Car considerations...

[AJM]

The Legacy is on it's way out so, i'm trying to decide what's next...

My parents are willing to give me thier extra car, basically what i'm driving now, a 1997 Lumina with 170k ish. I know the car has been very reliable, but it's not really all that exciting. Still, I'm going to drive it for awile, why not? I still get around 30 MPG with it ,and it's comfy.

What I have been thinking though...I'm only looking to spend about 4k on the top end...I will not buy another car with an auto. One thing I must try to keep in mind is that I am about 6' and have weight lifted for sevral years now, plus, I am big framed to begin with. Comfort is semi important. The Legacy seemed Just big enough.



1994-1997 Mustang GT.

Pros: Mid 14 second quater, I love torque, great sound, RWD in the summer woot!, I can still get engine parts at local junk yard for freaking cheap, Mods are freaking cheap, 2v 4.6 reliable

Cons: 18 town/ 27 highway, RWD in the winter booo, Ridiculous desire to Mod!, every whiny civic will want a peice, Cop bait.

1993-1997 F body

Pros: LT1, Torque!, high 13 sec quater stock, RWD in teh summer, less desire to mod than mustang etc

Cons: 19/27, more expensive to mod, every whiny civic will want sone along with the mustang guys, Expesive overall, Not easy to find junkyard parts, RWD in the winter, cop magnet


1996-1999 v6 Fbody

Pros: Still decent power, RWD summer, 21 city/ 30 highway, 3.8 is a common engine to find stock replacemnt parts for, t5 strong with a v6
Cons: Will wish I had sprung for v8, winter driving, cop magnet, Still expensive overall, mods not cheap.

1994-1999 Acura Integra

Pros: 25/31, ok in winter, still handles reasonbly for FWD, shoud be reliable, still reasonbly gutsy if pushed...

Cons: not cheap, torqueless, not the type of sound I apreiciate, Mods mostly available not my taste, parts not so easy to get at bone yard, Vtec jokes ensue, Every eclipse, prelude, civic, and mx6 will want a peice.

1997-1999 Escort Sedan

Pros: 28 city/ 38 highway, parts at bone yard easy to find, not much desire to mod, not a cop magnet, Cheap!!!

Cons: Slow, might be small for me, back seats means carpool, not a wonderful handler.

1997-2000 Jbody coupe (non z24)

pros: Cheap...not much desire to mod, plently of totaled doner cars.

Cons: Slow, reliably is suspect, awful body roll, squeeks,

1994-1998 corolla/ Prism

Pros: good MPG, no desire to mod, reliable

Cons: No desire to mod (haha), slow as hell, boring, most people want a small fortune in my area for the toyota version.

1996-1999 Mazda protege
Pros: Handles well, 1.8L peppy, reliable, parts avaible at boneyard. Good MPG

Cons: 1.5 most common engine, Still FWD, might be small


I might consider a civic coupe or hatch, but the last time I knew, people wanted as much for them as Integras, Mustangs, etc (IDK WHY!). No Neons (i've seen them at work), nothing from DSM in genral, no 240sx's, I won't own a Volkswagon, no trucks, No hyndias need apply, no wagons, five-six speed only. I'm not ready for another Subaru, won't be for awile. Oh, I can't fit in a Miata...:-(

Any sugestions? Thoughts?

[AJM]

I've also thought about Mustang/Camaro insurance. I know it will be higher, but I am not a teenager, have a very clean driving record, etc. Also, I'm not that afriad of driving RWD in the winter. My brothers and parents have done it for years and years. People are just wimpy about it today. I know I'd just need a nice set of studded snows, and about 200lbs in the trunk haha.

A part of me says escort, etc, something cheap and good mileage now, and when I get out of college go for the toys. Another part of me says go for the toy now while I still can. After college marriage happens, kids happen, moving happens...foresters and minivans happen.

[SilentRacer]

Acura Integra is your best bet.

[WinterKnoll]

Yup, I voted Integra as well.

[Huffer]

If the Mazda is the Protege5, I'd vote for that. Otherwise, it's going to be the Teg route.

