Test drove a BRZ today.

"Coty" (coty)
09/07/2014 at 16:03 • Filed to: None

Really thinking I want a Focus ST, but what else should I drive that's around $25-$30k or so that's fun?

DISCUSSION (52)

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:04

I love my Focus ST, but I'd also look at the new WRX, the Fiesta ST, new Miata once it comes out? Ecoboost Mustang once it comes out?

Coty > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/07/2014 at 16:08

I was gonna try a new WRX but they didn't have one. The one they have coming has a ton of shit on it so it's out of budget. The FiST looks a little off, but I might be able to like it. New Miata looks terrible, at least online, IMO. Ecoboost is out of range with the options I consider must haves, but might be ok after my employee pricing.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:09

A used Boxster.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:09

You might be able to get a good deal on one of the last NC miatas

Coty > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/07/2014 at 16:15

Where do those run price wise?

I just realized I don't know where to buy a Mazda around here.

jkm7680 > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:15

Try and find a WRX! Soooo many people are FiSTing on here though.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:16

Start around $23-25k I think

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:16

The Forte5 SX seems like a great deal. Decent looks, all the tech you expect, 201hp turbo 1.6l, and some really cool looking wheels. Never driven one, but I think it'd be worth looking at.

Steve in Manhattan > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:17

I would say the sportiest version of the new Dart because it's part Alfa. OTOH, I have no idea of what the car feels like, drives like. I'd be interested to hear your impressions, as I live in Manhattan and am limited to whatever Hertz/Zipcar has when I need a car.

MylesD > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/07/2014 at 16:18

GTI

Steve in Manhattan > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:19

oh, and maybe a 370Z?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > MylesD
09/07/2014 at 16:19

Overpriced and underpowered, I see no advantages to the GTI over the FoST or the WRX

Steve in Manhattan > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/07/2014 at 16:20

Good friend called, said she trusted me above anyone regarding which new car to buy - I said you need front drive where you live - Focus ST. She bought ... a Jetta. And not even an intersting one. Sigh.

Coty > Steve in Manhattan
09/07/2014 at 16:21

I keep forgetting all these cars, because there's a huge family of dealerships here that sell all kinds of makes but are shady an underhanded, so I don't go there.

Coty > Steve in Manhattan
09/07/2014 at 16:24

I live in New Hampshire, so while I'm looking for sportiness, I'm gonna have to get winter tires and all that. No fear at all about driving a RWD through the winter, but FWD is better for that.

Steve in Manhattan > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:27

A buddy of mine buys a lot of fleet vehicles - he emails the dealerships and says he wants 3 van, equipped like this, and what's your best price. You could try a version of that. You can travel to buy the new car and have it serviced anywhere, as long as they fill out the book.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:32

Test driving a BRZ is no good. Try and find someone at an autocross to let you drive it for one round. They are more fun that way!

If you still don't like it, get a WRX!

EL_ULY > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:35

WRX also. If you can wait. ... 2015 Honda Mustang

RMudkips > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:35

Being 16, I'd go with the BRZ but if it was only the test drive you've still got plenty of options

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:36

Either a new WRX with nothing on it or try to find a used one of this gen (last now?) Those around 18-22k with a reasonable amount of miles. The Subaru all wheel is amazing.

SonorousSpeedJoe > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:36

Are there any units of the VW GTI with the Performance Pack (primarily for the LSD) on lots right now?

Steve in Manhattan > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:39

And if you don't mind depreciation, you could probably lop a lot off the sticker of a Lancer Evolution GSR 5-speed, although I have no idea about reliability/ability to live with one day-to-day.

Coty > RMudkips
09/07/2014 at 16:40

If I were smart I'd buy a Ford because I get them under dealer cost.

Coty > SonorousSpeedJoe
09/07/2014 at 16:42

Not sure. When I called around on VWs it was for a TDI 6 speed Beetle.

Jedidiah > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:43

Classic muscle cars.

