Lately Iv been thinking a lot about getting a newer car. I forgot how long winter is around here and I dont think I can handle another winter driving my daily driver(2000 Mazda Protege). I know a daily driver isnt suppose to be fun but I just cant take it anymore. So I have been thinking about getting a newer car, something AWD and turbocharged, which leaves two options, WRX (STI) or EVO Unless I take a decent sized loan I cant afford the STI or EVO so most likely a 2002-2004 WRX. Anything over 17-18k and I might as well spend the extra $$ and get an EVO.

So the plan would be to trade in my Mazda towards a WRX, then after I drive it for a while decide if I should sell my Z and use that money to pay off the Wrex... I just really want everyones opinion on what I should do. Im going to be living in Maine for a long time and I need something fun for winters. Also I have a pretty good idea about what the aftermarket is like for these cars but if anyone has any aditional info I would greatly apreciate it.

Also, do you think its worth the extra $$ to get an EVO or STI?

Heres a few I am looking at...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...el=&cardist=53

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ce=&cardist=36

http://autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/deta...lU3my7w7kCUcUF


Thanks in advance.
Rob

 

Hmmm Sti Unless Its The Evo Iiiv Mr

 

dude... just get an 02 WRX... they are fast and 2.0 9litre engines.... the beast of a car in the WRC is the same 2.0 litre. only diff in the STI is its a 2.5 and a lil mor boost... no big.. its a rip... and 02 WRX's are dirt cheap right now.. they depreciate like a ****... you can get one for 12-14k easy.... just get an 02 REX

 

id keep the z car tho, and buy the subaru. the z can be a project, autox car, whatever. cars in that condition like yours are hard to find.

 

^^^ What He Said, If You Can Get A 02 Rex Then Go With That. I Wnat Those Head Lights Off Of The Wrc Though.

 

Ever considered a SRT-4? They're not AWD but FWD.....I live in Illinois and mine does fine in the snow...and its a blast to drive in any weather conditions. You could probably get a '03 or '04 for $12,000- $14,000. The only down side is gas mileage...don't expect higher than upper teens. Just another option...if you're looking for a fun AWD or FWD all weather vehicle....

 

< shiver ... shiver >

Please don't buy a "turbo neon" I will disown you as a ZDriver friend. The world needs less SRT-4's. FWD is great for Granny's grocery getter, and teenage chicks.

Maybe I've just grown out of the rice rocket age (not that I ever liked them) but my idea of a nice daily driver is this (which could be mine for $16.9k or less):

http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/car/270926860.html








It's about rollin in class, having plenty of power, and still have a hella fun time driving it.

 

Thanks a lot guys , value all your opions. Like I said I plan to keep my car, unless I like the Wrex alot better. And as for the SRT4, Iv just never been a huge fan and couldnt see myself driving one. But very nice 350Z!! A newer Z would be my first choice if they were good in the winter.

I took my dad's truck out(3/4 ton HD Chevy w/ 6.0L Vortech, Hypertech reprogrammer and K&N FIPK) Its relatively quick(for a truck) and it was pretty fun. I cant imagine a WRX! Iv been looking and 04' STI can be found from $22k-$26k pretty easily, is it worth the extra money? It would be nice to get something was a warranty.

 

Dont worry Nismo, I respect SRT's but would never consider one haha. And very nice BIMMER!! Iv always been a BMW fan, my dream is to be a BMW Technician

 

HAHA Nismo...I was never a big SRT-4 fan either but like KTM200-280ZXT, I wanted a fun all-weather vehicle....I originally wanted a Evo or an STi but they're too expensive....so I was left with the Neon.....

 

Thanks man. Definitely not recommended for all-weather use though...I found out the hard way....

 

hmm. I talked to the parents and it seems like they will probably cosign for me. I told them I was going to be spending about 15k. But....... Im really thinking about buying an STI or EVO. Who knows if I will go through with this is or not, but it seems like I have my parents OK which I figured would be the hardest part.

Now for EVO vs STI. From what I have read...
STI...
More brute power, feels like modern muscle car. Well built, more reliable, strong car. Good daily car. Sounds amazing!
EVO...
Very cheap power, better warranty, handles amazing. Slightly less power from factory but very cheap to make fast. Not as good to drive everday, stiff suspension, feels like true race car. Not nearly as well built as the STI. Motor is easier to work on.

