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Steve Harvey (Goodfinder)
New member
Username: Goodfinder

Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 7:50 pm:   

I know you'll enjoy the WRX for a daily driver. I was driving a 996 cab for daily driver duty recently, but putting on 20K miles in just 9 months just seemed like too much for really nice cars. I've had my WRX for daily driving for the last 15 months, put over 35K miles on it and enjoying it quite a bit. Having said that, yes I've done quite a few performance modifications, but that's one of the things I especially like about the WRX, how receptive the platform is to tuning.
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 402
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Friday, September 27, 2002 - 11:55 pm:   

Guys- I did say 25k is the limit. Have had the WRX for a week and love it. Great power (a little turbo lag, which will be corrected when my new ecu chip comes in), terrific handling, rides like a Bimmer and gets 30 mpg. No sliding in the rain we have had for the last 2 days when powering thru a curve. I think this is a fantastic car.
Tino (Bboxer)
Junior Member
Username: Bboxer

Post Number: 146
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Friday, September 27, 2002 - 7:34 pm:   

No, thre most expensive 350Z is the track model at $34.2K, Only options are Nav and cargo mat. The least expensive is $26,5K and is pretty well equipped. I ought to know.
Joseph Furer (Mojo)
New member
Username: Mojo

Post Number: 9
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, September 27, 2002 - 6:19 pm:   

the nissan 350z cost 45k, nice car but not 25k
Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member
Username: Miami348ts

Post Number: 2862
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 9:11 am:   

I like the Corvette Z06 :-)
Lawrence Coppari (Lawrence)
Member
Username: Lawrence

Post Number: 272
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 5:49 am:   

One of my students at last weekend's BMWCCA drivers education had a chipped, six speed Audi. I was impressed with its raw speed, braking, and handling. He had some suspension work done as well. Engine has twin turbos. It is impressive how a 4 wheel drive sedan can haul itself out of the corners. Quite the car.

At the previous event, another student of mine had an M5. He was a novice and the car belonged to his father-in-law so he did not push it. It was also a 6 speed and very powerful.
Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Member
Username: Vwalfa4re

Post Number: 306
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 12:03 pm:   

I rented a Sebring convertible while on a trip to LA back in the fall of 2000. I really enjoyed that car.
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt

Post Number: 2028
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 9:02 am:   

The Sebring convertible is a great, fun, disposable transportation that is virtually trouble free. The 96 I first purchased was British racing green and we soon tired of the color, no mechanical trouble. The second one a 2000 model, we got the metallic red and added real wire wheels and it was a beauty. My son fell on hard times and needed a car so we gave him the red one and we purchased the 2001, a gold colored one with the more powerful engine, which we currently have. Even if the window switches wear out on the Corvette, they can probably be purchased cheap enough to replace yearly if they do. If that is the biggest problem with new Vettes then I will be elated.
Modified348ts (Modman)
Member
Username: Modman

Post Number: 322
Registered: 11-2001
Posted on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 2:09 am:   

Ed, I would one day get myself a nice sporty convertible since I never owned one. What is it with the Sebring convertible you like so much? noticed you owned a few.... just curious..the vette sounds good but not sure of some of the materials used inside the vehicle when it comes to longevity, I've seen the rubber door switches get thin and ended up being torn...
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member
Username: Artherd

Post Number: 65
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 1:33 am:   

wm- actually, the GV-SP is out, it's bigger, has better avionics (including an IR cam with HUD overlay that actually will get you down to cat-III minimums even on a Cat-I ILS airport) and actually has better takeoff performance than the GV...

~;D)

Moder-WHAT-tion? what's THAT mean? Dosen't sound like fun :D)

Best!
Ben
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt

Post Number: 1987
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 5:47 pm:   

I meantioned to my wife that one of those little Convertible GEO Metros would be a fun bop around town car. We ended up with a 1990 Pontiac Sunbird Convertible, sold it and bought a new 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Sold it and bought a 2000 Sebring Convertible. Gave it to my son, Bought a Ferrari 308 GTSI and a 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Bought a 2003 Corvette Convertible and this weekend will sell the Ferrari. Boy, I wish I had just bought the freakin GEO.
wm hart (Whart)
Member
Username: Whart

Post Number: 512
Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 5:09 pm:   

Gotta love this site. Guy says, "gee, looking for a cheap, daily driver to trash into NYC, thinking of Subaru...," and next thing you know, we've convinced him he really does need that Gulfstream V jet. I guess that's just a personality trait of people that buy ferraris in the first place; there's no such thing as moderation. In that vein, i would buy the Lambo "SUV"; priced below the rump ranger, and lots more panache.
Najib Amanullah (Najib)
Junior Member
Username: Najib

Post Number: 191
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 3:01 pm:   

Wait for the Mitsu Evo VII. Its not as aggressive looking as the Evo VI but looks very good in yellow (Nika take note).

