View Full Version : alright, we are mostly gear heads around here ...
cockerpunk
04-28-2010, 01:10 PM
so im car shopping becuase i just got a job at 3m. pretty stoked. im looking at a few different cars, but most are your simple old "don't have a wife or kids and am a young hotshot engineer" type of car. the three big ones i am looking at are -
WRX
Evo
MazdaSpeed 3
now keep in mind, this will be a daily driver, so while i could probably afford some more imported and more sporty stuff, it does need to be useful on a daily basis. i also live in minnesota and have a little thing called winter, which makes RWD and low to the ground two VERY bad things.
WRX - cheaper, a little slower, but AWD and plenty of space.
EVO - probably the fastest car on the list, but with the fewest amenities and the least useful on a daily basis
Speed3 - i consider this the middle of the road in terms of speed, its FWD unlike the other two (which annoys me), but easily has the largest interior and useful space.
Top Gear says EVO
everyone i know says WRX
car and driver says Speed3
Of the 3 I'd say WRX. AWD in the north = too good to pass up. Its also not nearly as likely to get you pulled over for looking flashy.
For the money, the Speed 3 is quick but horribly lacks the refinement of comparable cars (aka VW GTI, yes I'm biased but after driving a press car Speed3 I'd still take the GTI over it again).
The new Evo is pretty expensive for what you get, though its definitely the highest performer of the 3.
cockerpunk
04-28-2010, 08:55 PM
i drove a brand new speed3 today and i have to say i was mighty impressed. VERY fast car and still very functional. good space, seat fold down, very comfortable.
i plan to drive a WRX and a GTI tomorrow, the evo is a bit out of my range for now unless i buy used. i dont have a problem with buying used by any means.
any reason why you liked the GTI more then the speed3?
Shifter on the MS3 wasn't nearly as crisp and smooth as the GTI. On the same note I found the clutch to be a lot nicer too.
Also not a fan in general of Mazda's console layouts. In a straight line its very fast, yes, but the traction control can never be totally disabled, and will do wonky things like limit boost when the wheel is turned. The materials in the VW also feel a whole lot better quality wise.
cockerpunk
04-28-2010, 11:15 PM
yeah the 3 i drove was tight. of course i'm used to 175k saturn SL2's 5 speed, so everything is a tight to me right now.
im gonna get in a GTI tomarrow, so we'll see. i always consider them a bit underpowered to be a true hot hatch.
Lol... Mine burns the tires through third gear... The mark6 is out now, supposed to be a lot faster.
Pump Scout
04-30-2010, 03:35 PM
I've often said that every winter that goes by up here, a Subaru looks better and better. However, since outstanding gas mileage is a concern of mine (LOTS of road time these days), I'd be looking at a diesel VW or a hybrid Ford Fusion if I were looking new. Only reason the Fusion is in there is because I can get a good discount on Fords through my company. Hooray, affiliated businesses!
That all being said, the guys I see in the ditch most every winter are the ones who have AWD vehicles. Not sure if having AWD creates a false sense of security, or if they're just bad drivers. Another consideration is dealer support. Around me, there's one Subaru dealer, and he's well aware that he's the only game in town for a unique brand... and he charges for everything accordingly.
cockerpunk
04-30-2010, 03:39 PM
AWD does create a false sense of security in the winter time.
i got the best advice from my mom when i was learning how to drive her truck when i was young - 4wd is for getting out of trouble. if you get into trouble in 4wd, then your screwed. to this day i still drive her truck and any jeeps or crap like that in 2wd even in the harshest storms for that reason.
if you're looking for something a little less on the performance side the new TDI version of the golf is supposed to be pretty awesome, i havn't had a chance to drive one though. They've also got it in the Jetta and Jetta Sportwagon... /will try to stop being such a VW fanboy now.
Raadio
05-03-2010, 12:37 AM
EVO!
Because...well...It's a Mitsubishi!
And its FAAAAST!
Yes....that was the punk paintball answer...but Hey....were talking about toys right? ;)
Simon
05-03-2010, 10:48 AM
The TDI golf is a GREAT car, especially when it comes to fuel costs. I try to get it as my rental car when I am back in the UK (like I am now) but for driving hard and real enjoyment, the lack of revs and "feel" from the engine is a little disappointing sometimes.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices though. All great cars.
