First Car Blues... technically.
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First Car Blues... technically.
Well, my parents say that they are willing to buy me a new car. (Now, it's not definite because it depends on what college I deside to attend, whether or not I get a scholarship, and the price. And before you get up tight and complain that my parents are getting me a car, just know that I have tried on numerous occasions to pay the not while they pay insurance. However, they don't want me to worry about it--they'd rather me focus 110% on school.)
So anyways, my father said that if I get a car that it's going to be new. Period. (That alone surprised the hell out of me.) Now I am faced with the problem if picking a car.
He set a budget at $25,000. (Knowing him, there's some sway room in that price--within reason.) I have a list of cars that I like (ones with a * are the ones I've done a lot of research on--ones with a + are the ones I've drivin) and I would like you to help me make a decision or at least narrow down my choices...
2004 Mitsubishi Galant GTS (Black)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $26,312
(Opt: Cold Zone Package, Wheel Locks, Trunk Mat, Mud Guards, and Fog Light Kit.)
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart* ^ (Black)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $20,958 (Auto)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $20,158 (Manual)
(Opt: Sun & Sound Package, Side Air Bags, Six-Disc In-Dash CD Changer, Door Sill Scuff Plate, Wheel Locks, and Floor Mats.)
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX * ^ (Black or Blue)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $28,886 (Auto)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $27,806 (Manual)
(Opt: Premium Package, Wheel Locks, Rubber Floor Mats, Security Upgrade, Air Filtration System, Auto-Dimming Mirror/Compass, and Performance Guage Pack - Turbo.)
2004 Honda Civic EX Coupe ^ (Black)
-I don't like it... but my mom insists on keeping it as an option.-
2004 Acura RSX * (Black)
-I don't have any prices at hand, but it's somewhere around 25k give or take a few hundred.-
Okay, let me do some explaining...
-The RSX is cool, but the more I look at it, the less I like it.
-The Civic: I don't like the way it drives. (Auto)
-The WRX: My favorite of them all, and it's not because of the intercooled turbo. The ride is excellent! Smooth, resonsive, I feel in love with it the first time I drove it. (Auto) My father is actually responsible for making me feel the pull of the turbo--I wasn't going to do it... but he literally told me to.
-The Lancer: It's cool, it handles nicely... the interior isn't me (black on red) and I hate the steering wheel with a passion. (Auto)
-The Galant: I haven't driven it, but it looks really nice... but it's really big. After driving my mom's car, I know I don't really like big cars. However, I figured I'd add it to the list since it's within the price-range and (from what I know) pretty cool.
So, it's obvious that the best out of them all (WRX) is not only the most expensive but the hardest to talk my parents into. They haven't really completely shut out the possibility of a WRX; however, my father got the impression that I was somehow taken over by the power of the turbo... pfft. (To be honest, it scared the crap out of me.)
What do you think? I doubt I'll get the car this year, so I'll possibly be looking at 2005s. I've pitched the "the WRX has got AWD, all the safety features, relatively good mpg, and drives like a dream" but they end up just telling me to wait.
All-in-all, it's still up for grabs... and I have to make an effort to stay out of the Southern Subaru dealership in Waldorf so they don't see how desperate I am for a WRX. (I've been in there enough as it is. I left my cell phone in the WRX the first time I drove it!)
So anyways, just help me out however you can. Offer anecdotes, numbers, pictures, whatever! I'd just like your take on things.
(And don't bring up insurance too much, because I already know it's going to be the real pain-in-my-*** variable... especially on the WRX--although I qualify for several discounts through Allstate.)
Thanks
-Kaeden
So anyways, my father said that if I get a car that it's going to be new. Period. (That alone surprised the hell out of me.) Now I am faced with the problem if picking a car.
He set a budget at $25,000. (Knowing him, there's some sway room in that price--within reason.) I have a list of cars that I like (ones with a * are the ones I've done a lot of research on--ones with a + are the ones I've drivin) and I would like you to help me make a decision or at least narrow down my choices...
