04-09-2007, 09:33 PM
OK, i've basically been researching the hell out of stuff all day, every day since last week. it's getting tough to find what i really want now....i'm also finding my budget is probably unrealistic. might have to raise it a few grand.
i've started to really warm up to EP civic Si's. they are really exactly what i need when i think about it. since they are "unpopular" sport compacts the pricing is just right for the milage. if i ever want to the sky is the limit for mods. i know it will be a solid car too, no nickel dime BS. too bad they look like poo, but i can deal with that. but the theft issue....i'm so torn on that. my area is good and i don't think these cars are big targets, but you never know...argh.
OK....if anyone has some advice, please chime in on these questions. i have gone over all kinds of reading and these are issues i face with my other choices, and i'm not sure what to think. sorry this is kinda long, i'm just taking stuff off the top of my head here.
- SVT focus....terrible gearbox problems are all that's holding me back on these. Feersty, have you noticed anything with yours? how has your dealer treated you on warranty stuff?
- E36 non-M....the subframe thing still haunts me. whatever car i buy i will thrash on the auto-x course. is it worth the risk to run without reinforcements on the rear subframe and rear shock towers? should i just try to stretch a loan out for an M3, which is more robust? RJ, Hunter, Chan, BJ? also, still looking hard at the 318Ti. is the step back in rear suspension technology worth the advantage in a more rugged design and less weight?
- MSP.....perfect out of the box, but totally maxed out speed-wise. i like to tinker but i'd be locked in with the stock engine/tranny. 170 horses is fun but for how long?
dub GTI.....i think they're very cool but i will want the VR6. i hear they like their timing chains, and it's a bitch to do. Blair, how do you feel about your GTI, does it hold up well? what is the usual cost for chain/guide replacements?
Mazda Protege5.....great looks, space, handling. but 130 horses, i dunno. that's not alot, but then again it could be entertaining in a little wagon like that. i'm not sure how to take this one.
WRX....it'd have to be a wagon and they are kind of elusive around here, or expensive at the very least. they are bulletproof though, can't deny that. with some wheels and suspension it'd be a blast i bet.
again, sorry for the ramble. these are pretty much what i'm after. they all sound fun but it's hard to get a feel for what day to day life would be like.
i've started to really warm up to EP civic Si's. they are really exactly what i need when i think about it. since they are "unpopular" sport compacts the pricing is just right for the milage. if i ever want to the sky is the limit for mods. i know it will be a solid car too, no nickel dime BS. too bad they look like poo, but i can deal with that. but the theft issue....i'm so torn on that. my area is good and i don't think these cars are big targets, but you never know...argh.
OK....if anyone has some advice, please chime in on these questions. i have gone over all kinds of reading and these are issues i face with my other choices, and i'm not sure what to think. sorry this is kinda long, i'm just taking stuff off the top of my head here.
- SVT focus....terrible gearbox problems are all that's holding me back on these. Feersty, have you noticed anything with yours? how has your dealer treated you on warranty stuff?
- E36 non-M....the subframe thing still haunts me. whatever car i buy i will thrash on the auto-x course. is it worth the risk to run without reinforcements on the rear subframe and rear shock towers? should i just try to stretch a loan out for an M3, which is more robust? RJ, Hunter, Chan, BJ? also, still looking hard at the 318Ti. is the step back in rear suspension technology worth the advantage in a more rugged design and less weight?
- MSP.....perfect out of the box, but totally maxed out speed-wise. i like to tinker but i'd be locked in with the stock engine/tranny. 170 horses is fun but for how long?
dub GTI.....i think they're very cool but i will want the VR6. i hear they like their timing chains, and it's a bitch to do. Blair, how do you feel about your GTI, does it hold up well? what is the usual cost for chain/guide replacements?
Mazda Protege5.....great looks, space, handling. but 130 horses, i dunno. that's not alot, but then again it could be entertaining in a little wagon like that. i'm not sure how to take this one.
WRX....it'd have to be a wagon and they are kind of elusive around here, or expensive at the very least. they are bulletproof though, can't deny that. with some wheels and suspension it'd be a blast i bet.
again, sorry for the ramble. these are pretty much what i'm after. they all sound fun but it's hard to get a feel for what day to day life would be like.
2010 Civic Si
2019 4Runner TRD Off-Road
--------------------------
Past: 03 Xterra SE 4x4 | 05 Impreza 2.5RS | 99.5 A4 Quattro 1.8T | 01 Accord EX | 90 Maxima GXE | 96 Explorer XLT
2019 4Runner TRD Off-Road
--------------------------
Past: 03 Xterra SE 4x4 | 05 Impreza 2.5RS | 99.5 A4 Quattro 1.8T | 01 Accord EX | 90 Maxima GXE | 96 Explorer XLT