What car fits this mold?

11Past9 · 09-30-2009, 10:06 AM

A buddy of mine is looking for suggestions for his next car:

Budget $12-23,000 (depending on year and mileage of course)

-It needs to be reliable and reasonable in regard to maintenance and repair (This means don't suggest a B5 S4)

-It needs to have a solid bang for buck performance ratio

-It needs to seat 5 and have space to put stuff (doesn't mean hatch, just a good sized trunk and what not

-It needs to be all season capable (Not, oh just throw 500lbs of sand in the back and have chains on the tires and drive 2mph and you'lle be fine)

Kream · 09-30-2009, 10:16 AM

Used Mazdaspeed 3 perhaps?

11Past9 · 09-30-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kream

Used Mazdaspeed 3 perhaps?

Negative, too many blown engine, suspension, smoking turbo mishaps...

NeueKlasse · 09-30-2009, 10:45 AM

My winter beater is a Mazda 3. Reliable, sporty, cheap to maintain... it handles like a car that's twice its price and its a tank in the snow. It's also pretty fuel efficient and you can get a new one, nicely equipped, for about $20k in the U.S., I guess.

A used Subaru Impreza, hatchback or otherwise, could also be an option. They are reliable and although relatively expensive to maintain, are practically maintenance-free. Plus, you have the added winter benefits of AWD.

The only combinations of sportiness, reliability, convenience and overall performance that come to mind are the Mazdaspeed 3, the Subaru Impreza and perhaps even a newer Sentra SE-R. Your friend will likely have to make a compromise because a lot of his clauses are essentially contradictory.

11Past9 · 09-30-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeueKlasse

My winter beater is a Mazda 3. Reliable, sporty, cheap to maintain... it handles like a car that's twice its price and its a tank in the snow. It's also pretty fuel efficient and you can get a new one, nicely equipped, for about $20k in the U.S., I guess.

A used Subaru Impreza, hatchback or otherwise, could also be an option. They are reliable and although relatively expensive to maintain, are practically maintenance-free. Plus, you have the added winter benefits of AWD.

The only combinations of sportiness, reliability, convenience and overall performance that come to mind are the Mazdaspeed 3, the Subaru Impreza and perhaps even a newer Sentra SE-R. Your friend will likely have to make a compromise because a lot of his clauses are essentially contradictory.

Unfortunately a guy who used to own two built RSX Type S's, an SRT-4, a Kouki 240SX and an Xrunner isn't going to even be remotely satisfied with a Mazda3 or an Impreza unless it's a WRX or STi...

EmPower · 09-30-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Past9

Unfortunately a guy who used to own two built RSX Type S's, an SRT-4, a Kouki 240SX and an Xrunner isn't going to even be remotely satisfied with a Mazda3 or an Impreza unless it's a WRX or STi...

Honda Civic

nmulax · 09-30-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Past9

Unfortunately a guy who used to own two built RSX Type S's, an SRT-4, a Kouki 240SX and an Xrunner isn't going to even be remotely satisfied with a Mazda3 or an Impreza unless it's a WRX or STi...

So have him get a WRX or STI.
They're reliable, plenty of performance potential, seat 5, and do great year round.

anthony @ eas · 09-30-2009, 01:53 PM

+1 on a WRX/STI

Artmasterx · 09-30-2009, 02:05 PM

Besides what was listed above...

Legacy GT could also work. 07's have fold-down seats and can be had for low 20's easily. A little bland but a good car.

Audi A3 3.2 may be available in that price range by now.

Volvo S60R have power, but I don't know about handling.

Infiniti G35x, especially if you can find an 07+, though probably can't get manual transmission.

immiketoo · 09-30-2009, 02:08 PM

Sounds like your buddy is looking for a cheap car that has the performance and reliability of an expensive one, and those can be mutually exclusive. Good luck...

nmulax · 09-30-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artmasterx

Besides what was listed above...

Legacy GT could also work. 07's have fold-down seats and can be had for low 20's easily. A little bland but a good car.\
good call

Audi A3 3.2 may be available in that price range by now.
not the most powerful, but otherwise good

Volvo S60R have power, but I don't know about handling.
doesn't have the reliability of the other suggestions

Infiniti G35x, especially if you can find an 07+, though probably can't get manual transmission.

.

EpicE90 · 09-30-2009, 06:14 PM

2003 Cobra with 45-50k miles, c5 z06 with 35 -55k miles, regular c5 with lower miles, evo 8 25-35k miles, evo 9 high mileage, 2004 wrx sti id say 25-35k miles if you can find 1, mazda speed 6, s2000 maybe 2003 then turbo kit then

, cobalt ss supercharged, srt-4, c-55 amg prob a little bit too much though. The list goes on...

RENN Spec · 09-30-2009, 06:24 PM

I just picked up my evo8 for 13k

ben14142001 · 09-30-2009, 07:37 PM

Evo or STi.

E82tt6 · 09-30-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben14142001

Evo or STi.

Werd

touareg · 09-30-2009, 11:45 PM

WRX, assuming it has cheaper maintenance costs than an STI or Evo, and the insurance will definitely be cheaper.

tim3less · 10-01-2009, 12:29 AM

^+1

or.................a GC8 w/ STi engine swap

JB 007 · 10-01-2009, 12:58 AM

2007 STi........

11Past9 · 10-01-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EpicE90

2003 Cobra with 45-50k miles, c5 z06 with 35 -55k miles, regular c5 with lower miles, s2000 maybe 2003 then turbo kit then

, c-55 amg prob a little bit too much though. The list goes on...

