I was looking around at cars for about 20-25k as a college graduation gift to myself (2-4 years deending on my college choice) and I was wondering what you guys thought about the spec v.
It seems to deliver decent power and handling from the factory, with plenty of room for improvement, but with so many cars near the same price with more power and better handling stock, im weary of the spec v.
The SRT-4, RSX, WRX (base), and EVO all seem to have better performance for minimal increases in price (sans evo).
Anyone care to enlighten me on this subject some more?
thoughts on the se-r spec v?
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IveBeenBad
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nametakennow
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RSX is the bottom rung of that, an SE-R would destroy an RSX in torque. The SRT-4... well I just keep expecting some huge recall or a bunch of them to just explode or something, I don't trust turbocharged American cars (save the Talon, but it was a Mitsu underneath). The base WRX is nice, but it actually loses a TON of power through the AWD and 3 catalytic converters. AWD is still nice, so... The Evo is... well... an Evo, not a whole lot to say there.
Personally, if I could afford the Evo I'd probably get it, but among the others I'd go drive a WRX and an SE-R and see which you like better. I know my Sentra is a TON of fun for such a small, 2.0litre, econobox with balls. Slam the gas around 3000rpm (rolling) and feel the kick... mmm... and the handling is incredible for a FWD, best I've ever felt for that drivetrain. The base SE-R wouldn't handle quite as well as my SE (lower spring rates, so I'm kinda assuming), but a Spec has higher spring rates, and in theory better handling (though more front heavy cause of the bigger engine). In the end, I don't think you'd regret either, go drive them!
Well, get the Nissan cause it's part of our community
! But that's the bias part of the post.
Personally, if I could afford the Evo I'd probably get it, but among the others I'd go drive a WRX and an SE-R and see which you like better. I know my Sentra is a TON of fun for such a small, 2.0litre, econobox with balls. Slam the gas around 3000rpm (rolling) and feel the kick... mmm... and the handling is incredible for a FWD, best I've ever felt for that drivetrain. The base SE-R wouldn't handle quite as well as my SE (lower spring rates, so I'm kinda assuming), but a Spec has higher spring rates, and in theory better handling (though more front heavy cause of the bigger engine). In the end, I don't think you'd regret either, go drive them!
Well, get the Nissan cause it's part of our community
! But that's the bias part of the post.-
R-tune-B15
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nametakennow
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EZcheese15
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nametakennow
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Oh... well then nevermind... I don't remember it mentioned in a thread I've been involved in. GAR!
1der: I realize that it was, but as of late with the SR20DET, RB26DETT, RB25DET, 2JZTT (does that require the TT part in order to be correct for the Supra engine?), whatever it was that RX7s ran, 4G63, EJ22, EJ25 (I think that's the Subey's codes, EJ, right?) and the VW/Audi 1.8T, imports have dominated turbos all around. Once American cars started on their "bigger is better" deal (muscle cars) I'd be weary of anything American that is turbo, but that's just me. N/A I have no issues with American engines, particularly their 8cyls. Come to think of it, even the American version of the 4G63 was a little worse than the Japanese, Talons are more widely known for destroying trannies than GSX's.
Just my own personal biases.
1der: I realize that it was, but as of late with the SR20DET, RB26DETT, RB25DET, 2JZTT (does that require the TT part in order to be correct for the Supra engine?), whatever it was that RX7s ran, 4G63, EJ22, EJ25 (I think that's the Subey's codes, EJ, right?) and the VW/Audi 1.8T, imports have dominated turbos all around. Once American cars started on their "bigger is better" deal (muscle cars) I'd be weary of anything American that is turbo, but that's just me. N/A I have no issues with American engines, particularly their 8cyls. Come to think of it, even the American version of the 4G63 was a little worse than the Japanese, Talons are more widely known for destroying trannies than GSX's.
Just my own personal biases.
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IveBeenBad
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nametakennow
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This probably won't quite answer your question, but I've thought a great deal about this. I really want to get a new car next year and keep the 240SX as a project car only. I've researched, I've gone for rides...I've researched more.
