What Happened to RWD in the 2000s?

"Jay Lauer" (thefaultinourcars)
02/28/2014 at 21:33 • Filed to: None

Like many of you, I have certain specifications when it comes to buying a personal vehicle. I want a manual. I want fun. I want fuel efficiency. Etc. One of the main requirements (along with those three) is that I want RWD, or at least AWD.

The dilemma I ran into today as I was carshopping (which I have no business doing, I already have two cars per one me) is that if you want a RWD Manual fuel-efficient car, you're left with your thumb twiddling.

Normally the answer is always Miata, but let's keep a bit of practicality in mind. A Miata won't haul more than a laptop, and for some, a Miata isn't a good only car.

At the moment I drive an E46 BMW, which is one of the best answers to this question. Fuel efficiency would be fine if the Check Engine wasn't always on. I'm only showing 20.6 MPG. My other car (one the throttle pedal works) is a Legacy GT, another great answer. Generally, I try to stay away from 2-doors if I can, because I don't hate my friends.

In the past, if you there were numerous options for this question, most of them Japanese. You could buy Miatas, E30s, Silvias, MR2s, i think Honda made something, and the great Fox-Body Mustang. Now, it seems the well has dried up.

As you may notice by now, I'm leaving Mustangs and Camaros off the list due to their V8 fuel inefficiency. It'll do OK on the highway, but only there. I've owned two Mustangs, I know.

Weirdly, I've even began considering FWD cars again, and I'd take a cheap enough Cooper S in a heartbeat just for the fun/mileage ratio.

So what I'm looking for, with the help of you oppo people, is the answer for a relatively new (mid 90s-up) non FWD fun practical fuel-efficient manual equipped car. The do-everything for Jalops.

( I included the IS300 photo because of it's neat I6 and RWD, but owner's can tell you the fuel mileage is properly not OK for a 6 cylinder.)

Notice: You can suggest any and every car you'd like, but I'm also entitled to my opinion. However, I'm a very reasonable person. I've owned cars from all different brands, so I'm open.

DISCUSSION (43)

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 21:37

Finally a reason to show what I found on eBay!

offroadkarter > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 21:38

What happened to RWD?

The Consumer Market happened

bob and john > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 21:43

first thought it the toybaru twins, then i remember the 4 doors is a must.

BMW still does it i think. there is the genesis coupe, but again, 2 door.

Veloster is FWD...
does the infinity g37 come with a manual? i think the coupe version does. but again, 2 doors.
huh, this is harder then i thought....
The audi S4 still ofeers stick, but thats AWD. plus no real handbrake (ew)
A3 is also AWD. on a side note, the TDI gets AWESOME fuel econ. yea, its fwd, and its a DSG only on the audi, but the golf TDI can come with a stick, and they are HELLA fun to toss around. ask me how i know)

OHOHOHOH. 2nd gen IS250 RWD!!!!! they came witha stick shift, and RWD!!!!. not sure if they still do it for the 3rd gen though....(mom has a 2nd gen, AWD auto, and its ok on gas)

I think buick does something AWD?
the now defunct pontiac G8 would make a nice buy. but its got a big-ass V8, and the GXP package(the one u want) is hard to find...

i'll comment again if i can think of some more

Axel-Ripper > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 21:45

Have you considered a V6 Mustang? You've pretty much gone through everything. You're down to an old German car (until all the parts break) or a Miata/Solstice/Sky.

Other than that you're out of luck RWD. You can get Subis but they're not exactly efficient per-se. Audi TT's aren't bad priced. Secondhand Sonics are pretty cheap, Second or more hand Minis are still quite pricy, most VWs are really quite overpriced and not that fun to drive (unless you get the GTI or higher models).

N/A POWAAAHH > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 21:48

Kinja'd!!!

Skyline GTT, Laurel, Cefiro, Chaser. Unless you're 'murican. FC rx-7, mk3 supra.

bob and john > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 21:49

Cadillac CTS. they had manuals, and the CTS-V is always nice. gorl R's also fit the bill, Subarus and Mitsua have AWD and stick (but ive seen the interior in mitsu's, SO bad.

