cusdaddy

Unfortunately the TT Z will cost more than that. The Greddy TT kit with Intercooler is ~$8000 (6500 + 1500) and with installation, you are looking above $10k. Even if you get a used Z, you are looking at close to $40k when everything is said and done. In addition, you will need wider tires to handle the extra power, so it's not exactly a cheap option

JRock

Not at all. That would be putting words in my mouth and twisting my post. I said what I said - that VWs aren't very reliable longterm and also expensive longterm and I personally wouldn't spend $30k on one. As for the Evo vs the STi I'd about 90% get an STi over an Evo. I don't consider Mitsu a quality brand at all. Personal preference there I guess although real world longterm durability/reliability and expense surveys bear it out as fact, just as they do with VW.

Belty - What does the average cost of a new car have to do with anything? There are many people who can't afford a $30k car. Does the fact that it's the average price paid for a new car (if that's even based on fact) mean anything to them? Can they suddenly afford to own one? Of course not. That's why half the cars sold (using your claim of a $30k average) fall below that price.

I've been considering once again just getting an RSX-S to save some money and invest the rest that is currently sitting in the bank earning me jack interest. Who knows. I'm in no hurry. So again, I was just looking to discuss mid-to-high $20ks cars that are decent cars.

The new Subaru Legacy's top performance model should probably also be included. Anyone know the final USDM specs for it and which model will be the best available in the US for the 2005 model year?

VXCL

2001 CL-S for 16K + $20K in mods = 13s EASY

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Mini Cooper S

TypeSKid

Damn, I dunno what cars are left.

chef chris

It's a great deal for the money.

mattg

god, please help JRock decide on a vehicle. he's having alot of trouble on his own.

thanks,

mattg

1killercls

yea..it was discontinued last year.

1killercls

Accord v6 6 speed coupe...240 HP...and fast.

chef chris

I priced one out a few days back...$26,500 non-navi...but loaded to the gills. Plus, the look is growing on me.

JRock

Nah, I'm fine. Waiting until at least summertime and then deciding between an 02/03 5spd IS300 and turbo'ing it, an 05 TSX, or an 05 STi.

Water-S

they do dad works at the Anna engine plant he told me about it. it will probably be 05

JRock

yo my moms works in tokyo and she said it gonna have v8 supercharged with nitrous and six-wheel drive.

liquid_x

dammit jrock u and I are in the same boat. I want my next car to be a 12-sec car w/o being overdone and still be somewhat luxurious/classy and daily driveable but I can't find it w/o having to spending an arm and a leg.

Water-S

I'm serious about the turbo. My dad been at the Anna Engine Plant(AEP) since it started in 85 and he's kind of high up. but he knows what's going on before most of the public because they run prototype motors through on the dynos and test builds things like that.

but seriously they are coming out with a TSX turbo. I'm not playing.

Water-S

personally i wouldn't go with a WRX for 4 reasons #1. to me it looks to "boy racer image" #2. EVERYONE(at least in my autocross group) is running this or a Evo
#3. their owned by GM enough said by that.
#4. their transmissions blow(i know the CL doesn't have room to talk but just be careful).

now an Evo i wouldn't either
#1. Mitsu has crappy quality if you ask me.
#2. boy racer image again
#3. everyone using this car to build up on my autocross group.

personally I'd go with a mid 90's Supra TT. That thing is EASY to mod. you dump on 2 bigger turbos boast it more you can get into 12's no problem with a supra TT.
I think Greddy sells a custom TT kit for Supra TT but i could be wrong. Those Supras will take a crapload of boast. I've seen honest to goodness 1000 hp supra TTs. if you go Hot Import Nights and go to the Dyno contest most of the guys that win run a Supra TT.

JRock

TSXs are made in Japan, not Ohio, so it's likely you dad or whomever in Ohio hasn't a clue about the TSX/RSX/NSX. Sorry. =\

As for a MkIV Supra, they're still very expensive and they're getting too old and too cliche'd. Plus I want a sedan.

The STi has a stong 6sd trans that is not the 5spd from the WRX that has issues.

GM owns part of Subaru but the current Subarus are still fine cars with pretty dependable engines.

Zapata

jrock,
all do respect, Water-S usually lets us in on nice little tidbits of info well in advance of the news. I wouldn't be so quick to knock the info....

JRock

I don't want to get excited about something cool like a turbo AWD TSX from the factory and then have it turn out to be pure rumor. I'd rather ignore the rumor for now and be pleasantly surprised if it actually happens. I'd pay $30k for that (non navi of course). Assuming it had a power passenger seat too finally.

cusdaddy

Isn't the K24 used in the TSX built in Ohio? I think it is, so Walter-S's may be telling the truth. He was right before. Thanks for the info, and I hope it's true!!

JRock

The TSX arrives by ship to port from Japan. Clearly then the K24 it uses is built in Japan. Now there may also be a K24 built state-side for Honda products - I don't know. What I do know is that the TSX is built in Japan.

What was Water-S right about previously? Some specs on the Ohio-built 2004 TL? Knowing something about that doesn't mean his dad will know anything about the TSX.

SC TL

I wouldn't overlook the Forester XT so quickly. It's got a decent interior, lots of utility, it's quicker than a WRX, plenty of mods, and when Cobb Engineering maps that ECU, will be a poor man's STi.