Now, keep in mind that I've never driven a Spec V, but I'd have to vote on the SRT-4 (you'll want to test drive them all, of course). It pains me greatly to not pick a Nissan, but I just can't do it.
I'm sure the Spec V is fun, but it just doesn't have the power to compete in the segment. Not only that, but that thing is pretty damn homely, IMO. If it were a better performer and ugly (like the SRT-4), I could live with it. I've looked at it at the dealership. I've taken third and fourth looks, in fact.
Unfortunately, most reviews I've read on the Spec have centered on the torque steer and the homely exterior of the vehicle. The torque steer issue probably wouldn't bother me too much. Unfortunately, 150hp/150tq just doesn't quite do it for me. I'd want more power AND I'd want to keep my warranty intact.
The Brembos are a nice option, without a doubt, and the diff is nice. The 6 speed transmission seems a bit superfluous, the wheels are nice but don't really make or break the deal for me personally.
I think the interior is decent, but that's not really a concern for me either.
I've really tried justifying getting a Spec V as my next (new!) car, but I just can't quite bring myself to that point. It just seems kind of average. Maybe the reason for not giving the Spec bigger balls is just to keep from treading on the toes of a base model 350Z. I don't know.
On to the WRX...I've got a friend who owns a one and it's a damn nice car. It's pretty quick after some mods, and it's got the AWD thing going on. The interior is decent and the paint seems reasonably good. Still, I can't help feeling they're overpriced for what you get. Unless I really needed the AWD OR I was planning on modding the car and putting my powertrain warranty in jeopardy (that takes balls on a $23,000 car), I'd probably skip the WRX. I've read too many accounts of shady Subaru dealers denying warranty claims for ridiculous reasons. Then again, my friend's WRX has been going for over 3 years, modded, without problems.
I honestly don't know very much about the RSX. Again, it didn't quite have the power on paper to grab my eye and the price seemed a bit high. I'm not really concerned with the whole refinement and polish (or lack thereof) of my next car. I'm OK driving something that's a little rough around the edges. I also find the RSX a bit bland on the exterior. It honestly hasn't peaked my interest enough to get me to look closer.
OK, on to the SRT-4. I *have* been for a ride in one of these and I've been watching the SRT-4 forums online. This thing is a real kick in the ***. It's got more power than you'd expect anyone could cram in to a Neon...it's also got some decent tires and a Quaife (!) differential. To my eye, the interior is on par with the Spec and the WRX.
I haven't looked at any test numbers recently, but I believe the SRT-4 does slightly better in the slalom and is close on the skid pad #'s. The reliability thing is definitely a concern, but I haven't seen any huge issues online and the 7/70 powertrain warranty (as long as it stays in place) is a nice thing to have.
The whole handling/ zero camber thing is problematic, as is the gaudy exterior. My feelings are that as long as no major reliability issues pop up the handling and exterior can be addressed. Mopar makes (well, rebrands) some nice coilovers and I'd imagine some camber plates would be a welcome addition. People are already swapping the rear spoiler from a Neon SXT on to the SRT-4 for a more subdued look. I've actually seen someone swap the entire front bumper and hood from an SXT on to an SRT-4 to get rid of the hood scoop.
OK, enough rambling. I really want to like the Spec V. I hope Nissan sees where the market is going with these cars and does something to keep up. It's unfortunate that there's now a Saturn on the market that's puttin' more power to the ground than the Spec. The Redline seems to have problems of it's own, but Nissan is clearly losing out in the quest for more power in the sport compact market.
I'd still test drive 'em all. I'd also be out of my mind to tell you to not buy an Evo if you can afford it (regardless of Mitsu's financial woes).
Now, keep in mind that I've never driven a Spec V, but I'd have to vote on the SRT-4 (you'll want to test drive them all, of course). It pains me greatly to not pick a Nissan, but I just can't do it.
