Car decision time again... <$24,000

[yellowsnow]

Well i finally sold my STi... reluctantly. i'm gonna miss that bad girl. I gotta get something cheaper so I don't need to pay any more car payments. So I have around $20-$24 to spend on a car, and I'm having a hard time finding something I would like. I'm looking for good fuel economy, awd/rwd, 2004 or up, probably gonna be buying used, and maybe going down to the states.

Higher cost end (importing from the states)
1. Lexus IS300
2. '04-'05 subaru wrx
3. Nissan 350z

Lower cost end
4. '06 VW Rabbit
5. '04 VW Golf TDI
6. Honda Fit
7. 06 Subaru 2.5i


haha... i can't decide. any thoughts, pick a car and share your experience! thanks :D

[4doorj]

350z!
s2000!
i would choose from those!

[hjr]

wrx might be tough to drive comming from an sti, the 350 is very nice, but not nearly as practical as everything else you listed.

i have heard much good about the honda fit mind you (the other side of the spectrum) cheap - peppy, well built, spacious, nice interior...

its really a tough choice

[benyl]

You higher cost end has nothing to do with fuel economy.

[Masked Bandit]

I think the VW TDI would be the way to go if fuel economy is a major factor.

[Pee_Sack]

dont get a wrx if you had an STi you will hate yourself for ever getting rid of the STi

[Weapon_R]

350z or G35 if you can get a clean 03 or 04 for 24k.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I would try get an american G35 (you wont be able to get a canadian one for 24k) or go for an Audi A4 1.8T.

I really think you should buy a B5 S4 but it is not 2004 + :)

[Aleks]

We have an 06 WRX and 07 Rabbit and there are days when I like driving the Rabbit way more. The interior is nicer, car is quieter, awsome little driver. You can get a brand new loaded one for 25K with tax.

[yellowsnow]

Originally posted by benyl
You higher cost end has nothing to do with fuel economy.

yeah... hence the higher cost end :p


Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
I would try get an american G35 (you wont be able to get a canadian one for 24k) or go for an Audi A4 1.8T.

I really think you should buy a B5 S4 but it is not 2004 +

i was thinking of the s4, but i'm planning on reselling in a couple years, and it'll be easier to sell 2004+ cars i think


Originally posted by Aleks
We have an 06 WRX and 07 Rabbit and there are days when I like driving the Rabbit way more. The interior is nicer, car is quieter, awsome little driver. You can get a brand new loaded one for 25K with tax.

I test drove a rabbit, and it was pretty torqueless.. but the interior was very nice. i do like the look of the white rabbits tho :)

[xrayvsn]

Originally posted by Aleks
We have an 06 WRX and 07 Rabbit and there are days when I like driving the Rabbit way more. The interior is nicer, car is quieter, awsome little driver. You can get a brand new loaded one for 25K with tax.

Yes, but I am guessing it also does not have a catback installed ;)

Haha, sorry just had to give you a hard time.

Yellowsnow, whatever car you get will not feel the same as the STi. You have to think about what you want from the car. A car on your lower cost list would also be less to insure and get more fuel economy. The 350Z would be sexy, but cost more to run than the others you list. What is most important to you at this time?

If resale is a consideration, the Honda will probably depreciate the least out of your choices, though the IS300 would also hold on to its value.

[leec001]

New: 07 Impreza RS
Used: 04-05 WRX

:thumbsup:

[max_boost]

2004/05 Subaru Impreza! I like that design the best. :thumbsup:

[2EFNFAST]

Why not just go the extra few dollars and buy a Viper? Best upgrade ever :D

[Aleks]

Originally posted by yellowsnow


I test drove a rabbit, and it was pretty torqueless.. but the interior was very nice. i do like the look of the white rabbits tho :)

I find that it has crazy TQ off the line (170 rating). What it lacks is power (150hp) and it doesn't rev very high, but for city driving it's plenty.


Originally posted by xrayvsn


Yes, but I am guessing it also does not have a catback installed ;)

Haha, sorry just had to give you a hard time.



LOL, true. It would be a shame to drive that car without hearing the cool boxer rumble ;)

But still the rabbit is more refined, not more fun...

[2EFNFAST]

Originally posted by Aleks


I find that it has crazy TQ off the line (170 rating).
Wouldn't "crazy torque" be like 600+, not 170..... :confused:

[rc2002]

Originally posted by yellowsnow
I'm looking for good fuel economy

That pretty much just leaves the Fit, TDI, and Rabbit.

The first 3 you have listed don't have very good fuel economy at all.

[hjr]

Originally posted by yellowsnow
I test drove a rabbit, and it was pretty torqueless.. but the interior was very nice. i do like the look of the white rabbits tho :) well if you thought the rabbit had no torque (it has far more than most entry econo-cars) you probably will not like the fit (if torque is the measure).

it could just be your used to the sti though... its gonna be hard to replicate that feeling

[Aleks]

Originally posted by 2EFNFAST

Wouldn't &quot;crazy torque&quot; be like 600+, not 170..... :confused:

It's all relative to what you're comparing it to.

[naheed187]

g-35:thumbsup:

[yellowsnow]

the top 3 listed are just what i would like hehe.... i know they're not fuel efficient or that cheap.

i think i'll go with a TDI. it's gonna be difficult to adjust from an sti though... :(

cheap car for a year or two, then gonna buy a g35 or is350 :D

[Whitetiger]

IS300