32-35K to spend on a car.

pcnorton

pcnorton

Joined
Jun 11, 2001
Messages
5,105
I'm like a full tilt Cooper. Other than a WRX, What other cars would you think would be a fun drive. (Can be used)

I commute 31 one way, live where there is snow so high HP rear wheel drives are out.


Just trying to explore my options.


Paul
 
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4wd. Maybe not as fun in the twisties, but you can go anywhere in one, they're comfortable for four full sized adults and you can carry a lot more than a WRX. If you get it with the inline six, the mileage isn't really all that bad either. It's an incredible vehicle.

I don't go in snow, so I didn't get 4wd on mine and the company pays for part of my gas so I got the 4.7L high output V8 and it's a scream to drive. It's so nice to be up where you can see over most of the traffic in front of you.

YMMV

jmx
 
  • Jaguar sedan
  • 3 series BMW
  • Lexus variant
  • Infinity variant
  • Toyota MR2 Spyder
  • Nissan SE-R variant
  • Nissan Maxima
  • Nissan Z-car
  • Mazda RX-8
  • SVT Mustang
  • Gently used Corvette
  • Land Rover HSE
  • and the list goes on
 
Acording to the latest Car and Driver a Mini Cooper S w/ supercharger and intercooler by John Cooper Works will set you back 24,975 and if you add all the factory options (Leather, Sunroof etc it comes in at 28,000 still well under 35K.
 
Good Evening All-

PCNorton, I agree with SPHayes on this one. Neither the Cooper Mini or Subaru WRX will be near your $35K price ceiling. You would have enough money remaining for either a cool motorcycle or a "beater" to drive to the train station or bad sections of town!

Regards,

~ Blue Jays ~
 
The mini-cooper is not going to be that good in the snow.

For that budget, I would go with the WRX STi: $29K-33K. So you should hit $33K-35K with taxes included.

300hp, AWD, adjustable center differential (you can make it front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, 50/50 all wheel drive, and any combination in between (90/10, 60/40, 40/60, 10/90, etc).

The storage and utility is not so great.

I was really disappointed to learn that the STi wagon is not going to be release in the states.
 
I LOVE my '03 D/S MCS. If you don't get much snow 2"-4" driving the MINI would not be a problem. Get the JCW MCS and a "beater". You'll be glad you did :D
 
BMW 325xi - All-wheel drive sports sedan - MSRP $29,550

"Welcome to the 325xi's all-season playground. With a 38%-front 62%-rear torque split, the 325xi behaves as any 3 series should on dry roads: with sporty rear-wheel-drive balance and feel. When faced with nature's bullies, its extra ground clearance, permanent all-wheel drive, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC-X) fight them off with proficient wherewithal. Meanwhile, BMW's Head Protection System (HPS) and other standard safety systems grant a healthy dose of self-assurance. Which is handy any time of year for taking out the spry 184-horsepower 325xi for some serious fun."
 
Ouch!!:eek: That's a LOT of money for something
that goes DOWN in value.:rolleyes:

Buy a Chevy and invest the rest to buy a house.:D
 
For all-around utility without giving up any performance you gotta love the WRX Wagon. At least I love mine! :D

If you don't need as much hauling capability Subaru's new STi is the next step up in performance.

--Bob Q
 
I'm in the same position. I have a 1997 F-150, and I'd like something new. It snows here, I've had a Mustang, and I've seen the ricers performance, or lack of performance.

You said 35K, but you can get an Audi Quattro TT in my area for 39K. Snow tires can be had, it can be ordered with a 6-speed, and yes, I've seen it go.

I'm thinking of a new convertible black one after this winter. After all, we have my wife's Explorer, and it's been several months since I've had to haul anything. Old guys need toy cars.
 
The WRX wagon will have more room (or at least the same) than the Jeep Liberty or Grand Cherokee. Be a hell of a lot quicker too! And go everywhere 99.99% of people need to go. Better gas mileage too. Too bad about no STi wagon though. I'm waiting for the 04' Legend wagon anyway. The Legend sedan is nice too, but wagon utility can't be denighed. Both use the 2.5L motor as the STi, the turbo model detuned a little to 250HP. Also rumor of the 3.0L normally aspirated at 250HP (probably more torque than the turbo 2.5 though. Will probably be 05' before I can affourd one. That's ok though because there are rumors of an 05 STi Legend wagon with their 3.0L turboed.
 
Originally posted by jrollins
Until Moster Garage gets ahold of them...

http://www.bmwworld.com/models/mini/monster_garage.htm

Myself, if I had that much money, I'd buy a lot of old VW's... Buses, Bugs, Things, just about anything. A Baja Bug or two, a nice 21-window bus, a camper... The list goes on and on. But then I'm a weird person.
Click to expand...

That may be true, but what does the upgrade cost. If you spend enough money, you can turn a mustang into a hovercraft.

Also, the STi comes with a factory warranty with no upgrades needed.
 
Originally posted by Blue Jays
Good Evening All-

PCNorton, I agree with SPHayes on this one. Neither the Cooper Mini or Subaru WRX will be near your $35K price ceiling. You would have enough money remaining for either a cool motorcycle or a "beater" to drive to the train station or bad sections of town!

Regards,

~ Blue Jays ~
Click to expand...


Yes I know this, But I wanted to give a price limit. I am planning on a VTX 1800 retro with a side car also.


Paul
 
I am car nut.

I currently own a TR6 and a Land Rover Series III so I am looking for a fun daily driver with good looks and low maintenance/comfortable.



Paul
 
Originally posted by Sundsvall
That may be true, but what does the upgrade cost. If you spend enough money, you can turn a mustang into a hovercraft.
Click to expand...

IIRC, those welder-wielding wackos at the Monster Garage turned a Ford Explorer into a garbage truck, and I think they turned a Mustang into a damn fast lawn mower! They do some crazy stuff. I remember the Mini episode, they cut so much out of the back end they were afraid there would be no structural integrity left. And the cost is basically a Mini and a pair of snowmobiles and a lot of time in the shop with a torch :D

Oh... And take all the plastic and fabric out first! Tends to burn easily :eek:
 
Originally posted by RoninPimp
The WRX wagon will have more room (or at least the same) than the Jeep Liberty or Grand Cherokee. Be a hell of a lot quicker too! And go everywhere 99.99% of people need to go. Better gas mileage too. Too bad about no STi wagon though. I'm waiting for the 04' Legend wagon anyway. The Legend sedan is nice too, but wagon utility can't be denighed. Both use the 2.5L motor as the STi, the turbo model detuned a little to 250HP. Also rumor of the 3.0L normally aspirated at 250HP (probably more torque than the turbo 2.5 though. Will probably be 05' before I can affourd one. That's ok though because there are rumors of an 05 STi Legend wagon with their 3.0L turboed.
Click to expand...


I love the Stats, but I hate the look. The WRX STI is a styling nightmare( too me) The ONLY subaru I liked was the SVX....HMM maybE a used SVX

Paul
 
That would be the kicker. If you think the car is ugly, then none of the stats mean anything.

Personally, I like the new Subaru body style that started with the 2002s.

BTW, SVXs were very unreliable, only made with an auto tranny and replacement parts are expensive.
 
I own two 2003 GMC Envoys (both 4x4s). One is regular sized and the other is the extended(XL) model. They each use the same engine.. a Vortec 4200 Inline Six, which is really great.. 290 hp in the Envoy XL. They are exceptionally comfortable and handle well (hydraulic-power assist rack-and-pinion system). I bought them 6 months apart from each other, after being so pleased with the regular-sized Envoy.
:) :)
 
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