2004 Mitsubishi Galant GTS (Black)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $26,312
(Opt: Cold Zone Package, Wheel Locks, Trunk Mat, Mud Guards, and Fog Light Kit.)
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart* ^ (Black)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $20,958 (Auto)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $20,158 (Manual)
(Opt: Sun & Sound Package, Side Air Bags, Six-Disc In-Dash CD Changer, Door Sill Scuff Plate, Wheel Locks, and Floor Mats.)
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX * ^ (Black or Blue)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $28,886 (Auto)
Est. MSRP w/ Options: $27,806 (Manual)
(Opt: Premium Package, Wheel Locks, Rubber Floor Mats, Security Upgrade, Air Filtration System, Auto-Dimming Mirror/Compass, and Performance Guage Pack - Turbo.)
2004 Honda Civic EX Coupe ^ (Black)
-I don't like it... but my mom insists on keeping it as an option.-
2004 Acura RSX * (Black)
-I don't have any prices at hand, but it's somewhere around 25k give or take a few hundred.-
Okay, let me do some explaining...
-The RSX is cool, but the more I look at it, the less I like it.
-The Civic: I don't like the way it drives. (Auto)
-The WRX: My favorite of them all, and it's not because of the intercooled turbo. The ride is excellent! Smooth, resonsive, I feel in love with it the first time I drove it. (Auto) My father is actually responsible for making me feel the pull of the turbo--I wasn't going to do it... but he literally told me to.
-The Lancer: It's cool, it handles nicely... the interior isn't me (black on red) and I hate the steering wheel with a passion. (Auto)
-The Galant: I haven't driven it, but it looks really nice... but it's really big. After driving my mom's car, I know I don't really like big cars. However, I figured I'd add it to the list since it's within the price-range and (from what I know) pretty cool.
So, it's obvious that the best out of them all (WRX) is not only the most expensive but the hardest to talk my parents into. They haven't really completely shut out the possibility of a WRX; however, my father got the impression that I was somehow taken over by the power of the turbo... pfft. (To be honest, it scared the crap out of me.)
What do you think? I doubt I'll get the car this year, so I'll possibly be looking at 2005s. I've pitched the "the WRX has got AWD, all the safety features, relatively good mpg, and drives like a dream" but they end up just telling me to wait.
All-in-all, it's still up for grabs... and I have to make an effort to stay out of the Southern Subaru dealership in Waldorf so they don't see how desperate I am for a WRX. (I've been in there enough as it is. I left my cell phone in the WRX the first time I drove it!)
So anyways, just help me out however you can. Offer anecdotes, numbers, pictures, whatever! I'd just like your take on things.
(And don't bring up insurance too much, because I already know it's going to be the real pain-in-my-*** variable... especially on the WRX--although I qualify for several discounts through Allstate.)
Thanks
-Kaeden
When you said you were scared of the turbo, did you mean that you were scared the turbo's power, or how addictive it may be? 
A good bet for you might be the 2.5RS (unless, of course, you can talk your parents into the WRX). It's under your pricecap and its a fairly decent car. I'd say take a 2.5RS over the Lancer Ralliart because the 2.5RS at least has AWD (if that is important to you).
A good bet for you might be the 2.5RS (unless, of course, you can talk your parents into the WRX). It's under your pricecap and its a fairly decent car. I'd say take a 2.5RS over the Lancer Ralliart because the 2.5RS at least has AWD (if that is important to you).
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It's important to me... for the most part. Take the past 4 days for example, we got dumped with 6+ inches of snow. Not only is our driveway steep, but if I had class, I'd feel better driving in a car with AWD.
And when I said I was scared of the turbo, I meant it both ways. I know that at first it's kinda like "holy hell" since it was the first car with a turbo I've ever driven. On the other hand, I know that after driving the WRX for a while, I'll get used to it. But it's not like I'm going to go 90 down the beltway or something. I'm human... not stupid.
I have no problem with the RS really; actually, my biggest problem is the seats. (Well, that and the fact that I don't like the upholstery. It looks so... not... me.) lol. I love the seats in the WRX... plus... it's just not the same thing.
