Quote:
Originally Posted by Tsar
Well it's time for me to sell my F-body and get something else. I was hoping to wait until graduation but one recent development has forced my hand. So my car is for sale (link in my sig) and I'm trying to research a fun to drive replacement.
I'm interested in them in this particular order (all new, no used):
Mini Cooper S
Dodge Caliber SRT-4
VW GTI
Subaru WRX
Mazda Speed 3
They are all in the same ball park, money wise, but I was wondering if you had any experience with any of them, or heard something bad/good, whatever. I want to know it all. If you have a car suggestion you can add it to the list, maybe I'll look at it.
Ok lets get to the talking part, 
go go go |
I only read a few replies but heres my .02.
The Mini is a BMW. Of what you mentioned that would be the top pick.
The Caliber IIRC is a SRT-4 Neon wrapped in a crappy interior/exterior. Horrible.
VAG is well... If you like elecrtical gremelins and or turbo problems thats the car for you.
The WRX is hideous, but reliable. But IMO you'll want to mod the piss out of it and its practicality will soon be thrown out the window.
Im on the fence with the Mazda. I hear stories almost as bad as the VW's. Me personally Id stay away.
Im kinda in the same boat you are and while Ill keep my 3rd gen , Im looking at the Cobalt SS like Al mentioned. Even the older Supercharged models are fun. Ive test drove both. The older SC SS's have the fun whine sound and are decently powered. GM also warranties the Stage 2 upgrade. They can boogie when needed. I will add that they do not feel fast but then again my Z feel like its stopped after 40 MPH but She turns numbers. Now the TC SS's. They're a whole new animal. The boost pillar gauge is replaced with an interactive LCD screen and they MOVE. IIRC they're good for a mid-high 13 sec pass out of the box. They come equipped with an optional LSD and the NO LIFT shift option (Pedal to the floor and shift away). The one I took out had 50 miles on it and I beat it like it owed me money. The Salesman was grabbing anything available and actually laughed at the end. They perform well and for the price... Its the best of all worlds. Mid-high 13's, 30 MPG and fun, fun fun!