Need ideas for next car. 20-30k no older than 3 years.

[tehwegz]

I'm a sucker for 90s JDM rhd death trap cars but need something new-ish-er I don't have to worry about all the time.

-Japanese but might consider others (e.g. Fiesta ST/Genesis Coupe) NOT into anything European (500 Abarth, Mini Cooper).
-New or lightly used.
-Stick shift.
-FWD, RWD, AWD doesn't matter.
-Prefer handling/feeling > speed/acceleration.

So I've pretty much narrowed it down to FRS/BRZ at this point. I've kept close watch on them, but prices are all over and no particular one has caught my attention. :banghead:

Need more ideas. :guns:

[zieg]

A brand new miata starts around the top end of that budget. Used ones would definitely be right there..

[A2VR6]

Might be able to get into evo x gsr near the upper end of your price range. Won't be easy to find however.

[beyond_ban]

Originally posted by A2VR6
Might be able to get into evo x gsr near the upper end of your price range. Won't be easy to find however.

Evo X's are actually quite easy to find under 30k. This one might be a bit on the high side KM wise, but a looks to be a pretty good deal.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-evo-gsr-wholesale-priced/1054524674?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

EDIT: I see he said lightly used after re reading his post. How many KMs do you consider lightly used OP? <15,000?

[FixedGear]

Originally posted by beyond_ban


Evo X's are actually quite easy to find under 30k. This one might be a bit on the high side KM wise, but a looks to be a pretty good deal.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-evo-gsr-wholesale-priced/1054524674?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

EDIT: I see he said lightly used after re reading his post. How many KMs do you consider lightly used OP? &lt;15,000?

Nice job suggesting a 9 year old car to a guy looking for something less than 3 years old.

[beyond_ban]

lol, reading comprehension > me tonight. The car is 7 years old though, not 9.

Ignore the fact that i was here and continue on.

[J.M.]

I vote FRS lol, seems like they are dropping in price pretty well in the used market.

[03ozwhip]

You can get an 08 335i in your price range. If you haven't tested a bmw, try one and you'll be hooked.

[94boosted]

I vote FRS/BRZ if fun to drive and newish are your most important criteria.

[rage2]

Originally posted by 03ozwhip
You can get an 08 335i in your price range. If you haven't tested a bmw, try one and you'll be hooked.

Originally posted by tehwegz
NOT into anything European

Originally posted by beyond_ban
lol, reading comprehension > me

[killramos]

Originally posted by tehwegz
I'm a sucker for 90s JDM rhd death trap cars but need something new-ish-er I don't have to worry about all the time.

-Japanese but might consider others (e.g. Fiesta ST/Genesis Coupe) NOT into anything European (500 Abarth, Mini Cooper).
-New or lightly used.
-Stick shift.
-FWD, RWD, AWD doesn't matter.
-Prefer handling/feeling &gt; speed/acceleration.



Sounds to me like you want a civic :rofl:

http://www.tandthonda.ca/new-2015-Honda-Civic-Coupe-LX_373457VI.php

http://www.tandthonda.ca/new-2015-Honda-Civic-Coupe-Si_2150358.php

You pick which is more important to you

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by rage2



+

Originally posted by tehwegz
no older than 3 years

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Ukyo8]

About a 6 month old Focus ST

You'd pretty much be getting a brand new car.
I personally couldn't live with how gutless the BRZ is.

[03ozwhip]

Lol just encouraging to look outside the box.

[pheoxs]

If you're genuinely considering the Fiesta ST shoot me a PM and I'll let you check mine out and take you for a rip. I sold my FR-S and went to a Fiesta ST and would never go back. It's really hard to explain. I do miss RWD though.

My argument against the FR-S is simply this:

http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/scion/fr-s/2013/fe/2013_scion_fr-s_det_fe_1011123_600.jpg

That loss of mid-range power kills the car for me. Period. If they had better power delivery (and a bit of a bump in power) it would be a lot better. But you can't get rid of that torque dip without a full header+exhaust, intake and a tune... and even then it's still there just 'better'.

[r3ccOs]

Turbo's are meant for our elevation...

honestly, GTI is a great car... good engine, beautiful stick shift, great seats, handles well, lots of aftermarket support, good reliability, and very practical

I know its "european" but VW is like the honda's of Europe

[rizfarmer]

Originally posted by r3ccOs
Turbo's are meant for our elevation...

honestly, GTI is a great car... good engine, beautiful stick shift, great seats, handles well, lots of aftermarket support, good reliability, and very practical

I know its &quot;european&quot; but VW is like the honda's of Europe

Agreed. You should even see mk7's in your price range soon if not already since the R is right around the corner.

