I am just about to plunk down the cash on a used Sti, but I just wanted to ask you guys if there was any other car you might CONSIDER owning instead. I have eliminated an S4/S6 and the Evo, but I am still considering maybe an s2000. I know its power is not even close, and there would be some hell winter days. I am also considering a salvage 2003 BMW M3 (It looks soo sexy) for 15k. So, idk just thought I'd throw it by you guys and see if maybe you had thought the same thing at one time or another....
Stay away from salvaged BMWs. That's just asking for trouble. An M-Coupe would be a nice choice. Very different car from an STI though.
Yea, you're probably right... it's a sexy car though... http://automotion.motorphotos.net/webtemplate.aspx?iid=3041285
I would also like this 2011 wrx, but I believe the other users have pointed out what was wrong with this statement. But I do want one. Yes I do.
Oh man, you'll have to give me some time on this one. The list of cars I'd rather have than an STi for 20k is long and extensive.
I'm about to put my money where my mouth is so I'd love to hear the list ...Fun to drive and reliability are really my only paramaters.
The hood and rear fender don't appear to be aligned correctly. I would not trust the quality of the repair. Having owned a salvage title M3, unless you know the whole history and have records for all the repairs I would look elsewhere.
Right now I'd go with either an Evo, an STi or a Subaru XT. I'd upgrade the XT with new turbo and pipes, chip it and add coil over shocks. An out of state friend has one swapped and it's a real shock how quick it is (it's lighter than an 04 STi and makes more power than a stock STi) but just don't expect it to corner like one It does have an ultra plush interior though. One other nugget to think about (and it's very biased this was on the MN autox site quite tongue in cheek but I like it... It's for one specific car classification;
You really can't beat an STI for all around practicality. If you are looking for an all season car it is the way to go. I have an 01 WS6 as well and although it will easily run away from my STI on the highway the STI is much....much more fun to blast around in. I have never been in a Forester XT but that also sounds like a good option. There is nothing I would rather have that is as fun to drive year round for under 20k. I think that a 04-05 Silverado SS AWD or Trail Blazer SS with a 76mm turbo would be a bunch of fun and could be put together for under 20k and still make a great driver. As for a summer only you simply can't beat a 99-00 FRC Vette or an 01-04 Z06. LS1 F-bodys can be had for so cheap that would be a great under 10k summer car.
Mazdaspeed Miata Nissan 350Z Mazda 323GTX Restore a 60's-70's Japanese Car If it has to be a subaru, get an older coupe or SVX Mustangs can be fun and can be had for not alot of cash A Nissan 240SX that hasn't been molested or drifted A 70's Porsche 911 can usually be picked up for well under 20k. Seriously, my list of cars for 20k that I'd rather buy than an STi is LONG. But you get the idea. There are hundreds of classy, interesting cars you can buy for 20k.
The GX 470 is hot, but the miles are too high and I really want something that I can have (more) fun driving. The charger is cool, but I feel like I can do better on the power to weight ratio, but I love the miles and price...If it had the hemi I would seriously consider it! The XT is a serious consideration, but I really want awesome cornering ability (That really is pushing me in the direction of the Sti too . Unfortunatly the new Camaros are out of my price range, and I don't enjoy driving the older bodied ones for basically this reason... It’s too bad that Chevy doesn’t seem to be able to surround this superb powerplant with a better car. Although GM has done a good job of keeping the F-car chassis viable, like the Mustang’s, it’s still a live rear axle setup, and it shows us, once again, that live axles have definite handling limits, particularly on bumpy roads. In this case we found that oversteer was just one injudicious stab of the throttle away, and one tester went so far as to call the Z28’s handling “spooky.” - Car and Driver 1999 comparison test I am definitely going to consider a GTO... Terminator is pretty hot, if I could find one http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/02q2/2003_ford_svt_mustang_cobra-road_test I am wondering if a MazdaSpeed Miata would be better than the s2k... 350z is too porky, 70's 911 is to much to maintain/parts/service I should add that if the car looks good it scores points. Right now I am really feeling like I'm going to do the "Right" thing and just buy the Sti lol Big power, good looks, awd it's feeling like a winner. I gotta try the s2000 though: Haring around is not the mandatory driving style in sports cars, but to qualify for the class they must be capable of it. And if you drive this Honda politely, you'll never know about its other moods. Ride harshness is Boxster level, but the car feels much crisper. Weight is less by 189 pounds, and the controls are sharper. The clutch stroke is succinct. The stubby aluminum shifter travels in microflicks. Precision machinery, that's the feel. And if you keep the yellow graphic arc of the tach below, say, 6000, this Honda plays the sweet little zip-about roadster. Above 6000, no more nice little Honda. The VTEC cams switch to HP max, and the sound hardens to combat steel and you're in the full Formula 1 mode, hell-bent on a grid position at Monte Carlo. Default to fighting reflexes. Lead the arcing yellow as you would a low-flying clay. Don't wait for it to touch the nine-grand redline; you'll be into the rev limiter. Pull. Snick! Push. Snick! Pull. Snick! Check the mirrors for flashing lights! Whew. How long can you keep living like this? This is a scalpel-quick sports car when you keep it boiling, quickest of the bunch around the BeaveRun road course, barely behind the Z4 in acceleration, even though it gives away a full liter of displacement. Think intensity. Think fury. Think... could I stand this as an only car? -car and driver comparison test 03
Lol... that 3.5L is a turd. I had a RWD one of those as a loaner and it couldn't get out of its own way.
