Looking for a new car...possibly

[speedjunkie]

My buddy got an '09 Tundra with the TRD Supercharger kit. He's putting down close to 500whp/500tq in that thing. Sure it weighs a lot, but it can haul just about anything and the interior is so f'n nice.

I've looked at those new Tundras, they look good and all, but I REALLY can't afford all that haha, much less with a supercharger haha. I did see some older Tundras last night though. I might go back and ask about them.

What about a Ford Fusion AWD? I've been looking at getting a Jeep Liberty myself. We need to get the wifes car paid off first.

Someone else told me about the Fusion AWD. I didn't even know they made one.

[94R2CSprings]

Speedjunkie,
I have an RX7 and a MS6 for a daily driver - I used to have an EVO and I had a WRX before that. For what its worth, I really enjoy the MS6 as a daily driver and it complements the RX7 very well. Low mileage ones can be had for as low as $16K. I've had mine for a month and really enjoy it - the low end torque is great around town (though it doesn't have the top end that our 7's have). I'm going to get the AP. Overall its a really well rounded car and it handles great too. The sound system is great and its pretty quiet on a good road. To each his own though . . .

[roninsoldier83]

If you're looking at a used MS6, another car to keep in mind would be the last generation Subaru Legacy GT. It's like a slightly tamer, roomier, more grown up version of a WRX/STI. They're typically in the same price range as a MS6. Both AWD, sporty sedans with decent power, and if you're looking for more utility, the LGT also comes in a wagon. Just a thought.

[94R2CSprings]

I test drove a Legacy GT Spec B and it was nice, but I couldn't justify the $10K extra. I think they might be more expensive b/c they have better reliability. I'd say it had bit more turbo lag than the MS6 at low RPM but its definitely something to consider as an alternative to the MS6. Edmunds inside line has a Spec B vs MS6 comparison on their website thats was pretty interesting.

[kingtut]

Anyone see the new SHO? Twin turbo AWD... Not that this is an option for a second car, lol. Too expensive for my blood.

[tbot]

you forgot to mention 360 somethin HP lol

[Obie2kenobe]

I know that Saturns are selling at 40-60% off right now, which is an amazing deal. The hard part is that most of the employees are snagging them up. If you haven't looked into the Saturns though I would suggest at least taking a look.

[chickenwafer]

^That's good info, my girlfriend's car is a 2006 Saturn Ion sedan and it's pretty nice. Yeah, it's nothing special but during the move here from Arizona it averaged 41mpg the whole way (Prius eat your heart out, haha!).

Not to mention buying the Saturn and the overall dealership experience (sales, service, etc) was/is the best I've had to date. No pressure, no BS, just good customer service. Sad it's going away now...

The Ion has been bullet proof reliable except for the air conditioning compressor going out (under warranty with only 1000 miles left!). It's a pretty common problem. Also another common problem with Ion/Cobalt's is the electric power steering- the motor will overheat and the system will just shut off. Good news is you can stop the car, turn off the engine wait 60 seconds and it works again. It's only happened twice in the GF's car but I've heard it happens more to others. Sometimes it blows the fuse for the power steering.

We also had tire issues but it due to my girlfriend's complete lack of checking her tires air pressures...they were down to 19psi! 3 eventually blew so we replaced all with Kuhmo's and good to go....

Overall I really like Saturn's- it's actually got some pep for a little 4-banger 5-speed that's tuned for fuel economy. I secretly want to put a nitrous kit on it haha.

[speedjunkie]

Just for the record, I actually test drove an NA Legacy (08) and a Legacy GT (05) and the GT had some great power, especially compared to the NA. However, I had decided on a truck but for the moment I think I'm going to wait until after winter. Thanks for the input folks.

[RX-7 Chris]

^That's good info, my girlfriend's car is a 2006 Saturn Ion sedan and it's pretty nice. Yeah, it's nothing special but during the move here from Arizona it averaged 41mpg the whole way (Prius eat your heart out, haha!).

