New advice on buying a new car

[HiImBrian]

Just got a new job out in Denver and I'm looking to replace my 98 2.5rs. I'll be doing a fair amount of customer interaction with my job and I'd like something a little "nicer". Is there anything besides an evo/sti that can give me comparable awd performance under 20k?

I've thought about
Volva s60r
Audi s4
bmw 325

[Goat Blower]

The S60R is my choice, I've had a few of them and they fit the bill nicely for looking professional while still maintaining a performance feel. They ride smooth as butter in the regular suspension mode.

[Fran05]

Out of those 3, I'd choose neither. All of them are expensive to work on and will require a lot of maintenance anywhere after 80-90k miles. My dad has a s60r and he has replaced A LOT of shit on it. Active suspension, etc etc. If you get a CEL, you are fucked, it will just go into 5mph limp mode in the middle of the highway. Also limited aftermarket availability. I used to have a e36 M3 and I have replaced quite a bit too. Although it was mostly performance stuff, but just to do the front ball joints, I had to replace both control arms 250$ a piece. Audi s4 of 2000-2001 are a total nightmare to work on. Lets say the clutch or turbo goes, you are looking at like 15+ hours labor.

I'd get a WRX if I were you. Still presentable, lots of potential, easy to work on, best awd system (STi actually has THE best, but wrx is pretty good still) and parts can be easily bought on the aftermarket if something happens.

[93gtpeater]

i have to agree with fran05. i dont like the boxer motor but the wrx/sti would be the best option.

[goodhart]

How bout a legacy GT?

[HiImBrian]

Originally Posted by Fran05

Out of those 3, I'd choose neither. All of them are expensive to work on and will require a lot of maintenance anywhere after 80-90k miles. My dad has a s60r and he has replaced A LOT of shit on it. Active suspension, etc etc. If you get a CEL, you are fucked, it will just go into 5mph limp mode in the middle of the highway. Also limited aftermarket availability. I used to have a e36 M3 and I have replaced quite a bit too. Although it was mostly performance stuff, but just to do the front ball joints, I had to replace both control arms 250$ a piece. Audi s4 of 2000-2001 are a total nightmare to work on. Lets say the clutch or turbo goes, you are looking at like 15+ hours labor.

I'd get a WRX if I were you. Still presentable, lots of potential, easy to work on, best awd system (STi actually has THE best, but wrx is pretty good still) and parts can be easily bought on the aftermarket if something happens.

The blue interior on the sti makes me sick. Otherwise an sti would be on the list. I understand that a wrx would be an affordable choice and it's an option as well I guess.

I'm looking to add to my list, not just pick one of the three

Originally Posted by goodhart

How bout a legacy GT?

Also an option. I think I'd have to drive one to really appreciate one.

[niterydr]

G35x with bolt-ons?
CTS-V?

[Halon]

Speed 6.

Otherwise you can just get a DD that is strictly a DD like many of us. Something like an AWD Fusion, won't leave you stranded, is newer so shouldn't require a lot of work... Then get something on the side to play with.

[CornFed2.4]

R32?

Also if you truly have 20k why not just get an EVO? Prolly best bang for the buck,4 doors for planned and unplanned parenthood, ect... LOL

[Trogdor]

Have you considered a Lancer Ralliart or the regular WRX? New both are starting in the low 20's. So if 20 is a hard limit, you could probably could find a low miles used for just under that.

Edit: I should probably read all of the posts before responding, lol. But yeah, if the WRX is something you're looking at, you should definitely look a Ralliart, Evo's little brother.

[19TsiAwd90]

i would say legacy gt, wrx, or sti only thing with wrx is their trannys like to go boom with much more than 350awhp but the STI you wont have an issue with the tranny, if you dont like the interrior you will be able to sell all the seats no issue and buy wrx seat and have cash left over for goodies otherwise just get a evo.. you can get a nice evo for under 20k...

[ylimert01]

legacy gt!...and I should know I just bought one..very nice inside and out (heated leather seats are my fav), rides smooth, handles amazing, 2.5 turbo gets up and goes, and of course awd ftw! what more could you want.

[HiImBrian]

Originally Posted by niterydr

G35x with bolt-ons?
CTS-V?

A G35x lacks sportyness to me imo and the CTS-V isn't awd. Now if the G35 came awd (and I know the G37 does but that's outa range) I'd be all over it!

Originally Posted by Halon

Speed 6.