Well considering part of the criteria was all season capability as in, winter, summer, spring and fall... I highly doubt any of these are options, oh and the part where an S2000 or a Corvette seats 5 + cargo I am kind of missing, is it a fold down 3 seat in the back?

shipill · 10-01-2009, 10:41 AM

Used Acura TL , or used Lexus is250

11Past9 · 10-01-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shipill

Used Acura TL , or used Lexus is250

What is performance about a 3600lb car making 204hp and 185ft lbs of torque?

Cookiemonster · 10-02-2009, 10:04 AM

2004 r32 or the 2008 r32 if you want to go right up to your 23,000.

mazda speed 6

Subby legacy GT

G35X

09-30-2009, 10:06 AM	#1
11Past9 First Lieutenant 187 Rep 307 Posts Drives: A stolen one Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: U.S.A. iTrader: (0)	What car fits this mold? A buddy of mine is looking for suggestions for his next car: Budget $12-23,000 (depending on year and mileage of course) -It needs to be reliable and reasonable in regard to maintenance and repair (This means don't suggest a B5 S4) -It needs to have a solid bang for buck performance ratio -It needs to seat 5 and have space to put stuff (doesn't mean hatch, just a good sized trunk and what not -It needs to be all season capable (Not, oh just throw 500lbs of sand in the back and have chains on the tires and drive 2mph and you'lle be fine) __________________ gentle now the tender breeze blows, whispers through my Gran Torino, whistling another tired song, engine humms and bitter dreams grow, heart locked in a Gran Torino, it beats a lonely rhythm all night long
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-30-2009, 10:16 AM	#2
Kream Private First Class 10 Rep 160 Posts Drives: 07 M Coupe, 11 GLK350 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (2)	Used Mazdaspeed 3 perhaps?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2009, 10:45 AM	#4
NeueKlasse New Member 5 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135i M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	My winter beater is a Mazda 3. Reliable, sporty, cheap to maintain... it handles like a car that's twice its price and its a tank in the snow. It's also pretty fuel efficient and you can get a new one, nicely equipped, for about $20k in the U.S., I guess. A used Subaru Impreza, hatchback or otherwise, could also be an option. They are reliable and although relatively expensive to maintain, are practically maintenance-free. Plus, you have the added winter benefits of AWD. The only combinations of sportiness, reliability, convenience and overall performance that come to mind are the Mazdaspeed 3, the Subaru Impreza and perhaps even a newer Sentra SE-R. Your friend will likely have to make a compromise because a lot of his clauses are essentially contradictory.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2009, 01:53 PM	#8
anthony @ eas 309 Rep 3,635 Posts Drives: R56 Cooper S Join Date: May 2009 Location: 4015 E Leaverton Court, Anahiem, CA 92807 iTrader: (0)	+1 on a WRX/STI
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2009, 02:05 PM	#9
Artmasterx Captain 46 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Volvo V70R [10.00] 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	Besides what was listed above... Legacy GT could also work. 07's have fold-down seats and can be had for low 20's easily. A little bland but a good car. Audi A3 3.2 may be available in that price range by now. Volvo S60R have power, but I don't know about handling. Infiniti G35x, especially if you can find an 07+, though probably can't get manual transmission. __________________ Current: 2007 335i sedan Alpine White \| Sports \| Premium \| Cold \| Comfort Access FORMERLY: 128i coupe Alpine White \| Sports Package \| Black Leather
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2009, 06:14 PM	#12
EpicE90 First Lieutenant 98 Rep 346 Posts Drives: 2011 f150 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	2003 Cobra with 45-50k miles, c5 z06 with 35 -55k miles, regular c5 with lower miles, evo 8 25-35k miles, evo 9 high mileage, 2004 wrx sti id say 25-35k miles if you can find 1, mazda speed 6, s2000 maybe 2003 then turbo kit then , cobalt ss supercharged, srt-4, c-55 amg prob a little bit too much though. The list goes on...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2009, 06:24 PM	#13
RENN Spec Major 141 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 488 Pista, M2CS, Tundra Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Arcadia, CA iTrader: (3)	I just picked up my evo8 for 13k
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2009, 07:37 PM	#14
ben14142001 Captain 27 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	Evo or STi.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2009, 11:45 PM	#16
touareg Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	WRX, assuming it has cheaper maintenance costs than an STI or Evo, and the insurance will definitely be cheaper. __________________ Currently: 2017 M2 MT LBB In a previous life: 2011 Z4 sDrive35i MT \| 2011 Mk6 GTI MT \| 2008 EX35 \| 2008 Cooper S MT \| 2009 135i MT \| 2002 A4 1.8T
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-01-2009, 12:29 AM	#17
tim3less First Lieutenant 13 Rep 362 Posts Drives: '07 STi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	^+1 or.................a GC8 w/ STi engine swap
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-01-2009, 12:58 AM	#18
JB 007 First Lieutenant 44 Rep 380 Posts Drives: Z4MC RRS MINI... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Nicosia iTrader: (0)	2007 STi........ __________________ Z4MC_Black Sapphire/Imola-_-DMS ECU ll H&S cat-back ll H&R coilovers ll CF Lip ll Lamin-X ll Matte black kidneys ll Afe drop in ll Afe intake elbow ll RPi scoop ll LeatherZ imola shift boot ll ZHP knob...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-01-2009, 10:41 AM	#20
shipill Major 412 Rep 1,287 Posts Drives: Macan S Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (7)	Used Acura TL , or used Lexus is250
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-02-2009, 10:04 AM	#22
Cookiemonster Captain 16 Rep 791 Posts Drives: 2010 335XI e92 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Jupiter iTrader: (2)	2004 r32 or the 2008 r32 if you want to go right up to your 23,000. mazda speed 6 Subby legacy GT G35X __________________ 2007 335I sedan (retired) 2010 335xi coupe
	Appreciate 0 Quote