Car advice!

[Skyline_Addict]

Hey guys,
Getting a new car has been on my mind for a while, but I have been hindered by my inability to decide what I want, what's available at the time, and budget. Basically, I want to go for something that is a bit more refined than the Prelude, more convenient (4 door hopefully), and still have as much, if not more performance than I have now. Good gas mileage is a consideration but not a requirement. Handling is more important than power. No older than 6 years old, easy to maintain and from a brand of reputable quality.

Here is a list of cars I am interested in with reasons why I want/wouldn't want the car.

Integra Type-R

The lure of the ITR is pretty hard to resist. Aside from it being the car that almost every Honda loyalist wants, it's not too much of an upgrade in the few areas that it is better. I'd feel like I'd be driving the same car again, but it is a Type-R, and that in itself changes things :).

Subaru WRX

I test drove the 2006 and loved the performance. I wasn't particularly impressed with the interior of the car. I like how the cars look and the performance for the price, and having 4-door, really draws me to the car. It is also the only turbo-charged car I'm considering, and I would definetely love to have a turboed car out-of-the-box. The car is a bit pricey though, and it is hard to find the 2002-2004 ones (bug eyes).

Lexus IS300

Nothing bad I can point out about the car besides the high price tag on the car itself, and very likely the insurance. Refined, RWD, 4 door, luxury sports sedan.....couldn't ask for more. Particularly difficult to find this car used, with manual transmission.


Honda Civic 2006

Taking a step back in performance and a step up in convenience, gas mileage and comfort. The upside of this car, aside from what I mentioned above is I can get a brand new one for the price of the used cars I have mentioned above. I would consider a CSX too, if anyone could warrant spending the extra cash on one vs. a Civic.




Well, these are my considerations so far. Please feel free to make any suggestions on alternatives or anything at all, as I am more than open to it.


Thanks

[teggypimp95]

If you could afford the is300 thats what my vote would be. Or next probably a new si, or wrx, i love ITR but not that practical and there alot of money for what you get. even tho they are hard to turn down lol

[Mitsu3000gt]

How bout a 2000-2001 AUDI S4? For $1000 it gets ~320hp/380 ft/lb torque and with about $200 in "preventative" upgrades (Diverter valves + Throttle body boot) you should have no more problems than any other car. It's refined and has almost evey option standard. Parts are a little more expensive, but its rock solid so you shouldn't have to incur those costs often at all.

The WRX is also a good option, and both of these options give you AWD, which is the tits in my opinion.

Another good alternative would be a 2003ish Infinity G35, they do pretty much everything very well.

The 2006 civic gets great reviews and there isn't much bad anyone can say about that, except that if you want to go fast you need huge RPM.

The IS is a little bit slow IMO but other than that an OUTSTANDING car and it handles super well.

I would stay away from FWD if you love the handling, but thats just my opinion.

Mark

[teggypimp95]

Yeah audi would be good, little pricy to maintain but great choice, best value would be the si. good power great handeling nice over all car. im just not crazy about the dash board. Wrx could be alot of fun too. But i drive a gti 1.8t and love it to bits and if i has cash, id be alll over the new gti.

[bspot]

WRX or IS300 for sure. I'd lean to the WRX.

[teggypimp95]

I got a nice SIR for sale. 6 years old with 82 xxxkm. not sure if thats ur thing, very clean car, handels like a go cart. Check out my thread and all my pics.

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&postid=1549183#post1549183

[aram1000]

I know where you are comming from, as an ITR owner i understand the allure of it, probably one of the best performing FWD cars out there, plus it handles like a dream and a smile almost always comes across my face when vtec hits, but its not the most refined ride, the IS300 is good too, good performance and nice styling, plus its RWD, the WRX is a good performer, but for the price you pay i just feel the interior is lacking, as for a new civic, nice car but looking at what you like i would have this at the bottom of this list if it were me, but u definately have some good choices

[teggypimp95]

is300 are so pimp and could like soo nice a clean with just some nice rims and maybe spring, but it is alot of money and the others you probable are getting more for your doller.

[Skyline_Addict]

Originally posted by teggypimp95
I got a nice SIR for sale. 6 years old with 82 xxxkm. not sure if thats ur thing, very clean car, handels like a go cart. Check out my thread and all my pics.

http://forums.beyond.ca/showthread.php?s=&postid=1549183#post1549183

wow, fast replies! i will look into the Audi a bit more, looks interesting.....not interested in and older Civic, sorry.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Any questions about the S4 feel free to PM me.

Mark

[CryoCarnage]

2003 IS300. They are plenty of them 5 speed aroudn here . it ghet my vote because you can swap in its bigger brother of a motor in the engine bay :D

[cujo_cjc]

I would say go for the IS300 if you can pick one up.
Trust me when I say it is really difficult to find a manual transmission. I spent over half a year looking for one until I went for another car. And luck has it that is when a few started to pop up in the trader!
The IS came in manual starting from 2002 so dont look any older than that. And I believe in mid 2004 they discontinued LSD on the car. So if you want that, you will have to look for an IS300 with the 'Premium Package'