The RS that I built and priced on the site came to: $23,442 (Auto) and $22,627 (5sp). So price isn't really an issue.
After thinking about it, I don't think I want a Galant... even if for the simple fact that it's so big.
And when I said I was scared of the turbo, I meant it both ways. I know that at first it's kinda like "holy hell" since it was the first car with a turbo I've ever driven. On the other hand, I know that after driving the WRX for a while, I'll get used to it. But it's not like I'm going to go 90 down the beltway or something. I'm human... not stupid.
I have no problem with the RS really; actually, my biggest problem is the seats. (Well, that and the fact that I don't like the upholstery. It looks so... not... me.) lol. I love the seats in the WRX... plus... it's just not the same thing.
The RS that I built and priced on the site came to: $23,442 (Auto) and $22,627 (5sp). So price isn't really an issue.
After thinking about it, I don't think I want a Galant... even if for the simple fact that it's so big.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 144
From: New Freedom, PA
Car Info: 2004 WRX Sedan 5spd
As a WRX owner I am biased but I would recommend the WRX. I'm not sure what insurance on the other cars is but as a young guy any newer car is going to be fairly high. I am 20 and have a perfect driving record (no tickets or accidents) plus I've taken an in car driving course which gives me a discount but my insurance is still about $2000 a year. To keep your price down don't get all the options in the car. I only got the short throw shifter and spoiler. The car is well equiped to begin with. The premium pack is nice but if you need to keep your price around 25,000 it blows you out of the water. My car with 23,300 after the dealer discount.
Yes the WRX is fairly powerful but if you are able to control yourself and not toe into it too much on the road you'll be ok. The car is very docile and drives well without alot of throttle. Full throttle runs are fun but the memory of loosing a good friend in a car wreck because he was going too fast keeps me from pushing too hard. I am going to autocross my WRX this summer so I can actually exercise the cars abilities and mine in a safe setting. Also if I were you because you live in a place that gets snow the AWD is priceless. I had mine out in the snow for the first time this week and it blew me away how well the car drove.
Yes the WRX is fairly powerful but if you are able to control yourself and not toe into it too much on the road you'll be ok. The car is very docile and drives well without alot of throttle. Full throttle runs are fun but the memory of loosing a good friend in a car wreck because he was going too fast keeps me from pushing too hard. I am going to autocross my WRX this summer so I can actually exercise the cars abilities and mine in a safe setting. Also if I were you because you live in a place that gets snow the AWD is priceless. I had mine out in the snow for the first time this week and it blew me away how well the car drove.
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When it comes to options on the WRX... the stupid automatic transmission instantly adds $1,000. (Stupid tranny.) As for the premium pack, I don't like cars without a sunroof--which is the main reason for getting the whole pack--and my father expected that. I was also just gonna get the Turbo Boost Gauge (even though I don't know how to read it), and again my father was like, "if you get this car, get all the gauges." The other mods seem pretty standard to me--except the rearview mirror, but what the hell! It's almost safe to say it's my father's fault it's $28,000. Not to mention the fact that he wanted me to look at the Mercedes C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe. Ugh!
I think that the only reason I get mad at my parents for not just getting me (read: saying that they will get me) a WRX is that it comes off as them not trusting me with the turbo! The fact is--beforehand--both of my parents were impressed with the way I drive and everything. It's kind of insulting/frustrating that they have this wierd double-standard.
I think that the only reason I get mad at my parents for not just getting me (read: saying that they will get me) a WRX is that it comes off as them not trusting me with the turbo! The fact is--beforehand--both of my parents were impressed with the way I drive and everything. It's kind of insulting/frustrating that they have this wierd double-standard.
OK, let's take this step by step.
In a prievious life, I was an autobroker. Having dealt with all makes and models of cars both new and used, it was my job to identify EXACTLY what the customers wanted. It made them happy and therefore got me paid.
