It's Been Too Long Oppo

"shpuker" (shpuker)
07/26/2017 at 01:01 • Filed to: None

No I didn’t get an RS, sadly. I am looking at getting a new car though so that gives me an excuse to launch myself back into the crazy world of Oppo so hello strangers that also can’t sleep, come help me decide which car to get!

Requirements:

Has to not suck

The faster the better

Insurance is a thing so maybe not so much to the last point

Hatchbacks are preferred

AWD hatchbacks are ideal, but that really limits it to “Yea go get a WRX then fuck-ass” Which isn’t a bad option

OK fuel economy would be nice as I do commute like 40 miles total per day.

Must be a manual

Oh yea, budget is $25,000 for new, $20,000 used (unless I have a really good reason to spend more)

Double oh, has to be something I can get a loan on so don’t fucking suggest something stupid like a Regal GNX

Oh and currently I can get a Focus ST for ~ $6,000 under sticker (yay employee discounts and customer cash BS) so that’s kinda hard to pass up.

DISCUSSION (57)

TheHondaBro > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 01:08

Accord Coupe V6 is always the answer.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 01:09

M coupe or bust

Kinja'd!!!

shpuker > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
07/26/2017 at 01:12

*Calls bank to ask for loan....*

Nope. :(

AM3R, lost another burner > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 01:13

E90 BMW 335xi.

shpuker > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
07/26/2017 at 01:16

You’d probably appreciate this:

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/bmw-m-sedan-speed/6231474442.html

shpuker > AM3R, lost another burner
07/26/2017 at 01:18

But then I’d have to pay to fix a 335xi

shpuker > TheHondaBro
07/26/2017 at 01:20

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/d/honda-accord-coupe/6220740829.html

Honestly amazed there are any of these even in Michigan.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 01:22

Yeah getting a loan on a 15 year old sports car ain’t easy.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 01:27

Focus ST is a solid choice. Used Boostang might be a contender.

shpuker > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
07/26/2017 at 01:31

https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/d/mustang-gt/6172599327.html

TheHondaBro > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 01:31

Damn that’s a good find.

AM3R, lost another burner > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 01:36

Get a 2011 with the N55 engine and it won’t be that bad. My 2009 with the “unreliable” n54 has been solid for 30k (now over 80k miles). I didn’t tune the shit out of it and I don’t beat on it (until it’s warmed up).

DrJohannVegas > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 02:00

get a ‘busa.

if that isn’t fast enough, get a turbo ‘busa.

(edit: okay, a real answer: maybe a used/off-lease Golf R? the mk6s are old enough to probably be within your budget... unfortunately, you’ll have to fend off MI folks at gas stations angrily asking you why you bought “a foreign car”.)

Leon711 > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 02:31

Fiesta ST/Focus ST/ GTI?

pip bip - choose Corrour > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 05:54

chevy ss?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 07:54

FiST, not FoST.

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 07:57

What’s the 40 mile commute like? I do 30-40 per day and average 24-26 with mostly highway but also traffic (evening) and city/surface street driving to and from highway

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy
07/26/2017 at 07:58

With th ST. Insurance could be better but it’s because of my record and where I live. It’ll be better for you

TomServo (Resides on the Satellite of Love) > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 09:08

Golf Wolfsburg.

Jayhawk Jake > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 09:13

Maybe. I don’t have the highest opinion of S197s, I think the EB would be a better car.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 09:17

You already mentioned it but a wrx sounds like a good option.

Jayhawk Jake > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 09:26

How good is your credit/how old are you?

People talk about how hard it is to get a loan, but if you have good credit and aren’t a child it’s disturbingly easy. Check out Lightstream - they do unsecured auto loans for people with good credit. The paperwork says you have to use the funds for a car but I can’t remember if I had to say what car it was and I definitely didn’t have to produce any documentation to show that I purchased the car with the funds.

I’ve been pretty dang happy with them so far, the application process was easy, changing the amount of the loan once it was approved was as simple as typing a number in on a website, I had to call them during the funding process and I didn’t get stuck on hold with robots for hours, just spoke to a nice person quickly and got things sorted, the money was simply deposited in my bank account to use same as cash. I just went and adjusted my payment to pay extra each month, it was easy and they provided a new amortization schedule.

phenotyp > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 09:32

Counterpoint: used i3.

Fast as hell, under $20-25K, made of carbon fiber.

Jayhawk Jake > phenotyp
07/26/2017 at 09:47

“Fast as hell” - 0-60 in 7 seconds. That’s not so fast.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the i3 and I know electric cars are quick from zero, but it’s no sports car.

Jayhawk Jake > pip bip - choose Corrour
07/26/2017 at 09:48

Way more than $25k

Future ND Owner > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
07/26/2017 at 09:58

I am an owner of a FoST. I can confirm that they are fantastic.

