What to buy...

[Magibeg]

If you needed a car that was reliable that still had quite a bit of pep in a price range of $8000 Canadian what would you guys go with (given i know a lot of you have a high level of mechanical knowledge).

[JC316]

If you needed a car that was reliable that still had quite a bit of pep in a price range of $8000 Canadian what would you guys go with (given i know a lot of you have a high level of mechanical knowledge).

Depends on the level of pep that you want. I would say a 96+ Honda Civic. They really have some zip for a 4 banger. If you want a fast car that is reliable, go for a 99+ Mustang GT.

[Magibeg]

Depends on the level of pep that you want. I would say a 96+ Honda Civic. They really have some zip for a 4 banger. If you want a fast car that is reliable, go for a 99+ Mustang GT.

Right now i have a 2000 Alero, and admittedly the reliability has really been in the crapper. It chews through wheel bearings, the thing rusts apart no matter how many times it's painted, various sensors, etc etc.

I don't really want anything slower than a 0-60 in 7 (about how fast i am now with a few mods) and i probably want something closer to a post 2000 year car.

Unfortunately because i'm in Canadia i probably want to avoid a rear wheel drive car because of snow.

I was considering a 2005ish nissan sentra spec-v for around 7K to give you an idea of the sorta thing i was looking towards.

[MRCL]

*cough*subaru*cough*

[Wile E]

Rear drive isn't any worse in the snow. I actually find it easier. Yeah, you might lose traction a little easier, but it's also easier to get back. You can still steer. Whereas, with front wheel drive, if you lose traction, you can't steer, as your drive wheels also do the turning.

All that said, Subaru WRX.

[Magibeg]

*cough*subaru*cough*

I browsed a few wrx, but i heard that they may require a lot of work to keep going. Is that true?

[MRCL]

I browsed a few wrx, but i heard that they may require a lot of work to keep going. Is that true?

Simply put: No. I drive a 99 Impreza Gt since two years, almost every day, in every weather, as well as in cities, on highways or rough terrain. Only once I had a clutch problem; the clutch itself was not in mint condition anymore, and I got stuck in the snow (you cant plow through inches and inches of snow forever), and in the process of freeing myself I fucked the clutch.

Other than that, no problems whatsoever.

And, billions of Swiss mountain farmers can't be wrong. Really, go to the mountains in Switzerland, and you will see exactly two cars: Subaru and Mitsubishi.

[Magibeg]

Simply put: No. I drive a 99 Impreza Gt since two years, almost every day, in every weather, as well as in cities, on highways or rough terrain. Only once I had a clutch problem; the clutch itself was not in mint condition anymore, and I got stuck in the snow (you cant plow through inches and inches of snow forever), and in the process of freeing myself I fucked the clutch.

Other than that, no problems whatsoever.

And, billions of Swiss mountain farmers can't be wrong. Really, go to the mountains in Switzerland, and you will see exactly two cars: Subaru and Mitsubishi.

Good to know because i love subaru. I'll just have to make sure my insurance isn't disgustingly high.

[JC316]

Yeah that puts the Mustang out, in snow it's pretty worthless. A good option is going to be an 01+ Cadillac Seville, or Cadillac Eldorado. They are prone to head gasket failure pre 01, but that was sorted out. I had a 95 Seville and a 98 Seville. The 95 had 156K on it when I got it and I bought it needing a transmission. It went two years without needing anything else. My 98 had 108K on it and needed a head gasket when I got it. After that, it went 4 years without a problem and is still running to this day.

They are plenty quick, have full traction and stability control, and are a joy to drive.

[Reventon]

If you didn't need pep (not sure why you do), I'd definitely get a truck or SUV. You could get a nice one for $8000.

[Magibeg]

If you didn't need pep (not sure why you do), I'd definitely get a truck or SUV. You could get a nice one for $8000.

Not sure why i would need a truck or SUV. If i didn't want something speedy i would have settled for a civic, yaris, or some other subcompact. I think a cobalt ss would be fun (turbo not sc) but those are rare as diamond it seems.

Right now i'm seriously considering a wrx.

[Reventon]

Well if it's snowy then nothing will do better than a truck.

[1Kurgan1]

eh, I've driven home in a blizzard on an unplowed freeway with radio broadcasts saying the freeway was closed in my almost bald tires FWD SHO (was a 25 mile trip home). Trucks make it easier, but for driving on the road, cars will go through whats needed with the proper driving, AWD will make things easier.

