Thinking of replacing the Volt...looking for something more entertaining!
- Thread starter mimico_polak
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Like Nissan 370Z but need a back seat? Infiniti G37. Same car underneath aside from being a little longer and with four doors and a back seat.
If the S550 Mustang is too new / expensive, S197 Mustangs drive decently. Plenty of aftermarket support for those, too.
If a Mustang is on the list ... Challenger, Camaro?
A BMW that's somewhat desirable (not a stripped out base model) with a decent amount of warranty left is probably incompatible with your price target. A base model BMW is just another car.
How long are you planning to keep this? How much mileage are you planning to put on it?
If the S550 Mustang is too new / expensive, S197 Mustangs drive decently. Plenty of aftermarket support for those, too.
If a Mustang is on the list ... Challenger, Camaro?
A BMW that's somewhat desirable (not a stripped out base model) with a decent amount of warranty left is probably incompatible with your price target. A base model BMW is just another car.
How long are you planning to keep this? How much mileage are you planning to put on it?
Thanks for the input Brian...completely forgot about the G37. Have always loved that car but looking briefly they seem to be out of range for me. However I'll keep it in mind.
Thinking about 3-4 years at about 15k/year or so. Right now I'm doing 300km/month due to being away so much (maybe I use the Volt 3 days/month), but will be coming back and then will put up some more kms.
Challenger I like....Camaro not so much. Although I've never sat in either of them. Thanks again.
GreenPlane
Well-known member
There are also charger and impala.. and something what I would love to try but never had a chance to drive it: fiat 500 abarth..
It would have to be a Marauder.
74 Audi 50. Audi "gave" the platform to VW to build the Rabbit, which pretty much saved VW.
Wow I remember those....great cars...but not my style in the least. The G8 is beautiful but unfortunately Pontiac killed that soon as it came out
The Audi 50 led to the VW Polo, one size smaller than Golf. Same layout, similar styling, few parts in common. First year of Golf (Rabbit) was '74, first year of Audi 50 was '74 (Polo was not long after). They launched within a few months of each other, so it appears that these were co-developed by two teams, one at VW and one at Audi, who were talking to each other. But, we digress...
For the Nissans ... If the ...37 models are priced high just look at the earlier ...35 model. Same car, slightly different engine. The G3x sedans are far more plentiful but manual transmissions might be hard to find. I haven't driven either a 350Z, 370Z nor a G35, G37.
As for the muscle cars and pony cars, whatever you want to call them. They ride and turn and stop much better than they did in the old days. For the Chrysler models, I haven't driven a Challenger but I have driven a 300C SRT8. (They're all the same underneath.) The powertrain is still the high point, and it's really good. It will turn and stop, but don't expect any feedback from the steering. It's fairly numb and disconnected - not to the extent of a Prius, or any of the pickup trucks (which all have video-game steering feedback ... none), but it doesn't feel sporty. I've driven a S197 Mustang, and it's better, but still not great. Haven't driven a Camaro, or the S550 Mustang.
So, do you want power, or do you want feel? If what you really want is the "feel" of a sporty car, then it is hard to beat a Miata, S2000, or the Toyobaru twins. I know there are complaints about lack of power with the Toyota 86; in what world is a 200 hp car "underpowered"? Every car I've ever owned, including today, has been around half that or less! Also, Mazda intentionally kept the Miata a low-powered car ... because it means the driver has to work it a little, and has to be involved in the process, even at sane (lower) speeds. The Toyota 86 intentionally comes with tires having relatively low grip (same type that the Prius uses!) because the driver can get some sliding happening, and gets more involved in the driving process, even at relatively lower speeds.
Of course, the problem there, is no back seat (or a useless back seat). Enter Ford Focus ST, Golf GTI, Civic SI, etc.
I have a customer within driving distance of Deals Gap, and I often arrange for a late flight home so that I can have an extra day ripping around. For a long time, the best rental car for Deals Gap was a Ford Focus. A while back, I found something that topped it, and it's one you would never expect ... the newest Toyota Yaris iA sedan (not the Yaris hatch), otherwise known as Scion iA. What most people don't know, is that this is a next-generation Mazda 2 underneath. We actually never got the next-generation Mazda 2, only the first one. Mazda does chassis tuning well. I was really surprised by that car. It's light and nimble, good steering, comfortable enough. There is definitely not much power but it doesn't need it.
