Forrester XT turbo sleeper. Brian knows his stuff
What would you buy ~$30k Performance car
- Thread starter kcryan
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The sensor config shouldn't make much difference in summer. What happens in hotter temps is the intercoolers heat saturate quickly and/or the intake air temp stays too high through the system and the charge density drops.
Some guys will use water sprayers to try to keep the intercooler temps down, but much above 80F and it gets really hard. The AC use only adds to the problem, depending on the intercooler and/or plumbing placement.
Some guys will use water sprayers to try to keep the intercooler temps down, but much above 80F and it gets really hard. The AC use only adds to the problem, depending on the intercooler and/or plumbing placement.
Ah but it did. I'm aware of heat soak and the like but that's not what this was. I have a much less efficient IC on my 9-5 and it does much better than an uprated Viggen IC that I swapped into my 900. I'm not whiz at the electronics part but it's pretty common knowledge and learned experience that the switch to MAF fixed many folks summer woes. The 1st 9-3 was essentially the same car as the 94-98 900 except for engine mgt.
The downside of the switch was you could no longer just throw on an MBC and have 15 psi of safe boost pressure. On the newer saabs, anything beyond the programmed parameters gives you instant "limp home mode." Any major hardware upgrade requires a reflash just to work.
As for the Forester XT, yep, definate sleeper.
I' not going back through the 4 pages to check but has anyone mentioned the Honda S2000? It's a convertible but RWD.
Doh! Yep, sure did. OP on page #1, post #1. Dang me and my memory.
The original post specified no gas guzzlers.
Incorrect.
Auto manufactor's nearly bankrupted themselves several years ago with extended warranty offerings. They lost millions.
Before offering the new powertrain warranty, Ford researched the quality and dependability of their vehicles to ensure they wouldn't repeat their mistakes.
It is no different then the manufactors increasing the OCI on all new vehicles. While many traditionalists will call foul, there will be a day when 5k oil change intervals are the norm for severe duty use. Would they just pull those numbers out of a hat for a marketing ploy, or research cost/benefit?
Auto manufactor's nearly bankrupted themselves several years ago with extended warranty offerings. They lost millions.
Before offering the new powertrain warranty, Ford researched the quality and dependability of their vehicles to ensure they wouldn't repeat their mistakes.
It is no different then the manufactors increasing the OCI on all new vehicles. While many traditionalists will call foul, there will be a day when 5k oil change intervals are the norm for severe duty use. Would they just pull those numbers out of a hat for a marketing ploy, or research cost/benefit?
What mileage would a S4 get (the 4.2 ones)
Going back to ford (i knew id cause controversy with that statement)
I really have trouble trusting american cars today, the last 2 ive had (cirrus and catera) have both been a headache, and i really wont trust them until they prove themselves again, not to mention the fact that i think (for the most part) that the quality of materials they use isnt up to par with their jappenese/european counterparts. Its fine if you disagree with me, i disagree with people on lots of stuff, but unless i can get a real real nice car (mabye some special mustang, loaded over the top, GT, V8 and so on, for really really cheap, then id consider it, but i dont see that coming anytime soon)
Anyways guys, sorry for the little rant there.
One question i think i know the answer to but will ask anyways whats the reliabliity of a M3 vs a S4 (both used both 2001-2003ish, or whatever fits my wallet and other specs)
Thanks guys
Going back to ford (i knew id cause controversy with that statement)
I really have trouble trusting american cars today, the last 2 ive had (cirrus and catera) have both been a headache, and i really wont trust them until they prove themselves again, not to mention the fact that i think (for the most part) that the quality of materials they use isnt up to par with their jappenese/european counterparts. Its fine if you disagree with me, i disagree with people on lots of stuff, but unless i can get a real real nice car (mabye some special mustang, loaded over the top, GT, V8 and so on, for really really cheap, then id consider it, but i dont see that coming anytime soon)
Anyways guys, sorry for the little rant there.
One question i think i know the answer to but will ask anyways whats the reliabliity of a M3 vs a S4 (both used both 2001-2003ish, or whatever fits my wallet and other specs)
Thanks guys
K, thanks brian
This thread has me glued to my computer screen, keep it coming guys, it has given me a bunch of new ideas and new directions to go on when the c240 finnaly says goodbye (cant come soon enough)
Also, not that it should matter (esspescially considering whatever i end up with will be babied beyond belief, getting only the best in fluids and filters and so on) but i do plan to own this car for atleast 10 years, and put multiple hundreds of thousands of miles on it. As another side, every one we've talked about so far hasnt seemed to fail in this area, but it should be able to carry some luggage, whether it be a few bags for a vacation, or a gear bag for the fire department, just a consideration.
Also you subaru guys,(and volvo guys and a few select others)
you may notice that im not really digging deep into these ideas, thats because i have never driven a subaru, when the merc is nearing its end, i will defiently look into this route, i dont love the idea of a turbo (one more thing to go wrong, but fun as anything to tune with) but im not completly adverse to it either, i'll have to do more reading on this option.
Thanks a ton guys, keep the ideas coming, at some point im planning on doing a big post that hits on (hopefully all of your ideas)
This thread has me glued to my computer screen, keep it coming guys, it has given me a bunch of new ideas and new directions to go on when the c240 finnaly says goodbye (cant come soon enough)
Also, not that it should matter (esspescially considering whatever i end up with will be babied beyond belief, getting only the best in fluids and filters and so on) but i do plan to own this car for atleast 10 years, and put multiple hundreds of thousands of miles on it. As another side, every one we've talked about so far hasnt seemed to fail in this area, but it should be able to carry some luggage, whether it be a few bags for a vacation, or a gear bag for the fire department, just a consideration.
