I'm looking for something decently fast, but not expensive (aren't we all). Also, a little cargo room would be good for hauling stuff. I'm also trying to be wary of insurance costs since I'm 22. Depreciation also is a factor because I'm not trying to go broke. Warranties are nice as well. Gas prices are a concern too. So far, I've narrowed my choices to five cars:

1. Speed3
2. WRX (2006-2008)
3. RX-8
4. Evo ('04-'05)
5. STI ('04-'05)

You're probably wondering why the Evo and STI are up there. I like them. The speed3 would probably be the most logical choice except for one thing: FWD. From what I've heard though, it's still a fun driving experience. I'm open to other suggestions as well. Thanks for lending brain power.

Check out the GTI too. I`m really thinking about getting it next.

I think you should go with an sti, they are gonna give you good speed, a big trunk, plus good gas mileage(not to mention AWD). An evo would be good too but you don't get that boxer rumble that you do with an sti. I love the 8 but its like I have a midget under the hood just pouring gas in the motor. and between the wrx and the sti, just spend the extra money and get the sti. You can't build an sti from a wrx for the price difference.

I think you should go with an sti, they are gonna give you good speed, a big trunk, plus good gas mileage(not to mention AWD). An evo would be good too but you don't get that boxer rumble that you do with an sti. I love the 8 but its like I have a midget under the hood just pouring gas in the motor. and between the wrx and the sti, just spend the extra money and get the sti. You can't build an sti from a wrx for the price difference.

The 8 is on the list because I like good-handling, well-balanced cars more than I like power hungry cars . It also has four usable seats. This is not to say that the other cars don't handle well. You're probably right about the sti vs. wrx. I would would always lust after the sti if I got the wrx. But I'm afraid of giving money to insurance companies. I hate being indecisive.

If you want inexpensive you can just cross the Evo and STI off your list now. Even if you can find a ragged out one for around 20k, maintenance on them is expensive and isurance is VERY expensive. The WRX won't be as bad but will still be fairly expensive to insure. Consider the GTI and Civic SI as well, both pretty reliable, decent gas mileage, and a little bit cheaper to insure. Between gas prices and hauling stuff the RX-8 probably isn't a very good choice either.

I say go out and test drive the GTI, MS3, Civic SI, and a WRX and make your decision from there. Perhaps throw the Mini Cooper S into the mix as well.

If I were to have to go through the car-buying process all over again right now, it'd be a tough choice between RX-8, STi, and Evo. The regular WRX just felt dull to me... not saying it's a bad car, just didn't fit my preferences.

Although the gas mileage is probably the worst of the bunch, the great thing about the 8 is how cheap it can be had brand new. The others are ~$10k more in real-world pricing.

Also, I would be very wary of buying a used Evo/STi. Sure, there are some that haven't been abused, but it would definitely take a lot of time and of luck finding the right one.... much like trying to find a good FD or Supra TT these days.

whats your price limit?

Get a Legacy Spec B. Classy car with lots of mod potential. The STi and EVO are too boy-boy. OK, if I am still a man-child I would consider cars with plastic add-ons.

I don't think you need any of those. Go buy a used Accord, wait 3 years, and save your money. Once you turn 25, your insurance drops, and spend your savings on something you really want.

Get an RX-8. To hell with economy and practicality.

See people, this is why our car isn't as popular. People ask us if they should get an RX-8 and we tell them to get something else :lol:

The correct answer to this question is always "Get an RX-8" :)

I see where you're coming from Ike and Yaxman, I'm a little bit hessitant to continue my FWD life. I'm going to take the Evo/STI off the list...I'm fooling myself into thinking I can live the "dream." I'm going to add the Speed6 and I guess the GTI. My price limit is the low 20s. In terms of practicality, I consider anything with rear seats to be practical (basically, no two-seaters). I have a fondness for rotaries so I can live with the gas prices...I think. How much do you guys spend on gas a month?

Lmfao!

I see where you're coming from Ike and Yaxman, I'm a little bit hessitant to continue my FWD life. I'm going to take the Evo/STI off the list...I'm fooling myself into thinking I can live the "dream."