From my chair, let's eliminate the cars that don't match up here:
1. 2004 Mitsubishi Galant GTS - big, heavy, isolated driving experience. Very unlikely this is the sharp handling, cool looking, quick accelerating vehicle you're looking for. Avoid.
2. 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart - Lots of show, not enough go. Handles well but I guarantee you'd be tired of that basic engine within 6 weeks. Low cost, well equipped but lacking soul. Avoid.
NOW to the cars that count:
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX - Fun turbo power, four wheel drive, outstanding in bad weather, handles quite well, cool to look at and attracts a lot of attention. A very solid platform from Subaru here, plus it's desirable and should hold its value relatively well. The cons are cheap interior build quality, zero power down low, bad standard tires (Bridgestone RE92's are universally thought of as garbage), lots of road noise, and not much else actually.
2004 Acura RSX - Pros: Honda build quality, typical screaming high horsepower engine, great suspension, great transmission.
Cons: Lots of people have them, somewhat isolated driving experience, ripoff magnet.
2004 Honda Civic EX -
Not all Civics are created equal.......
Your mom wants you to get an EX automatic. May I suggest the Civic Si.....
http://www.hondacars.com/models/mode...rDetected=True
An excellent car also, which is great to drive, looks very cool, and will hold its value down the road better than any car in its class. DEFINITELY in the price range at the low 20's. Go drive one.
Another car to consider is the new Mazda 3:
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...tionParameter=
Like the Civic, excellent chassis, build quality, looks, etc. 2.3L four cylinder puts out a good dose of horsepower. Handles great and has safety features avaliable. Drive one of these also.
Report back.
-Mirror
In a prievious life, I was an autobroker. Having dealt with all makes and models of cars both new and used, it was my job to identify EXACTLY what the customers wanted. It made them happy and therefore got me paid.
From my chair, let's eliminate the cars that don't match up here:
1. 2004 Mitsubishi Galant GTS - big, heavy, isolated driving experience. Very unlikely this is the sharp handling, cool looking, quick accelerating vehicle you're looking for. Avoid.
2. 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart - Lots of show, not enough go. Handles well but I guarantee you'd be tired of that basic engine within 6 weeks. Low cost, well equipped but lacking soul. Avoid.
NOW to the cars that count:
2004 Subaru Impreza WRX - Fun turbo power, four wheel drive, outstanding in bad weather, handles quite well, cool to look at and attracts a lot of attention. A very solid platform from Subaru here, plus it's desirable and should hold its value relatively well. The cons are cheap interior build quality, zero power down low, bad standard tires (Bridgestone RE92's are universally thought of as garbage), lots of road noise, and not much else actually.
2004 Acura RSX - Pros: Honda build quality, typical screaming high horsepower engine, great suspension, great transmission.
Cons: Lots of people have them, somewhat isolated driving experience, ripoff magnet.
2004 Honda Civic EX -
Not all Civics are created equal.......
Your mom wants you to get an EX automatic. May I suggest the Civic Si.....
http://www.hondacars.com/models/mode...rDetected=True
An excellent car also, which is great to drive, looks very cool, and will hold its value down the road better than any car in its class. DEFINITELY in the price range at the low 20's. Go drive one.
Another car to consider is the new Mazda 3:
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...tionParameter=
Like the Civic, excellent chassis, build quality, looks, etc. 2.3L four cylinder puts out a good dose of horsepower. Handles great and has safety features avaliable. Drive one of these also.
Report back.
-Mirror
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2004 Civic: I, honestly, didn't like how it drove... there was something about the steering response that turned me off.
Civic Si: I'm sorry... but I hate the way it looks; I also hate where the shifter is located (i.e. ugly; not function-less).
RSX: Yes, way too many people have them. Not to mention the fact that I know someone who has an Integra who's an idiot, per se, and after delving into the RSX's fanbase... they scare me.
WRX: Hands-down... the best thing since sliced bread.
Ralliart/Galant: I totally get you.
Mazda3: I'll go test drive one soon! As well as a Mazda6 and a MazdaSPEED Protege probably. (While I'm at it... I'll drive the WRX for the third time. I'll just have to go to a different dealership! lol)
*Others I've Driven*
Honda Element: This POS drives like a boat.
