View Poll Results: Which car would you recommend for under $20k?
Civic Si
10
25.64%
Sentra SE-R Spec V
12
30.77%
Other
17
43.59%
Voters: 39. You may not vote on this poll

Need a pocket rocket...Civic Si or Nissan Sentra SE-R or ...?

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Old 10-22-2002, 02:32 PM
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Need a pocket rocket...Civic Si or Nissan Sentra SE-R or ...?

I'm looking to get another car for under $20k. Don't care about the interior room (only I need to be comfortable). But I do need a reliable car with good gas mileage and a little power. I was thinking of the Civic Si or the Sentra SE-R Spec V. Any other suggestions? Any experience (good or bad) with these cars? TIA.
Old 10-22-2002, 02:42 PM
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get a 2002 Acura RSX 2dr Coupe Base should be able to get
it with tax & license right around 20k.
Old 10-22-2002, 02:47 PM
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The Mitsubishi EVO comes out in Jan.
Old 10-22-2002, 02:48 PM
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Since when did a Civic have any power???? You like revving your engine all the way up hearing it scream like its about to kneel over???
Go with the V-Spec....it'll have a lot more usable power down low.
Old 10-22-2002, 02:50 PM
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I like the Sentra Spec V.... sweet ride and something I'd consider getting for that price.

I would also consider a used WRX... maybe one year old or so... quick cars stock and easy to mod.... plus AWD.

You could also look at a Mini Cooper. The S model is quick as hell... and would only be a little bit over $20k (probably around $23k fully loaded... but you don't have to load it).
Old 10-22-2002, 02:51 PM
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Originally posted by juniorbean
I like the Sentra Spec V.... sweet ride and something I'd consider getting for that price.

I would also consider a used WRX... maybe one year old or so... quick cars stock and easy to mod.... plus AWD.

You could also look at a Mini Cooper. The S model is quick as hell... and would only be a little bit over $20k (probably around $23k fully loaded... but you don't have to load it).
How reliable will it be...it is a BMW..
Old 10-22-2002, 02:57 PM
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why dont you buy a used 94-95 civic hatch with high KM and do a SIR/GSR swap?.instant mid 14s. that would cost you way less than 20Gs .. save money to get a new paint job and body work..go fast parts... if needed..
Old 10-22-2002, 03:02 PM
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Originally posted by moomaster_99
How reliable will it be...it is a BMW..
lol... well, it will be reliable as long as it's under warranty!!

Actually I've been hearing that the base Mini is having drivetrain issues, but the S is fine....
Old 10-22-2002, 03:07 PM
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Well, I haven't heard spectacular things about the Civic Si or Sentra Spec V this time around. If you're looking for something in the this range, might I suggest...shudder...the Focus SVT? (...please don't hurt me.)

They might be a tad out of your price range but WRX and RSX are pretty good.
Old 10-22-2002, 03:14 PM
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I like the looks of the Corolla S with the body kit.

-Ash
Old 10-22-2002, 03:14 PM
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Mini Cooper.
Hyandai Elantra is quite a surprise.

First choice, Mazda Protege MP3.
Old 10-22-2002, 03:17 PM
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how much more is a hyundai tiburon?
Old 10-22-2002, 03:18 PM
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I've heard good things about the MP3...but it's SO slow...
Old 10-22-2002, 03:43 PM
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Mazdaspeed Protege would be better than the MP3, it has an added supercharger. Or the Spec V. They both have about the same hp, but C&D loves the way the Protege handles.
Old 10-22-2002, 03:54 PM
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IMO, the Nissan SpecV looks riced out from the factory.. I would go with a RSX or a used WRX for sure!
Old 10-22-2002, 04:05 PM
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Mazda Speed Turbo Charged MP3
Old 10-22-2002, 04:29 PM
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how about the matrix gt or whatever the performance package is. You guys might laugh but I bet it will run in the 15-16 sec 1/4 mile time.
also the celica GT-S. I know for a fact that will run in the 15-16 sec range.(it's not a CL but it's a good platform to start from)
Old 10-22-2002, 04:46 PM
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Imagibe what small boost chip can make on the Mazda...How about extra 50 HP for $300 !!. Bigger Turbo would kick ass to 20k out the door price... 200 WHP and 2800 lb weight make this pocket rocket sub 6s sub 14.5s in 1/4 mile.... It will fly!
Old 10-22-2002, 05:05 PM
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I've heard good things about the MP3...but it's SO slow
Speed is not everything. 1 of the best handling, if not THE BEST FWD handling car, def. under 20k.

I'd stay away from the Sentra, I've heard quality problems GALORE (as all the new Nissans)...
Old 10-22-2002, 05:58 PM
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i saw go with the spec v i've seen alot rolling around locally and they look nice to me plus stillen has a bunch of crap for it already.
Old 10-22-2002, 06:08 PM
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turbo mazda
OR
rsx 5speed (can keep up w/ a 98-02 accord v6, stock--and u'll have plenty of modding options)
Old 10-22-2002, 06:09 PM
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Used WRX, best car for under 20 bar none.