Look, I was 22 once and I thought it would be awesome driving something 'tight'. Looking back it's all a waste of money. Get something cheap and reliable and preferably something you can pay for in cash. Then put your money aside for 5-6 years then buy something nicer when you've kinda grown up a little more and what people are telling you sinks in. The real dream is to be debt free, not making yourself eat ramen to keep up with the latest hot ride.

wrx is the most practical car. Friend has an 06 (favorite body style btw) wrx and he threw a sti vf39 turbo in it along with the inter cooler, perrin downpipe, greddy evo II catback, kandn typhoon and a tune by precious.. putting out some serious numbers 350 to the wheels and 370lbs of tourque at 21psi. Had to be detuned to 300hp and 330lbs with 17 psi because on the dyno his clutch was slipping.

This car is amazingly fast, has trunk room, has 4 doors.. what more can u ask.

I still love the rx8 but this car has potential

I see where you're coming from Ike and Yaxman, I'm a little bit hessitant to continue my FWD life. I'm going to take the Evo/STI off the list...I'm fooling myself into thinking I can live the "dream." I'm going to add the Speed6 and I guess the GTI. My price limit is the low 20s. In terms of practicality, I consider anything with rear seats to be practical (basically, no two-seaters). I have a fondness for rotaries so I can live with the gas prices...I think. How much do you guys spend on gas a month?

lol, I put in about $45 of gas per week. The WRX doesn't get incredible mpg but it's better than the 8. The 8 doesn't really have a big trunk as opposed the the WRX or Speed3. The resale value for WRXs are great. The GTI seems too small for me. I would say your best bet is the WRX or Speed3/6. Personally (assuming the 8 is out of the picture) I would go with the Speed6. It's AWD like the WRX but it's also not seen 100 times in a day.

This car is amazingly fast, has trunk room, has 4 doors.. what more can u ask.


synchros

Get an RX-8. To hell with economy and practicality.

See people, this is why our car isn't as popular. People ask us if they should get an RX-8 and we tell them to get something else :lol:

The correct answer to this question is always "Get an RX-8" :)

Nicely said. F the bullshit and get an RX-8. You don't want to miss an opportunity to experience this unique car in your lifetime. I don't want to here this you can always get one later... Now is the time.

Get a used RX-8 and then the guys complaining about debt wont have anything against you. If you live where there is snow, get the Subaru.

Are you for real??? What do you think we will say... RX8 Forget the gas....

wrx's in general have gearbox issues, look for a new one or one that has a warantee.....or get a 6,000$ rebuilt transmission with strait cut gears and drive something that sounds supercharged lol. I would look at a 1.8T GTI that is a hatch or an Rx8.

22 probably just out of college. Unless you have gotten a good paying job that is secure I’d opt for a used Mazda 3 not the MS 3. Has room to haul your stuff, is fun if not powerful, pretty reliable, low cost of ownership including insurance. IMO youth and speed kills just as much as drinking and driving as far as cars go.

If I had to do it over again I would have gotten a Miata at age 22 (its the cheapest most fun car I can think of). At that age you have lots of friends or siblings/parents you can rely on to do some cargo hauling. Soon life will catch up to you, before long you could be married and then even though you don’t have kids you need to keep that option open so no two-seaters. Now you have to wait until your 50 before you can get one.

Now this may not apply to you, you may be the permanent bachelor and never have kids, for some this holds true…….until it doesn’t.

I'm 22, just out of college too. I definately wouldnt recommend the RX8 in your situation due to you wanting a cheap maintaining car with some room. I also wouldnt recommend a used EVO or STI. Go test drive the MS3 and WRX and make your choice. I got my Speed 3 Sport for 21,700. Performance bargain bro. Its tough to beat.

The MazdaSpeed 6 imho. Excellent bang for the buck, relatively low insurance, comfortably seats four and plenty of trunk space. And very sporty.

The RX-8 is surprisingly insurable tho'; I expect as it's 4-door and 1.3L rated. And given its rapid depreciation it's a buyer's market for prior-owned.