[d1giPhux]

You should get a toyota celica gts. nuff said.

[AJM]

I'd kind of like reasons...if you've owned or driven an integra for instance, what did you like about it?

[Perdue]

Out of those choices, I would probably choose the Integra. Be surprised if your insurance costs on that car are equal to or greater than that of the Mustang, or F-body. So many people in our age group are crashing these cars it's not even funny. Lets not mention how many Integra's are stolen every year.

I'm not voting at this time. You don't seem like you really know what you want out of a car, or what you're going to do with it. If you buy something you won't want to mod when you know you're going to want to mod something, you're just going to regret buying it to begin with. You choice of cars goes from V8 sports cars to 4 banger family sedans that IMO, aren't worth crap. Figure out what you want out of a vehicle, then find something that fits those requirements.

[StatGSR]

I'd kind of like reasons...if you've owned or driven an integra for instance, what did you like about it?

its amazing right up till it gets stolen haha

[dodik]

i voted corolla, yes its not fast nor cheap. but very reliable good mpg, my friend has an 02 1.8s and its pretty nice car. very light handles pretty well in stock form with a set of better wheels tires and you got a performer. car is light and could be found with a 5speed. 120hp(cranck) and 2500lbs is pretty decent for a car that can give 30+mpg. not a cop magnet either. this is just my opinion hope it helps

[AJM]

Out of those choices, I would probably choose the Integra. Be surprised if your insurance costs on that car are equal to or greater than that of the Mustang, or F-body. So many people in our age group are crashing these cars it's not even funny. Lets not mention how many Integra's are stolen every year.

I'm not voting at this time. You don't seem like you really know what you want out of a car, or what you're going to do with it. If you buy something you won't want to mod when you know you're going to want to mod something, you're just going to regret buying it to begin with. You choice of cars goes from V8 sports cars to 4 banger family sedans that IMO, aren't worth crap. Figure out what you want out of a vehicle, then find something that fits those requirements.


I know what I want, it's the matter of reality. I want something RWD and v8, but the reality is, gas is going up, and I don't have a ton of money to spend at this point in my life.

[decke48]

mazda mx3 FTW you can pick them up for like $500-1000 and beat the sh*t out of them and still get 32mpg and it just will not die.. plus for 88hp they still rap 180hp honda civics :grin:

[StatGSR]

what about a 94+ accord

[Huffer]

I'd kind of like reasons...if you've owned or driven an integra for instance, what did you like about it?

The engines are resilient, and like to be wound out. There's tons of parts available, and they're becoming very difficult to find unabused.

Engine swaps are cake on them, IIRC.

[2.5GT]

Buy a new car :grin:

hm..Toyota Camry? V6 version :grin:

[AJM]

Buy a new car :grin:

hm..Toyota Camry? V6 version :grin:

Yeah. that brilliant, when I have a max of 4k to spend ,or the fact a new v6 Camry get almost indetical Gas mileage to an lt1 these days, and less than an LS1 f-body.

If I had the money to get a car that expensive, I'd just get a mazda speed 3, Mx-5, new wrx, or used c5 corvette. :cool:

[AJM]

At least with an Integra I could make a few tasteful mods. I know Heddman and Pacesetter make headers, and flowmaster has a catback, etc.


Insurance would kinda suck though, but I doubt it'd get stolen where I live.


One thing I do know, perofromance mods for other cars, like mustang and Integra are waaaay f*cking cheaper than anything for a N/A Subaru.

[2.5GT]

Any used car will eventually give you a headache just like your legacy. why not just fork out some money and buy yourself a new car instead. trouble free.

[AJM]

Any used car will eventually give you a headache just like your legacy. why not just fork out some money and buy yourself a new car instead. trouble free.

What money? :grin: You really don't get the idea that i'm a college student that has not much in saving, and can't afford some huge car payment.

Any car will evetually give you headaches.

My family has had plenty of used cars that required some repair at some point or another, but nothing like my DSM or Suabru. For instance, the chevy i'm currently driving in 4 years time has required a new alternator, beyond that nothing.

