Fun and practical for $20 or less...

Considering some new cars that have some decent fun factor while meeting my requirements.

I'm game for anything that meets these requirements used or new:

1- Runs 13s in the 1/4 and 5-6sec 0-60 times (turboed Miata, SRT-4, WRX will all do this, not sure on Hybrid Civic Hatch)

2- gets 30mpg Highway (In order of best MPG-> Civic <depending on engine u swap in>, SRT-4, Miata, WRX)

3- reliable (in no particular order...SRT-4-> unproven American made, but proven engine in Mexico and built for turbo, but possible clutch problems. Miata-> turboing an engine that isn't built for it, but has been proven to be bullet-proof up to 12PSI in most cases. WRX-> tranny problems when ridden hard, those could be speculation. Technology used in rallying for long time. Civic-> reliable as long as u swap in a newish motor, has N/A going for it)

4- sleeper (Civic and miata best sleepers)

5- possibly storage space for a trip once in awhile or carry GF's dog in the back (Miata will have trouble with this, then civic hatch, then SRT-4 & WRX, <do backseats fold down 4 these?> then WRX wagon)

6- $20k or less (Miata and Civic hatch be cheapest way to go, but most likely would have to pay for someone to swap the engine in the civic, turbo I could do. then used WRX, then new SRT-4, then new WRX)

7- Warranty (SRT-4 & WRX have them, in the end if it's ultra reliable it doesn't matter I guess but who wouldn't like a car with a warranty if possible?)

I'm open to any other cars that meet my requirements. My rankings/opinions were based just off what I've read so no flames pls. If u have more info all is welcome. If u are referencing the Civic or Miata pls. specify the Turbo/SC u'd use or the specific engine u'd throw in the civic.

Thanks!


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I hate to sound like a broken record, but for the price you can't beat the SRT-4. No hybrid Civic will run 13s without a lot of modification.

out of the cars you listed I would take the SRT4 folowed by a used wrx

both will have factory waranty...are by far the most practical...and are already turbocharged

one thing though for 20k the WRX will be used....so even though it might have waranty you always risk previous abuse or unproper break in


and about clutch and tranny problems for the srt and wrx....those are caused by kids that drag race the snot out of them and don't know how to use properly a manual...the evos have the same problem

The SRT-4 by far. It is quick, it looks pretty good, and it is an awesome buy for the $$$. If you wanted to spend a bit more, you may want to go for a Lexus IS, or BMW 325 or 330, but for under 20 grand, the Dodge SRT-4 would be my first pick.

SRT-4, Great outta the factory, very fast, bang for the buck....

Boost > VTEC

(WRX would be my next choice)

definately WRX, they are faster than a mustang cobra in road race and 1/4 mile so your plenty quick there, AWD which is incredibly nice to have and gets you off the line like none other. Then its get 4 doors even, its a subaru which isn't top notch but deffinately isn't bad thats for sure, and even if the clutch goes out, that just means you get to put in a better one! thats what happened to my rx-7 :) your girlfriend and her dog would love it. I know 2 people that own them and they say they've never driven anything they liked more, so thats my thoughts on the issue so I hope it helps

definately WRX, they are faster than a mustang cobra in road race and 1/4 mile so your plenty quick there, AWD which is incredibly nice to have and gets you off the line like none other. Then its get 4 doors even, its a subaru which isn't top notch but deffinately isn't bad thats for sure, and even if the clutch goes out, that just means you get to put in a better one! thats what happened to my rx-7 :) your girlfriend and her dog would love it. I know 2 people that own them and they say they've never driven anything they liked more, so thats my thoughts on the issue so I hope it helps



you are confusing the WRX with the WRX STI...huge difference there

second i know you are refering to the recent hot rod article(sti vs 03 cobra)...i did not find it very surprising that the sti won the road course....but the sti winning the 1/4 mile againts the cobra was quite weird :eek7:

yea the sti is what I'm talking about, and yes the hot rod magazine is also what I'm talking about, I think the main reason the WRX won was because of the AWD, it had a much better launch even though its torque can't compare with the Cobra. plus the turbo on the STI makes it great at high revs.

yea the sti is what I'm talking about, and yes the hot rod magazine is also what I'm talking about, I think the main reason the WRX won was because of the AWD, it had a much better launch even though its torque can't compare with the Cobra. plus the turbo on the STI makes it great at high revs.


problem with the sti is that is out of the original posters price range...otherwise its an awesome car

btw you should see the outcry in the svt forums about that article...many of them even cancelled their subscriptions to hot rod:lol2:

the srt-4 has the best performance for the money and people may not know what u are capable of until you line up

the srt-4 has the best performance for the money and people may not know what u are capable of until you line up


Yes...Absolutley :biggrin: :p