One thing not mentioned yet that is one of the best daily drivers imo would be a g37x coupe. If not for my need for cargo space, I'd definitely be driving one of those. Awd, reliable as hell, 300+ hp, manual option. What's not to like?

[SkiBum5.0]

2012-current WRX?

[relyt92]

Originally posted by beyond_ban


Evo X's are actually quite easy to find under 30k. This one might be a bit on the high side KM wise, but a looks to be a pretty good deal.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-evo-gsr-wholesale-priced/1054524674?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

EDIT: I see he said lightly used after re reading his post. How many KMs do you consider lightly used OP? &lt;15,000? Not sure anyone on this site would recommend buying anything from that place even if it does seem like a deal anyway.

[tehwegz]

I appreciate all the input.

Lol @ Honda Civic. I'm holding out for their turbo motors, all Civics will start to come turbocharged (1.5T in all the civics!) starting end of this year. I can't wait to see what's in store for Honda (type R, Civ Si, Fit Si, etc.) :D

I've driven nearly everything you can possibly cross shop a FRS/BRZ. And I agree, Fiesta ST is the most comparable. I follow Matt Farah who also has a Fiesta ST he chose over a BR-S that he mods and drives the snot out of on mountain roads (tail of the dragon, etc.) he says its a blast and damn does it look like one! It definitely has my attention. They start at 25k. After fees/taxes looks to be 28k, and I won't be adding anything as they already come with much more than a comparable FR-S. Hopefully they have some discounts, rebates, or something. I'll visit the Scion & Ford dealer in Sherwood Park and compare both cars back to back. I've had a couple hours of seat time driving an FR-S. I have driven a Fiesta ST enough to get a taste for it. The only thing I don't like is lack of factory LSD. Easily tuned to get 200whp and 300wtq. They get something like 30mpg CITY and 40+ mpg highway, probably more assuming level/downhill and of course in vacuum.

-Evo X would be nice but still 30k+ and if not they have high mileage and probably close to needing major service.
-BMW out of the question but did see a low-ish mileage stick shift 2012 128i for $23k and it briefly peaked interest till I learned it weighs 3300lbs! WTF.
-Speed3, I heard bad things about the motor.
-Focus ST, I like the FiST more and can't justify paying more for bigger and more weight when 97.5% of the time its just me, a bag, and a couple pairs of shoes in the thing.
-12+ Civic Si, not a fan of the K24s with integrated exhaust manifolds. They make more torque at lower RPM than ever (170lb-ft @4800 in 12-13 and 175lb-ft @4400rpm in 14-15) but don't have the same feel or awesome high rev VTEC fun as the 06-11s.
-VW is no go, I have to work around them quite a bit and they annoy the hell out of me. The mk7 GTi is no doubt quality, the steering in them is brilliant, interior finish pleasing to look and feel. I just personally wouldn't own one.
-G37: can't find a single stick shift one!

[CanmoreOrLess]

Originally posted by tehwegz
I appreciate all the input.

-G37: can't find a single stick shift one!

Flex on the three year demand and there are a couple of G37:

A few hours away:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/swift-current/2009-infinity-g37s-coupe/1055329000?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true


And a convertible in some Alberta town:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2009-infiniti-g37-s-convertible/1054250045?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[Graham_A_M]

3300 pounds is heavy to you? Wtf lol

[beyond_ban]

^ It is compared to a ~2800 lb FRS

[03ozwhip]

Ya but the 128i is Sooo much fun. Lower it and get some good tires, the feeling you get when you drive it is so connected, for a lack of a better term.

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by beyond_ban
^ It is compared to a ~2800 lb FRS

And for the size of it. It's a small car, 3300lbs is a lot, but it's probably stuffed full of sound defender, etc.

[4doorj]

wrx

[r3ccOs]

I wouldn't touch Nissan EVER again

[Sugarphreak]

...

[pheoxs]

I paid 28,162.49$ for my Fiesta ST, 2014 fully loaded with Nav/Sunroof as well as their paint protection crap because it was already on it, and I forgot to get them to take off the tire hazard coverage and anti theft BS as I was in a hurry so it included that as well. Also it included a bunch of my services for free. I believe the molten orange was a 'premium' color as well so there was that option too.

[ShermanEF9]

Ecoboost mustang? won't be able to option the shit out of it, but its a bigger and great alternative to the Toyobaru.