[Huffer]

Any used car will eventually give you a headache just like your legacy. why not just fork out some money and buy yourself a new car instead. trouble free.

That's the worst advice you could ever give someone...

A new car comes with a dozen more problems - higher insurances, higher out of pocket costs, and if you can't afford the $20k to drop on a new car to buy outright, you're making payments that you could be putting toward toys or investments.

New cars typically have more problems than used ones, they're just "accepted" because people have "warranties".

[d1giPhux]

i still think you should get a gts. 180 hp, and they are nice looking.. not to mention.. you could get one for $7k-9k easy.

[2.5GT]

trouble free as in maintenance free..as in not breaking down so easily..

[SilentRacer]

Both huffer and 2.5gt have stumbled onto my personal buying strategy. I buy cars that are 3 years old with 30-40k miles. These cars have already taken the biggest depreciation hit and are new enough not to require major maintenance for a long time. This also puts a car into your possession sooner so you can do preventive maintenance sooner. This is the best way to go IMO.

[WinterKnoll]

Both huffer and 2.5gt have stumbled onto my personal buying strategy. I buy cars that are 3 years old with 30-40k miles. These cars have already taken the biggest depreciation hit and are new enough not to require major maintenance for a long time. This also puts a car into your possession sooner so you can do preventive maintenance sooner. This is the best way to go IMO.

That's the best advice on here in my opinion. I bought my LGT at around 80k or so I think, which was a lot higher than I wanted, but I couldn't afford really any better than that. My next car will definitely have 25k-50k miles on it.

[Huffer]

trouble free as in maintenance free..as in not breaking down so easily..

2 years ago a workmate took a brand new 2006 VW Jetta to the dealership 10 times in a year. For repairs, not maintenance. I've seen new Hondas go in similar numbers of times (company leases).

IMHO, I will take maintenance over breakages anyday.

[StatGSR]

At least with an Integra I could make a few tasteful mods. I know Heddman and Pacesetter make headers, and flowmaster has a catback, etc.


dude u just used tasteful to explain pacesetter..... wtf is up with that....

[2.5GT]

trouble free as in maintenance free..as in not breaking down so easily..

2 years ago a workmate took a brand new 2006 VW Jetta to the dealership 10 times in a year. For repairs, not maintenance. I've seen new Hondas go in similar numbers of times (company leases).

IMHO, I will take maintenance over breakages anyday.

you can't compare vw with toyota. ...also depending on the owner, who knows he/she drives like an asshat :eek:

[subba]

Honda is more leggo than subaru so parts are interchageable, engine + tranny is very strong only problem is FWD, you might loose cool points with some of your friends, as you stated you will have to be constanly thingking of fresh combacks to Vtec Jokes & i think the teggy would be small for you.

<Option> Honda Accord Sedan</Option>

[Huffer]

[quote="2.5GT":36mpvvis]trouble free as in maintenance free..as in not breaking down so easily..

2 years ago a workmate took a brand new 2006 VW Jetta to the dealership 10 times in a year. For repairs, not maintenance. I've seen new Hondas go in similar numbers of times (company leases).

IMHO, I will take maintenance over breakages anyday.

you can't compare vw with toyota. ...also depending on the owner, who knows he/she drives like an asshat :eek:[/quote:36mpvvis]

I'm not comparing. I'm stating a fact - here was a brand new car, that went to the dealership for such things as:
2x in-dash clock runs too fast. 2:00pm, then 5 mins later it's showing 2:08pm
1x horn activated and stayed activated for 10mins
7x rear windshield defroster kept shorting out - turns out factory assembly installed the wrong part.

Brand new car, all those issues - plus a $200 month payment? No thanks.

[Huffer]

I really like the 98-99 Preludes. Nice wedgy shape, decent handling.

I saw one that had a RWD conversion once, it was awesome. Looked like a S14 on steroids.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I'd kind of like reasons...if you've owned or driven an integra for instance, what did you like about it?

its amazing right up till it gets stolen haha

My thoughts exactly. The Mazda is going to be a lot cheaper to insure as well. If it's a protege5, jump all over it.

