modest performance, modest insurance, less than 20k$, does it exist?

[S2CorollaR]

Hi...

I'm pretty tapped out on what to do...

I need a car sub 20k$. I don't want it to be a gas guzzler. It doesn't have to be bang/buck. I know that an LS1 or 4.6 liter Mustang would give the best power per dollar, but that's not what I'm looking for.

The problem is, I most likely have to go used if I want to get a good insurance rate and I want it to have good gas milage. Performance IS an issue though. I want something that's 15.7 or faster-worthy.

These are the cars I have on potential so far in the used market.

1998-2001 Honda Prelude 5 speed non-SH.

1998-2001 Acura Integra GSR 2 door

2000 (Not 2001) Toyota Celica GTS 6 speed

2002(?) Mazdaspeed Protege

From what I've read, Spec V's have a horrible build and have to be babied to run strongly and not have any break downs or quick wear. I also know first hand that 2002 Civic Si's and 2001+ Celica GTS's don't perform as well as they're advertised. Acura RSX Type S is potential but it'd be hard to find a used one that isn't driven to hell.

As you can see, I'm going into Sport Compact area of ownership, I'm also going through dealership and I don't like older cars, so please don't suggest something ridiculous like a 92 Mustang 5.0 and fixing it up, or a 92-95 Civic with motor swap. I want something that performs decent but isn't ridiculous to drive.

I've also looked into the following new cars, but I have no idea how they fare as far as insurance.

Dodge Neon SRT4 (The insurance and the attraction of police are what's concerning me the most about this vehicle. I hate cops and I know they'd look at this car the minute they spotted it, watching my every move.)

Toyota Corolla XRS (The power train is very attractive, but I'm not sure if the looks of the car would wear out on me fast)

The Prelude is one of the best to me so far, because I really really wanted one back in 2001, but I didn't have a good trade in amount at-hand, so I had to pick something cheaper. I like the GSR, but the circle lights at the front are always a turn off. I don't need something that has massive aftermarket potential, which is why I still listed the GTS. I will do mod's later down the line as I get extra money, but I'm not one of those, "9 second street car, pink slips baby" kind of enthusiasts. I see myself going to the track every now and then for fun, but the only time I'd really take advantage of the performance is way out in the country with my friends or on the freeway occasionally.

Links and other info are not necessary but will greatly be appreciated.

[kman10587]

The Celica is a good choice, but they're kinda pricey and tough to find. The performance is great and the reliability is top-notch, however.

I'd stay away from the Sentra SE-R Spec V. Reliability is very hit-or-miss, torque steer is a big problem on the Spec V models, and the build quality just isn't there like it is in most Japanese products. The bang-for-buck is very good, though.

The Prelude is an excellent car, but it's also very expensive, and insurance will be higher on it than anything else you have listed. Gas mileage isn't as good as most sport compacts either.

The Integra GS-R would be my first pick. Gas mileage is very good, performance is great, and it's very reliable and easy to live with, as is any Acura/Honda product.

The Protege is a fun little car, but the build quality isn't up there with Toyota and Honda, and the performance is lacking unless you have the turbocharged MAZDASPEED version.

Don't get the SRT-4 unless performance is your main priority. It'll run low 14's all day, but gas mileage and insurance are horrible compared to other cars in that price range, and yes, cops will follow you around all day.

[Neutrino]

What about a Scion Tc. 16K brand new with tons of options for the money, not to mention excellent quality. And with the optional TRD supercharger you'll have 200hp factory warranty and still be under 20K

[landshark155mph]

Originally Posted by S2CorollaR

Hi...

I'm pretty tapped out on what to do...

I need a car sub 20k$. I don't want it to be a gas guzzler. It doesn't have to be bang/buck. I know that an LS1 or 4.6 liter Mustang would give the best power per dollar, but that's not what I'm looking for.

The problem is, I most likely have to go used if I want to get a good insurance rate and I want it to have good gas milage. Performance IS an issue though. I want something that's 15.7 or faster-worthy.

These are the cars I have on potential so far in the used market.

1998-2001 Honda Prelude 5 speed non-SH.

1998-2001 Acura Integra GSR 2 door

2000 (Not 2001) Toyota Celica GTS 6 speed

2002(?) Mazdaspeed Protege

From what I've read, Spec V's have a horrible build and have to be babied to run strongly and not have any break downs or quick wear. I also know first hand that 2002 Civic Si's and 2001+ Celica GTS's don't perform as well as they're advertised. Acura RSX Type S is potential but it'd be hard to find a used one that isn't driven to hell.

As you can see, I'm going into Sport Compact area of ownership, I'm also going through dealership and I don't like older cars, so please don't suggest something ridiculous like a 92 Mustang 5.0 and fixing it up, or a 92-95 Civic with motor swap. I want something that performs decent but isn't ridiculous to drive.

I've also looked into the following new cars, but I have no idea how they fare as far as insurance.

Dodge Neon SRT4 (The insurance and the attraction of police are what's concerning me the most about this vehicle. I hate cops and I know they'd look at this car the minute they spotted it, watching my every move.)