For the Nissans ... If the ...37 models are priced high just look at the earlier ...35 model. Same car, slightly different engine. The G3x sedans are far more plentiful but manual transmissions might be hard to find. I haven't driven either a 350Z, 370Z nor a G35, G37.
As for the muscle cars and pony cars, whatever you want to call them. They ride and turn and stop much better than they did in the old days. For the Chrysler models, I haven't driven a Challenger but I have driven a 300C SRT8. (They're all the same underneath.) The powertrain is still the high point, and it's really good. It will turn and stop, but don't expect any feedback from the steering. It's fairly numb and disconnected - not to the extent of a Prius, or any of the pickup trucks (which all have video-game steering feedback ... none), but it doesn't feel sporty. I've driven a S197 Mustang, and it's better, but still not great. Haven't driven a Camaro, or the S550 Mustang.
So, do you want power, or do you want feel? If what you really want is the "feel" of a sporty car, then it is hard to beat a Miata, S2000, or the Toyobaru twins. I know there are complaints about lack of power with the Toyota 86; in what world is a 200 hp car "underpowered"? Every car I've ever owned, including today, has been around half that or less! Also, Mazda intentionally kept the Miata a low-powered car ... because it means the driver has to work it a little, and has to be involved in the process, even at sane (lower) speeds. The Toyota 86 intentionally comes with tires having relatively low grip (same type that the Prius uses!) because the driver can get some sliding happening, and gets more involved in the driving process, even at relatively lower speeds.
Of course, the problem there, is no back seat (or a useless back seat). Enter Ford Focus ST, Golf GTI, Civic SI, etc.
I have a customer within driving distance of Deals Gap, and I often arrange for a late flight home so that I can have an extra day ripping around. For a long time, the best rental car for Deals Gap was a Ford Focus. A while back, I found something that topped it, and it's one you would never expect ... the newest Toyota Yaris iA sedan (not the Yaris hatch), otherwise known as Scion iA. What most people don't know, is that this is a next-generation Mazda 2 underneath. We actually never got the next-generation Mazda 2, only the first one. Mazda does chassis tuning well. I was really surprised by that car. It's light and nimble, good steering, comfortable enough. There is definitely not much power but it doesn't need it.
Wow I remember those....great cars...but not my style in the least. The G8 is beautiful but unfortunately Pontiac killed that soon as it came out
If you truly want something "different" and unique, I'd look up the Taurus SHO, available in many model years to suit any budget, the early ones featured yamaha engine with manual trans as only option.
I'd take this thing below over any mustang.
https://jalopnik.com/the-365-hp-ford-taurus-sho-is-one-of-the-best-sleeper-s-1791957525
My die hard reasonably affordable "sleeper" dream car when growing up, that and the Grand National.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus_SHO
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dieselxx
Well-known member
My picks
Fiesta ST (better fuel mileage, one of the best handling cars on the market that will no longer be made
Focus ST (I have one and love it, very fun tossing in the corners, plenty of power, fuel mileage terrible in the city)
Focus RS (I have one as well, viseral mechanical feeling car, only if you are feeling very adventurous, but can't be had for 20K)
GTI (more civilized, better quality interior than the above,well balanced)
Veloster N (have'nt tried it but looks interesting)
Civic SI (Meh)
Civic type R (yes)
Mazda 3 GT
Fiesta ST (better fuel mileage, one of the best handling cars on the market that will no longer be made
Focus ST (I have one and love it, very fun tossing in the corners, plenty of power, fuel mileage terrible in the city)
Focus RS (I have one as well, viseral mechanical feeling car, only if you are feeling very adventurous, but can't be had for 20K)
GTI (more civilized, better quality interior than the above,well balanced)
Veloster N (have'nt tried it but looks interesting)
Civic SI (Meh)
Civic type R (yes)
Mazda 3 GT
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Mad Mike
Well-known member
All 70's era Audis and VWs suffered from poor suspension, brakes, wheel bearings/CV joints and steering - thee were in the same class as Skodas, Renaults, Simcas, Fiats, Ladas, Austins and other post war European econoboxes. Things got much better in the early 80's. They took a big dump again in 1986 when they had issues with sudden acceleration when cars shifted into reverse.