I'm sure the Spec V is fun, but it just doesn't have the power to compete in the segment. Not only that, but that thing is pretty damn homely, IMO. If it were a better performer and ugly (like the SRT-4), I could live with it. I've looked at it at the dealership. I've taken third and fourth looks, in fact.
Unfortunately, most reviews I've read on the Spec have centered on the torque steer and the homely exterior of the vehicle. The torque steer issue probably wouldn't bother me too much. Unfortunately, 150hp/150tq just doesn't quite do it for me. I'd want more power AND I'd want to keep my warranty intact.
The Brembos are a nice option, without a doubt, and the diff is nice. The 6 speed transmission seems a bit superfluous, the wheels are nice but don't really make or break the deal for me personally.
I think the interior is decent, but that's not really a concern for me either.
I've really tried justifying getting a Spec V as my next (new!) car, but I just can't quite bring myself to that point. It just seems kind of average. Maybe the reason for not giving the Spec bigger balls is just to keep from treading on the toes of a base model 350Z. I don't know.
On to the WRX...I've got a friend who owns a one and it's a damn nice car. It's pretty quick after some mods, and it's got the AWD thing going on. The interior is decent and the paint seems reasonably good. Still, I can't help feeling they're overpriced for what you get. Unless I really needed the AWD OR I was planning on modding the car and putting my powertrain warranty in jeopardy (that takes balls on a $23,000 car), I'd probably skip the WRX. I've read too many accounts of shady Subaru dealers denying warranty claims for ridiculous reasons. Then again, my friend's WRX has been going for over 3 years, modded, without problems.
I honestly don't know very much about the RSX. Again, it didn't quite have the power on paper to grab my eye and the price seemed a bit high. I'm not really concerned with the whole refinement and polish (or lack thereof) of my next car. I'm OK driving something that's a little rough around the edges. I also find the RSX a bit bland on the exterior. It honestly hasn't peaked my interest enough to get me to look closer.
OK, on to the SRT-4. I *have* been for a ride in one of these and I've been watching the SRT-4 forums online. This thing is a real kick in the ***. It's got more power than you'd expect anyone could cram in to a Neon...it's also got some decent tires and a Quaife (!) differential. To my eye, the interior is on par with the Spec and the WRX.
I haven't looked at any test numbers recently, but I believe the SRT-4 does slightly better in the slalom and is close on the skid pad #'s. The reliability thing is definitely a concern, but I haven't seen any huge issues online and the 7/70 powertrain warranty (as long as it stays in place) is a nice thing to have.
The whole handling/ zero camber thing is problematic, as is the gaudy exterior. My feelings are that as long as no major reliability issues pop up the handling and exterior can be addressed. Mopar makes (well, rebrands) some nice coilovers and I'd imagine some camber plates would be a welcome addition. People are already swapping the rear spoiler from a Neon SXT on to the SRT-4 for a more subdued look. I've actually seen someone swap the entire front bumper and hood from an SXT on to an SRT-4 to get rid of the hood scoop.
OK, enough rambling. I really want to like the Spec V. I hope Nissan sees where the market is going with these cars and does something to keep up. It's unfortunate that there's now a Saturn on the market that's puttin' more power to the ground than the Spec. The Redline seems to have problems of it's own, but Nissan is clearly losing out in the quest for more power in the sport compact market.
I'd still test drive 'em all. I'd also be out of my mind to tell you to not buy an Evo if you can afford it (regardless of Mitsu's financial woes).
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IveBeenBad
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BadMojo wrote:snip
That is all GREAT information. Your desires seem to be much like mine, a decently quick car that doesnt have to be modded to the level of the warranty becoming null and void.
Handling is important to me, but Ive followed a lot of SCCs project cars, and theyve got there srt handling well.
A main priority of mine is functionality. I want something fun, but that is civilized enough to take some friends to the store with me and not have them cramped in a sorry *** excuse for a backseat. Fit and finish isnt a huge deal to me, but i dont want pure crap. The acura has a great interior, but all the other cars are definately livable with standard features that make benz's of the early 90s look like your moms 88 corolla.
