Help me choose a car for the new year

[Rue]

I’m coming up for my Hong Kong permanent residency at the end of the month and have been thinking about getting a second hand car in the new-year. Basically the public transport here is probably just about the best in the world so there is no other reason to own a car other than for freedom and an enjoyable drive now and again, so I don’t plan on doing too much driving. I am looking at the pros and cons of owning one of two different kinds of car – something sensible with space for the benefit of my mates or something selfish for a good blast, or something in the middle. You'll notice that everything is either Japanese or German as that's basically the only cars people drive here so for parts and servicing etc. that's the best way to go. My ideal criteria are basically:

Quick and a good drive OR comfy with lots of space

Bullet-proof reliability

Not completely ridiculous fuel consumption

Under 2500cc even better if 1500cc or under

(Pictures are of the model year of car that I would be looking at)

Some things I am pondering in the 'Sensible' category:

Subaru Forester

Subaru Legacy GT-B Wagon

Toyota Bb Open Deck

Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4

Subaru WRX Wagon (2nd Gen ‘bug-eyes&#8217

Honda Accord Wagon

Toyota Hiace

Some things I am pondering in the 'Hmmm, it's a bit silly but I can also get my mates in it with a bit of stuff' category...

Mitsubishi Evo V or VI ot perhaps a VII

Toyota Aristo V300 Vertex

Toyota Altezza RS200

Skyline GT-T ER34

Toyota Chaser Tourer-V

Some things I am pondering in the 'Not so sensible' category:

Mercedes SL320

Porsche 968 Cabriolet

Toyota MR-S

Nissan Skyline GT-T

BMW E36 Conv

Mazda MX-5

Integra Type-R DC2

If anyone would like to share their thoughts, experiences or recommendations with me I would be very grateful. If you can recommend something else that would also be great.

UPDATE: A few more that I am also interested in...

Whilst searching the classifieds I have started to form an interest in the Honda Accord Euro-R (CL1). They seem reliable, sporty, good-looking and they're cheap. Anyone have any opinions on these?

 

[Paulie]

I voted the Legnum VR4, it will carry your friends in comfort, give you a lot of fun from the turbo 6, and isn't the same stupid car everyone else has.👍

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

I voted the Legnum VR4, it will carry your friends in comfort, give you a lot of fun from the turbo 6, and isn't the same stupid car everyone else has.👍

VR-4 is great but its abit meh,One of my friends has one,great cruising car and quiet but just doesn't feel right with an auto box plus due to the ecu you don't get much power from them.

Go for the evo and deffo make sure the engine is from an evo 5 upwards, be also weary if it has a 6TME or an evo 7 engine too as the conrod design for these was changed and is weak once you get to around 400bhp although the taxi 5 has ran a stock bar fuel pump,intake and exhaust evo 7 rs engine for the past 2 years at 1.9 bar and has been nothing but reliable.

you can also give all those supercars a run for thier money


BTW the pic you posted is an 8 not a 7

 

[EA11R]

Literally cannot go wrong with an Altezza. Rear-drive sedan with actual sport baked in! Basically only BMW do that, but servicing the Altezza tends not to be life-changing. Not to mention, the guage cluster kicks ass. It's like a fancy watch!

And it isn't really impractical in any way, considering your apparent price range. (i.e. expensive)

EDIT: Gross, who voted Evolution VII? Best Evos by far are less than Vii, before it got all big and ugly.

 

[Leonidae]

I voted for Evo V.

 

[Paulie]

Legnums only came in autos? With a manual and some tuning they'd be cool.......

I'd get the Chaser over the Altezza, but that's just me.

Edit: If the Legnums only come in autos, second pick is the Chaser or Aristo/GS300. Unless you'd consider the GS400 (if there was one?).

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

Legnums only came in autos? With a manual and some tuning they'd be cool.......

I'd get the Chaser over the Altezza, but that's just me.