AWD/4WD is a great fun when pushing a car, especially in adverse weather, and if I were to only have one vehicle that would be my choice, especially with those long winters.
The Scuby is a great car, and used to be my preferred option, but I'm really liking the style of the new Evolutions and I hear they are more genuine to the design theme. It sounds like Subaru may have lost their way a little, but I can't say for sure as I haven't driven the latest models of each.
cockerpunk
05-03-2010, 03:13 PM
well i think the lancer went the way of a true track/rally car while the WRX went the way of a fast but comfortable and workable daily driver.
and frankly ... how many of us regularly hit up track days and rallyUSA races? i certainly don't.
idk, with my money, i don't think the evo is much of a contender. the WRX maybe, but the evo is pretty much out, its just not 10 grand more car then a MS3, and its certainly not 5 grand more of a car then a WRX.
cockerpunk
05-03-2010, 06:54 PM
WOW
drove a brand new GTI today.
i can see why people buy those over there more powerful and slightly faster competition. that is just a NICE car. and it almost feels faster becuase the transmission is so much better and the ride is so smooth. not the tight and rigid feel of the MS3. it also is a just a well rounded car, you can tell in like a Ms3 your buying a basic mazda3, with a big motor. with the GTI your buying a REALLY nice golf, the whole car.
right now im basically considering the GTI vs the MS3, very similarly priced, and both are IMO better value compared to the WRX.
LieutenantDan
05-03-2010, 09:15 PM
Since we're in the rally car style area, a very underestimated player is the Ford Focus RS. Too bad they're so hard to find... those things are monsters! They consistently take top spots at the World Rally Championships
cockerpunk
05-03-2010, 10:32 PM
i would buy a focus RS on principal alone if i could get one imported. stupid ford ...
Raadio
05-03-2010, 10:37 PM
stupid ford ...
Truer words have never been spoken at Punkworks. ;)
http://dpcars.net/
He'll have one for sale soon...
ubooze
05-04-2010, 03:00 AM
Fred, thats a Escort RS not a Focus RS. What kinda throws me is that has to be the second Cosworth they have had for sale in the past 6 months or year which is pretty crazy if you ask me. About the same time they had the red Escort for sale I found a Lancia Delta Integrale in Canada with the original carpet protector intact. It had some stupid low amount of miles and was in AMAZING shape.
If you really want a Focus RS you can always try this: http://jalopnik.com/5464201/viva-los-hoons-jalopnik-reader-buys-mexican-focus-rs
:-P
Oh my bad, whenever people mention "Ford" and expect me to think performance regarding a small car I totally just focus on the euro-escorts...
Palatov motorsports = reason i want to live in the pacific NW...
cockerpunk
05-04-2010, 06:18 PM
well its decided.
GTI FTW.
the only reason i was favoring the MS3 compared to the GTI was the extra power, but i just called a shop and with a chip, i can easily get the extra 50-60 hp. 500 bucks and its faster then a MS3 and a better car overall.
:D
I've got the GIAC 93 octane software... was good for 25hp at the wheel and 60 ft/lbs of torque... Some dealers actually support it on the downlow, and you can use their flashloader so the dealers that don't support it can't tell the difference!
cockerpunk
05-04-2010, 11:22 PM
yeah, i was gonna get the package that has 3 modes, one of which is the stock mode, and you use the cruise control system to flip between and lockout and such. should keep everything on the DL while getting me a bit more pep.
Simon
05-05-2010, 08:10 AM
I think the GTI is a great decision.
The only thing I really don't like about the newer VW's is the reverse location on the manual box. More than once on the rentals I've had I've put it into reverse instead of first. I guess because I am tall and pushing down slightly on the gearstick when I put it into first.
Are you getting an Auto or Manual? I suspect Auto?
Other than that they are phenomenal cars to drive. High quality feel, and very connect to the driving experience.
Delta Integrale is a phenomenal car! I always wanted one.
Not to sure about the Focus RS. A bit boy racer for me. ;) Jack Wood had one and took me for a ride. Great car. Apparently he had to get rid of it because it was getting too much negative attention from idiots. :(
Pump Scout
05-05-2010, 09:21 AM
Reverse is up and left, correct? My in-laws' Jettas have been like that. Takes a little getting used to, but I wouldn't pass up a stick because of it.
