Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 08/28/2013 11:24 AM |
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I like Ben's pick cause it was made for all the right reasons.
If "fun" is the key metric, stick with the moto, compared to that any car will be "girlie". :-) |
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Entheo
Posts:317
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| 08/28/2013 12:30 PM |
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| maybe the most fun car i ever owned was a VW Golf GTI; manual tranny of course. practical too; i could get two road bikes in it via the hatchback. |
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Keith Richards
Posts:781
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| 08/28/2013 02:05 PM |
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How much you trying to spend?
I am familiar with VW/Audis. Love them, but you have to be aware of their problems.
If the model you choose has a timing belt (no matter WHAT car) instead of a chain, they need to be replaced every 60-80k. It just has to be done. Early Hondas had timing belts that needed to be changed as well.
WRX/Sti....great car if you want a toy to drive fast. One look at a Subaru interior compared to an equivalent VW/Audi product and you will see what the term "fit and finish" means. I can put on a tuxedo and dive up to valet parking in a nice Audi/VW product and look like a grown assed man.
Mini's are BMW's version of the VW Golf/GTI and priced accordingly. Again a timing belt. It has to be changed. It is inherit in the design and has nothing to do with the manufacturer. Like I said, VWs GTI beats a Cooper S anyday for an everyday car.
VW/Audi transmissions and clutches are prone to being fragile if not taken care of. I picked up a 2003 GLI with a close ratio 6sp for cheap. I KNOW I will have to replace the tranny as the 1/2 shift fork is only held together with rivets. Water pumps came with plastic impellers from the factory. They WILL go bad. Replacements are metal. GTIs are great cars. WAY better than the equivalent Mini and cheaper. Also used parts are EVERYWHERE and inexpensive for VWs in general.
If you are married, get a VW/Audi product. The Golf/GTI is not the #1 selling car in Europe for no reason.
Would also recommend looking at Acura RSX-S models. Nice car, quick. Has a timing chain so no belts to worry about. Timing chains, if the oil has been changed and checked/topped off as necessary, will go 200k easily unless their is a design flaw, as in the Cooper and 12v VR6 engines in VWs.
On the hybrids. You guys buy your hybrids. Leaves more gas for me...lol!
(edit) NO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS!!!! |
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It is his word versus ours. We like our word. We like where we stand and we like our credibility."--Lance Armstrong. |
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mondonico
Posts:158
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| 08/28/2013 02:35 PM |
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| I have owned A Hurst Olds 442, vet, Audi S4, 64 small block v8 comet conv. Boxster S and a 99 Miata. The best all around blast to drive almost hands down was the Miata. Never had a problem and never had as much fun just driving. Sucks on long trips, not much luggae room, not really fast compared to other cars. But small enough to be just tossed around anything that gets in your way. You want a fun car to drive. I can't believe there are many better when you can put the top down. The Boxster comes in 2nd and for only two people works great for anything. Lots of luggae room so good on trips, shopping. And can be had at a good price used. With the Miata you have to have another car. You might be able to get by with just a Boxster if one chooses. |
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jmdirt
Posts:775
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| 08/28/2013 03:07 PM |
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I'm hearing Miata quite a bit so I'm going to explore that option as well. The local Miata club is huge. I've see them on groups drives stretched out for miles.
Keith, $12K ish.
I have an '06 Toyota Tacoma and a '01 Honda Insight (wife's car). Having a third car is really against the way I think but I'm getting old and need to enjoy life. It seems like the moto is getting more and more dangerous due to distracted drivers. The fun car would take the place of the moto for me as a daily driver and for road trips that don't require the PU. The Insight is still a great commuter but is getting worn out for road trips out of town. I really only need the pick up a dozen or so times per year and have toyed with the idea of getting rid of it but then I need it for hauling something and drop the idea of getting rid of it. |
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Keith Richards
Posts:781
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| 08/28/2013 03:11 PM |
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mondonico, you have the turbo V6 or the V8 in the S4?
I love Miatas. I am a convertible junkie. I firmly believe that everyone should own a convertible at least once in their life. |
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It is his word versus ours. We like our word. We like where we stand and we like our credibility."--Lance Armstrong. |
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SideBySide
Posts:444
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| 08/28/2013 05:43 PM |
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| +1 on Miatae. They are not the most practical of cars, but a lot of fun. |
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jmdirt
Posts:775
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| 08/28/2013 07:03 PM |
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| KR, I had a Buick regal (76) with t tops but they got lifted so I consider that my convert ible. :-) |
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pabiker
Posts:80
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| 08/28/2013 09:02 PM |
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Methinks the VW GTi would absolutely smoke a Mini and/or a Miata. S4 is in an entirely different price category. My A4 (V6) wasn't all that great, my BMW 318i (4dr 5speed) was much more fun to drive, but very hard to find now. The WRX Sti is likely the fastest out of the group and you can put bikes on it and go off-road.
The ones around here aren't teener horror shows more like this, but with roof racks and blacked out wheels.
This is far nicer than a Miata:
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jmdirt
Posts:775
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| 08/28/2013 09:45 PM |
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| PA, just before I came here I was looking at a '02 S2000 with only 35K miles on it (on craigs list). |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2881
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| 08/28/2013 09:58 PM |
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| I dunno. the S2000 is a splendid track car, but not a good a car to live with day in and day out (contrast with the Miata) |
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Keith Richards
Posts:781
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| 08/28/2013 11:27 PM |
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His wife is going to be driving it, a happy medium has to be reached. The S2000 and the WRX and it variants are a little to severe.
And as a WRX comes out of the showroom, it is no more off-roadable than a Audi Quattro.
The GTI is the best choice. Sporty and practical. |
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It is his word versus ours. We like our word. We like where we stand and we like our credibility."--Lance Armstrong. |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 08/28/2013 11:45 PM |
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Of all the cars listed I'd pick the WRX in a second (I love my Subaru). But for reasonably serious off-roading (things can get sketchy pretty quick around here) you need something with a bit more clearance...the WRX would not have been able to keep up with my Forester on our Wells Gray adventure unless you're willing to commit to some serious underbody damage.
Keith - you're stereotyping (happy medium)! |
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Ride On
Posts:537
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| 08/29/2013 06:12 AM |
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| Sicon tC , Never driven one but it looks like a fun car $20K new. |
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Keith Richards
Posts:781
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| 08/29/2013 10:21 AM |
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jmdirt, she can drive a stick, yes?
What are your limitations/wants? Under a specific mileage? Newer than a specific year? |
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It is his word versus ours. We like our word. We like where we stand and we like our credibility."--Lance Armstrong. |
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