There are some manuals around(in the uk anyway) but you've got a better chance of finding hens teeth than one of those.

 

[Boffin]

I chose other, because i think you should get variations of the cars you have chosen.

My main problems are with the 968 and the E36. You should only really get an E36 if it's and M3. If you do so, I'd still suggest get the hard top. It's safer if left on the streets and looks better (IMO) and it prevents you from looking too much like a hairdresser (the M3 bit helps as well). The same goes for the 968. While you may like the wind in your hair, the roof storage on it when the roof's down looks soooo awful - and I don't know why someone would want to give up the great looking roof.

If you stand strong on those issues, then I'd suggest the Evo VI.

 

[benzoboy]

I voted Evolution 6, but if you do get one, try and get a Tommi Makkinen Edition, those are a similar price to an Evo 7.

I would also recommend the equivalent year Subaru Impreza STi.

Cracking cars.

 

[orimarc]

I voted for the Subaru WRX Wagon. Why? Because it's got a lot of space AND it's sporty.

 

[homeforsummer]

I voted Altezza, because I've liked the design ever since they came out, and I like the fact the Toyota version has a loony 4-cyl with a rather high redline. Plus, it won't break down and it'll be comfy and also fairly subtle, providing you don't choose one with the bodykit shown above!

My second and third choices would be the MX-5 and the Integra R.

And this:

is awesome. As is the tricked-out Hiace. I want one of each.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Go for the evo and deffo make sure the engine is from an evo 5 upwards, be also weary if it has a 6TME or an evo 7 engine too as the conrod design for these was changed and is weak once you get to around 400bhp although the taxi 5 has ran a stock bar fuel pump,intake and exhaust evo 7 rs engine for the past 2 years at 1.9 bar and has been nothing but reliable.

Sorry, I missed the part where Rue said he was looking for a car to compete with Corvettes on public roads... He's looking to buy a car, not a 400 hp racer, he's also looking for something to carry around his friends. Do you really think he'll be racing against Corvettes with three passengers?

Rue, just go with homeforsummer's post and take the Altezza. It's a great looking car, doesn't break down, and has enough space. My personal pick would be the Chaser, I think it's the coolest Toyota 4-door out there. Plus the fact it's a Toyota means it'll never, ever break down. And I'd imagine Chasers do deliver some performace stock-wise. 👍

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

Sorry, I missed the part where Rue said he was looking for a car to compete with Corvettes on public roads... He's looking to buy a car, not a 400 hp racer, he's also looking for something to carry around his friends. Do you really think he'll be racing against Corvettes with three passengers?

And i guess i missed the part where i was talking about racing

 

[Bram Turismo]

And i guess i missed the part where i was talking about racing

Here you go:

you can also give all those supercars a run for thier money

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

Here you go:

Never said anything about racing there i said it could keep up since he was looking for something for a good blast too and hk is full of high performance cars and it should be able to hold its own against them but nothing about racing

You really should stop making things up

 

[Jay]

I don't mean to be picky Rue, but you have the same car listed twice. The "ER34" refers to a RB25 powered R34 sedan or Coupe (as the GT-T is RB25 powered), not just the sedan. It's common that people refer to the sedan as ER34 and coupe R34 due to the Blitz "ER34" drift car.


As for car choice, it's up to your tastes, If I were you and wouldn't drive it often I would choose something fast that is a blast, give you real joy.

 

[Omnis]

Stay away from the Aristo. If you want a boat on wheels you might as well get the Hiace.

 

[rollazn]

I voted Evolution 6, but if you do get one, try and get a Tommi Makkinen Edition, those are a similar price to an Evo 7.

I would also recommend the equivalent year Subaru Impreza STi.

Cracking cars.

+1!!

I voted Evo VI but would take any equivalent year of the STi... both are sexy.

 

[Jay]

Stay away from the Aristo. If you want a boat on wheels you might as well get the Hiace.

Aww, but the Hiace hasn't got a 2JZGTE.