It has active YAW which allows power to shift from rear wheels to front wheels to pull you out of trouble should you lose the rear wheels. The only drawback is a small fuel tank (250 miles).

It is as close to a rally car as a road car with creature comfort (a/c, electric windows, 4 seats etc.) can get and will beat the pants off any Ferrari from A to B in real life driving situations. Even an M3 will not be able to keep up in harsh weather conditions.
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 395
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 12:59 pm:   

I got the short shifter too. Remeber, I had to have AWD,so the choice is limited in this price range
Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member
Username: Davel

Post Number: 213
Registered: 7-2001
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 12:55 pm:   

Yea..the new Z...nice combo of performance and modern tech..seems that would make a good daily car for one who wants some sport in daily driving without resorting to something akin to a track car....like the ZO6 or Viper
Robert Ziino (F355bob)
New member
Username: F355bob

Post Number: 13
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 11:20 am:   

I have a 79 Porsche 930 that is a great car to drive on the street.There are a ton of afermarket parts to increase hp 100-150hp. I had a Viper Coupe that was fun but almost too much power for the street. There really was nothing out there other than a Porsche GT2 that performes like it. You could get the rear end to spin very easily.
It would do 120mph in the 1/4 mile stock.
Roger Blakeman (Roger)
Junior Member
Username: Roger

Post Number: 70
Registered: 2-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 11:08 am:   

I currently have an '84 928 5-speed that I've had for many years. It's an amazing car, fast, reliable, comfortable, solid, looks good, handles, quiet, probably one of the best GT cars ever built. I've recently thought about selling it but it would be difficult to part with . This is kind of getting away from the original post but wanted to chime in with Ross and Warren's statements. Roger B.
Warren Dodge (Spiderman)
New member
Username: Spiderman

Post Number: 29
Registered: 11-2001
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 10:36 am:   

Speaking of P-cars, the 944 Turbo is great bang for the buck. Very tunable as well. The 928's are difficult to find with the 5 speed. The Benz CLK is another option for those who prefer a German car.
ross koller (Ross)
Member
Username: Ross

Post Number: 315
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 10:27 am:   

928s4 or 928gts. had the former, would love to find the latter cheap. great car, lots of grunt and go, looks good, sounds good, decent amount of hauling space, 4 seats (well sort of).
William Henderson (Billh)
New member
Username: Billh

Post Number: 14
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 9:23 am:   

87 Alfa Romeo Milano 2.5.
drive the snot out of it and it keeps coming back for more.
Fred (Iluv4res)
Junior Member
Username: Iluv4res

Post Number: 107
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 9:10 am:   

How about the new Nissan "Z"?

Cheap, cool looking, probably reliable & probably fun to drive.
wm hart (Whart)
Member
Username: Whart

Post Number: 511
Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 8:48 am:   

I would also order the short shifter, the rallie gauge pack and the better stereo amplifier. We bought one in anticipation of last winter, and while i never saw any snow, i have had a blast driving it. I'm pretty big, and can fit comfortably in the car and even without the better suspension package, the thing sticks like glue. The only thing i added was an aftermarket "boost" valve, and if you keep the revs up (the thing lags like a mother), you can have fun street racing bigger, more exotic cars. Build quality tends to low-end japanese (which is also the direction MBis headed in), but the car is worth every penny. Did you order thru Rushneck in Tarrytown? There is a young salesman there, James, who is into aftermarket performance stuff on these cars, and has been pretty good to us, in terms of follow-up.
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member
Username: Artherd

Post Number: 61
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 12:17 am:   

BMW's 2005 M5 is going to be something simply unreal. (500hp V10 straight from F1 porgramme)

Still, the current M5 is a real world-beater in every sense of the world. A heluva car for the money, AND it's fairly expensive :D)

I've been impressed with the WRX, but it's construction feels, plasticy. Not a big fan of AWD, unless you throw snow into the mix (then give me a WRX or Outback, or best yet Audi Allroad anyday!)