[EM2FTL]

Lightweight? Fun car? Manual? Prefer handling over power?

Well then, as my duty to Kanema I must provide the rotary option even though it's 4 years old in its final iteration:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/red-deer/2011-mazda-rx-8-gt-6-speed/1053555958?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Or the purist R3! http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/2009-mazda-rx-8-r-3-package/1044953873?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

My work here is done.

[killramos]

Originally posted by EM2FTL
Lightweight? Fun car? Manual? Prefer handling over power?

Well then, as my duty to Kanema I must provide the rotary option even though it's 4 years old in its final iteration:

My work here is done.

Honestly someone could come on here looking for a 3/4 ton diesel for towing and you would find a way to recommend an RX-8 :poosie:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Redlined_8000]

BRZ/FRS. Thats about it for your needs.

But the RX-8 actually drives really great too. Only negative is that dam fuel economy.

[max_boost]

Probably the two most popular cars right now. Very budget baller friendly. Fiesta/Focus/FRS/BRZ.

[bjstare]

Originally posted by Redlined_8000
BRZ/FRS. Thats about it for your needs.

But the RX-8 actually drives really great too. Only negative is that dam fuel economy.

And the damn engine that blows up once every 25k km? haha

[Redlined_8000]

Originally posted by cjblair


And the damn engine that blows up once every 25k km? haha

If you get a newer RX-8 with warranty Mazda will cover it no problem.

[EM2FTL]

Originally posted by killramos


Honestly someone could come on here looking for a 3/4 ton diesel for towing and you would find a way to recommend an RX-8 :poosie:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

You're a quick one aren't you! Good work today, you can head home early.

[black13]

Why not a Genesis? Seem pretty cheap for what you get.

How do they compare to the FRS/Fiesta?

[relyt92]

Originally posted by black13
Why not a Genesis? Seem pretty cheap for what you get.

How do they compare to the FRS/Fiesta? Compared to the FRS, faster in a straight line, more comfortable, feels a ton heavier and not too tossable. Weighs more than OP would want. Drives like more of a GT car. Haven't driven an ST to compare.

[zieg]

Originally posted by Redlined_8000


If you get a newer RX-8 with warranty Mazda will cover it no problem.

Even if you have to pay, rebuilt renesis engines aren't nearly as expensive as one might think.

[pf0sh0]

2011+ WRX.

[tehwegz]

26k FiST? That's great to hear. Dealers are extremely firm on the FRS, contacted a couple and pretty much got "30k or go away".

And according to Ford.ca, financing for 36-72 months will get you an APR of 0%. $26k over 72 months 0% APR - shut up and take my money.

Never thought I'd be considering a domestic.

As for the Ecoboost Mustang. I drove one the other day for all of a minute. The front end is gigantic in-your-face, the steering numb as hell, and it clumsily tumbled into turns. Power was great, actually gave me more a kick in the arse than I remember a 11-14 V6 or 5.0L giving me. Never did wring the 5.0 out for fear of going to jail. But not engaging to drive especially as quiet as those Mustangs are stock.

Fi-ST is just a blast to rip around in. It seems to fit the way I drive best and my commute. Plus the gas mileage in a performance car of its type is impressive. Matt Farah owns one and chose it over the Toyobaru twins and I thoroughly enjoy watching his videos on the mods he does to his Fi-ST and what he says about driving it on canyon/mountain roads (tail of the dragon, etc.)

But before I get excited need to hit a dealer, see what the dealio is.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[r3ccOs]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
I re-insured mine for the summer, so I finally can stop staring at it in the garage and get some km's on it.

So much fun, it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

One thing I've noticed is that if you are trying to get off to a quick start, 1st gear lasts all of a second before you have to shift, provided you can even get that power down to the wheels without smoking them. I am positive that hurts the overall 0-60mph paper claim of 6.9s. However acceleration within a gear, or even rowing higher gears all feels a lot quicker.

It also has an uncanny ability to accelerate in any gear... I could be in 5th cruising along at 50km and put my foot into it and it will growl and start taking off.

All the characteristics of the car pretty much defy logic, it is wonderful

/fanboy

Turbo's these days :)

Even without variable vein tech, turbo's these days seems to work laglessly, and provide tons of torque down low...

definately thanks to direct injection, variable cam angles & phasers and multi gear auto transmissions

even my Volvo T5 (yes polestar'd) can seem to pull at any speed with impressive grunt... feels so torquey