Anyways, under 7 seconds is a pretty decently quick car to 60 mph. But you got to consider a few things here, you want reliability, I would keep it simple. FWD is fine, a Mazda 6 would be a great choice, duratecs are reliable motors, their MTX 75 is a great transmission, it's a 5 speed (I think some might come as autos) so it's fun, leather interior and such, and they are 6.5 or so to 60 mph.

Or anything GM 3800 powered, weather it be a Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Buick Regal. The 3800's are unbelieveably amazing, and the 4t65e is a pretty darn good transmission too, many people who mod them still have their auto tranny stick around till 200,000 miles. I scored my 99 Grand Prix GTX with a lot of modifications done to it for only $5500, just dont get one thats lowered like I did :p Nice thing aout these is, it's very easy to make faster, so if you want faster stay away from the naturally aspirated ones and look for a supercharged one.

[Wile E]

Meh, WRX is still better.

[1Kurgan1]

It could be, I'm not sure on Subie reliability (engine, or awd system). My families only had one subie and it broke constantly, and AWD in almost any car I have ever known is a nightmare and eventually breaks something wicked. In the snow it will definitely be the better choice. And I swore that I heard that the non-STi WRX's have transmissions made of glass, but it's just what I have heard.

[Reventon]

I've heard Subarus have superior reliability.

[Magibeg]

Yea so I've been doing my research and apparently Subaru had much better reliability than i originally expected. Right up there with the indestructible Honda civics and Toyota corollas.

Apparently the 2nd and 3rd gears can wear out given the obvious hard accelerations that people buying those cars would do, but this would be more of a daily driver so there would be less risk of that.

The manual wrx has a very brisk 0-60 of less than 6 seconds while the auto apparently does it in 6.2 range which is still very quick.

Really the thing that is selling me on that car is the reliability, AWD (for my harsh Canadian winters), and that little bit of extra heart that it has.

[Jakl]

Why not get a jeep?

98 grand charokee limited v8 5.2L

My Big bro and little one both had the v8 5.9L , avg 13-14L/100km varies with intown driving . We are from calgary so traffic here is bad, so it guzzles gas. But on Highways or for cruising, these jeeps are beasts .

And we live in Canada. Think of our winters, get a SUV or truck that can meet all your needs

[jmcslob]

I like the Alabama built Hyundai Sonata's
They are fairly peppy and they are fairly rugged...
One of my friends has a 2005 it's got 170,000 miles on it and he's only changed the oil on it 12 times and the dam thing still drives like a brand new car...
It's neat cause it has an auto stick which actually makes snow driving a bit easier when you get to select the gear you want...Plus it has old American style clothe interior which I absolutely love

[Magibeg]

Why not get a jeep?

98 grand charokee limited v8 5.2L

My Big bro and little one both had the v8 5.9L , avg 13-14L/100km varies with intown driving . We are from calgary so traffic here is bad, so it guzzles gas. But on Highways or for cruising, these jeeps are beasts .

And we live in Canada. Think of our winters, get a SUV or truck that can meet all your needs

I heard that jeeps have terrible reliability (not so much the engine/tranny but everything else). That being said a jeep would certainly destroy anything that winter throws at me. That being said they are not the most gas friendly cars either lol. That being said I'm definitely more of a sporty car kinda guy as opposed to a jeep guy.

edit: wow just noticed that the little 2L turbo in the wrx puts down more power than the 5.2L magnum!

[twilyth]

Hyundai is still enough of a stealth play that their used cars don't command as much of a premium as Honda or Toyota. I haven't checked recently, but I think that's still true. They really are eating everyone else's lunch. A lot of people bought one because it was all they could afford if they wanted a new car and they're finding out that they're really excellent cars.

[Polaris573]

How about an Acura TL-S

[Wile E]

It could be, I'm not sure on Subie reliability (engine, or awd system). My families only had one subie and it broke constantly, and AWD in almost any car I have ever known is a nightmare and eventually breaks something wicked. In the snow it will definitely be the better choice. And I swore that I heard that the non-STi WRX's have transmissions made of glass, but it's just what I have heard.

They only have transmissions made of glass if you push past factory turbo power levels and/or power shift constantly. Second gear goes quick. For normal people, they hold up fine. For gear heads, a simple STI transmission swap, and you're good to go.
Why not get a jeep?

98 grand charokee limited v8 5.2L

My Big bro and little one both had the v8 5.9L , avg 13-14L/100km varies with intown driving . We are from calgary so traffic here is bad, so it guzzles gas. But on Highways or for cruising, these jeeps are beasts .