Best!
Ben.
Ken Thomas (Future328driver)
Junior Member
Username: Future328driver

Post Number: 174
Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 4:32 pm:   

I will put my vote in for the MB E55.
Noelrp (Noelrp)
Junior Member
Username: Noelrp

Post Number: 63
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 6:05 pm:   

Cool! What color and what body? The performance mods on that car is endless. Here are some links for your reading pleasure.

http://www.vividracing.com
http://www.subaruparts.com
http://www.scoobysport.co.uk
http://www.turboxs.com/

Enjoy.
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 394
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 5:51 pm:   

Thanks all. I ordered it with the following:

upgraded exhaust
new ECU
Larger intake

The above good for 30-40 bhp, and cost $3500 with labor.

Later: new turbo $1200 with labor. total bhp approx 320 at this point, all for less than 30k. Paid 22k even for the base car. Sounds like a good deal to me!!
John Dixon (Qvb)
New member
Username: Qvb

Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 1:29 pm:   

WRX is a great car, fast and fun on the track right out of the box. Build quality is very good, and so far very dependable (14 months, 16000 miles).
The price you have is for the stock car. List is about 24,000.
It is easy and inexpensive (relatively)to modify.
To do the bigger turbo you need to upgrade the fuel sysytem (injectors, fuel pump) and the engine management and you will want to change the exhaust. This will give you over 300 hp.
This will cost about $4000. Brembo brakes are about $2500. (Both prices are parts only, not installed) I don't know what the dealer was telling you.
I personally replaced my exhaust and upgraded the engine management. This is estimated to give 297hp but it feels more like 265. The turbo is the next performance upgrade for me but that is a big undertaking and more money. I'm going with new suspension first. The stock suspension is perfect for the street and off road but could be better for the track.
As far as the Sti, it will come with about 267hp but it is a much modified engine and will probably feel even more powerful then the number would suggest. But the Sti has many other differences, a completly different suspension and much more of the rally bred stuff. It will probably be about $35000.
As far as the acceleration question, the WRX has an amazing launch. It will rocket off the line but then it doesn't have the big push forever the way a bigger engined (360, 550, Viper etc) car has. So the 0-60 is great but it will not feel as fast once you are already going. You also really need to get on it off the line t get it to move.
Sorry for rambling on, but a WRX is a great car. The biggest complaint from people is the so-so interior quality though it is fine for the price.
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi

Post Number: 1323
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 12:19 pm:   

we have taken Solly from a 25k car up to 60-80k cars. We love to spend money on cars :-) Solly I just went through the same decision and it is tough to consider a relatively inexpensive car when you are used to driving F-cars.
Lawrence Coppari (Lawrence)
Member
Username: Lawrence

Post Number: 269
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 12:00 pm:   

I bought my wife an SLK32 AMG as a daily driver. Little roadster is quite fast. It accelerates from 70 to 100 in slightly less than 4.75 seconds - 50 F. It'll hit 60 in 4.5, so CD says - they mathematically adjust to 32 F. It has a retractable hardtop so there is no wind noise. We like it.
Adam Goldman '86 TR (Icnsltmfg)
Member
Username: Icnsltmfg

Post Number: 400
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 11:08 am:   

Steve;

MB ML500 or M55. I love mine as good all around vehicle and a fast city vehicle.
Peter Connolly (Mondial_32_aus)
Junior Member
Username: Mondial_32_aus

Post Number: 85
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 9:43 am:   

OK guys, now we are talking about something I really have a good handle on! Subaru WRX's! I have owned 3 of these cars (MY98, MY99 & MY01)I am based in Sydney and we have had these rockets here since 1994 and here's a few points of interest for you:

Quality is as good as any japanese car, typically need low cost cam belts at around 100k Miles. These cars are very, very reliable and build qulity is excellent. They can break gearbox's with frequent hard launches.

Winner of countless international awards including UK Best Car Of The Decade 1990-2000.

Out of the box they are good for about 0-60MPH in around 5.5 to 6 seconds depending on the type of fule you use, in Oz we have 98 RON.

Low cost mods abound for these cars from replacement turbo's, ecu, front mount intercoolers, etc. If you spend around US$4-5K you can replace the turbo, ecu & exhaust and a few other things and expect a 30% increase in safe usable power.

The US only statred to receive the WRX last year and got the new slower model which compared to the 94-00 models was 100 Kg heavier with the same power, a bit of a dissapointment for diehard WRX fans.

The new 03 models are about to be released internationally in about 2 weeks, we here in Oz are hoping for newer WRX & Sti models with more power from standard. Popular opinion suggests that the front and rear ends are going to change from the current bug eye look to something more in line with the previous model.