I see where you're coming from Ike and Yaxman, I'm a little bit hessitant to continue my FWD life. I'm going to take the Evo/STI off the list...I'm fooling myself into thinking I can live the "dream." I'm going to add the Speed6 and I guess the GTI. My price limit is the low 20s. In terms of practicality, I consider anything with rear seats to be practical (basically, no two-seaters). I have a fondness for rotaries so I can live with the gas prices...I think. How much do you guys spend on gas a month?

this thread gets funnier and funnier!!

The RX-8 is surprisingly insurable tho'; I expect as it's 4-door and 1.3L rated.

That it is. It was barely a raise from my 10-year-older non-turbo DSM.

Just for kicks i asked my insurance agent what i would have to pay on an EVO and a STI. He told me i might as well get a vette cause it would be cheaper. But surprisingly my 8's insurance is quite affordable and the amount i saved on purchasing a low mileage used example more than made up for the fuel increased fuel costs.

It amuses me to see people go out and buy a different car so they can get better mpg and end up spending many many times more on the new car than what they will save in gas. :evil_laug

The insurance on my Speed 3 is slightly cheaper than that of my RX8. Though not by much. Just something to think about. But neither one will break the bank. With depreciation the way it is, I definately think a 2005-2006 RX8 for $17K or so would be a good buy.

I'm starting to narrow it down to WRX vs. RX-8. As long as there aren't any large reliability problems, I can handle the problems myself. You guys are right, I'm straight out of college with a mechanical engineering degree. I don't really think the prices for maintainance/insurance for these cars will be so wild that I can't handle them. I don't live extravagantly. All I need is an HD tv, PS3, a computer, a car that handles, and a mattress and I'll be satisfied. Time to start test driving.

I'm starting to narrow it down to WRX vs. RX-8. As long as there aren't any large reliability problems, I can handle the problems myself. You guys are right, I'm straight out of college with a mechanical engineering degree. I don't really think the prices for maintainance/insurance for these cars will be so wild that I can't handle them. I don't live extravagantly. All I need is an HD tv, PS3, a computer, a car that handles, and a mattress and I'll be satisfied. Time to start test driving.

If you are considering the WRX I would strongly recommend test driving the MS3. More performance with a lower price tag. (Not to mention it looks better IMO. Cant go wrong with the 8 though.

If you are considering the WRX I would strongly recommend test driving the MS3. More performance with a lower price tag. (Not to mention it looks better IMO. Cant go wrong with the 8 though.

I mean yeah...it's still in the back of my mind. There just something about FWD...kinda makes me feel like a lower life-form. I admit FWD was taught me throttle control though.

I'd get the RX8 or the STi, but you cant get a used STi for very cheap, unless its beat up.. So yeah the RX8... actually those are all pretty sweet cars

I mean yeah...it's still in the back of my mind. There just something about FWD...kinda makes me feel like a lower life-form. I admit FWD was taught me throttle control though.

yeah i hate front wheel drive.. after buying my 8 i dont think i could buy another FWD car. but if you live somewhere where it snows, an AWD car would be good, unless you wanna get snow tires.

He's concerned about gas milage and all he has listed is sport cars.

Contradiction!

The MazdaSpeed 6 imho. Excellent bang for the buck, relatively low insurance, comfortably seats four and plenty of trunk space. And very sporty.

The RX-8 is surprisingly insurable tho'; I expect as it's 4-door and 1.3L rated. And given its rapid depreciation it's a buyer's market for prior-owned.

I dont know about the MS6... I was honestly a bit unimpressed... it had pickup, but not near what I expected. Might take well to aftermarket though, but I dont know too much about that for the ms6.

I mean yeah...it's still in the back of my mind. There just something about FWD...kinda makes me feel like a lower life-form. I admit FWD was taught me throttle control though.

It's a tradeoff but well worth it when you consider the raw performance you get for the price. Not saying buy it, just saying test drive it. I think you will find that it is more fun to drive than a WRX. Hell I test drove an '05 STI from Carmax and I think the MS3 was still more fun to drive. Put a rear motor mount on the MS3 for $100 and it will feel just as planted to the road as any RWD car would. Anyway, don't knock it before you try it, all I'm sayin. Good luck!