Also you subaru guys,(and volvo guys and a few select others)
you may notice that im not really digging deep into these ideas, thats because i have never driven a subaru, when the merc is nearing its end, i will defiently look into this route, i dont love the idea of a turbo (one more thing to go wrong, but fun as anything to tune with) but im not completly adverse to it either, i'll have to do more reading on this option.
Thanks a ton guys, keep the ideas coming, at some point im planning on doing a big post that hits on (hopefully all of your ideas)
If it's a sporty AWD, I'd go for a 2004 Audi S4, which has a V8 and Quatro AWD. I owned one before I traded it for my RS4. Nice performance, great for driving in the snow, and an incredible interior. You can pick one up for $30K to $35K. Heck for that price if you need more room you can pick up an S4 Avant, which is the wagon version.
A 2001 or 2002 Certified Pre-owned BMW M3 from a dealer is also in your range. This is a beautiful driving machine.
A 2001 or 2002 Certified Pre-owned BMW M3 from a dealer is also in your range. This is a beautiful driving machine.
You cannot change someone's opinion about a particular brand no matter how hard you try..
Ford gets nothing but bad press in the media. Its ironic that Toyota would have to recall thousands and thousands of vehicles and you barely get a blip, but any of the big 3 have a recall and its front page news.
Ford's reliability and dependability scores are soaring. With the new 5yr/60k power train warranty, they are really showing that they make a high quality, dependable vehicle.
Go to every dealership that you are considering a make of and drive their cars. I thought Audi was a nice car until I drove a few. I thought Kia was complete **** until I drove a few. One of the perks of being in the car business I guess.
On the S4 the car qualifies for the gas guzzler tax when new. This is a general indication of mileage
On Subaru, the new turbo's have turned out to be very reliable and a non-issue. Turbo's are very common place in the trucking industry in their diesel motors and run quite reliably. There is an old stigma in cars from the early ones that were only oil cooled. The new ones are oil and water cooled and designed to allow for some cooling at shutdown also. Also oil is significantly better in dino and synthetic form when the "stigma" arose.
Consumer Reports has high praise as does Nasioc.com(WRX/STI) board on very little issue overall with a high - ultra high performance car.
On Subaru, the new turbo's have turned out to be very reliable and a non-issue. Turbo's are very common place in the trucking industry in their diesel motors and run quite reliably. There is an old stigma in cars from the early ones that were only oil cooled. The new ones are oil and water cooled and designed to allow for some cooling at shutdown also. Also oil is significantly better in dino and synthetic form when the "stigma" arose.
Consumer Reports has high praise as does Nasioc.com(WRX/STI) board on very little issue overall with a high - ultra high performance car.
OK, I can't keep it quiet anymore!
Subaru SVX, 1992-1997, 230 hp, all-wheel drive, 28 mpg on my last 500+ mile trip, 4-channel anti-lock brakes, sunroof, style, 140+ mph, etc.
Buy the absolute best, lowest mileage one you can find, well under $10K, probably. Then join the Subaru SVX World Network & ENJOY!
My buddy Earl has 12, + a parts car. The biggest Subaru show in the country, the West Coast Subaru Show, is this weekend in Hood River, Oregon. Lots of WRX's, STi's, etc.
See you there!
Subaru SVX, 1992-1997, 230 hp, all-wheel drive, 28 mpg on my last 500+ mile trip, 4-channel anti-lock brakes, sunroof, style, 140+ mph, etc.
Buy the absolute best, lowest mileage one you can find, well under $10K, probably. Then join the Subaru SVX World Network & ENJOY!
My buddy Earl has 12, + a parts car. The biggest Subaru show in the country, the West Coast Subaru Show, is this weekend in Hood River, Oregon. Lots of WRX's, STi's, etc.
See you there!
In defense of Ford, I can only speak from my personal experience. I have owned an Escort and 3 Rangers since 1990. None of them ever needed major repairs nor ever left me stranded. I know what I will be buying next spring... GT Mustang with a 5 speed. The 4.6 has become a very reliable engine and IMHO its by far the sharpest and most unique new car on the road. And where else can you get that level of style and V-8 performance for under $25K (after rebate)?
HONDA S2000!!!!
This is an awesome car. I have an '03 S2K and it's been a great car. I picked up a set of used stock rims and have snow tires mounted on them. You can pick up used rims for a resonable price since many owners have upgraded to pricier aftermarket rims and try to dump their stock ones. This car handles better in the snow with Blizzak snow tires than most cars handle with all-season tires.
The S2K has around 240 HP, gets great gas mileage (I'm averaging around 30 MPH, but I'm not an aggressive driver)and is very reliable.
All S2Ks have ABS and the '04+ models have stability control. For the price, you can't get a better sports car.
This is an awesome car. I have an '03 S2K and it's been a great car. I picked up a set of used stock rims and have snow tires mounted on them. You can pick up used rims for a resonable price since many owners have upgraded to pricier aftermarket rims and try to dump their stock ones. This car handles better in the snow with Blizzak snow tires than most cars handle with all-season tires.
The S2K has around 240 HP, gets great gas mileage (I'm averaging around 30 MPH, but I'm not an aggressive driver)and is very reliable.
All S2Ks have ABS and the '04+ models have stability control. For the price, you can't get a better sports car.
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