from the Audi TT, as the 225 engine is a highstrung windbag, and they were typically not the most reliable of cars. And if you want a fun car, it wouldn't really be a good choice.
I would also look for a 300ZX TT, as it would probably be cheaper to insure than the 3000GT (negligably so, though).
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The only VR4's i found for under 20k have 90,000+ miles. Its an option, but only if i find something with lower miles, which i doubt.
 
nismo4life
mmmm Maxima...4th and 5th gens would be nice. G35 too but I cant find any under 20k. IS300 they only made in 5spd but I have been highly considering one. GTO for use as a daily driver in New England? lol. CTS and LS seem like "older" mens cars, keep in mind I am 19 lol. the GLI is another car i have been thinking of trying.
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I'm 19 and quickly running up on 20, and quite frankly I'd love to have a CTS 3.6 or LS V8. They may be "old man" cars by comparison to the kid's Civics and Jettas, but I love them. There is a good ammount of power there, a great ammount of comfort/luxury, and the build quality is quite good on both models.

I've been looking at a GLI for quite some time too, but I've got tuition to pay, so that will have to wait...
 
A Stealth may be your fancy then. They are the same car, but the Stealth's depreciation is up there with the greatest. I've heard of people losing half the resale price on them within two years.
 
YSSMAN
I'm 19 and quickly running up on 20, and quite frankly I'd love to have a CTS 3.6 or LS V8. They may be "old man" cars by comparison to the kid's Civics and Jettas, but I love them. There is a good ammount of power there, a great ammount of comfort/luxury, and the build quality is quite good on both models.

I've been looking at a GLI for quite some time too, but I've got tuition to pay, so that will have to wait...
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Don't get me wrong I am a luxury whore, but the LS and CTS are jokes, but maybe thats just because I am comparing them to the LS430. Now that is a car I'd enjoy :)..too bad its auto, and 70k lol.

Swift
Ok, then I would go with a late model, spoort compact. Maybe even something like the Spec V or Rally art Lancer. You want something that's not going to break on your regular driving but can still be fun.
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Thats why I'm also considering the compact n/a fwd 4 knockers lol. RSX-S would take the cake though...
 
Toronado
A Stealth may be your fancy then. They are the same car, but the Stealth's depreciation is up there with the greatest. I've heard of people losing half the resale prive on them within two years.
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They are also alot rarer then 3000 GT's, I believe that in 1995, the last production year, they only made 4x VR4's. So for the people who know what the car is worth, its not that cheap anymore lol
 
You should look at 99-04 Mustang GT. The 4.6 from those years is surprisingly strong, and will last a long time. The rest of the drivetrain will handle quite a bit of abuse. As far as the Stealth/3000gt goes, STAY AWAY! I know from firsthand experience that those cars are huge peices of crap.

If you are concerned about winter weather, any car can be a handfull. I have never owned anything but v-8, RWD cars, and they can be driven fine in snow. Just not ice, nothing does well on ice, awd, 4wd, fwd, doesnt matter.
 
Nismo - How much are you paying for insurance on your Talon??? I read 220.
Mine (92 TSi) is only $150!! That's in Canadian dollars, and I'm even younger than you (18).

Have you thought about *gasp* a Miata?
 

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