He's concerned about gas milage and all he has listed is sport cars.

Contradiction!

Gas mileage is a metric I listed, but it is not weighted as heavily as other things.

I mentioned before wrx's have gearbox issues, I know around 10 people who blew out 3rd and 4th gear.....if you get one keep that in mind, and it doesn't matter if you drive it like you stole it or just cruising, its a gear problem not a synchronizer issue so it will go out sooner or later. Like I said if you can afford a 6,000$ performance tranny to replace it when it happens go for it, if not prey its covered under warantee. The more I think about your choice between the WRX (standard or STI model) and RX8 I would go with the 8. As far as gas mileage goes get a Toyota Prius(low maintenance also by the way).

I mentioned before wrx's have gearbox issues, I know around 10 people who blew out 3rd and 4th gear.....if you get one keep that in mind, and it doesn't matter if you drive it like you stole it or just cruising, its a gear problem not a synchronizer issue so it will go out sooner or later. Like I said if you can afford a 6,000$ performance tranny to replace it when it happens go for it, if not prey its covered under warantee. The more I think about your choice between the WRX (standard or STI model) and RX8 I would go with the 8. As far as gas mileage goes get a Toyota Prius(low maintenance also by the way).

Yes, there are some gearbox issues, but it's not nearly as bleak as the picture you paint. I owned a WRX for over 3 years and was a member of the local WRX club. There were guys with all ranges of mileage and most of us autox'd, rallyx'd, and/or drag raced and every single person was on their original tranny. There are also countless people in WRX's that have over 100k miles on the original tranny. I can find you posts just like yours from other forums with people spewing the same kind of nonsense about the rotary engine. No need to be that guy.

Even if the WRX doesn't shatter or explode in regular use, it's just a pain to live with period. The entire time I had mine, I thought I was driving a dump truck. I might as well have with all the double clutching i had to do. Getting into reverse was also a pain. Even though I never had 'issues' it just sucked to drive.

A pain in the Arse to drive and Butt ugly.

What a beautiful combination.

So...you're telling me they shipped the WRX without synchros? Why would they do that? BTW I'm still only considering the 06-07 model years.

Pretty much. I had an 02. I'm hoping the newer ones don't suck as hard. The 07 STi I tested seemed better, but not sure how that translates to the base wrx.

In response to my other post I'm not trying to be that guy but I'm stating that its something to think about. From the people I know who regularly drive their wrx or sti have lost gears but thats my experience alone. Their transmissions do have syncros but are clunky from what I have seen. Its still your call on which vehicle you want to select, just keep in mind the positives and the negatives of every vehicle you think about.

Saab 9-2X Aero?

I was in your position last summer. I wanted a sporty, fast, fun car but also needed to use it daily. I did my research, created a list, and went out on test drives. I suggest you do the same. No one can tell you what you'll like, what suits your needs and your budget. I can tell you this however, I didn't get past the RX8 for obvious reasons....(you'll know what I mean if you drive one.) I actually never intended to buy an RX8 but I had to see for myself what it was all about. The car had an interesting reputation. On the one hand, the engine, which was praised initially, had begun to come under increased criticism due to flooding and poor economy etc.. so naturally I didn't want those headaches, however so much good press and praise was heaped on the 8 that I had to drive it. I've owned and driven a lot of cars in my 43 yrs. ( some of them sports cars ) but nothing I had ever driven compared with the RX8 ( my first test was in an automatic..no standards were available. ) Even the automatic made a great impression on me...mind you I had just driven a GTO (400 hp) and a Mustang GT (300 hp) on the same day. The thrill of driving each of those cars ( muscle cars ) was still fresh in my mind but neither had the nimble, light on it's wheels, balanced and composed feel of the 8. Sure the GTO and the Mustang GT ( along with many cars) are quicker than the 8 but the 8 has a special quality that is difficult to define. I quess for me it possesses that "total package sum"of excellence. It looks fantastic ( always generates interest and compliments) it handles like a race car, it's comfortable, rides fairly well, it's unique ( only rotary powered car in production on the PLANET ) it's practical ( room for 3 friends or family ) it's engaging and fun every time I drive it,( I can't imagine giving it up! ) Admittedly there are times when I crave a little more torque down low, so that's when I let it unwind a little...say...9000 rpms worth... and forget what I was missing. Read the owner reviews, (stay clear of the 04 and 05s if you can) and drive one for yourself.....I think you'll agree....The RX8 is a very special (in a good way) kind of car.