Not to mention buying the Saturn and the overall dealership experience (sales, service, etc) was/is the best I've had to date. No pressure, no BS, just good customer service. Sad it's going away now...

The Ion has been bullet proof reliable except for the air conditioning compressor going out (under warranty with only 1000 miles left!). It's a pretty common problem. Also another common problem with Ion/Cobalt's is the electric power steering- the motor will overheat and the system will just shut off. Good news is you can stop the car, turn off the engine wait 60 seconds and it works again. It's only happened twice in the GF's car but I've heard it happens more to others. Sometimes it blows the fuse for the power steering.

We also had tire issues but it due to my girlfriend's complete lack of checking her tires air pressures...they were down to 19psi! 3 eventually blew so we replaced all with Kuhmo's and good to go....

Overall I really like Saturn's- it's actually got some pep for a little 4-banger 5-speed that's tuned for fuel economy. I secretly want to put a nitrous kit on it haha.

Very true. My wife has an 2003 L200 and it has been a great car overall. And overall dealership experience was also great.

[chickenwafer]

Just for the record, I actually test drove an NA Legacy (08) and a Legacy GT (05) and the GT had some great power, especially compared to the NA. However, I had decided on a truck but for the moment I think I'm going to wait until after winter. Thanks for the input folks.

Truck is a good route...that's what I did. I snagged a 1993 Ford F-350 5-speed 4x4 with a 460 big block for only $2k. It will get me anywhere I need to go.....at -4 miles per gallon haha!!

[Tyler [S5 FC]]

87 Landcruiser FTMFW!!!!

[speedjunkie]

Truck is a good route...that's what I did. I snagged a 1993 Ford F-350 5-speed 4x4 with a 460 big block for only $2k. It will get me anywhere I need to go.....at -4 miles per gallon haha!!

Well that's something too, I'd like something that gets better than 4mpg hahaha. I don't really need an F350 either actually. But 4X4, something where I can fit more people in the back (whether it's a full 4 doors or the suicide doors), and a good size bed with decent gas mileage for a truck...that's what I'm looking for.

]87 Landcruiser FTMFW!!!!

That would be cool, but I'd like to have an actual bed on the bad, for hauling the nasty stuff like trannies and engines. No, not transexuals, you pervert. LOL

[rmeeker13]

I traded my 05 1500 crewcab shortbox chevy for my ms6...car does great in the snow with supporting tires! It gets old driving a pickup! I drive a F250 everyday for the last 6 years for work, needed something fun to drive i have to shift!

[chickenwafer]

I have decided on what my next DD will be. The F-350 is a bitch on fuel so I'm thinking of selling it for something a little more thrifty on fuel.

My minimum requirements were all-wheel/4-wheel drive, decent cargo room since I need it to haul stuff occasionally- even project cars, and decent fuel mileage. Having a little pep wouldn't hurt, either.

I finally decided on a Subaru Forester XT, model year from 2004-07. They use basically the same 2.5L Boxer enigne found in the STi but with a WRX snail, much more restrictive exhaust and induction system, and less boost (peak is under 12psi). So by just bolting on an STi VF39 turbo, STi top mount intercooler and up-pipe, aftermarket catless downpipe and exhaust system (with single cat), and a reflash of the ECU by Cobb (04 Forester XTs can use the 04 STi ECU, it just plugs right in and runs more timing/boost) can yield 280-300awhp and 325-350 ft-lbs of torque! All for under $1,000 in parts.

It gets better, too, because the XT can accept any 2004 STi parts (apparently hubs changed after '04) so you can bolt on 04 STi coilovers, brakes, sways, etc. I think I would rock it with some 04 STi BBS 17" wheels with a nice spacer...LOL my projects never end!

Anyways just wanted to share what I think is a great, functional sleeper. It's got 4 doors, cargo capacity to spare, averages anywhere from 24-29mpg depending on how much boost you get into, and it actually weights 10-lbs LESS than an STi! So you can run quicker than your average STi for cheap. Used examples go from anywhere from $12k for a high mileage XT to $18k for a clean one loaded with heated leather power seats, power moonroof, Bose sound, etc.