BigTyla goes car shopping!

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Originally Posted by BigTyla

To be honest, it's really the Evo and FR-S above everything else right now. When I drove the Evo, there was something in me that said "this is the car." The power, the handling, the looks - it has the perfect balance of everything. Then I drove the FR-S and put it at a very close second, but it's a car I would be happy to own. To be honest, the big thing keeping the FR-S close to the Evo is the warranty. Similar price to the Evo but with five years of replacing anything that breaks? That's hard to pass up for someone that wants to do as little maintenance to his next car purchase as possible.

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Would you be able to own the FR-S without modding it? And how lenient are they going to be on the warranty once you do start doing mods? Can you really go 5 years (or 3) without modding the motor or suspension or anything? Do you trust the local dealer for service without jacking it up?

Don't get me wrong, I like the Evo, but I'd never get a new one here because the local dealer and the techs are completely useless.

The S2000 is a badass car, although I'd be careful to make sure I got one that hasn't been modded to hell and then put back to stock before purchase.

off your list, the Z06 or heck, 45k can get u a damn near brand new Loaded up grand sport. When u get bored, add a s/c and cam with a GS and bam faster than just about anything on the road, they look amazing on some nice wheels.

FRS is dynamically a brilliant car, but is missing some go for me to enjoy the way i enjoy my FD rx7 which is fast enough to have to pay attention. The FRS is a modern iteration of it imo but not as hard core since its coming in significantly cheaper than the FD was.

There is a ton of value in a good chassis, the FD has reminded me of that. While no where near as powerful as the DR750 VR4 i have access to, its worlds more rewarding to drive and i honestly never see myself back in a 3/S as a hobby car.

You can get a mint FD for around 20k, i got mine for a steal and have never looked back and sweet jesus its beautiful in a way no new car can or ever will be again due to the rising belt line and crash standards which have ruined the proportions of many new cars. I parked the FD next to a FRS and its shocking how tall the FRS looked compared to my FD. it was dark so i never took a pic comparing the two.

Jason

daily driver...

http://cdn.wall-pix.net/albums/vehic...s/00025485.jpg

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Originally Posted by JasonY

off your list, the Z06 or heck, 45k can get u a damn near brand new Loaded up grand sport. When u get bored, add a s/c and cam with a GS and bam faster than just about anything on the road, they look amazing on some nice wheels.

FRS is dynamically a brilliant car, but is missing some go for me to enjoy the way i enjoy my FD rx7 which is fast enough to have to pay attention. The FRS is a modern iteration of it imo but not as hard core since its coming in significantly cheaper than the FD was.

There is a ton of value in a good chassis, the FD has reminded me of that. While no where near as powerful as the DR750 VR4 i have access to, its worlds more rewarding to drive and i honestly never see myself back in a 3/S as a hobby car.

You can get a mint FD for around 20k, i got mine for a steal and have never looked back and sweet jesus its beautiful in a way no new car can or ever will be again due to the rising belt line and crash standards which have ruined the proportions of many new cars. I parked the FD next to a FRS and its shocking how tall the FRS looked compared to my FD. it was dark so i never took a pic comparing the two.

Jason

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Interesting take.

My vr4's roof is lower than the frs too... by 1-2 inches I guess. When the frs is lowered to even up the wheel gap I expect the roof lines to be damn near the same height.

You're doing the right thing by driving everything you can get your hands on before deciding. I've loved cars on paper and in pictures, and even from the passenger seat that have turned me off once I spent some time behind the wheel.

That said... My $.02 -- You can find low low mileage stock '03-04 C5 Z06's for mid-low 20's all day long. Absolutely THE best bang for the buck in that price range PERIOD. They're cheap to own and maintain, reasonable to modify and very economical when driven 'normally'. A nice set of wheels, tires and a few bolt-ons and you can have a VERY versatile and rewarding car for less than 30k all-in.

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Originally Posted by HellBringer

You're doing the right thing by driving everything you can get your hands on before deciding. I've loved cars on paper and in pictures, and even from the passenger seat that have turned me off once I spent some time behind the wheel.

That said... My $.02 -- You can find low low mileage stock '03-04 C5 Z06's for mid-low 20's all day long. Absolutely THE best bang for the buck in that price range PERIOD. They're cheap to own and maintain, reasonable to modify and very economical when driven 'normally'. A nice set of wheels, tires and a few bolt-ons and you can have a VERY versatile and rewarding car for less than 30k all-in.

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Sage advice right here. You could do worse than own a C5 Z06.

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Originally Posted by whitedragon

Sage advice right here. You could do worse than own a C5 Z06.

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except that it only seats two...we had a C5 for about three years and finally gave in to the need for even a small backseat :wink:

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Originally Posted by BigTyla

Re Chevy Volt: honestly not what I'm after. I'd rather just continue to drive the Explorer as a daily than do that since it's paid off anyway. This car is for me to have fun in and do it reliably.

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That's a shame. The Volt has changed my opinion on these clunky ICE cars and their sloppy transmissions. The 335i Sport used to feel like the most amazing car in the world to me, now I think it feels like a jerky, heavy, and primitive way to get around. I don't think I can go back. Tesla, here I come...

Sounds like you have the list narrowed down. The old me wouldn't argue with any of your choices.

Great thread! I've been shopping for an EVO 8-10 and STI's all week long. I need a new daily driver and honestly something that the wife can take the kids in when I take her truck to the track. (it's my tow rig) I've driven all of these of course and I go back and forth. I love the EVO X, but the flappy paddle gearbox I'm undecided on. It's cool, but you totally lose the control of a clutch. In the snow, not an awesome feature. The STI seems more refined on the interior than the X. Although, I came across a really nice silver one, but it had the blue seats. I mean, c'mon, silver car, black interior bits and blue seats? Bad combo. On a blue car, hells yes, but on silver?? I'm still looking around on Craigslist and Auto Trader but chances are I may hit the dealers this weekend too.

Once I get moved into my house I'll be taking my eyes toward Craigslist as well. It's just that finding these cars at dealerships is so nice since I can test drive them with less hassle.