I'm starting to narrow it down to WRX vs. RX-8. As long as there aren't any large reliability problems, I can handle the problems myself. You guys are right, I'm straight out of college with a mechanical engineering degree. I don't really think the prices for maintainance/insurance for these cars will be so wild that I can't handle them. I don't live extravagantly. All I need is an HD tv, PS3, a computer, a car that handles, and a mattress and I'll be satisfied. Time to start test driving.

LOL, good rules to live by! Someone with a mechanical engineering degree could really appreciate the engineering that has gone into the RX-8.

have you considered the bmw coupes? you can get one used for low 20s - high teens.

LOL, good rules to live by! Someone with a mechanical engineering degree could really appreciate the engineering that has gone into the RX-8.

one of the main reason i got this car... rotary is like sex to MechE XD

So...you're telling me they shipped the WRX without synchros? Why would they do that? BTW I'm still only considering the 06-07 model years.

I've driven MT exclusively for the last 17+ years. I've owned and driven cars with great gearboxes and cars with horrible gearboxes. The earlier WRXs are somewhere in the middle but certainly not as bad as many people make it out to be. I guarantee you that any car with as bad a gearbox as some people in here are claiming would not be on C&D's 10 best a couple years running and not win all the comparos and awards that the WRX has.

The 06-07 gearbox is better than most, though not as nice as cars like the S2K and RX-8. It has more synchros than the earlier models and shifts much smoother. The earlier WRXs had problems with 1-2 when you hear about issues with the newer cars it's usually 3-4 and often involves cars with larger turbos and much higher horsepower than stock.

Mod the hell out of a WRX and you greatly increase your risk of tranny issues, the same goes for launching it regularly and improperly, not rev matching when downshifting, or slam gears on an upshift without knowing what you're doing. Do those same things with any other AWD car that had a good amount of HP and torque and you'll find the weak link in the drivetrain. The same goes for just about any car, but if you mess up with a RWD or FWD the tires are much easier to breal loose so they'll absorb more of the abuse.

Triperformance, if you have friends that have been breaking up the STI tranny (which I somehow doubt), tell them that they're morons and that they need to learn how to drive or go buy an AT. The STI tranny is about as stout as trannys get.

GTI's, as well as most german cars have awful reliability. especially electric issues. Also very expensive to fix so I wouldnt go that route.

Sti's and Evo's have high insurance rates.

FWD is for girls in snowy climates, so count the MS3 and others out.

RX8 has the handling, the looks, the ROTARY (if u havent tried one u must, its pure sex above 6K RPM), and a very decent trunk. I have also transported a large TV that wouldnt fit in a large sedan's door opening but had no problem laying the RX8's front seat flat and flush with the rear and opening up the rear doors for a perfect fit. Amazing what this lil car can swallow.

As far as gas mileage goes...well...next topic lol

I was 24 when i got my 8 and i paid 220(full coverage) registed in Monticello, NY with a tainted driving record full of speeding violations. Not bad at all i think. on paper its a 4 door 1.3 liter. so its cheap.

Plus the 8 is pretty cheap to buy used for some reason.

Also, this car just connects you to the road like none of the others do, maybe an S2000 comes close but still that lil thing has no rear seats.

The clutch in the 8 is wonderful as well. Just drive one, you'll understand.

one of the main reason i got this car... rotary is like sex to MechE XD

Hey....anuther RX8-ownin' ME here!! I think you guys are onto something w/regards to our brains just locking on to the rotary principle. like flies to the flame!

p.s. to the OP, given your age I would def. heed some of the comments to at least check into the relative insurability of the cars you are looking at. simple call to your agent for quotes would help arm you w/ some ammo for decision. the RX8 is surprisingly affordable to insure considering its potential.

Go test drive all of em! Don't leave any out, cuz test drives are free!!!