And we live in Canada. Think of our winters, get a SUV or truck that can meet all your needs

Not half as reliable as the WRX, and less reliable than even his current car on average.

[Solaris17]

Why not get a jeep?

98 grand charokee limited v8 5.2L

My Big bro and little one both had the v8 5.9L , avg 13-14L/100km varies with intown driving . We are from calgary so traffic here is bad, so it guzzles gas. But on Highways or for cruising, these jeeps are beasts .

And we live in Canada. Think of our winters, get a SUV or truck that can meet all your needs

i have one of these my trans started to slip apparently its an issue after about 170k

[JC316]

Not a fan of Jeeps. The transmissions don't really last that long.

[1Kurgan1]

i have one of these my trans started to slip apparently its an issue after about 170k

170k is pretty good for an auto trans to be honest though.

[Magibeg]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm finally biting the bullet on a new car this weekend (new to me). I shopped around for a few wrx's and they're kinda hard to come by.

I'm going to test drive a 2006 ford fusion v6, 2006 altima 3.5se, and a 2007 hyundai sonata v6.

Now i'm spending around 10K or so (canadian).

[twilyth]

I like hondas, but I'm biased since I'm on my 3rd one currently.

If you're looking for a pocket rocket, I don't really have any advice except that you should favor brands for which you have a good mechanic. That makes all the difference between your car being a nightmare and a pleasure.

Any older car is going to have problems. I think that's a given. So in my case, I know a guy who specializes in Japanese cars. He'll work on anything pretty much, but he sends his guys to training and certification courses for Honda, Toyota, etc. When they pop the hood, they know what they're doing. They're not just going to replace shit until the car works again.

[MT Alex]

I know a guy who specializes in Japanese cars.

Very nice job spelling out the whole word, saving yourself from being brutalized by the PC police.:D

[twilyth]

Very nice job spelling out the whole word, saving yourself from being brualized by the PC police.:D

I was actually going to make a snide remark about that since I really do think it's fine to say Jap cars, but I figured for the time being at least I should try to respect people's feelings.

And no, my account was not hacked and it really is still ME. Bwahahaha. :D(ww)

[Wile E]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm finally biting the bullet on a new car this weekend (new to me). I shopped around for a few wrx's and they're kinda hard to come by.

I'm going to test drive a 2006 ford fusion v6, 2006 altima 3.5se, and a 2007 hyundai sonata v6.

Now i'm spending around 10K or so (canadian).

I'd take the Altima. Stick or Auto?

[Magibeg]

I'd take the Altima. Stick or Auto?

I haven't decided yet, the man in me says stick, but the lazy man in me says auto lol.

[Magibeg]

I like hondas, but I'm biased since I'm on my 3rd one currently.

If you're looking for a pocket rocket, I don't really have any advice except that you should favor brands for which you have a good mechanic. That makes all the difference between your car being a nightmare and a pleasure.

Any older car is going to have problems. I think that's a given. So in my case, I know a guy who specializes in Japanese cars. He'll work on anything pretty much, but he sends his guys to training and certification courses for Honda, Toyota, etc. When they pop the hood, they know what they're doing. They're not just going to replace shit until the car works again.

I was looking at a few honda accords but they were a little too pricey (same with the camrys). I would basically have to go 3 years older for an accord or camry vs my other choices.

[Magibeg]

Well i hate to say it but i may not go with the altima after all. The fusion really surprised me. It's not as fast but it just felt like a really good car. Now I'm confused :(

[twilyth]

about 5 years ago I had to rent a car so I went el cheapo as usual and got an Escort. I was pleasantly surprised too, and from I've heard, quality has only improved.

[1Kurgan1]

Fusions are good cars and they look pretty sharp too.

[Magibeg]

Fusions are good cars and they look pretty sharp too.

Yea I was honestly taken by surprise. Part of the reason i'm so confused now. I expect it to be "meh decent" but after I drove it I was like "wow, that was very enjoyable".

With the altima I was expecting it to be good, and it was. I think that stigma is part of what threw me off.

Also I discovered a problem with the altima (atleast for canadians). Apparently rust under the passenger and drivers side will eat right through the floor mat. One of the altimas i looked at had this very problem already developed.

[DannibusX]

Fusion is the way to go, my next car will wither be a Fusion or a Focus.

[Wile E]

Fusion is a good car. Same platform as the Mazda 6 (which is another option worth considering.) Plus, you can get the MazdaSpeed 6, which is the turbocharged 2.3L all wheel drive model. :D

I just wouldn't get the Fusion because you can't get them in a manual. I don't buy automatic transmission cars, period. I hate them.