I remember going to buy a Scirocco from Pfaff in Newmarket (my first company car!). They had a red Quattro on the lot that had been there almost a year - they offered it to me for $2000 less than the price of a Scirocco, -- that was 40% off the sticker price. I later found out Audi only sold 3 of those cars Canada that year. It was a great car, drove thee wheels off her, I retired her at 500k km.
black_CG2
Well-known member
My mustang convertible was such a cheap toy to own and drive. In 27 months of ownership, it did not need extra work. Just oil changes, gas and winter tires. I fell in love with snow storms when I had my mustang. I would be out every time we had snow squalls.
Now, with my fwd mazda, I sit at home during snow storms and watch netflix. Boring. But a great roomy commuter car!
Now, with my fwd mazda, I sit at home during snow storms and watch netflix. Boring. But a great roomy commuter car!
Got my 2015 GTI with 70k for $20. Did my research, not great at any one thing but really good for almost everything.
Fun, practical(2 baby seats no problem), fuel efficient, reliable (sorta), 5 star safety, has all the tech you want, good in winter, looks good(imo) and not flashy all under $20k
Jeremy Clarkson has a mk7 GTI. Replaced it with a mk7.5 GTI.
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That's the key for a toy car. If it looks fast, the heat score is too high to have any fun. Sleepers ftw.
EDIT:
Completely the opposite of my comment above, Mina's lease takeover looks like a fun car and may fit your budget (although obviously a lease not owned).
Trials
Well-known member
Do you want another one of those? :I can probably hook you up.
Depending on the mood, I could lean all kinds of ways.
I really enjoy the Hemi power Challenger. Muscle car looks, great motor. Back seat. You can do the 4 door variant. I actually drove a V6 AWD Charger well equipped around Newfoundland and it was a pleasant surprise and joy.
I’m not a dodge guy but, I would consider these.
For tight fit and build quality and Japanese reliability, Civic Si.
I’ve had rental Mustang GTs convertibles with V8 auto and the traction control button disabled so, it’s always on. Great car. rear seat is fine as long as child don’t have legs. Kidding, a little bit.
A used GTi VW? I’d really have to feel good about the previous owner and how it was treated and access to service records.
I’m assuming if from a dealer, at $20k, it should have some warrenty.
I’ve owned or driven many VWs and enjoyed them all. Personally, never had an issue with any of them. But, they do have a reputation for some as being less than reliable.........
The last two were new TDIs and the others were old gassers. Body rusted but, didn’t care.
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I really enjoy the Hemi power Challenger. Muscle car looks, great motor. Back seat. You can do the 4 door variant. I actually drove a V6 AWD Charger well equipped around Newfoundland and it was a pleasant surprise and joy.
I’m not a dodge guy but, I would consider these.
For tight fit and build quality and Japanese reliability, Civic Si.
I’ve had rental Mustang GTs convertibles with V8 auto and the traction control button disabled so, it’s always on. Great car. rear seat is fine as long as child don’t have legs. Kidding, a little bit.
A used GTi VW? I’d really have to feel good about the previous owner and how it was treated and access to service records.
I’m assuming if from a dealer, at $20k, it should have some warrenty.
I’ve owned or driven many VWs and enjoyed them all. Personally, never had an issue with any of them. But, they do have a reputation for some as being less than reliable.........
The last two were new TDIs and the others were old gassers. Body rusted but, didn’t care.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Once the new miata showed up with a power boost and RV camera , it really lowered the cost of older ones. They are pretty fun 9 months of the year.
GTI , if you know its history, most have been 'enjoyed' .
The challenger hemi , manual trans available, horrible resale value.
GTI , if you know its history, most have been 'enjoyed' .
The challenger hemi , manual trans available, horrible resale value.
Wow thanks guys...lots of options out there just need to filter down to what is actually doable / livable. I've always liked the Miatas...but no rear seat is a tough sell, although with a Minivan...and the new ones look very sharp. The SHO is also nice, had a chance to drive in one and for a large car it's surprisingly nimble! The BRZ/FRS twins are most tempting. Fun cars for good money...decisions...
J_F
Guest
sounds like a good deal
standard warranty is done at 80K I think
any extended warranty on it?