These cars are constantly in our news as Ram Raid cars used to rob shops and then out run the cops. Recent secure keypad security FREE upgrades were made available from Subaru Australia in order to do a service to the greater community by making these things harder to boost! This free upgrade applied to all Subaru WRX's under 3 years old, $500 bonus! A very large percentage of WRX's over here are fitted with tracking devices and are very expensive or impoosible to insure particularly if you are under 30 years old and do not have a garage.

There are incredibly large and active WRX owner clubs, email forums and HTML forums just like this one with thousands of emails flowing everyday answering any and all questions. We have quite a few US guys on our WRX Yahoo groups lists.

And finally, they are an incredible bargain for what they offer. What else comes close?

Any questions, fire away!


PC

87 Mondial 3.2
99 Subaru WRX (Lotsa Mods!)
00 BMW 323Ci
98 Merc Vito Van (I had to put that one in!)

http://fly.to/mondial

Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Member
Username: Ronsupercar

Post Number: 315
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 9:19 am:   

It's not a 4wd but two hot new cars that come to mind would have to be the new 350Z or if your looking for a 4 seater the new G35 coupe..Pretty good for the price too,,,
Chris Tanner (Ctanner)
New member
Username: Ctanner

Post Number: 32
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 - 12:22 am:   

Solly,

I don't know much about a WRX, but I have a story I would like to fill you in on to assist in your purchase. Last July, I took my 348 to the track. It was my first time on a track, so I can tell you my driving skills need improvement. In the morning, I spun the car off the track, and so I took the next few sessions calmly. In the afternoon, I felt I understood the track and drove as agressively as I could. I used a WRX in front of me to pace me. I never caught him, and the best I could do was keep the gap even throughout the sessions. While I don't kmow if it was stock or modified, either way, its hellava car!!

Concerning your horsepower and torque question, the WRX makes its peak torque early, at 5300 RPM, while the 360 is at 7600 RPM. Big, early torque gets good 0-60 times. At 60, the WRX has probably hit peak torque in both first and second gear. The 360 only in first. The WRX probably gets to 60 in second gear, but needs to shift immediatley after 60, as power drops and third is needed to pull the car. The 360 is still pulling its strongest up to 7600. Making peak torque at high rpms is what makes fast cars. The 360 doesn't kick you in the seat of the pants harder than the WRX, it just does it longer. If all ones driving was 0-60, the WRX would be quite the contender. Just check the 1/4 mile times. The gap should open up, but by my experience, not as much as you might think.
Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Junior Member
Username: Hugh

Post Number: 209
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 10:04 pm:   

solly,

the horespower number should probably not be taken literally, especially for the japanese STi, as japanese manufactures have a 'gentelman's agreement' [notice how the skyline gtr v-spec, lancer evo 7, and other japanese 'supercars' all mysteriously have less than 280ps or ~ 270ish, horsepower, but on the dyno, its a significantly different story; r34 v-spec's routinely put down, at the wheels, over 270 horespower] not to publish horsepower number exceeding 280ps, as an added tax is added to 'high horsepower' cars, also, the secret to the sti's acceleration is imparted by 1. it's torque- torque wins races, horespower sells- and 2. more importantly it's gearing and awd traction.
I couldn't find the 360's gearing, but the Sti's gearing is published below; compare w/ your 360's owners manual, I would expect the STi to have shorter gearing and a smaller final drive; thats, if i had to bet, would be where id put my money.

Sti gearing:
Ratios 1st: 3.636
2nd: 2.375
3rd: 1.761
4th: 1.346
5th: 1.062
6th: .842
Reverse: 3.545
Final Drive: 3.9
Rikky Alessi (Ralessi)
New member
Username: Ralessi

Post Number: 18
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 9:53 pm:   

I'm not sure, perhaps better launch because of AWD? Just a guess

Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 393
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 9:42 pm:   

Hubert- Thanks for the link. One question for everyone: This link shows the STi at 4.6 seconds from 0-60 mph. This with 276 bhp and 275 ft-lbs. of torque. Weight=3153 lbs.

The 360 spider has 400 bhp, 275 ft-lbs. of torque, and weighs about the same (3197 lbs.) It's posted 0-60 mph time is 4.5 seconds (I've never duplicated that!!)
How can the STi perform the same from 0-60 with 124 fewer horses and an almost identical weight?
Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Junior Member
Username: Hugh

Post Number: 208
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 8:03 pm:   

solly, here's a site dedicated to the STi:
http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/

and, here's the blurb from autoweek, pretty weak details, but it'll give you an idea. as far as chassis comparisons b/w the street wrx and the rally car; yes it may be the same platform, but nothing else is comprable b/w the two, aside from the engine block and chassis:

-------------------------------------------------
We�re told the beefed-up STi will come to the States in 2003 as a 2004 model, most likely with all the hardware available in the European model.