Nissan Frontier: I don't want a truck.
Ford Explorer SportTrac: (My dad's company truck.) I don't want a truck... nor a Ford.
(90's or so) Seabring Coupe: Ew.
Mercedes E320: (My mom's.) Too big.
Civic Si: I'm sorry... but I hate the way it looks; I also hate where the shifter is located (i.e. ugly; not function-less).
RSX: Yes, way too many people have them. Not to mention the fact that I know someone who has an Integra who's an idiot, per se, and after delving into the RSX's fanbase... they scare me.
WRX: Hands-down... the best thing since sliced bread.
Ralliart/Galant: I totally get you.
Mazda3: I'll go test drive one soon! As well as a Mazda6 and a MazdaSPEED Protege probably. (While I'm at it... I'll drive the WRX for the third time. I'll just have to go to a different dealership! lol)
*Others I've Driven*
Honda Element: This POS drives like a boat.
Nissan Frontier: I don't want a truck.
Ford Explorer SportTrac: (My dad's company truck.) I don't want a truck... nor a Ford.
(90's or so) Seabring Coupe: Ew.
Mercedes E320: (My mom's.) Too big.
OK, narrowing it down considerably:
1. Standard Civics drive like marshmellows. Agreed.
2. Civic Si - if it looks wierd, forget it. Incidentally, that strange shifter angle is like many old classic Alfa Romeos from the 60's and 70's.
3. Acura RSX - So you don't identify with the Acura/Honda crowd.........you're probably better off.........
4. WRX. Start planning, but be ready to accept a small handful of Subaru quirks that are part of 'Subaru' character.
5. Subaru Forester XT - Boxy trail-cruiser with thumpy (somewhat detuned) WRX STi engine, 5 speed, and high 13 second (!) quarter mile times. Within the budget, totally anonymous, and a couple fractions FASTER than a regular WRX. Hmm..
1. Standard Civics drive like marshmellows. Agreed.
2. Civic Si - if it looks wierd, forget it. Incidentally, that strange shifter angle is like many old classic Alfa Romeos from the 60's and 70's.
3. Acura RSX - So you don't identify with the Acura/Honda crowd.........you're probably better off.........
4. WRX. Start planning, but be ready to accept a small handful of Subaru quirks that are part of 'Subaru' character.
5. Subaru Forester XT - Boxy trail-cruiser with thumpy (somewhat detuned) WRX STi engine, 5 speed, and high 13 second (!) quarter mile times. Within the budget, totally anonymous, and a couple fractions FASTER than a regular WRX. Hmm..
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Only thing with the Forester is that it's a SUV; I'm not entirely sure I want an SUV at all. However, I sat in (not drove) and liked the Baja.
The Baja I want came to around 25 give-or-take, and the Mazda3 4-door I want (fully loaded) came to 23-something. The MazdaSPEED Protege... scratch that. As for the Mazda6, I just like the exterior looks for the most part.
Hm...
The Baja I want came to around 25 give-or-take, and the Mazda3 4-door I want (fully loaded) came to 23-something. The MazdaSPEED Protege... scratch that. As for the Mazda6, I just like the exterior looks for the most part.
Hm...
I was also going to suggest a Legacy to you earlier, but I figured if you thought the Galant was too big, then the Legacy might be too big. But, if you like the Baja, you might like the Legacy or Outback too. Except for the truck bed on the Baja, they are all very similar cars.
Just a thought the next time you are at the Subaru dealership.
Just a thought the next time you are at the Subaru dealership.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 313
From: Atlanta/Cayman Islands
Car Info: 2002 White WRX Wagon (WWW)
I vote mazda 3. Also go drive a new Accord. I know it's not up to par on handling but it has undeniable reliability, awesome fuel economy, a SLICK gearboxand an awesome interior. Also the engine is peppy, it's no WRX but has more low down torque. Just go drive one and tell me what you think...