 

[Perfect Balance]

you can also give all those supercars a run for thier money

Never said anything about racing there

i said it could keep up

it should be able to hold its own against them

but nothing about racing.

You don't have to be on a track to race. Why would you need to "give them a run for their money" or "hold your own" for absolutely no reason at all?

 

[Tornado]

Never said anything about racing there

Nope. As far as I can tell you merely posted a video of sports cars racing on a race track. For the life of me I can't imagine where the confusion came from.



I would say get the Legnum, but I cannot with a straight face recommend a car that is even distantly related to something as horrible as the Galant. Ah, screw it. Get the Porsche.

 

[HACKr]

Nope. As far as I can tell you merely posted a video of sports cars racing on a race track. For the life of me I can't imagine where the confusion came from.



I would say get the Legnum, but I cannot with a straight face recommend a car that is even distantly related to something as horrible as the Galant. Ah, screw it. Get the Porsche.

Oh god yes the Legnum. I'm serious here too.

 

[Philly]

I voted for the Subaru WRX Wagon. Why? Because it's got a lot of space AND it's sporty.

It also goes anywhere and everywhere.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Never said anything about racing there i said it could keep up since he was looking for something for a good blast too and hk is full of high performance cars and it should be able to hold its own against them but nothing about racing

You really should stop making things up

I'm not making things up, but if I totally misunderstood, then an apology on my behalf is in place. I just got the impression you tried to tell Rue he can give other sportscars a "run for their money", also known as streetrace other sportscars. But if that wasn't your intention than I must apologize.

 

[Eric Demory]

Get the Nissan Skyline GT-R. It's not often you see one of those.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Get the Nissan Skyline GT-R. It's not often you see one of those.

In America, yes

 

[slidesquad#1]

From personal experience, the Evo is an absolute blast to drive. Wouldn't trade it for the world. BUT. It isn't designed for comfort. Mine has standard suspension, and it can get pretty bouncy on bad roads. That's not an issue for me at all, but if ride comfort is a main requirement, it may pay to have a look elsewhere as well (Then again, I've had it for over a year now, still laugh everytime I drive it). And the interior isn't the flashest place in the world, it's pretty much a base Lancer with awesome seats and a Momo wheel. Again, I absolutely love it, but depending on what you're looking for, might not be suitable for you.

I'm talking about the VI here obviously, can't comment about the newer ones though.

If all out performance isn't the most important criteria, look into the Legnum/Legacy. Both are quite comfortable, and definitely have enough power to get out of their own way. Make sure you look into some of the common problems though, the Legacy seems to like throwing big-end bearings, while the Legnum's AYC (off the evo 4) can be problematic from what I've read as well. Both of those are quite easily available in manual here, and I'd guess HK shouldn't be too different.

Personally, if it was me, and I wanted an overal jack of all trades car, I'd go with the Chaser. They look awesome (to me), can be driven around town everyday without feeling like you're on a rollercoaster, have plenty of space, and come with an engine that is probably one of the easiest to get power out of if you're so inclined.

But if you're not concerned about comfort, and just want to carve corners while pretending to own a practical car, you shouldn't go past the Evo/Sti.

Don't go with the WRX wagon though, the STi's are in a completely different league.

Also, drive as many as you can. We're not gonna be living with them, you are.

 

[mustangGT90210]

I voted Evo VII but an STI Sedan/coupe will be just as awesome

 

[JCE]

Mercedes E55 AMG Estate:

Screw fuel consumption. Besides the STi and EVO don't get any better than the E55.

[/thread]

 

[YSSMAN]

Whats the cost of an early Honda S2000 around there? Early ones in the US are becoming fairly cheap, and that certainly would be my pick.

Otherwise, I'm giving the thumbs up to the Mazda MX-5. Cheap, reliable, and fun to drive. Can't go wrong. Although, are you only interested in the NA? Are there NBs readily available for a good price?