That makes it a sizeable step up from the rally-bred all-wheel-drive WRX already on sale here. The STi employs a redesigned flat four generating up to 261 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque (compared to 227 hp and 217 lb-ft for the current WRX). The heavily modified, turbocharged engine with active valve control even employs a switch that sprays the enlarged intercooler with water.

The car is fitted with 225/45 tires on gold-spoked, 17-inch alloy wheels, stiffer suspension and front and rear limited-slip differentials, a six-speed gearbox and Brembo brakes. Interior upgrades include blue �suede-effect� seats.

Two STis debuted at the Frankfurt show: a standard STi and a special-edition Prodrive Style modified by the British race-engineering company responsible for Subaru�s world rally cars. The Prodrive Style comes with a huge rear spoiler, a deeper front bumper and a bigger hood scoop, all to make it look more like the competition car.
-------------------------------------------------
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 391
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 7:25 pm:   

Thanks Hubert. I'm going with the aftermarket Brembo kit. Cross drilled bigger rotors, not sure of type of pad. You're right about the factory brakes, don't bite well. The Corolla I'm renting now has better stock brakes.
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 390
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 7:23 pm:   

I'm going to get it. Already have luxury (540i), so-so in the snow. I'll let you guys know what I think after living with it for a while.
Anyone know projected bhp for the STi?

Anyone know if those world-dominating rally cars share components with the street cars? If so, build quality must be decent.
Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Junior Member
Username: Hugh

Post Number: 207
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 7:13 pm:   

solly, ive tracked a wrx, and while im clear on your intended use, if your going to be modifying the car to perform better all around, my suggestion would be to get aftermarket brake pads- just fronts- pads; something along the lines of a carbotech panther + or xp, or a porterfield r4s, or maybe a ferodo pad, if there is one available. the oem pads just don't have the bite, that i was expecting, or would have appreciated.

regarding the sti, its a factory modified wrx, on all accounts; a very popular seller in japan for some time, for details on the US bound verison, click below:

http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&content_code=07370487&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=592226&record=1
mark nyman (Markelizabeth)
New member
Username: Markelizabeth

Post Number: 5
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 7:04 pm:   

If you are looking for great all weather handling, try the all wheel drive Jaguar x-type 3.0. I prefered it over my SUV in the snow in Connecticut. Performance is adequate with 231 hp. Not as fast as the WRX but clearly a more luxurious car.
Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Junior Member
Username: Amenasce

Post Number: 231
Registered: 10-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 6:35 pm:   

M5 must be great as daily drivers :-)
Noelrp (Noelrp)
Junior Member
Username: Noelrp

Post Number: 61
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 6:27 pm:   

Solly,

Looks like you got your heart set on it. Go for it.

BTW, I also have an '02 Impreza Outback Sports Wagon (but the non-turbo model). We bought it as a utility vehicle (go-anywhere, take it anywhere mobile). The wife drives it and she really likes it than our Merc ML320. 4x4, ABS, $10 for change oil, takes cheap gas, dont care if it gets a scratch or dent, a total anywhere machine.

I highly recommend Subaru for the daily grind.
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member
Username: Kennyh

Post Number: 381
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 5:14 pm:   

Steve, nothing can match the performance/reliablitiy of this car for the price. The S4 starts at 40k+. With 300+ horsepower, the Subaru is approaching 360 Spyder type acceleration, unfortunatly, its top speed is 130 (otherwise, its an amazing track car).

Highly recommended.
Lawrence Coppari (Lawrence)
Member
Username: Lawrence

Post Number: 267
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 5:04 pm:   

I'm starting to see WRX Subaru cars at driver's ed. They seem to do well. The longevity thing is always a questionmark when it comes to new cars.
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member
Username: Hardtop

Post Number: 240
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 4:45 pm:   

I 2nd. Steve's experience. I tried a WRX and it is fun. Scared the crap out of the salesman without even trying. My only complaint is that it is still an Imprezza and long term tests suggest it may not hold up that well. Still, for under 25K, it's hard to resist.