Toyota Corolla XRS (The power train is very attractive, but I'm not sure if the looks of the car would wear out on me fast)

The Prelude is one of the best to me so far, because I really really wanted one back in 2001, but I didn't have a good trade in amount at-hand, so I had to pick something cheaper. I like the GSR, but the circle lights at the front are always a turn off. I don't need something that has massive aftermarket potential, which is why I still listed the GTS. I will do mod's later down the line as I get extra money, but I'm not one of those, "9 second street car, pink slips baby" kind of enthusiasts. I see myself going to the track every now and then for fun, but the only time I'd really take advantage of the performance is way out in the country with my friends or on the freeway occasionally.

Links and other info are not necessary but will greatly be appreciated.

what about a 6-speed 03 tiburon they seem cheap and respond mods very well.

[NISSANSPDR]

GSR is a great choice but not very original...but lighter and quicker than the Prelude...

The Celica is light and quick but not a great aftermarket...the GSR's is HUGE!!!

The Mazdaspeed Protegé is a great choice...original, handles amazing, and good power...

It's up to you...GSR or M-Speed Protegé

Personally...a GSR you cant go wrong...but watch out for ppl who want to jack your ride for the engine, mods, whatever...Honda's are big targets for car theft...

Mazdaspeed Pro is a lil under the radar and really underrated in my book...

[S2CorollaR]

I kind of wanted to avoid V6's, but yeah I know the Tiburon responds well to mods. I love how they look stock too, but insurance/gas milage are my big leaners right now.

Question, is there an exhaust for GSR that wouldn't be ridiculously loud?

:EDIT:

Yeah... I think the Mazdaspeed is really nice, the problem is it's hard to get a black one, which is kind of the color I'm leaning toward.

To be honest I rate the Mazdaspeed above the GSR because it's not as common and handles like a dream, stock.

[kman10587]

Ignore that guy, he suggests the Tiburon in every thread he posts in. The Tiburon is heavy, unreliable, and bad on gas mileage. Forget about it.

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by S2CorollaR

Question, is there an exhaust for GSR that wouldn't be ridiculously loud?

Yeah... I think the Mazdaspeed is really nice, the problem is it's hard to get a black one, which is kind of the color I'm leaning toward. To be honest I rate the Mazdaspeed above the GSR because it's not as common and handles like a dream, stock.

I am sure there is an exhaust that is not so bad...if you ask around on a GS-R friendly forum board...I am sure you will get plenty of ppl who can tell you their experiences. Worst comes to worst...you can always get 2.5 in' piping and use the stock exhaust.

As for the MS Pro, I totally agree w/you...cuz it's what I said

[johnny2quick]

Originally Posted by kman10587

The Celica is a good choice, but they're kinda pricey and tough to find.

nope. try newcelica.org

a 2000 gt-s can be had for ~$11K and there is a new company coming with performance parts that will bring the celica to new heights in performance

i love my 2000 gt-s. i got screwed on the deal and still wouldn't get rid of it.

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by johnny2quick

a new company coming with performance parts that will bring the celica to new heights in performance

What heights..? Elaborate

[S2CorollaR]

Hmm, a few things. When I look at the #'s in magazines and private owners, a lot of Prelude H22A owners pull out really low 15's out of their 'lude stock manual transmission. A lot of the GSR's I see on the other hand are really spikey as far as stock times. Some run 15.2-ish times, others are deep in 15.7's. The general consensus I get from Honda owners is that Prelude's are faster on the flop but the B18C responds better to mods. If I wanted the best mildy modded performance and "out of box" performance, would I be better off with the Prelude versus Integra GSR?

I'm just trying to narrow down my choices.

[Jetts]

i would take the scion tc with the trd supercharger

[S2CorollaR]

Isn't it like 18,000 with the optional TRD supercharger? 18k compared to 15.5 for a Prelude is a hell of a difference. Not to mention it hasn't been out long, there aren't any year-long owners that have given word about its durability. I haven't heard word of mouth from owners about it confirming its credibility.

Has anyone even commented on its performance #'s or gas milage with the SuperCharger? How high is the insurance? What other options does it have other than the supercharger?

Like I said in my earlier post, I'm not in this for just speed. If I were, I would get a Camaro Z28 or a Trans Am.

[kman10587]

I'd go with the Integra over the Prelude, simply because it's lighter, cheaper, and has a bigger aftermarket. The Prelude is probably a little bit faster, but the Integra is more practical when it comes to gas mileage, insurance, and maintenance.

[k3smostwanted]

well, you also have to consider that the scion TC is going to come with a warrantee. beings its toyota i wouldnt doubt it would be as long as 3-5 years, maybe more. also, it has numerous amount of features that are standard. this isnt to detour you away from what you like. just bringing some added info into the mix.

between the prelude and the GSR. i would take the prelude solely based on looks because like you said before, performance is not everything, in which case i think the prelude and GSR are pretty evenly matched when it comes to performace so i would move onto looks. i love the sleek lines of the prelude and the GSR just seem too ordinary to me.

EDIT: looked up some stuff from the official scion website of the TC. 3 year 36,000 mile warantee on the car itself. 5 year 60,000 mile warantee on the power train. plus other numerous warantees on paint and stuff. ill let you take a look at the stuff that comes standard (pw, pl, panoramic roof, etc.) also, you can get a bunch of other extra things like 18" wheels that look nice IMO. not trying to sound like a scion tc sales person or anything but IMO, it is the best buy for under $20,000 http://scion.com/drive/gallery/drive_tc_gallery.html