Edit: I just realised you are getting an auto... Don't get an auto WRX unless you plan to mod it a bit (which it doesn't sound like you are). Honestly the lag is accentuated in the auto. For a car like the WRX you really should to get the manual tranny, out of sheep principle if nothing else. I don't want everyone who has an auto WRX to jump on me. There are many days which I wish I had an auto but in a car like the WRX where comfort and such has been traded off for performance I don't understand why you would make the giant compromise of an auto tranny... It's like drinking espensive wine out of a styrofoam cup, it's just not right. All this said, the WRX 5 speed is the one thing I wish every day I could change, but not for an auto, for a honda 6 speed!
Edit: I just realised you are getting an auto... Don't get an auto WRX unless you plan to mod it a bit (which it doesn't sound like you are). Honestly the lag is accentuated in the auto. For a car like the WRX you really should to get the manual tranny, out of sheep principle if nothing else. I don't want everyone who has an auto WRX to jump on me. There are many days which I wish I had an auto but in a car like the WRX where comfort and such has been traded off for performance I don't understand why you would make the giant compromise of an auto tranny... It's like drinking espensive wine out of a styrofoam cup, it's just not right. All this said, the WRX 5 speed is the one thing I wish every day I could change, but not for an auto, for a honda 6 speed!
Last edited by KmanRuffian; Jan 28, 2004 at 01:04 AM.
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Hehe, I'm just pricing everything as auto because a) it's the most expensive, and b) I don't know how to drive a manual yet. I know that if push-comes-to-shove that I can always get an auto. Of course, I'll make the final decision after I learn to drive stick... but I have a feeling I'll love it.
The Baja is big, yeah, but in a different way. I look at it more as a truck than a car--which is why it's size is easier to take in.
As for the Outback, it's looks are way to station wagon and I dispise station wagons. (They aren't me.)
As for mods... the first thing I *know* I want to do is get a new head unit. The problem is: do I get the stock CD changer or buy an aftermarket one? When it comes to performance mods, I'd eventually wanna get into that, but I wanna take care of some audio first. My order of mods is kinda like this:
Rims/Basic Audio -> Performance -> Exterior Cosmetic
Intertior Cosmetic (like changing the color of the LEDs) is mixed in there somewhere.
But first, I gotta decide what car! lol
So far, it looks like I need to drive: Baja, Mazda 3, and then Mazda 6, Forester XT, and Accord for the heck of it. (And of course, the WRX again.)
I and my parents thought about the Accord, then it kinda phased out; they started leaning more towards the Civic. Damn to I hate riced out Civics. *cries*
The Baja is big, yeah, but in a different way. I look at it more as a truck than a car--which is why it's size is easier to take in.
As for the Outback, it's looks are way to station wagon and I dispise station wagons. (They aren't me.)
As for mods... the first thing I *know* I want to do is get a new head unit. The problem is: do I get the stock CD changer or buy an aftermarket one? When it comes to performance mods, I'd eventually wanna get into that, but I wanna take care of some audio first. My order of mods is kinda like this:
Rims/Basic Audio -> Performance -> Exterior Cosmetic
Intertior Cosmetic (like changing the color of the LEDs) is mixed in there somewhere.
But first, I gotta decide what car! lol
So far, it looks like I need to drive: Baja, Mazda 3, and then Mazda 6, Forester XT, and Accord for the heck of it. (And of course, the WRX again.)
I and my parents thought about the Accord, then it kinda phased out; they started leaning more towards the Civic. Damn to I hate riced out Civics. *cries*
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 23
From: Leicester, East Midlands
Mazda 3
I say definately give a look to the mazda3 and mazdaspeed protege. I'm a junior in college and I have an integra GS-R(200,000 miles 
) right now, and if I had a choice I'd be getting a 3 in the near future. The interior is gorgeous, good stereo, GREAT handling on the S, and enough power for my taste - 160 hp 150 tq.
The mazdaspeed protege is also good, a little more bland on the interior, but also a little faster, turbocharged, better handling, and has a better stereo. I like the option of getting a wagon though.