Dave
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 388
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 4:32 pm:   

Also, I'm 6'4" and can't fit into the Mini. The WRX has plenty of room and is very comfortable.
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 387
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 4:30 pm:   

1) The performance options (upgraded turbo, etc.) are dealer installed and are covered by the warranty.
2) I like the Audi, but for 25k I don't mind a few cabbies bumping into me in the City. I assume the Audi is more$$?
3) What is bhp on the WRX-STi? If it's not significantly over 300 why wait? Also, with a few more dealer mods (exhaust, engine management) can bump to 360 bhp and it costs only 5k more. So for about 30k I have a 360 bhp 4 seat monster that I don't mind getting scratched.
4) I don't like the EVO either.
Dave (Maranelloman)
Member
Username: Maranelloman

Post Number: 392
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 3:56 pm:   

Noah, no, I do not. My daily driver is an E36 M3. Here in Texas, AWD is totally unnecessary. But I like the A4, and for Steve, in the Ice Belt, it is probably right up his alley.
Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member
Username: Kennyh

Post Number: 380
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 3:31 pm:   

Steven, an E46 BMW M3 is an amazing daily driver too, but its double the price of the WRX. My best friend has a WRX in WRC blue with all the options and absolutely loves it. Its a great reliable car, but if I was you, I'd wait a couple months to see how the Lancer EVO and the WRX-STI come together...
Noah Weinberger (Noahweinberger)
New member
Username: Noahweinberger

Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 3:30 pm:   

Dave, do you have an S4? I have been looking at purchasing either a 2002 330i, 2001 S4, or 2003 G35 by December, and it is a very difficult decision. How would you rank the S4 with an A6? I think the S4 looks great by the way, and doesn't exactly have the stigma of a bmw.
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe

Post Number: 1349
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 2:55 pm:   

Steven, does the factory offer those upgrades or are they aftermarket ?
Racer 001 (Mr_0011)
Junior Member
Username: Mr_0011

Post Number: 145
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 2:36 pm:   

BTW, the Skyline's AWD is RWD based, not front wheel based like the Suabru and Mitsu cars.
Racer 001 (Mr_0011)
Junior Member
Username: Mr_0011

Post Number: 144
Registered: 3-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 2:35 pm:   

If you want a high performance AWD look at MotoRex's website (www.motorex.net). They import Skyline GT-Rs...

R32's start from $18k and go up to $48k
R33's $34-$51k
R34's $78-$100k

They have a big aftermarket in Japan if that's your thing, but you might be limited when if comes to performance parts here in the States.

http://www.motorex.net/motoreximages/gallery07a.jpg

The two white ones are R32's

http://www.motorex.net/motoreximages/gallery24a.jpg

An R33, the best looking one IMHO...

http://www.motorex.net/motoreximages/gallery14a.jpg

And the R34 GT-R...


These ones (well the GT-Rs) feaure Nissan's RB26DETT motor. 2.6L inline 6 DOHC twin turbo. Think of it as a Japanese Porsche flat 6...


------------
You could also wait for Subaru's WRX STi to come here. The current Lancer EVO is uglier than sin IMHO. :p
Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Member
Username: Mmayeux73

Post Number: 286
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 2:30 pm:   

I have to second Dave's suggestion: especailly the new S4 or if you really want to get crazy the new RS6...
Noelrp (Noelrp)
Junior Member
Username: Noelrp

Post Number: 60
Registered: 8-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 2:16 pm:   

WRX is an excellent car, but I think it will get old very quickly when the Lancer EVO and the WRX-STI get introduced to the US next year.

Have you driven a Mini Cooper S?
Dave (Maranelloman)
Member
Username: Maranelloman

Post Number: 391
Registered: 1-2002
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 1:59 pm:   

Audi S4.
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
Member
Username: Solly

Post Number: 386
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 1:56 pm:   

While I love the 360 and the Dino, neither can be a daily driver for me since I am in Manhattan so much. I have been driving an '01 Suburban daily, but got tired of lugging around 2 tons of non-performance steel every day, not to mention a $100 a week gas bill.

This morning I test drove a new '02 Subaru WRX turbo, 5 speed, and LOVED it. I am thinking of ordering it with the base 227 hp engine, an upgraded turbo, intercooler, Brembo brakes, big intake, etc. Total bhp with upgrades about 300. This thing is a blast to drive, seats my kids in the back, can be driven to Manhattan without fear, and total cost with all upgrades UNDER 25K!!

Any other recommendations for me to look at before I put down a deposit? Definitely need the all-wheel drive for the snow here.

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