I think the most important thing to me is longevity though. I want to keep the car as long as possible and with a 7 year warranty, i think the srt4 is great for that. even if i only keep that warranty valid until the car is paid off, id be happy. I guess I just like the idea of having the car around so long that i know it better than myself, and I'd probably be the fastest dad on the block when the time comes.
enough from me though. thx man
Yeah, it's really tough. I always try to hang out on message boards and listen to what people are saying about their cars. http://www.srtforums.com has a "problems" forum and I always read that to look for patterns and any TSB's that are released.
I've done the same thing on NASIOC and clubwrx.net
Honestly, I'm not 100% sold on the reliability of the Dodge. They've had problems in the past, but everything looks solid on the SRT-4 for the most part. Unfortunately, I guess only time will tell.
If it were me, right now, I'd probably focus in on the WRX and the SRT-4.
Another thing I've considered, is the quality of the dealer service departments in my area. If I've got a good Subaru place within 5 or 10 miles, but only one really crappy Dodge dealer within 50 miles, I'm not gonna feel real good about taking my car to a bunch of idiots in the event something does go wrong.
If you are interested in mods for any car, make sure your dealership service dept is cool with them (don't even bother asking the sales guys). Technically, the Mopar parts such as the various staged kits and suspension stuff *is not* covered under any warranty. So, if your Mopar Stage 1 upgrade is determined to be the cause of engine or transmission failure, you're SOL.
It seems that some folks have found dealerships willing to warranty the Mopar stuff *if* they install it. Some have even put it in writing.
I don't think I'd be comfortable doing any of the Mopar upgrades to the engine without something in writing from the dealership that they will not void any part of my warranty by installing the parts.
So, yeah...more rambling. Finding a competent and mod friendly service department is a plus.
As you can see, I've got some time on my hands AND I'm slightly obsessive.
Edit: Rumor has it that '05 SRT-4's and probably some of the other SRT vehicles will lose the 7/70 and get only a 3/36 on powertrain due to blatant warranty abuse, ie. doing a **** load of mods to the engine, breaking something and then returning it to stock so it can get fixed under warranty.
I've done the same thing on NASIOC and clubwrx.net
Honestly, I'm not 100% sold on the reliability of the Dodge. They've had problems in the past, but everything looks solid on the SRT-4 for the most part. Unfortunately, I guess only time will tell.
If it were me, right now, I'd probably focus in on the WRX and the SRT-4.
Another thing I've considered, is the quality of the dealer service departments in my area. If I've got a good Subaru place within 5 or 10 miles, but only one really crappy Dodge dealer within 50 miles, I'm not gonna feel real good about taking my car to a bunch of idiots in the event something does go wrong.
If you are interested in mods for any car, make sure your dealership service dept is cool with them (don't even bother asking the sales guys). Technically, the Mopar parts such as the various staged kits and suspension stuff *is not* covered under any warranty. So, if your Mopar Stage 1 upgrade is determined to be the cause of engine or transmission failure, you're SOL.
It seems that some folks have found dealerships willing to warranty the Mopar stuff *if* they install it. Some have even put it in writing.
I don't think I'd be comfortable doing any of the Mopar upgrades to the engine without something in writing from the dealership that they will not void any part of my warranty by installing the parts.
So, yeah...more rambling. Finding a competent and mod friendly service department is a plus.
As you can see, I've got some time on my hands AND I'm slightly obsessive.
Edit: Rumor has it that '05 SRT-4's and probably some of the other SRT vehicles will lose the 7/70 and get only a 3/36 on powertrain due to blatant warranty abuse, ie. doing a **** load of mods to the engine, breaking something and then returning it to stock so it can get fixed under warranty.
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R-tune-B15
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And who mostly drives Sentras? Middle aged people and young girls. It's bland, boring, reliable car--much like the Neon....save the last bit. Now the SE-R is a slightly different story, just like the SRT-4 but the SE-R's are so common, I've seen just about anyone you can imagine driving one. Let's not h8 on a car because of it's lesser models.