Milky > Jayhawk Jake
07/26/2017 at 09:58

Not a sports car but beats a lot of them to 30mph.

Just depends on where you’ll be driving the thing.

phenotyp > Jayhawk Jake
07/26/2017 at 10:01

Real-world fast, not track fast.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Jayhawk Jake
07/26/2017 at 10:10

G8? Or all those all Automatic?

shpuker > phenotyp
07/26/2017 at 10:10

As much as I love the i3 I can confirm that it is neither form of fast

shpuker > Jayhawk Jake
07/26/2017 at 10:11

That has to be a crazy interest rate

shpuker > Jayhawk Jake
07/26/2017 at 10:12

Fair enough. I don’t have a ton of experience with either first hand, performance wise/sound wise though I’d want the 5.0

shpuker > UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy
07/26/2017 at 10:14

Predominantly highway, but its also Detroit so by highway I mean pot-hole filled parking lot.

shpuker > DrJohannVegas
07/26/2017 at 10:16

LOL, I may as well buy a casket with the ‘Busa. Maybe on the R though. I should for sure look at GTI’s though.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/26/2017 at 10:19

Yes but avoid the 2017 models because they don’t come in colors, your only choices are “grayscale” or “pumpkin guts”. Get a bright red one, or a cool blue one, or get “Ken block’s monster energy sponsorship” green. Anything but gray/black/white.

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 10:21

I definitely understand that, I spent much time there growing up as my parents were from Roseville and St. Clair Shores. On potholes: the ride is a bit tough at least compared to my old Cobalt, which is to be expected and im used to. It won’t be any different case for anything else you’re looking at, I’d imagine. It can take potholes and rough roads just fine, I’ve got the optional wheels. Don’t see any issues with Alignment or wheel damage. It’s got enough sidewall to prevent damage to the wheels in the unfortunate case of some shallower/angled curbs.

You’ll see the lower end of that 23/30 like I do, but it’s really not all that bad overall.

You’re right where I was when looking for a car budget and criteria wise. I went back and forth constantly from multiple cars when I was in the ~6 month planning phase. Now that I have it, I couldn’t imagine myself in anything else. I’ve got a ‘17 Kona With nothing besides the aforementioned wheels. My only real complaint is the soft paint; definitely need a clear bra before it gets worse. Other than that I love it.

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy
07/26/2017 at 10:23

Unfinished thoughts again: since we’re similar in what we were going for, this might help in the sense that going new, especially with your discounts, might be better for the type of cars you’re looking at as you know it won’t be beaten on prior to you and of course warranty.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/26/2017 at 10:41

Leftover 2016... Because Kona blue.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/26/2017 at 10:42

But holy shit, I saw an Orange Spice one with the Molten Recaros... It clashes so bad.

Jayhawk Jake > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 10:43

I have owned both now. There’s nothing to be ashamed of with EB performance. Sound wise the 5.0 is definitely better, and you don’t have to deal with “why didn’t you get the V8".

But if the choice is between Focus ST and EB Mustang I’d take the Mustang every day. RWD, better looks, better interior.

Jayhawk Jake > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 10:45

Nope! I’m at 3.64% because I went to 72 months, but had I done 60 months it would have been 2.84%. The math worked out such that I’m only paying a little more in interest if I pay extra each month on 72, so I took that to give a little “cushion” where I could pay less if I really needed to.

Jayhawk Jake > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
07/26/2017 at 10:46

There are manual G8s but they’re pretty hard to find, and I think both the manual and auto G8s are still pretty expensive.

Jayhawk Jake > phenotyp
07/26/2017 at 10:47

In the real world my actually fast car would gap your i3 bigger than the Grand Canyon.

Again, electric cars are sweet and I still want one as a daily, but if someone is looking for a fast manual car similar to a Focus ST the i3 is not the answer

Jayhawk Jake > Milky
07/26/2017 at 10:55

And once they hit 30 it got WALKED.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/26/2017 at 10:59

It is really inexcuseable how badly they fucked up that spice color. Ford gives zero fucks about the Fiesta in America now. No wonder they’re not selling the next one here :(

Milky > Jayhawk Jake
07/26/2017 at 11:13

So its “fast as hell” downtown. I’m okay with that. Phenotyp didn’t say it was fast on an autocross course or on the highway.

Arrivederci > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 11:44

GTI Sport, WRX or FoST.

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 12:21

Is the 25k figure the OTD price, or is it your before tax and title price?

shpuker > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back
07/26/2017 at 12:30

OTD unless it’s too good a deal to pass on

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 12:50

Having driven both the Focus ST and the GTI. I’d say go used GTI. I’ve had way more fun driving the GTI, the backseat in the GTI is more useful and its just a nicer place to be overall, but that’s personal preference. I hated the Focus ST base seats front and back and the Recaros only made it worse. The hatch space is surprisingly small too. Interior packaging in the ST is a nightmare.