Otherwise you can just get a DD that is strictly a DD like many of us. Something like an AWD Fusion, won't leave you stranded, is newer so shouldn't require a lot of work... Then get something on the side to play with.

My dad owns a Mazda 6 and I really don't like the feel of the shifter. A Speed 6 could be in the running as well I guess assuming it doesn't feel at all like a regular 6...

I just have an apartment, so at this point I don't have room for multiple cars.

Originally Posted by CornFed2.4

R32?

Also if you truly have 20k why not just get an EVO? Prolly best bang for the buck,4 doors for planned and unplanned parenthood, ect... LOL

Well, for the record..I do not "truly" have 20k. I'd take out a loan to start building more credit. And I am kinda straying away from the evo simple because imo it lacks the niceness of some of these other options. I know that the evo would rock the socks off most of the cars I've listed, but it's not all about performance to me.

I've never thought about a VW. Would anybody else second an r32 as a candidate?

Originally Posted by Trogdor

Have you considered a Lancer Ralliart or the regular WRX? New both are starting in the low 20's. So if 20 is a hard limit, you could probably could find a low miles used for just under that.

Edit: I should probably read all of the posts before responding, lol. But yeah, if the WRX is something you're looking at, you should definitely look a Ralliart, Evo's little brother.

Only new Lancer I've been in was Scheides's evo and that thing made me cream myself. Now with that said...I don't think I am as ballin as Scheides and can't really afford something like that now. I have not considered the new Ralliart for no particular reason. Maybe this is something I should also take a look at in person. (Good thing denver has like a million dealerships!) I would love a hatchback wrx, but most of what I've seen is over that 20k mark. And I think 20k is a pretty hard limit .

Originally Posted by 19TsiAwd90

i would say legacy gt, wrx, or sti only thing with wrx is their trannys like to go boom with much more than 350awhp but the STI you wont have an issue with the tranny, if you dont like the interrior you will be able to sell all the seats no issue and buy wrx seat and have cash left over for goodies otherwise just get a evo.. you can get a nice evo for under 20k...

LGT has been mentioned I believe and that's something I'll go take a look at. Good point about the wrx trannys, I forgot about this aspect. I've had friends blow their trannys with much less than 350hp too. I'm not too intrigued about the idea of buy an sti and then swap out all (door cards, carpet, seats..) the interior. Blah, more evo talk. I love evos but I don't want another racecar. Someday I'd love to rock an evo x, but now is not that time

Originally Posted by ylimert01

legacy gt!...and I should know I just bought one..very nice inside and out (heated leather seats are my fav), rides smooth, handles amazing, 2.5 turbo gets up and goes, and of course awd ftw! what more could you want.

Another +1 for the LGT. ok ok ok I'll go look at one.

[HiImBrian]

Volva s60r
Audi s4 (not too much love for the s4?)
bmw 325
wrx (This would probably be the cheapest option - 05 wrx)
Legacy GT (I'll go test drive one and see if I see what you guys see)
MSP 6 (Any comments if this drives like a regular 6?)
R32 (Never been a vw fan...)

[ylimert01]

fyi the manual trans are hard to find in the gt's and they are also not the best like the wrx's..automatics handle more power and easier to find but less fun to drive.

[HiImBrian]

Originally Posted by ylimert01

fyi the manual trans are hard to find in the gt's and they are also not the best like the wrx's..automatics handle more power and easier to find but less fun to drive.

I noticed that when I typed in "Subaru Legacy GT" vs "Subaru Legacy GT manual" haha. There was one ad left.

[AJ]

The MS6 is a completely different car than the regular Mazda 6, it's not even built in the same factory (100% Japan Made and shipped to the US). Comparable to the Legacy GT, great AWD, nice and comfy on the inside, and will hold its value if you get it for a good price since they only made them for two years. I had one and loved it, picked it over the EVO at the time due to the interior comfort. This is a car you can track or enjoy he daily comforts in daily driving. You won't win many drag races as it's heavy, but I've seen them enjoyed in spirited back roads, auto x, and the road course.

[Kracka]

Legacy GT

[HiImBrian]

Grrr I found a Spec B like an 1.5 hours from me, but I don't think I wanna drive that far just to test drive a car. Maybe I'll check out the regular GT in town first

p.s. Why did subaru think it'd be a good idea to start throwing this ugly f&f blue interior into their top models. ICK!

[DSM_421]

Audi S4 IMHO, I almost bought one in 06.

What year are you thinking about, like an 04?