Your opinion....

[driftingeric2k4]

I'm in a bit of a spot here.

I have a 2000 Mustang GT convertible that I bought last september in 05. The final price (with negative equity) was 15k all told. The car itself was 10500. Looking up on KBB the price for trade in value stands at 8500.

I am thinking - well actually - pretty damn set on getting rid of this car because it is a gigantic piece of tripe. Since I have had it the following has broken on me - 1. The motor. Yeah, at 48k miles one doesnt expect the motor to blow on them. Warranty covered all but 900 dollars for the swap. 2. 4 coilpacks. 3. Now I see I have a leak on the conv top and its pouring all over my amps and capacitor and motor for the conv top. I just got done removing all the carpeting so as to avoid mold and that musty smell. 4. I am pretty sure the clutch has no life left in at all. The friction zone is very very small, and even after adjusting it there isnt that much there.

Basically, I cant afford to be dropping 200-300 dollars fixing this car every other month. I'd much rather pay a slightly higher monthly payment on a better car. I wouldnt mind a vehicle that gets better than 15 mpg either as prior to buying this vehicle I lived 3 miles from work and put maybe 20 miles a day on it TOPS.. Now I live 30 miles away and put about 75 miles a day on her. Ouch.

So, I have been looking and I would like a used Impreza WRX (reliable without sacrificing performance) but I can't find a single one in New York within 150 miles of where I live. The ones I do find beyond that radius are above my price range of 15k.
I did find online a Honda Prelude with 70k miles on it that is at a dealership in Rochester (no problem driving there and back in a day). It has a body kit of unknown origin/design but it is molded into the body so that the only lines/creases on the car are the door, hood and trunk. The car is selling for $13,500. If you go here: http://www.xtremeauto-sales.com/index.php and click on Cars For Sale it is the only prelude listed. It is a tastefully done car and very clean - which basically sums up my philosophy on exterior mods.

I have a reeeeal sour taste in my mouth from this Mustang so I want something mechanically sound. What is your opinion on this Prelude?

The only Impreza WRX's I see that are 15k or less have over 80k miles on them...which makes me nervous.

Or should I fix what issues are left with the Mustang and pray that nothing else happens?

Just looking for some opinions.

[I should also note that my previous vehicle was a 96 Honda Accord that had an F22 in it and I know my way around Honda engines pretty well. I know quite a bit about the H22 block because I was prepping for a swap (so I have some H22 parts, like fuel rail, regulator, etc) before NYS changed its registration and inspection rules, which basically canned that car, thus leading to my trading it in for the Mustang. ]

[Scapegoat]

general car discussion...is over...there ------>


:p

[03sLoMaX]

while im all for mustangs i would sell it...a motor shouldnt blow at 48k. i dont know alot about mustangs...i believe the 99s 00s and 01s had some imperfections that they improved in 02..not sure if im correct on this tho...IMO that prelude is awful...one of the ugliest preludes i have ever seen...i like a stock looking prelude or one with a simple lip kit...i dont know what to recommend but i do like your idea on the Impreza...im sure others will jump in with their input

dont know what your spending limit is but i got a chance to drive a 06 Mustang GT this weekend and it was such a nice ride..sticker was around $34000...go test drive one...its a fun time..i wish i could get one, lol

[driftingeric2k4]

Originally Posted by 03sLoMaX

while im all for mustangs i would sell it...a motor shouldnt blow at 48k. i dont know alot about mustangs...i believe the 99s 00s and 01s had some imperfections that they improved in 02..not sure if im correct on this tho...IMO that prelude is awful...one of the ugliest preludes i have ever seen...i like a stock looking prelude or one with a simple lip kit...i dont know what to recommend but i do like your idea on the Impreza...im sure others will jump in with their input

dont know what your spending limit is but i got a chance to drive a 06 Mustang GT this weekend and it was such a nice ride..sticker was around $34000...go test drive one...its a fun time..i wish i could get one, lol

I am basically done with American made cars. I have given them a fair chance and they have all let me down. 3 strikes, america is out. go go go imports.

My budget is around 15 grand. If something totally blows my mind I will trade my 05 Yamaha FZ6 in as well.

[driftingeric2k4]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

general car discussion...is over...there ------>


:p

My bad... I considered it off topic. Mods can move it if they feel so inclined.

[Scapegoat]

I'd consider a 05-06 Mustang GT, if I wanted to blow my engine lol

Deal with your Mustang, wait for the Challenger to come out. :D

The new Corolla or Camry, don't remember which one, is pretty damn nice looking. Scion TC are cool cars.

I think the older WRX's were known for ****ty trannys or axles?

[driftingeric2k4]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

I'd consider a 05-06 Mustang GT, if I wanted to blow my engine lol

Deal with your Mustang, wait for the Challenger to come out. :D

The new Corolla or Camry, don't remember which one, is pretty damn nice looking. Scion TC are cool cars.

I think the older WRX's were known for ****ty trannys or axles?

I have heard that about the tranny as well for the WRX's. Like I said, regardless of whether or not I keep this car, it will undoubtedly be the LAST American car I ever buy. Japanese cars own American cars so much in my book its not even a competition anymore. (I dont want to debate that here though, I just want people's "If I were You" opinions on my situation)

Scion Tc was one I was also considering, as well as the Toyota Celica (last gen). I am on the fence on the Celica though. I love the front, hate the back.

[Scapegoat]

Chrysler/Dodge is a german owned company :-D Plenty of Mercedes parts being used in their cars ;)

And hey, pretty soon GM might be Nissan owned, lol. They threw in a bid for the company.