I had a massive smile on my face every time I drove the GTI. The ST was fun at first, but the second test drive I took it lost its magic. Of course this is all personal opinion. You may value other things in a car that I do not. In which case the GTI may be the worst car for you. I’m just offering my 2 cents.

If you do go GTI, try to find one that has all its maintenance records and looks cared for, you might even be able to find some that have the factory extended warranty in that price range. However, I don’t think you’ll be able to find one with the performance pack at that price point, but if you do, definitely spring for it. Better brakes, mechanical LSD, better tune. Its 100% worth it.

If you really want AWD then WRX is really your only option. However the hatchback WRX market is really inflated. You may be able to find a gooddeal on one in your price range, but I’ve mostly been seeing 3-5 year old WRX hatchbacks for sale in the 24-26k range, and at that point, its worth it to get a new one. There are a lot of changes to the new generation that make it 100% worth the money unless you really need a hatch.

I was shopping in this same price range 2 years ago looking at the exact same cars. In the end, after some pondering, I went for a ‘15 WRX Base. Before TTL it was 25300. I bought the extended warranty so my OTD was a little higher than I initially wanted, but I was putting a lot down and managed to make it work. If you have any questions about the new gen WRX let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them. I bought mine in May of 2015 and have put 40,000 miles on it since the, including a 2600 mile two week road trip in June. I have no plans to replace it with anything any time soon or in the future.

OmerCarrothers333 > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 14:59

Like others have said: GTI. I found mine (used, DSG, 3-door, moonroof, plaid seats) for a nice price. They’re fun, fast (but not stupid fast), have usable rear seats, and the insurance isn’t insane.

shpuker > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back
07/26/2017 at 16:18

Not sure if you’ve had the chance to drive the older generation WRX’s at all (I owned a 2005 WRX for a while), but if so how would you say the new engine compares to the old one?

shpuker > Milky
07/26/2017 at 16:19

IDK who’s driving that M3 but that launch was shit.

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > shpuker
07/26/2017 at 17:17

I’ve had one drive in a previous gen WRX and as far as the feeling of speed goes the previous gen felt pretty similar. But this is old memory I’m drawing off of.

The new engine’s character is pretty eager. It wants to jump off the line really hard. BUT keep in mind that’s also a combination of the new twinscroll turbo and the drive-by-wire throttle’s non linear programming. I never floor it because pushing the go pedal down about halfway will give me 100% boost. I absolutely plan on getting a COBB accessport and flashing to stage 1 after my extended warranty is up. Also I believe Subaru has fixed this issue on newer models, but I’m not sure.

Another characteristic worth noting is that the turbo overboosts to about 22 psi for a couple seconds and then settles down to 17 psi when in full boost. This can actually take away from the feeling of quick acceleration because it almost feels like power drops off a bit even though you are still accelerating at a very decent rate. It pulls pretty well all the way to about 5500-5800 RPM and then drops off progressively. I understand this is different from the old EJ motor in that boost came on hard around 3500 RPM and pulled all the way to redline. HOWEVER, the new FA motor is very torquey down low, So its more useful in every day driving (e. highway passing...60-90 happens before you know it, pulling away from a green light, etc), its just not a screamer.

The clutch is devoid of feel and very hard to modulate. It was very hard to adjust to and you really have to slip it a lot to be smooth. 1st gear is only for getting going. Its really hard to drive in stop and go honestly, you get used to it, but letting the idle pull you in 2nd can get really jerky, and you’re hitting like 3500 RPM in 1st going 10-12 mph.

I’d suggest doing a couple test drives to see if its something you can live with. My impression on my first test drive was “OMG rocketship” and now “its quick but not fast”.

shpuker > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back
07/26/2017 at 18:54

Ah I gotcha. I’m not sure how crazy I am about the idea of a throttle by wire WRX. As far as the boost dip, the older WRX’s actually did this as well on the stock tune. I’m sure it’s an effort to prolong the life of the motor or something lame like that. With a bit of a tune you should easily be able to hold closer to that 22 psi at higher rpm, if not significantly more. (At least that’s how it was in my 2005, it had the old 2.0L though and not the 2.5L of the ‘06-’14 WRXs)

Sidenote: Don’t quote me on it but I’m pretty sure a Cobb Accessport tuner doesn’t void your warranty.

Justino6969 > shpuker
07/27/2017 at 16:26

I take it you work for Ford; get that 2015 Mustang you put in a comment. Looks pretty nice for a good price.

shpuker > Milky
07/27/2017 at 18:18

Actually the one place you could make an i3 decently competitive in motorsport might be autocross. You’d have to put some effort into figuring out traction issues, but the 0-30 would be helpful.