Coty > Jedidiah
09/07/2014 at 16:44

I've got plenty of classics, don't worry.

Steve in Manhattan > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:46

And one more (probably) question - are you willing to buy a 1-3 year old manufacturer-certified used car w/ a manufacturer's warranty? Because that would open up your choices incredibly .... My last car, '97 SHO, was a steal because it was 10 months old and had been driven by some Ford big shot for 4,500 miles. Came with a new car warranty.

Coty > Steve in Manhattan
09/07/2014 at 16:48

Nowhere is gonna beat Ford. I get under dealer cost.

Jedidiah > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:48

It was the only thing I can think of truthfully. I never buy anything new; I'm too much of a cheap bastard and too out of touch with the times.

Unless the requirement is that it has to be new, then you can buy a hell of a car for $25k.

dogisbadob > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:49

A Miata, of course :p

Coty > Jedidiah
09/07/2014 at 16:52

That's the way I've always been until this point.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:53

FoST, FiST, GTI, WRX, Mustang, Camaro...

Coty > Steve in Manhattan
09/07/2014 at 16:54

Very much so. I'm a dealer so I'll probably find whatever car I do like at an auction with 5-10k on it.

avens > Coty
09/07/2014 at 16:56

Sell them all and get the new Corvette :P

JDIGGS > Coty
09/07/2014 at 17:00

What didn't you like about the brz?

Dsscats > Coty
09/07/2014 at 17:08

Gti

Used Evo

Used STI

Used C6/C5Z

Dsscats > Coty
09/07/2014 at 17:10

500 Abarth? You can get those at least $5k under

Coty > JDIGGS
09/07/2014 at 17:13

Nothing, really. Didn't like the color on the specific one I drove. Just exploring options. Probably will end up with the ST for the sole reason I get Ford products below dealer cost.

Crest > Coty
09/07/2014 at 17:13

Genesis coupe

Coty > Dsscats
09/07/2014 at 17:16

Not opposed to those.

Coty > Crest
09/07/2014 at 17:22

Have two at work. Both 2.0Ts, both autos. Cannot into auto.

55Buick, Oversteer Scientist > Coty
09/07/2014 at 17:26

E46 M3!!

Steve in Manhattan > Coty
09/07/2014 at 17:26

Kinja'd!!!

______________

had to take a screenshot of my last comment - mac locked up - the rest is:

series BMWs, but the Merc 300Cs they replaced them with are not nearly as much fun.

JDIGGS > Coty
09/07/2014 at 17:39

Not sure where you are located but if you did want to get a Subaru Heuberger motors in CO springs, CO is suppose to be the cheapest. Anyways I hope you at least took it on some corners.

Coty > Steve in Manhattan
09/07/2014 at 17:50

Drove one forever ago, with no thoughts about buying it, and not in anger. I don't remember it at all. :(

Coty > JDIGGS
09/07/2014 at 17:52

Not worth the 3 hour flight. But yeah, had it sideways.

Steve in Manhattan > Coty
09/07/2014 at 18:16

If you're talking about the Focus ST, then it's not the car for you. In that case, test drive everything you can. As I have said elsewhere on this site - my goal was a Mustang GT 5-speed, could not get far enough from the clutch pedal (tall), drove an SHO, which I had dismissed, and bought it. You never know.

Crest > Coty
09/07/2014 at 18:57

Haha well i've had two 3.8 Gc's a 2010 and now a 2013. Both were auto *shhhh don't tell anyone. Before i bought the 2013 grand touring, i looked at the FRS but i cannot into less power and cheaper interior for more money. Well you'll find something

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Coty
09/07/2014 at 22:28

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Conan > Coty
09/13/2014 at 11:47

Hold out for the US Focus RS?

Tareim - V8 powered > Coty
09/21/2014 at 14:35

how was the BRZ? I'm hoping to go test drive one soon

Coty > Tareim - V8 powered
09/21/2014 at 23:28

It was a nice car , handles great. Anyone who says it doesn't have any power has never driven a car that doesn't have any power.