[driftingeric2k4]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

Chrysler/Dodge is a german owned company :-D Plenty of Mercedes parts being used in their cars ;)

And hey, pretty soon GM might be Nissan owned, lol. They threw in a bid for the company.

Yeah, I understand the global market and all that. Specifically I suppose I should state that I will never get another Ford, unless I become filthy stinking rich and can afford a GT. Even then I'd probably opt for something more exotic.

Hows your SRT4 hold up? any issues there? I hadnt thought about it but one of the guys in my team works at a dodge stealership and probably could hook me up.

Whatever I get though I have to LOVE because this is the last trade I can make before negative equity becomes too high to manage.

[03sLoMaX]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

The new Corolla or Camry, don't remember which one, is pretty damn nice looking.

the new camry is a badass vehicle...you should check it out...i had a 95 camry and it had 240,000 miles on it when it was totaled...they will run forever

[Renegade_]

SRT4s are great cars (in my opinion). The comment "It's still a neon" comes to mind but I don't think that it's all that deserving. After being around one for a while I think they are pretty good cars. You can definitely pick one up for 15k. A friend of mine got one for 15 which had like...40k on it I think?

[Scapegoat]

No real issues thus far with the SRT-4, other than too much torque for a FWD car, lol.

I'm dealing with a torn CV Joint Boot at the moment, but that is most likely from either launching the car, or my recent trip to an autocross. And it looks like it'll be covered under warrenty.

Other than that, nothing. Stout motor, fun car. FWD sucks, but it didn't take me long to feel out the car and be able to launch it easily.

[driftingeric2k4]

Originally Posted by Renegade_

SRT4s are great cars (in my opinion). The comment "It's still a neon" comes to mind but I don't think that it's all that deserving. After being around one for a while I think they are pretty good cars. You can definitely pick one up for 15k. A friend of mine got one for 15 which had like...40k on it I think?

People who discount vehicles based off the name are idiots or haters in my book anyway. That kind of stuff doesnt even register on me. Back it up at the track - know what I mean?

It's definitely worth looking at...I've never had a turbo vehicle before, seems like there is more tuning potential with turbo over NA, and more easily done from what I have read.

[Renegade_]

Turbo cars are fun, try to find a place that has one (they go fast, good luck) and test drive it. Problem is, it is easy to burn rubber with SRT4s and they have some tire hop, although it's really not all that bad.

[driftingeric2k4]

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

No real issues thus far with the SRT-4, other than too much torque for a FWD car, lol.

I'm dealing with a torn CV Joint Boot at the moment, but that is most likely from either launching the car, or my recent trip to an autocross. And it looks like it'll be covered under warrenty.

Other than that, nothing. Stout motor, fun car. FWD sucks, but it didn't take me long to feel out the car and be able to launch it easily.

Well, I have to be realistic. There are no autox events around here, and the closest dragstrip is 90 miles away, so I only end up going like 2 times a year. I hate losing RWD due to my want for drifting, but honestly, the authorities are on to me in 4 different towns where I used to practise (in safe spots) and I get harassed when they see me in an empty parking lot, so...most of what occurs for me is local meets, some small shows, and the occasional light to light. I know down where you guys are, Imprezas, SRT4's, Teg's etc are a dime a dozen, but up here the most common performance vehicles are camaros, mustangs, and eclipses, with the occasional rare built honda. Everything else is rice. I very much live in the "America FTW" counties. The only imports are your basic econoboxes. Big time hyundais and corollas and the like.

Clearly, I am in hell.

[driftingeric2k4]

Originally Posted by Renegade_

Turbo cars are fun, try to find a place that has one (they go fast, good luck) and test drive it. Problem is, it is easy to burn rubber with SRT4s and they have some tire hop, although it's really not all that bad.

yea, I can manage wheelspin and hop. Right now its no different in my mustang. I can burn through first and second no problem if I floor it.

[Renegade_]

My friend drove 100+ miles to pick up his SRT4, but it was worth it in my opinion. When it comes to a car that you want you have to be willing to go the distance.

[driftingeric2k4]

All things considered, it looks like the Celica GT-S may be my best option.

WRX's - are too expensive or too high mileage.
Tc - same thing.
SRT4 - American (*shudder*)

Celica GT-S runs for about 14k around here with less than 40k miles. Decent power w/ 180/130 hp and tq, nice and relatively light and good gas mileage - little more than double the mileage on the mustang. It's also a car that not everyone else up here has, and one that I wanted to own when it originally came out. I may look into this more.

I'd buy an EP3 if it werent for it being a hatchback. Looks too much like a Focus.

Edit: According to my "bench racing math" the Celica GT-S would turn an almost equal time to my Mustang, due to being significantly lighter. Interesting.

[driftingeric2k4]

Originally Posted by Renegade_

My friend drove 100+ miles to pick up his SRT4, but it was worth it in my opinion. When it comes to a car that you want you have to be willing to go the distance.

I hear that. I drove 170 to get the Mustang....twice in one week. But this car is just a piece of crap.

[Scapegoat]

the SRT--4 went through a lot of testing before production. And the SRT team are die hards when it comes to performance and reliability. No sense putting down the power when your car is going to break.

With a 4 cylinder block capable of 400-500whp before needing internal work..... Cars will have their gremlins, but from what I've seen the SRT team made sure the SRT-4 had as little as possible. They're there, but they seem to be all in "lemons"