Simon
05-05-2010, 09:29 AM
Yes it is to the top left location, but you actually push the whole knob down to engage reverse. So with me if I am putting any downward pressure on the knob as I slide it across and up, I accidentally put it into reverse.
Great box other than that though. I love throwing a golf around. :)
ubooze
05-05-2010, 12:38 PM
Delta Integrale is a phenomenal car! I always wanted one.
Not to sure about the Focus RS. A bit boy racer for me. ;) Jack Wood had one and took me for a ride. Great car. Apparently he had to get rid of it because it was getting too much negative attention from idiots. :(
I hear that the Cozzy has a hardcore following in the UK. But every review/video I have watched on it has touted how superb the car is and that's sound reason to get the car, well, plus the rarity and cool factor. Hell, the car is so uncommon in the States only the more knowledgeable gear heads would know about it. If I an fortunate enough to at some point manage to get my hands on one (highly unlikely), I am taking it to my grave.
Any of those homologation specials back then are far too cool; basically a street legal race car. The sort of numbers people can pump out of those 2.0 liter 4-bangers is pretty damn neat.
Back on topic: How much does a basic GTI go for now?
Not sure... My 06 with package 1 was 24k... Packages aren't available anymore, so it depends on specific options now.
The cruise lever inteface is APR.
cockerpunk
05-05-2010, 07:08 PM
I think the GTI is a great decision.
The only thing I really don't like about the newer VW's is the reverse location on the manual box. More than once on the rentals I've had I've put it into reverse instead of first. I guess because I am tall and pushing down slightly on the gearstick when I put it into first.
Are you getting an Auto or Manual? I suspect Auto?
Other than that they are phenomenal cars to drive. High quality feel, and very connect to the driving experience.
Delta Integrale is a phenomenal car! I always wanted one.
Not to sure about the Focus RS. A bit boy racer for me. ;) Jack Wood had one and took me for a ride. Great car. Apparently he had to get rid of it because it was getting too much negative attention from idiots. :(
auto?
psshhh
simon, i may be short, but do have respect for myself. it will have the 6 speed with the man petal.
sticker on the 2 door im getting is like 24.4. we'll see what i can talk them down to.
good call on the transmission... dsg is fun for about 5 minutes then you'll never use the paddles again... plus it has issues when you start upping the power...
cockerpunk
05-06-2010, 03:43 AM
oh yeah, that flappy crap is for f1 cars, not fun to drive street cars.
Simon
05-06-2010, 09:47 AM
Paddles always seem like a good idea, but end up being crap. A good manual box wins every time.
Gordon, sorry for lumping you in with the general US populous. :)
cockerpunk
05-06-2010, 12:50 PM
half the reason why i want the GTI is that 6 speed has such the perfect feel to it. everything else int he price range is very tight, with super abrupt clutches and such. teh GTI is just smooth, but fast gear changes.
I kept my nose out of this because I'm pretty biased (having bought a 2010 GTI last October), but you'll enjoy it. Mine's loaded with everything but 18s, and I've been really enjoying it. Haven't done much besides APR Stage I & an intake and some color matched side markers, but that's because I don't really feel like there's much else you need to change. I'll toss a downpipe and maybe a catback on it at some point, but other than that it's a fantastic car, a lot more "complete" feeling than my MKV GTI, or my MKIV Jetta.
cockerpunk
05-11-2010, 12:15 AM
closed the deal tonight., take delivery tomorrow!
good times...
I got one of the first MkVs that came into the country... I got to unwrap it myself... only had 4 miles on it when I took it for the test drive.
ApoC_101
10-29-2010, 08:31 PM
Love a good VW. GTI's are super sporty!
funny part: i just applied for a sales position at the local VW dealer...
Jack Wood
11-03-2010, 07:04 PM
Funny part: you can almost say you work for/sell/drive Porsches now then ;)
Simon
11-03-2010, 08:31 PM
Most Porsche owners get touchy about comments like that!
But then most don't know who Ferdinand Porsche was, or have any clue about his accomplishments, or what the original "Porsche" was built on... :)
... I constantly correct people on their mispronunciation of the word Porsche...
Someday when I'm independently wealthy, I'll have a 993 turbo.
xluben
12-08-2010, 11:19 AM
Gordon - Now that it's winter we should take our cars out in the snow sometime :)