Otherwise, I'd probably go for the integra.

[2.5GT]

[quote="2.5GT":1bnypxf0]trouble free as in maintenance free..as in not breaking down so easily..

2 years ago a workmate took a brand new 2006 VW Jetta to the dealership 10 times in a year. For repairs, not maintenance. I've seen new Hondas go in similar numbers of times (company leases).

IMHO, I will take maintenance over breakages anyday.

you can't compare vw with toyota. ...also depending on the owner, who knows he/she drives like an asshat :eek:

I'm not comparing. I'm stating a fact - here was a brand new car, that went to the dealership for such things as:
2x in-dash clock runs too fast. 2:00pm, then 5 mins later it's showing 2:08pm
1x horn activated and stayed activated for 10mins
7x rear windshield defroster kept shorting out - turns out factory assembly installed the wrong part.

Brand new car, all those issues - plus a $200 month payment? No thanks.[/quote:1bnypxf0]

you're stating a fact with vw. not all car manufactures are the same..they might have a few defects here and there. i would rather buy a new car than a used one. i wouldn't mind some of the problems it has...all that would probably fall under warranties anyways.

[Huffer]

It does, until you're out of warranty.

All I'm saying, I'd prefer the money IN my pocket, then pay out when repairs are due, rather than OUT, and then have the possibility of being shafted by a non-warranty repair on a new car. At least I won't deny myself a "warranty" repair. ;)

[Reason]

Hmmm... what an uninteresting lineup. Get a Subaru!!

[Airgne]

Hmmm... what an uninteresting lineup. Get a Subaru!!

+1

[Reason]

Actually thinking about it from this shallow list I would get a Mazda Speed 6. Those are so sweet looking and I heard they handle pretty well.

[StatGSR]

^ yea good luck finding that for 4 grand.....

maybe could find an older 626 tho, they sound pretty bad ass with an exhaust on em.

[Reason]

^ yea good luck finding that for 4 grand.....

maybe could find an older 626 tho, they sound pretty bad ass with an exhaust on em.

Oh yea $4k, ok back to the uninteresting list :smile:

[subba]

I am against pulling loans for new cars, you buy a new corolla today for lets say 18g's next year this time you would have like 16g's left on your loan and you will see your same car selling for 10 grand.

[2.5GT]

I am against pulling loans for new cars, you buy a new corolla today for lets say 18g's next year this time you would have like 16g's left on your loan and you will see your same car selling for 10 grand.

gotta buy a car you truely love and adore...then fork out the money :eek:

hey...i know what you can do AJM. go out and find a 1995-2000 toyota tacoma and look for rust on the frame...pretend you didn't know that the rust was there and you needed a truck for work. get the tags from dmv, get it insure if you needed to, then take it to a Toyota dealership and get the car inspected....and sure enough if it fails inspection due to rust on the frame...Toyota will take your truck and give you money for it :lol: :lol:

but the chances are that the dealer does a comprehensive background check before actually giving you money for it...hey..worth a try :lol: :lol:

[decke48]

need to own the truck for 6 months now..

[Reason]

I see Escort and prizim on a list of serious considerations for a car I scratch my head and wonder if this is really a joke.

[AJM]

I see Escort and prizim on a list of serious considerations for a car I scratch my head and wonder if this is really a joke.

Shut the F&*% up dude. You'll ruin it. :twisted:

I know what I really want.

[SilentRacer]

I see Escort and prizim on a list of serious considerations for a car I scratch my head and wonder if this is really a joke.

Shut the F&*% up dude. You'll ruin it. :twisted:

I know what I really want.

A vespa scooter?

[Perdue]

You're saying you're low on money, yet you're getting rid of the subaru and buying a $4k car. I can't see you getting most of those v8 rwd domestic cars for that kind of money and not having to fix them and deal with their own issues. Not to mention insurance and gas costs. I'd just keep the subaru and use the extra money to fix whatever it is that's wrong with it. The "new" car you're forking over all this money for is just going to have things on it that need fixed as well.

