need a "grocerie getter" for $25k

Don't forget, it can also make copies:


http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=67303619&postcount=1

 

Agree on the WRX wagon. We have owned one for several years, gave it to my folks recently. Straight out of the box, with a short-shifter, rallye gauge package, nice seats and wheel; added a boost adjustment valve and little else. Thing handles all sorts of weather and roads; basically bulletproof- used it as our "errand" car, my wife would haul stuff, stop and go shopping duty, etc. I do think the car would be fatiguing if you were driving it great distances, though, and its not really built for super-sized Americans. Other than that, i can't think of a better combination of practical, reliable and fun to drive at that price. (Its a hoot to drive, and has no torque without boost; but, its like those bumper cars at the amusement park; from the moment of "Go," you just keep your foot down).

 

How about a '99 Mercedes E300 Turbo Diesel. Fast, reliable and 36 m.p.g.

Scott

 

Out of all your options the S2000 is hands down the best looking car from an aesthetics point of view. You can get in a new one for 33K. I purchased mine brand new in Aug. of '01 & have had no regrets since. I have lots of knowledge on the S2000 so if you have any questions about it feel free to ask & I'll be happy to reply.

 

I've got over 70K miles on my WRX wagon and plan on keeping it for a long time. In all honesty, for what I have put into it in aftermarket items (and there is waaay more than what I have done) I could have gotten an STi. However, the STi didn't exist at the time and they still don't have it in the wagon body style that I prefer.

I agree that you should also look at the Legacy GT if you want AWD. Personally, if you don't need the AWD, I would take a serious look at the G35 Coupe. It is a much more refined car than the WRX, has decent power and handling, you can get it with a six speed and huge Brembo brakes, and it looks good too.

For more info on the WRX (and STi, Forrester XT, and Legacy GT), check out www.nasioc.com

Larry

 

My advice would be to try and drive whatever you are considering for as long a period of time as possible. Myself and others I know have test driven a car for 10-20 minutes only to find that after a longer drive the car is not very comfortable for whatever reason.

Out of the cars you listed I would go for the 3 series. In my opinion the 330ci is an all around great car. It feels great and is fun to drive but is also quiet and comfortable. The s2000's are really fun cars but after having a convertable as my only car for years I have come to appreciate having quiet car.

 

They usually sell for the mid to upper 20s. Here's an excellent one on e-bay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4504834101&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

I belong to a diesel forum (currently have a MB diesel) and this guy has a pretty good reputation of selling excellent MB diesels. I can't say enough good things about these cars. They are elegant looking, solid, powerful and get excellent fuel mileage. What else can you ask for?

Scott

 

Road noise in the S2000 w/ the top up isn't that bad, top down of course is much louder. It all depends what rpm your at, below 6K is moderate but above 6K is def. pronounced. The stock Bridgestone SO-2's for the most part are pretty quiet also. If your worried about road noise go for the oem hardtop. I have one & its def. much quieter inside the cabin w/ the hardtop on as opposed to the soft-top. If your looking at a '00 or '01 S2000 they did not come w/ the glass window soft top so that means your getting the plastic rear window soft top which can be kinda tough in the winter due to no rear defrost. The hardtop has a rear defrost & you will get a switch wired in your center console for the defroster. If your looking at '02+ S2000's they all come w/ glass window soft tops w/ defrost.

If you have any other questions I'll be more than happy to reply.

 

Just get a Z06!! it has some room in the trunk to put some suff in there(im not going to specify what).

 

You could also consider the EVO. The 4G63 2.0L motor is a great motor and comes in a state the is capable of ~600hp on stock internals. You can buy the 03 models for around $25K.

But if you wanted to spend about $8K more, you could get the EVO MR due to come out in 05. With a 6sp trans geared lower for better acceleration as well as with a new suspension, MR rims, aluminum roof, and Advan tires, larger turbo, Super AYC, 4.7 sec 0-60, and a 0.98 skidpad.

Honestly, for both the performance and daily driving ability, you really cannot beat the MR.

 

I'd like to add to...

2005 Acura RSX Type S
Acura Integra Type R (if you can find one)

Both can be daily drive grocery getter, the former has a lot more creature comforts and more liveable suspension.

 

FYI, I have a friend trying to get rid of her BMW 635 CSI L6. It is an 87, runs great, looks great. There is a small dent on the hood and scratch. but other than that, it is perfect. And I am going to be replacing some switches in it this week to get everything working perfect. It is an auto btw. Picures have been taken, but I am waiting for them to be emailed to me.

asking $3500.

 

Chrysler 300C. I like the styling, interior space since its a full size, luxury equipment and ride (something you won't get in WRX, STi, EVO, 350z, rx8 which ride stiffer), and the 5.7L Hemi with its 340hp and 390lb-ft of tq should provide plenty of punch. Its got that cylinder deactivation tech and fuel economy is a decent 17city mpg and 25hwy mpg which is comparable to 350z, rx8, STi, EVO, etc...

Overall, it's a lot of car for your money and it's priced inline with the 350z you're considering. If you've got a bit more dough, and live up north (snow), the new AWD option is probably worthwhile.

Personally, a 300C would be what i'd pick for a daily driver.

 

I absolutely loved the RX8 when I drove them. I tested both the manual and automatic transmission cars. Both were fun, extremely well balanced, nicely handling cars. The paddle shifters in the automatic RX8 worked perfectly, but there just wasnt a lot of torque there. Acceleration was a bit sluggish. For a daily driver, however, I think it would be more than adequate! Go test drive a couple!!

 

I do not think that anyone has mentioned the new G35. Great car. Lots of leg room, backseat, same motor as the 350Z (a few horses less for 03, but that has been bumped up twice now for each MY, up to 290hp).

You could get a loaded G35X for maybe around $36K, which is 290hp, adjustable AWD, 4 doors, etc. Much nicer car than the EVO or STi, even the 350Z I think.But I prefer the G35C.

 

Price creep= my fault. Sorry!

Around 20K-25K.... you would be lucky to get an 03 G35 for that little. The resale value on those cars is almost sticker, it is unreal.

Oh, what about the SRT-4 from Dodge? Not sure if anyone mentioned that. It has 230hp (actually dyno 230whp that, the 03's were rated for 215hp and dyno'ed ~220whp). 4 door, FWD turbo, OEM Quaife LSD, and manufacturer backed upgrades (MOPAR). New ones you can get for about $21K, but being this is the end of the MY, you could probably talk them down to $19K, brand new. As far as gravel, the SRT-4 engineer's took an SRT-4 and converted it to rally use very simply.

For the money/performance, the SRT-4 is hard to beat.

 

page cannot be found