This, of course i'm a mustang guy haha the wrx is just my winter car and rainy day summer car. But if you're looking for a year round car then the sti would be a better choice.
I've got an MSM. Love it. Never driven an S2000, so I can't personally compare. Read up on the MSM here: http://www.mazda-speed.com/ Like every car, it's not without it's flaws. Some odd choices from the factory, but very easy to fix with not much money. There are many examples of MSMs running around with about 200HP at the wheels. All it takes is some free-breathing mods and a couple more pounds of boost. Can be done for less than $2k. (Mine is pretty much stock so far...) More power requires a pretty decent jump in investment. If you have any questions about the MSM, let me know. Or visit the site I liked!
i've owned 2 s2000, and my sti is way better! might not handle as well, but overall is a much better car. but i would totally pick up a cts-v
I didn't read the entire thread, but what about a Legacy GT or a Legacy GT Spec.B? AWD, Turbo, 2.5L torque, and very nice inside (for a Subaru, anyway).
Drive the GTO and the S2000, then buy the STI as long as it's not from WMC. You won't regret it. I seriously considered the GTO, but about 90% of them are automatics and they are boats.
I am bias towards the STi, but I would like a Evo, 240, 350z, S2000, G35.... It really depends on what your lifestyle is and what you want to do with it. Test drive everything you can.
I love the looks of GTO's but the weight and uber soft suspension just don't do it for me. If you are going the pontiac route get a G8 GT, they can be had for under 20k and the 6L80 auto is worlds better then the older 4l65 in the Goats. Plus there are four doors and a full size trunk yet it only weighs about 150 lbs more than a GTO. I was kind of close minded in my initial response, concentrating more on reliable daily driven cars that pack a lot of punch without needing a ton of maintenance. If you are thinking about more of a toy that can give up reliability the choices are nearly endless. My ideal car would be a mid 70's Porsche 914/914/6 with a 2.0/2.5 Subi or a LS motor. Here is a 74 that I tuned, fastest car I personally have ever been in but very balances feeling. http://video.aol.com/video-detail/porsche-914-ls6-autocross/279704272
I do tune GM LS motors and have actually done too LS RX7 swap cars. PM me if you have any questions so we don't clutter up this thread. Keeping in theme with the under 20k cars LS swapped RX7's are amazing machines. The factory turbo cars are a great start for a build that would keep you well under the 20g mark with stacks of performance
Gen 4 F-body CTS-V Z06 E46 M3 S2000 G35 sedan Solstice GXP S4 Avant Trailblazer SS 300C SRT8 03-04 Cobra Lightning ... this list could go on for days.
Did you read the first post? He said under 20k. You are going to have issues finding half of that stuff under 20k.
I knew it would be tough to find a Z06 but I was referring to the 01 model year ... just can't find one. Had no "issues" finding those
Nobody nominated an older dsm yet so I guess I will I had a 98 gsx that I loved and it gave me very little trouble. People think they're not reliable cars, but that's only because there are so many 16 year old tools that buy a manual boost controller and turn the boost up to 20psi on a stock setup cause they wanna be like Brian Spillner. These cars can be had for pretty cheap, leaving you with lots of extra money to turn it into exactly the kinda car you want! ...personally, I'd still go evo or g35 coupe.
I know you said no to b5 audi s4...but take a ride in a proper stage 3 s4 and you might change your mind. reliability improves when a s4 goes stage 3. Most of the unreliable components are replaced and other issues are resolved in the process. In the range of $15k to $20k, you will get a decent mileage well sorted stage 3 s4 with BBK, coilovers, extra wheels, ect.