Decisions, Decisions...........

 

OHH ya, this is a great write up..
http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/showthread.php?t=130547

Seems like it really comes down to preference.

 

EVO is much better choice than the STI... the 4G63 power plant has been around for almost 20 years now... parts are redily available and very cheap... its EVO or WRX no sti not worth it... its all talk

 

trust me i have friends that own both... i know alot about teh evo and enough abou teh WRX

 

Both the STI and EVO are great cars to drive. I would prefer the STI just for the looks myself (03-05 model). A 2 to 5 year old, 300hp, AWD car is definitely worth the $22-25k in my book. I've ridden in an STI that runs low 12s and that was just insane. It embarassed stock 350z quite thoroughly (on the street ). And you already know how great it will be in the snow.

 

hmmm. I have been thinking about it alot the last couple days. Definately not a decision Im going to make in a rush. I know that if I do get an EVO or even an STI I am probably going to end up selling my car even though Ill get raped if I ever do sell it. So the way I look at it is bascially like this, would I rather have my car or an EVO(downside would obviously be the big price tag)

Thanks again everyone for your opinions, it really helps
Rob

 

then just get an 02 WRX you save LOTS of money and most likely enough so you can keep your Z... its the best of both worlds.... why doesnt any one listen !!!! lol... i would say evo other wise.. STI jsut has to much of its own problems

 

My problem is there is no way I would be able to not modify it. Iv driven stock WRX's, not impressive what so ever. This is so damn confusing

Has anyone on here driven an EVO, how does it compare to the average Z, as far as handling and all around performance/drivability?

 

evo is one of the better handling vehicle out there... ever watch top gear? it rated VERY high... abouve alot of porches... very easy to modify... not very pricey.. like i said.. that motor has been around for almost 20 years now so parts are EVERY WHERE!!!! so if you HAVE to choose between an sti and an evo... go evo.. but you can mod WRX's easily... you just gotta relocate that damn top mount intercooler to a front mount and vuwala.... there the motor!

 

Heh, heh.... vvvvvvv That's my daily Driver!

 

evo'll blow up on you. not a matter of if, but when. STI is hype, damn thing doesnt even have a radio. for once, i actually agree with snw. get the '02 WRX. or even better, get a subaru JUSTY!!!!!!!

 

EVO WONT BLOW UP!!!!! entropy... if there anything in this world i know more about than anyone on this site its the 4G63 and DSM world... its the worl i was brought up in where i learned to love cars and then there was the Z... its an all iron block with forged internals. i had a friend that ran 30 psi on non forged internals int eh first gen talon's for over 2 years until he decided to rebuild it... parts are off the hook they are a hella strong car especially the MR with the gear box is much stronger... stock eclipses come with a 14G evos with the 16 i believe and the evo !! is where the big 16G is from they also have a high flowing exhaust manifold.. the motor was designed to be a desiel motor so its built pretty damn invincible... the 2nd gen motors were 6 bolt's i believe and suffered from what was known as crank walk... they fixed this with the introduction of the evo in the US. it has no problems... parts are every where... driveline is pretty damn sturdy... AMS built a track car out of an evo at 800 hp believe and holds the track record here at this new road course they designed for all these rich ****'s... but they hodl the record over the races they race in so its not liek they are just beating reach folk stock ferrari times.... any who... your getting rid of a mazda... and your gonna complain about the WRX!?!?! lol.... idk dude.. im tellin yah though.. evo is best choice for all around car... but i say keep the Z get the 02 rex... you can modify them.. its like a Z32.. you just gotta learn... then you can have your Z and another fun and pretty quick car that has room for improvment.. plus that horizontaly apposd 4 banger sounds pretty mean...

 

hmm. Iv been reading alot about base model WRX's. It seems like a change my mind every 5 minutes!!
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...el=&cardist=53
I really like this one. Im thinking if I just buy it as a DD and see how I like it. If it seems like a better car then the Z then maybe I will invest my money into that. hmmm. All that I know is I really have to think about this before I make any big decisions.

Thanks again
Rob

 

EVO will blow up........