To be honest, the simple fact that I think the Sentra is one of the ugliest cars on the road today would deterr me even though I know it is the best in class (new). For that kind of green, I plan on getting either a nicely used Mazdaspeed Protege or a new SRT-4. SCC seems to like both, and that is good enough for me!
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Dattebayo
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I wouldnt mind owning a SE-R if i could only find one. I need to get something FWD that can actually do something stock my 240 could. I also wouldnt mind a 2.0 new sentra for to and from work. I would buy used, though. The first new sentra actually didnt look to bad (i guess they called it the B14 or 15?). I mean the one right before they "redesigned it" like a year ago.
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OneFastStanza
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Well I guess I will chime in. Lots of people have different opinions about the Spec V. I like mine personally and I think it is a capable car. For the price it is decent and at the time it was IMO the best for the money in a new car but now with other offerings at similar prices I can't say I wouldn't look at other options either.
If you want a straight line car I would say the SRT-4 is your best bang for the buck. Getting them into the 12s shouldn't be much hasstle without too much money.
All around though I would prolly go with a WRX. It is AWD which is nice and it is reasonably quick in the 1/4. I like the WRXs quite a bit and at the prices you can get one new now I wouldn't fret at buying one.
The Mazdaspeed is a decent car as well but I don't know if I would buy one over the others in your list. It is a very nice handling car though and is reasonably quick.
If you want a straight line car I would say the SRT-4 is your best bang for the buck. Getting them into the 12s shouldn't be much hasstle without too much money.
All around though I would prolly go with a WRX. It is AWD which is nice and it is reasonably quick in the 1/4. I like the WRXs quite a bit and at the prices you can get one new now I wouldn't fret at buying one.
The Mazdaspeed is a decent car as well but I don't know if I would buy one over the others in your list. It is a very nice handling car though and is reasonably quick.
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krazy skwerel
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krazy skwerel
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krazy skwerel
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nametakennow
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I was thinking Mazdaspeed Miata too... however, they're in limited quantity and I'm pretty sure they're already about sold out for this year.
2BN, you mentioned a new 2.0 Sentra. The 2.0 is gone, unfortunately. 2001 was the last year for SR20 powered Sentras (moment of silence). However, that would be an option, on the cheap, since you can get one with every option for under $10k and less than 50,000 miles.
Back to the main deal, since it seems that $10k is well below the pricerange in consideration. Honestly, if it weren't so darn ugly, I might consider an SRT-4, but it's just that ugly. That fact, coupled with my questioning position on the reliability, would stray me away from it, despite the QUAIFE (drool!) and boost. I think the WRX is the best choice in this situation, unless Nissan decides to de-ulgyify the Sentra and give it more power (bring back the SR and throw a T at the end, that'll kick everything out there out of the water, heck even just make the QR boost happy, that'd work too).
Another option: Golf R32? It's kinda up there $-wise with the Evo, but just a thought. I'd still probably go Evo if I could, but I'd check out the R32 while I was there.
2BN, you mentioned a new 2.0 Sentra. The 2.0 is gone, unfortunately. 2001 was the last year for SR20 powered Sentras (moment of silence). However, that would be an option, on the cheap, since you can get one with every option for under $10k and less than 50,000 miles.
Back to the main deal, since it seems that $10k is well below the pricerange in consideration. Honestly, if it weren't so darn ugly, I might consider an SRT-4, but it's just that ugly. That fact, coupled with my questioning position on the reliability, would stray me away from it, despite the QUAIFE (drool!) and boost. I think the WRX is the best choice in this situation, unless Nissan decides to de-ulgyify the Sentra and give it more power (bring back the SR and throw a T at the end, that'll kick everything out there out of the water, heck even just make the QR boost happy, that'd work too).
Another option: Golf R32? It's kinda up there $-wise with the Evo, but just a thought. I'd still probably go Evo if I could, but I'd check out the R32 while I was there.
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spec-u-later
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