And DO NOT take out a loan. I've done that for the first and last time with this truck. Roger preached this to me for like a year before I bought this truck but I did it anyways. Now, I need something else and can't afford it with my own place and all. It sucks. I love the truck, but I regret "owning" it everyday.

[subba]

Sell your leggy and buy another one :D

[decke48]

Sell your leggy and buy another one :D
+1

[1996Battlewagon]

STAY AWAY FROM THE V6 F-BODY!!!!!

Sorry for yelling, but you need to let that idea go. They are a pain in the ass to work on; if you don't believe me, look in the engine bay of one. The LT1 is a much better idea for a fourth gen F-body; but that's not what you need.

The Integra is a good car, but it might be harder to find one that hasn't been ragged on.

You might want to try and look for an older model BMW. The older ones (about mid 90's and lower) are actually fairly easy to work on. The e30 to e36 3-series and the e28 to e34 5-series are practically really big legos, insurance is easy, and they are quite comfortable (especially the 5 series). Engine ranges are plentiful so you can find a happy medium between fuel economy and power.

Or you can do the smart thing and buy a newer Legacy! :wink:

[d1giPhux]

I am against pulling loans for new cars, you buy a new corolla today for lets say 18g's next year this time you would have like 16g's left on your loan and you will see your same car selling for 10 grand.

gotta buy a car you truely love and adore...then fork out the money :eek:

hey...i know what you can do AJM. go out and find a 1995-2000 toyota tacoma and look for rust on the frame...pretend you didn't know that the rust was there and you needed a truck for work. get the tags from dmv, get it insure if you needed to, then take it to a Toyota dealership and get the car inspected....and sure enough if it fails inspection due to rust on the frame...Toyota will take your truck and give you money for it :lol: :lol:

but the chances are that the dealer does a comprehensive background check before actually giving you money for it...hey..worth a try :lol: :lol:

Yeah.. what the hell is up with that. A friends dad actually just got 15k for his old beat up rusted toyota!?!? Like.. what in the hell!?!

I still say get a toyota GT-S. You can sometimes find some of the newer ones for around $5-7k.. also, maybe consider an RX-7 (older one), or maybe get an older GTS.

[Wiscon_Mark]

If he wants something reliable, and RX-7 is not going to be his friend. A GT-S isn't a bad idea though.

[2.5GT]

I am against pulling loans for new cars, you buy a new corolla today for lets say 18g's next year this time you would have like 16g's left on your loan and you will see your same car selling for 10 grand.

gotta buy a car you truely love and adore...then fork out the money :eek:

hey...i know what you can do AJM. go out and find a 1995-2000 toyota tacoma and look for rust on the frame...pretend you didn't know that the rust was there and you needed a truck for work. get the tags from dmv, get it insure if you needed to, then take it to a Toyota dealership and get the car inspected....and sure enough if it fails inspection due to rust on the frame...Toyota will take your truck and give you money for it :lol: :lol:

but the chances are that the dealer does a comprehensive background check before actually giving you money for it...hey..worth a try :lol: :lol:

Yeah.. what the hell is up with that. A friends dad actually just got 15k for his old beat up rusted toyota!?!? Like.. what in the hell!?!

I still say get a toyota GT-S. You can sometimes find some of the newer ones for around $5-7k.. also, maybe consider an RX-7 (older one), or maybe get an older GTS.

yeah, rust recall...good deal for some people..

[decke48]

the funny think about the tacoma recall is there all getting shredded and the metal is getting used to make new toyotas :roll: which is a big mistake.. and they will just have the same problems

[peugoby]

These would be my considerations if I was going to sell my Legacy.

-E36 BMW 325is
-'90-'91 RX-7, either a very minty NA, or a nice Turbo... They don't have a good reputation in terms of reliability as already mentioned. I don't think the NA ones are too bad to keep up on though
-RS coupe
-DC2 GSR Integra
-Really clean EK swap
-'91 Audi 200 3B 20v Turbo Quattro - such sleepers
-Really clean mk1 Rabbit w. 16v swap

[AJM]

Not to sound like a jackass, but I find this hilarous.