If you want brand new, I would suggest Mazdaspeed Protege if you can find it. C&D did a comparison a bit ago.
Old 10-22-2002, 06:14 PM
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Speed is not everything. 1 of the best handling, if not THE BEST FWD handling car, def. under 20k.

I'd stay away from the Sentra, I've heard quality problems GALORE (as all the new Nissans)...
I agree, speed isn't everything. I just figure a pocket rocket should be relatively fast. There are plenty of good cars out there with comparable handling that but with better performance. Just my opinion.
Old 10-22-2002, 06:23 PM
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What about a VW golf or GTI.... Those lil' phuckers are fun to drive...... 1.8T baby.....
Old 10-22-2002, 06:33 PM
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Well, I hear the Golf and GTI are good cars. And you can mod the hell out of the 1.8T...but the styling just isn't there for me.
Old 10-22-2002, 06:34 PM
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What about a VW golf or GTI.... Those lil' phuckers are fun to drive...... 1.8T baby.....
Ditto!!! and very good mods available.
Old 10-22-2002, 06:39 PM
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How bout the Focus SVT...

It may be over 20k but its a sweet car...

It handles and has speed (with alot of factory supported aftermarket products) IMO...

If not then I would also go for the Mazdaspeed Protege...
Old 10-22-2002, 07:19 PM
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I am looking to get a Civic SI hatch for a daily driver. They are going for under 16K around here! Plus, my bro works for Acura and I won't have to worry about maintainence.
Old 10-22-2002, 07:24 PM
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I would try to find a 94, 95-96 SE-R with low miles. Hard to find a stronger 4 cylinder than the SR20DE. Even the Spec-V (QR25DE?) guys will admit that.

Turn it into a SR20DET.
Old 10-22-2002, 07:41 PM
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my boy's spec-v chirps 3rd...stock!
Old 10-22-2002, 07:54 PM
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new dodge neon. under 20k and real fast. or i'd get a 2000 si
http://www.dodge.com/srt-4/
Old 10-22-2002, 09:39 PM
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Originally posted by CiLver2.3
I am looking to get a Civic SI hatch for a daily driver. They are going for under 16K around here! Plus, my bro works for Acura and I won't have to worry about maintainence.
Under $16k? I thought invoice was over $16k. I'm assuming an '02, right? How much for the '03's? Any differences?
Old 10-22-2002, 11:28 PM
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Honda Civic Si looks like a focking mini-van to me. You HAVE to get the type-R kit.
Old 10-23-2002, 02:42 PM
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FWD is a joke on these low-power cars, civics? performance? hahah

My choice: 93-95 MR2 Turbo
Old School Choice: 87 Corolla GTS (AE86)

a MR2 should run you anywhere from 10k to 15K depending on condidtion and year. 95's are SUPER rare but fabulous and way faster than any bitchass civic or sentra or GTI.

a AE86 GTS can be found for 3 grand MAX and with 17g's leftover you can strip the chassis, drop in a bluetop from a AE101 or a turbo 4AGE, get all new bushings from TRD, full coilovers, KAAZ LSD, some good looking old school Panasports or Volks and you'll have a street monster that you can drift at will.
Old 10-23-2002, 02:55 PM
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Originally posted by gmilian
new dodge neon. under 20k and real fast. or i'd get a 2000 si
http://www.dodge.com/srt-4/

I was reading all the posts so i can make sure no body said SRT4, but i think u did beat me to it. Its the best bang for the buck under 20K. It is unbeatable, just add a boost controller and some race gas and ur looking at mid 13's sec car or maybe lower than that. Turbo cars are awsome when modding it.
Old 10-23-2002, 03:04 PM
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If you can handle a used car, I'd recommend a used RSX base or a late model Integra GSR. I loved my '98 GSR before it was totalled

It had great gas mileage and was pretty quick and nimble.
Old 10-23-2002, 03:25 PM
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92-95 Civic hatch (3-5k)B16B(5K)16 inch rims and tires(1K) New Paint Job(1-3K)Some Sparcos (1200K) add avenom nitrous Kit for a Grand and you will be running high 11's with 24-30 mpg. Oh yeah and how about that real low insurance. The Down side to this. Look like every other Brat out there with the Monster DX Civic with that killer 1.5 L and its 92 horsepower. And don't forget the Big Exhaust tip.

A 2 year old WRX, raise that boost and remoce that cat before the turbo and you'll be pushing 300 hp easy. I don't know what insurance is though.

A ford SVT FOCUS....just to be different.
Old 10-23-2002, 03:33 PM
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You could have had my 02 Black RSX Type S with 20K miles on it for 18,300. I just traded it in 2 weeks ago for my CL. That was a rocket.
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