Help me pick a car

[millsbass5]

A Subaru WRX or STI would meet the AWD and fast parts. Can't mention STI without mentioning the Mistubishi Lancer Evolution. For less than 20K, you might be able to find a good EVO 8. Another option would be a 2002 - 2006 3.5L Nissan Altima. If you can find the SE-R version of it, that's always a plus, since it has a bit more HP. That meets the FF and fast parts. If none of those tickle your fancy, you could always keep it simple and go for a Honda Civic SI. Doesn't meet the fast part but it does meet the FF and dependable parts.

QUESTION: You failed to mention if you plan on transporting your gear in this vehicle. I assume that you would be,considering you've posted on a bass-related site.

I am very fond of basses,dirt bikes,import and muscle cars. These are my main interests/hobbies. If you plan on taking up any of these hobbies,and don't like separating yourself from money,these hobbies aren't for you!
If you are looking for a combination of reliability,versatility,and performance,you cannot go wrong with the following:

a)A Japanese-produced ride. Durable as the day is long,for sure. Kick-ass performance,and endless options,as far as upgrades.

b)Pretty much any automobile produced in Germany. Especially performance/luxury-performance. Go ahead,it's OK to admit it. When it comes to the engineering aspect of a "real" car,those Krauts have it locked down. Tight!!
At the moment,I'm driving a very low mile (27,000 miles) 2003 BMW M5,with 400+,well,let's say closer to 500hp with a "few" mods. But hey,who's countin' horsies'n'torque here? And,enough carbon fiber to make me start itching. Also, a boatload of suspension/brake mods,too. I traded my modded,low-milage VW Jetta GT,plus some cash. I received a w-a-y great deal on the BMW from my supervisor at work. Hmm,I guess it does pay when your boss is one of your life-long friends.

If you in fact do plan on hauling gear to the club/rehearsal and back,I'd opt for something with a fold-down rear seat. One more thing,get something with the turbo option. When it comes to the sheer adrenaline/fun scale,you can't get any better. Only thing better? Twin-turbos!!

Happy test-driving and hunting!

 

[mattsk42]

Rwd is not an option in any part of South Dakota if you plan to take more than a 5 mile drive 5 months out of the year. Snow, ice, and more wind than most states.

German cars have very little repair shop options (if any) in all of this state. I already mentioned having MULTIPLE friends forced to tow and/or ship parts from Denver. Rare, but not worth the chance.

Some good suggestions though. Is there such a thing as modding a CTS or base version Accord to have around 300 hp w/out buying that model stock from the manufacturer?

 

[Valiant Bandit]

Rwd is not an option in any part of South Dakota if you plan to take more than a 5 mile drive 5 months out of the year. Snow, ice, and more wind than most states.

German cars have very little repair shop options (if any) in all of this state. I already mentioned having MULTIPLE friends forced to tow and/or ship parts from Denver. Rare, but not worth the chance.

Some good suggestions though. Is there such a thing as modding a CTS or base version Accord to have around 300 hp w/out buying that model stock from the manufacturer?

Take it from a mechanic:

-Stay A-W-A-Y from Saab. Ever since they discontinued the 900 series, they've gone downhill substantially. Those cars are pure garbage now.

-I loved Mitsubishis. Why? Whatever it was in my shop for cost A LOT of money and BOY do things love to break on 'em.

Of course there's a way of modding a CTS or base Accord. 300HP? Nah lol...But you can push A LOT of torque off of those Honda engines and you'd destroy my Valiant.

Subarus are awesome cars, but I know where you're coming from in the terms of availability of parts. It's the same way out here with any foreign car that isn't Toyota or Honda.

I think a 2003 Honda Accord would fit perfectly for you. They're quick with a nice interior with a whole bunch of do-hickeys that people nowadays love and can't live without. I call it crap but people love it...*shrugs*

P.S. To the guy who was asking about the Subaru engine noise? That's the way Subarus sound, the same way an old Jaguar engine sounds like a tank engine.

 

[Valiant Bandit]

But in the end, it's going to be about what YOU want.

 

[Bard2dbone]

The first thing I thought was Subaru, as well...

But in the end, it's going to be about what YOU want.