My father is picking up a 2004 WRX wagon for himself soon, so when I drive that my opinion may change, however.
P.S. Definately learn how to drive stick. My first car was a 99 Subaru Impreza, and it was auto. My Acura is a stick. It's a world of difference and it's fun too.
) right now, and if I had a choice I'd be getting a 3 in the near future. The interior is gorgeous, good stereo, GREAT handling on the S, and enough power for my taste - 160 hp 150 tq.The mazdaspeed protege is also good, a little more bland on the interior, but also a little faster, turbocharged, better handling, and has a better stereo. I like the option of getting a wagon though.
My father is picking up a 2004 WRX wagon for himself soon, so when I drive that my opinion may change, however.
P.S. Definately learn how to drive stick. My first car was a 99 Subaru Impreza, and it was auto. My Acura is a stick. It's a world of difference and it's fun too.
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For the price of a SPEED Protege (and since it's turbo and whatnot), I might as well get a WRX. Especially since the WRX is better.
The Mazda3 is definitely seeming like the prime alternative (if my parents officially shoot down the WRX). I can get it all (including leather and navigation system) for 23 auto. I'm still waiting for anyone to teach me to drive a stick; I really think I'd prefer it. I haven't been driving much, so my mind hasn't fallen dependant on the auto-trans doing all the work.
I've decided that along with a new head unit as a first "mod," I'd like to get some new rims. However, I think a new head unit is first on the list--which bring the CD Change issue back at hand.
But it is definitely looking like: shoot for the WRX and have the Mz3 to fall back on. Hmm...
Is there any place that'll teach me to drive a manual; I think I'll be waiting forever if I wait for my father or aunt to teach me like they said they would.
The Mazda3 is definitely seeming like the prime alternative (if my parents officially shoot down the WRX). I can get it all (including leather and navigation system) for 23 auto. I'm still waiting for anyone to teach me to drive a stick; I really think I'd prefer it. I haven't been driving much, so my mind hasn't fallen dependant on the auto-trans doing all the work.
I've decided that along with a new head unit as a first "mod," I'd like to get some new rims. However, I think a new head unit is first on the list--which bring the CD Change issue back at hand.
But it is definitely looking like: shoot for the WRX and have the Mz3 to fall back on. Hmm...
Is there any place that'll teach me to drive a manual; I think I'll be waiting forever if I wait for my father or aunt to teach me like they said they would.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 89
I picked up my 04 wagon for 22k...
If you're going auto - I'd lean towards the Mazda3... it's much more of a get in and drive kind of car, with a helluva lot more refined interior - no one will be impressed with the rex interior, especially not the ladies...
You don't seem to have the attitude of a WRX driver - but I'm guessing that's just because you're not much of a driver/have little driving experience - which is just because you're young.
Don't get the auto just because you don't know how to drive stick, once you've got that 23k worth of car in the driveway I'm sure your Dad will teach you the day the car comes home - and it won't take more than a day to learn.
As far as audio goes - for some lightweight modification put some 6.5s in the front doors and replace the stock 6 disc with an alpine/eclipse unit. ~$150 if you pick the equipment up used off of ebay. The stock audio is crap, and the 'upgraded' audio system is terrible value for the money.
If you're going auto - I'd lean towards the Mazda3... it's much more of a get in and drive kind of car, with a helluva lot more refined interior - no one will be impressed with the rex interior, especially not the ladies...
You don't seem to have the attitude of a WRX driver - but I'm guessing that's just because you're not much of a driver/have little driving experience - which is just because you're young.
Don't get the auto just because you don't know how to drive stick, once you've got that 23k worth of car in the driveway I'm sure your Dad will teach you the day the car comes home - and it won't take more than a day to learn.
As far as audio goes - for some lightweight modification put some 6.5s in the front doors and replace the stock 6 disc with an alpine/eclipse unit. ~$150 if you pick the equipment up used off of ebay. The stock audio is crap, and the 'upgraded' audio system is terrible value for the money.