That's the JDM STi version, not available in the US (of course).

nkx1

I don't know if used cars are out of the question (I always buy used because you can get way more for your money), but here are some that are not 12 sec cars, but have some mod potential and are somewhat stylish/classy:

Used Lexus GS400 or 430
New Nissan Maxima
New Nissan Altima
New Nissan 350Z

Plus, if you want a fast/classy car, why not just get right to the point and get a 2003 Mustang Cobra, 2001+ Z06 Corvette, or maybe even a '97+ Corvette coupe? Fast, classy, and will smoke any of the cars you listed with only light mods, if not stock. If you want luxury, I say go for a car such as a used GS430. If you want fast, go for a Corvette or 2003 Mustang Cobra.

JRock

The car also has to be a bit practical and the Vette or Mustang really isn't for this area with snow, bad roads, ability to carry items/people, etc.


The Forester isn't an option (don't want a boxy SUV/wagon thing), but the upcoming Legacy would be sweet if they released the STi version here.

Used cars kinda scare me. Every car I've had was either bought new or was a hand-me-down from parents. I know how they've been treated and I know they haven't been in any accidents, etc.

It's tough for me to buy a used car that uses up most of my budget, for a couple reasons. First is I don't have enough mechanical experience or tools so any work would have to be at a shop and that's expensive and time consuming. If the car is modded clearly the dealership isn't going to help even if the car would be under warranty mileage-wise.

Second is I'd rather buy a new car if it's going to cost most of my budget since I'd know exactly how the car is treated for every mile I put on it - no surprises. If I was gonna buy a used car I'd rather it be a smaller part of my budget so if there are issues I have money left to fix whatever if necessary.

The B5 S4 is a really nice car but I'm a bit hesitant to consider dropping the money for one. Even though it's a lot of car for the money I feel like I'd be stretching too much and risking too much to do so.

I'm still open to the possibility that the right S4 could come along at the right price, but after checking eBayMotors and AutoTrader.com I'm not too confident right now, at least judging by the asking prices.

I think part of it is it being an Audi. If it was a Lexus or Acura I'd be sold. I just see Audi and think expensive repair bills. =\

But if I can get a low mileage '01-'02 S4 for $25-26k I'd be very tempted to do it. A couple grand in mods from APR and it'd be running quite well. Or $6k+install would offer the RS4 turbos and fuel system as well as tuned ecu, etc. and it would run in the 12s.

Hmm...

See now you've got me talking about cars again. This was supposed to be just a list thread. wtf. =p

SC TL

Not trying to belabor the point. The images I posted before don't seem to work anymore.





God, I wish they sold this version in the US.

cusdaddy

I figure since the K24 is also built in the US, the possibility exist that they could be doing R&D on the engine there. I'm not saying it's true, but it's possible (no matter how remote).

He was right about the 03 Accord 3.0L engine having 240hp. There was talk at the time and even in the car magazines that the engine would either stay at 200hp or possibly get bumped to 225hp I believe. He was the first person I saw to say 240hp.

eman

Just bought a 2001.5 S4 Avant. I love it. The potential is great. $600 for an ECU gets you 310hp and 360lb/ft. And remember, all that power is deliverd to all wheels. Its a nice combination of class and power. You can always argue for an STI or Evo but the build quality can't compare with a German car. Just my opinion...

DISRUPTV

and water-S was the 1st person to confirm the extended tranny warranty and the discontinuatin of the cl, both before any media outlet could


some of u guys are so narrow-minded, jrock, u dont think that honda of america doesnt bring over jdm cars to the US at all?? They have bought over an accord type-R, nsx-S, and even a rsx-r just to test it out in America....the point is, if they bring over japanese market cars, why is it farfetched 2 see them bring engines across for testing purposes ??

eman

here are some timeslips of S4 owners and the mods they are running... interesting to see what kinda of times are possible and the $ it takes to get those times...

S4 Timeslips

JRock

in english please

also, there are no turbo Honda car engines right now, chief. would be nice though.

i'm currently working on an s4.

JRock

So anyway, these are really the only choices for $30k right now:

Used IS300 then turbo it?
New is300 and lack the funds to make it fast?
New tsx and suffer with FWD and no LSD if i turbo it?
Some fast shitbox like an Evo or nicer STi but never have any luxury?
Used s4 ('01.5 or '02) and spend my life savings keeping it running?

It's hard to get luxury and performance for $30k. Maybe MY05 will bring some new options.

Zapata

is300: turbo an OEM N/A car for a daily driver....no thanks. IF you want this car gonna have keep it stock...IMHO.

TSX: more power would cause problems with traction.

STI/EVO: not as a daily driver. That will get old fast.

S4: How can you make sure car wasn't modded? You want a USED GERMAN car?? stay away.

JRock

Gee thanks DAD!

bigman

Mazda 6s

LiQiCE

I'm not the type to say that the TSX rumors are 100% true, but this thread from ClubRSX also agrees with the TSX Turbo AWD. Not necessarily for the USA, but an Accord Type-R AWD sounds like its in testing:

Link

(Its a long read to get through all of his story, but from what I read he went to visit Honda HQ in Japan and got to test drive a JDM Accord Type-R AWD with a turbo).

CCType-S

Subaru Legacy GT

Zapata

lol.....

njtls2

lol