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Car talk

bigpoppa

bigpoppa

Well-known member
Im trying to get into cars but I am clueless, apparently you can use these grocery getters for something other than driving to work in the snow.

so I have 2 questions:

1. Im looking for the SV650 equivalent of the car world, something with usable torque, sporty, not super duper fast, but not slow either
something reliable, and cheap as well(bonus points for 87 octane).

2. I'm not old enough to have driven manual cars, do they operate like motorcycles as well? Require rev matching when downshifting etc?


much thanks
 
bigpoppa said:
Im trying to get into cars but I am clueless, apparently you can use these grocery getters for something other than driving to work in the snow.

so I have 2 questions:

1. Im looking for the SV650 equivalent of the car world, something with usable torque, sporty, not super duper fast, but not slow either
something reliable, and cheap as well(bonus points for 87 octane).

2. I'm not old enough to have driven manual cars, do they operate like motorcycles as well? Require rev matching when downshifting etc?


much thanks
Click to expand...
Too many options to answer #1 with confidence. How cheap is "cheap"?
#2. Yep you will probably have no problem getting used to it. Rev match to downshift for sure. Some vehicles do this for you.
 
I'd say the sv650 would be a VW Jetta. Reliable, cheap, and comes with free Fahrvergnügen and offers a manual shift.

Shifting is close enough you'll be OK after an hour.
 
Relax said:
New or used, and if used how old are you willing to go?
Click to expand...
age doesnt really matter, if parts are still readily accessible for any future repairs, that will be good


cant imagine finding anything except a basic commuter car as NEW for under 25 these days, no?

Relax said:
Also any preference for 2 vs 4 door, hatch, etc.?
Click to expand...

hatch=4 door>>>2 door, but id still like to be informed and keep my options open
 
Is this a toy or primary vehicle?

Some fun options but ‘low’ on torque compared to the regular players:
- Toyaburu twins - stupid fun once wound up. Awesome cornering capabilities
- MX5 - same as above

Other cheaper options:
- mustang Ecoboost
- Civic Si (pre-Turbo). 2012 had a decent boost in torque when they went to the 2.4 motor from the 2.0
- GTI - great reviews, fair reliability, maintenance can be hard depending on previous life (same as any other pocket rocket)

- any small engined turbo commuter will have a good torque range and get you some thrills
- the VW options are great. Spotty reliability and not cheap to repair

So many options it’s hard to narrow down, and now stock is limited and pricing is at record highs for used cars
 
4 door hatch late model used with manual, options include VW Golf, Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Mazda 3, Ford Focus. All decent. Given rarity of manual transmission nowadays, this will be contingent on what you can find.
 
first choice : honda or mazda if you are looking for fun and sporty. (and reliability)

true equivalent of a SV650 is most Toyota "sport" models. Reliability is high.

skip the germans and americans.
 
2013 Hyundai Elantra GT...hatchback, huge panoramic sunroof, heated seats, came in manual...I have one and love it...not sure on current pricing though...
 
If you’re not afraid of an older car I would also suggest a BMW Z3. Lots of nice examples out there that been well maintened by well to do owners and are definitely starting to appreciate. My goal is always to buy something that you can sell for close to what you paid for it after enjoying it for a few years. In 2016 I bought a 2004 BMW Z4 from one of my customers with only 20,000km on it for $15k.It still looked and smelt like new. I remember asking the owner if it had been driven in the winter. He laughed and said it had never been out in the sun for more than an hour.Still have that car and could sell it for close to what I paid for it.
 
In my opinion, a car equivalent of an SV650 would be something like a Mazda Miata or Subaru BRZ.
Both are fun to drive, sporty enough while still being comfortable to drive all day and decent enough power without being too crazy.
Or if you’re looking for a physically bigger car than either of those, a Mustang V6 2011 or newer is a good option. Very comfortable, regular fuel, 300+hp on a dead stock motor and a lot of fun to drive. And if you’re just cruising, it actually gets decent fuel mileage.
If you’re still looking when my Pony gets back on the road in the Spring feel free to come out my way for a test drive. It’s an auto, but you’ll still get a good feel for it. Plus, it’s 100% stock so it can only get better with a few minor add ons.
 
Interesting. We used the same technique. I shopped for the Suzuki GS500 and the Kawasaki EX500 because they are the BRZ/FRS of the motorcycle world.
Agile, quick(ish), daily driver.

I would suggest something like a V6 Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, Kia Stinger, Subaru WRX. These are in line with the 600-850cc bikes IMO.

Not tremendously torque-y but certainly faster than the Honda Civic, Ford focus, the Jetta, the BRZ.





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Just drive a Mazda 3 then a Civic and then a Corolla. Buy the one you like and you will not go wrong. All three have manuals and hatches and are reliable. And all three are tax in just above $25k for new. But you have to wait. DO NOT buy used currently...you can buy new for almost the same price (unless you go really cheap). I love the BRZ-86 but a grocery getter it aint.
 
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