And I just don't like the Sonata. The only Hyundai I actually like is the Genesis Coupe.

All-in-all, the 3.5SE Altima would still be on the top of my list, as the VQ35 engine is a masterpiece. Same engine as the 350z, btw. Now, I would take the other options over a 4cyl Altima tho.

[Magibeg]

Well guys, i think i may be buying a fusion today. It just makes more sense i suppose (although definitely not as much fun as the altima).

The altima's i'm looking at are of course around 150km away.
The fusion is just a 10 minute drive away.
The dealerships that hold the altimas are shadey looking places..
The dealership holding the fusion is a big respectable dealer.
The altima dealerships say they will have *their* mechanics look at the car.
The place with the fusion has a partnership with my mechanic so he can go over it with a fine toothed comb to make sure everything is perfect.

If the situation was just a little bit better with the altima it may have been a different story. They're just so hard to come by in my area.

The fusion is a year newer and has over 50,000 less km on it, and appears to be in as close to flawless condition as reasonable.

[1Kurgan1]

Sounds like your making the right choice, even if it is a bit less fun, should be a good commuter car.

[Magibeg]

Well, bought the ford fusion, got them to put new tires on it and my mechanic is going to go over it completely.


They are trying to sell me on a rust protection coating. Something called Diamond Kote for $500. Apparently it's some sort of rubbery coating that covers the bottom of the car to prevent rust. Also reduces road noise a little.

Not sure if it's worth it or not but they back it up with a 5 year warranty on the coating.

[twilyth]

I can't believe that still pull that scam. It's all profit for the dealer. When I bought my last car the salesman said that if I didn't get it that it would void my warranty. Yeah. Nice try asshole. I told him fine, no problem - since it was obviously bullshit.

Don't fall for it. If anything, the undercoating will trap road salt in the undercarriage, so in my opinion, it's worse than nothing.

[Reventon]

I haven't decided yet, the man in me says stick, but the lazy man in me says auto lol.

Coupe or sedan? The coupes are badass, the sedans, not as much.

[Magibeg]

Coupe or sedan? The coupes are badass, the sedans, not as much.

Sedan.

I still haven't decided on a rubberize bottom or not. Reviews seem to be mixed on the matter and rusting out is actually a pretty big issue up here in canada. The alero i'm replacing for example, the engine and tranny were just fine and what not, but the car had basically rotted away from so much salt.

[twilyth]

Sedan.

I still haven't decided on a rubberize bottom or not. Reviews seem to be mixed on the matter and rusting out is actually a pretty big issue up here in canada. The alero i'm replacing for example, the engine and tranny were just fine and what not, but the car had basically rotted away from so much salt.
I don't know that an Alero should be your standard of comparison though. The car I referred to previously was a '92 Civic Si that I bought new. It was parked mostly outside but also in a very dank garage. The garage was so bad that it actually corroded the stems on my tire valves. But the undercarriage never had any problems.

We get several snow events each winter that require road salt. Probably not as bad as Canada, but over 15 years that I had the car, if there were going to be undercarriage issues I think I would have seen them.

If you're really worried about it, take it through a car wash that sprays the undercarriage a couple times over the winter.

Putting that undercoat, especially on a used car I think is asking for trouble. If it cracks and peels, then you're providing places for road salt to settle. They would have to give the undercarriage a very thorough steam washing and even then I'm not sure it will adhere properly.

But I guess the best thing to do is talk with other people in your area who have had it done and see what they think.

One thing I can tell you for certain is that it is pure profit for the dealer. The cost of the material is probably less than a tenth of what they are charging you for it. You can tell what things they make money on by how hard they push something and I'm betting that they are humping this shit like a mother fucker.

[Reventon]

Sedan.

I still haven't decided on a rubberize bottom or not. Reviews seem to be mixed on the matter and rusting out is actually a pretty big issue up here in canada. The alero i'm replacing for example, the engine and tranny were just fine and what not, but the car had basically rotted away from so much salt.

That's a shame. The coupes are sharp.

[Magibeg]

That's a shame. The coupes are sharp.

Well it is to note that we don't even appear to have the coupes in Canada so it's kind of a lost cause :P

[Wile E]

No to the undercoat. Only worth spraying an undercarriage if you frame-off it to spray it. It's ineffective when sprayed on a car that's in one piece, as it can't get everywhere it needs to in order to do it's job.