Which car should I test drive?

[BadMojo]

So, I'm on vacation next Wed through Thursday and I'm thinking of amusing myself by going for a test drive or two. Now, I'm going to limit myself to cars I could concievably afford (no Evo,Sti or 350Z, not that they'd let me drive 'em) and 2004/2005 models.

My student loans will be paid off next year and it's my plan to buy one of these cars 2004/2005 MY next fall when the '06 cars are getting ready to hit the showrooms. Then, the 240SX can become the full-time project car.

Notes:

Nissan not listed on the poll since the dealership is too damn far away and I don't particularly like the sales people there.

All vehicles will be manual transmission if at all possible, since I'm not a *****.

The Redline is included since it has considerably more power than the other vehicles listed, and in typical GM fashion they are practically giving these things away. It may look like it took design cues from a Baboon's ***, but it was "tuned at the Nürburgring". That's worth something, right? Errrr...right?

[Cold_Zero]

I voted for the RS. Though your list is a good one. I would love to test drive the Scion tC as well.

BTW- Reading Rocks.bud

[MainEvent212]

i say go for a car that was just recently over shadowed by a new release of the same model...cars that come to mind at hte moment are RSX, S2000...those are practically getting passed out on the used market, just cuz people wanna sell their current one and get the newer, better one

[BadMojo]

I voted for the RS. Though your list is a good one. I would love to test drive the Scion tC as well.

BTW- Reading Rocks.bud

I have a feeling that I won't be able to drive a tC. I've heard they're very much in demand.

As for test driving cars like the RSX and S2000, I'd go for 'em but I really want a new car with a looooong warranty. I've got enough on my hands working on my old 240SX and now my fiance wants an old ('80s era) Mercedes. So, I don't want to end up with three cars I'll have to try to maintain (I have a feeling the geriatric Mercedes is *not* going to be fun, but she really wants one).

[MainEvent212]

ew, talk to her about that benz issue...i think it might just be a fluke or somethin, i mean, who actually WANTS an 80's benz? that'll be a major headache

i feel you on the warranty though, i currently drive a 2002 cooper S, still under warranty and trust me, i've had over 3k in parts replaced through the warranty...think, 2 rotors, 2 calipers, pads, electric fan, water pump, etc...i drive the ever loving hell out of this sucker and i love every minute of it...and it's my daily driver

[Jesda]

The Saturn has been reviewed by so many magazines already, it wouldn't be valuable for you to drive it. The Mazda 3 and the Subaru are of greater interest.
Modified by Jesda at 2:40 AM 10/30/2004

[silkk]

Oh.. Try the WRX!

[nismofly]

I've got enough on my hands working on my old 240SX and now my fiance wants an old ('80s era) Mercedes. So, I don't want to end up with three cars I'll have to try to maintain (I have a feeling the geriatric Mercedes is *not* going to be fun, but she really wants one).

my moms friend had this same idea and regrets it every minute now, i think she finally sold it because she couldnt drive more than like 10 miles at a time without something going wrong.

[574-240sx]

Test drive them all for the hell of it. I was a honda for life person a long time ago. I drove a 240sx and I was hooked on Nissan ever since. I would shop around until you find something that suits you best. I do like the new scion tC but would pick the Xb because I like the pop tart box on wheels for some reason. They are pretty cheap and have alot of room and they aren't fast, it would keep you from getting tickets. Get what you want.

[GEO]

Hey badmojo, I am at Kuztown University. like 15 mins away form reading.. What color and year 240 you drive?

[Mr1der]

I vote Mazdaspeed Miata.

[Bubba1]

Bad mojo, if you're seriously looking at buying one of these 4, I'd suggest test driving them all. Could be a fun day. But if you can only fit in two, my recommendation is the two that interest you most. From your list, I;d personally do the Zoom-Zoom and Scion as I've driven a 2.5rs and sat in a Redline.Some thoughts: Mazda 3 - top ranked car according to Consumer Reports. PLUS, the automags love it. I haven't driven one yet but I suspect it'll likely end up your benchmark vehicle Subie 2.5 RS. My neighbor as one, and while he likes it, he admits he should have gotten the WRX, which is not much more $.

Scion is brand spanking new, (no track record for reliability), but it does come from a company with a good reputation. I wouldn't mind checking one out.

Saturn Redline: I consider it a peppy but mediocre car and didn't care for the interior. But the dealer might pleasantly surprise you with their focus on customer service, zero pressure and (I think) still no-haggle pricing, which sways some folks into thinking the car is more than it is.

There are tons of choices that are in the same category:

Toyota: Corrolla Sport model - nice little car Celica GT-s Get one of the last ones fun little carNissan: Sentra SE=R. I believe is getting more ponies in '05 I'm surprised no NICOnauts suggested it.

Honda: Civic Si. Yep, they build excellent carsdespite some young owners putting silly wings on them

Infiniti: RSX - will surprise you how competent it is. I have a good friend that takes his to the track. Impressive car and reliable.

Mazda: 1der had a great suggestion if you're 6' tall or less. I always smile after driving a Miata. Awesome little car.

