T.T.

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.

nt5k

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

echoinsilence

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.

T.T.

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.

Ike

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.

m477

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.

ShAdOwFoX

whats your price limit?

delhi

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.

YaXMaNGTO

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.

Socket7

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

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

T.T.

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?

dozer

iTrader: (3)

Lmfao!

nt5k

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.

dancap

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

IcarusX8

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.

nt5k

synchros

JRichter

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.

fahrfegneugen

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.

Leesha

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

Triperformance

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.

Design1stCode2nd

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.

Big_Mike_4488

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.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

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.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

this thread gets funnier and funnier!!

JRichter

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