Hyundai: Tiburon: Yeah its a Hyundai, but they're improving, the 6 cyl aint that bad, its inexpensive, and has a great warranty. Worth a look

Subie: WRX is a 2.5 rs with oomph when you step on the pedal. rs2.5 wil feel underpowered. But if you want AWD, good performance, handling and reliability, WRX is a absolute bargain.

Furd: Focus: New ones only. Was always a good driving car, just broke the embarrassing record for recalls. Ford may have finally gotten their heads out of their arses and fixed the problems. Might be worth a look now.

Mni Cooper S - I just drove one at the track. Wow what a great little car. Deceptively roomy, very fun to drive, handles like a go cart, supercharged motor is nice. Interior is kinda quirky but comfortable. Would be a fun test drive.

Enjoy the rides. And remember, there's a 10 point bonus if the salesman kisses the ground after your test drive.

[Bubba1]

Oops, I caught a Typo: ACURA RSX., not Infiniti, Sorry. I shoulda proof read it befoe I hit the post button

[nismofly]

Celica GT-s Get one of the last ones fun little car

is the celica going away or sumthin?

[Rockenreno]

is the celica going away or sumthin?

yes, Toyota is ditching it

[Mr1der]

so long little guy, we'll miss you.

oh wait, that happened in '86, I forgot the celicas kinda sucked since then...

[Bubba1]

They were never the fastest cars, just a little sporty, agaile, not bad looking, and uber reliable. I think the newest GT-S are the best Celicas Toyota ever made. Sad to see them go.

[Mr1der]

they're still nice, I'm biased towards the rear drive ones though...

they're gonna be replaced by something with two letters for a name aren't they?

wait, isn't the Scion TC it?

[nismofly]

o man that sucks, at least the engine lives on in the lotus elise.

[gabossie]

The subi would be fun I'm sure. I would be really interested in the Mazda though, nice looking and apparently perform pretty well.

[jEzTeR]

I say to test drive a Spec V while your at it.

[GEO]

My dad drives a MazdaSpeed protege. Its cool, except its fwd.

[jdmfreak]

I say WRX, Legacy GT, or Scion Tc. TRD is you buddy with the Tc.

[BadMojo]

My dad drives a MazdaSpeed protege. Its cool, except its fwd.

Unfortunately, when buying a new car there aren't any viable RWD *new* cars for ~$16-18K.

The Legacy GT and WRX are, unfortunately, out of my price range. I would like to get a car that's affordable enough that I can still have $$$ to work on my 240SX.

The Tc is an attractive choice...the thought of having the option of adding the TRD supercharger down the road and retaining the warranty is nice.

I kind of like the Tiburon GT, but the last MY vehicles had some nagging build quality issues and it's a bit expensive to insure for what it is. Still, I guess it's worth a ride.

The RSX base model also seems a bit pricey and isn't especially cheap to insure. I'd want the S, which I can't afford. Very cool cars, though.

The Mini Cooper S is a bit out of my price range and believe it or not, there aren't any Mini dealers nearby.

I'll probably test drive a Spec V eventually, it's just that my Nissan dealer is so damn far away and I don't particularly like their Service Dept.

I'd get a new Focus ZX3 if it came with the 2.3L Duratec...unfortunately it doesn't. A cheap 2.3L Focus with a Duratec and some Cosworth parts would rock.

Added: Tiburon!

[HashiriyaS14]

WRXs cost like $21.5k new with no options (anything you'd want comes standard anyway), don't believe that $25k BS. I bought my WRX for $21.7k.

It is definitely worth it over the 2.5RS.

Also, if you buy a recent used car, you get the balance of the factory warranty. You might also want to look into extended warranties.

I still want to test drive the Mazda 3, not that I'd buy one.

[GEO]

Haha badmojo, never answered my other question..

[PalmerWMD]

I miss voted. Meant to vote Redline, take away one from ScionTc and give to to Ion Redline

Fred..

[BadMojo]

Haha badmojo, never answered my other question..

Sorry, Geo. I missed that. I've got a red '93 240SX. No distinguishing features at this time other than a large scratch on the driver side door.

[BadMojo]

WRXs cost like $21.5k new with no options (anything you'd want comes standard anyway), don't believe that $25k BS. I bought my WRX for $21.7k.

It is definitely worth it over the 2.5RS.

Also, if you buy a recent used car, you get the balance of the factory warranty. You might also want to look into extended warranties.

I still want to test drive the Mazda 3, not that I'd buy one.

That's good to know about the WRX. I'd be pleased as can be with a WRX over any of the other choices (even if it was a year old).

If I could get a WRX with the balance of the warranty, that would be nice. I probably would be disappointed by the lack of power in the 2.5 RS.

I really like the Mazda 3 5 door, both inside and out. I've also heard good things about the engine and gearbox. The local Mazda dealer has plenty of them (including a few manual transmission models). They also have around 6 RX-8s, including 4 black ones that have been sitting on the lot for ages. Apparently I'm not the only one who doesn't want to buy one.

[BadMojo]

I miss voted. Meant to vote Redline, take away one from ScionTc and give to to Ion Redline

Yeah, I'm curious to test drive the Saturn. I've only been in one Saturn (a mid 90's SC1, I think). I've read the reviews but I just want to try it for myself. Besides, it was tuned at the Hambürglaring.