Volvos and saabs came in AWD with manual .those were fun cars. fuel econ isnt too bad either ive heard.

crowmolly > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 21:58

What counts as good "fuel efficiency"?

bobkustofawitshz > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:04

My list of requirements looks a lot like yours. I keep coming back to one:

RWD? of course
Manual? check
Fun? You bet
5.0L V8, 420 hp / 390 torks
Fuel efficient? That's a relative term.
MPG 17 city / 26 hwy, or slightly better than my 190 hp '99 V6 when it was new .
Oh, and these are starting to get into the sub-$20K range. I know what my next car is gonna be.

Or get the V6 that gets 19/29 with the 6-speed for $5,000 less.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro
02/28/2014 at 22:05

God damn, that looks like a good buy. But daily driving that is a crime.

Whenever I think of reliability, I think Italian.

Jay Lauer > bob and john
02/28/2014 at 22:06

Volvo used Haldex, which had a 90/10 split. Personally, I felt it to be a FWD car with a little assistance from the rear. Saab's are always interesting, a Viggen would be cool.

CTS-V's are pretty thirsty and surprisingly expensive for a 10 year old Cadillac. Although, I'd like one.

Jay Lauer > crowmolly
02/28/2014 at 22:06

25+ Highway.

Jay Lauer > N/A POWAAAHH
02/28/2014 at 22:07

Let's talk about cars that normal people can buy.

Normal people can't buy Mk3 Supras and Rx-7s are horrid on fuel.

Jay Lauer > Axel-Ripper
02/28/2014 at 22:10

Eh, I've driven a lot of V6 Mustangs, they're not good. My first car was a V6 Mustang, which was still the greatest car ever made, but it can't be replicated.

Subaru's have been decently efficient. I've gotten 31 highway out of my old WRX. They actually tick all the boxes but I'm on my second Subaru now and I'd like to change it up. All Audi's after 2 years old break (I had a bad experience) and I would love a GTI if it's a Mk5 newer.

crowmolly > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:10

What about city or combined?

bob and john > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:13

what about the new ones? (2nd gen) i know that the normal (non-v) came in a stick.

Jay Lauer > bob and john
02/28/2014 at 22:15

It's a real conundrum. I'd put up with the Toyobaru's if they had time to depreciate yet. I've driven G35s and they're surprisingly not great on fuel. The G8 would be great but they're expensive.

Isn't the IS250 pictured above? And how fun is the TDI?

Jay Lauer > crowmolly
02/28/2014 at 22:29

Combined I'd want 23+

Jay Lauer > bob and john
02/28/2014 at 22:29

I doubt I could afford the newer ones. I normally buy 10+ year old cars

Jay Lauer > bobkustofawitshz
02/28/2014 at 22:32

And wait till the '15 comes out, the values on these will plummet. Yeah, I'd like to afford one of these, but I can't. I've thought about the 05s, but they're not that great, and the V6 is aniemic.

I've already owned 2 Mustangs and I don't want to be 'that guy' again.

bob and john > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:33

that is the IS300. that was the first gen car, with the non-turbo 2JZ

Kinja'd!!!

this is the IS i'm talking abouit. it came with 2.5L v6 good for about 206HP stock. i have the AWD automatic version, and i get just under 10.5L/100km (about 22mpg) reliably in a 70/30 city/freeway. if i hyper mile on the freeway, i get about 30. this is with al;l of the power train looses from a torqye converter and the AWD diffs, so the RWD man should be better.

the tdi...oh man. yea, its not that fast. but cruising on the freeway at 120km/h i get about 37mpg. if i hyperhile, i'll get 45+.

the suspension for the TDi is actually the same set up used on the GTis to compensate for the slightly heavier TDI motor. on stock tires, that thing is a HOOT to drive. reacts to directional changes like you wouldnt believe it. the ESP (standard on the audi, optional on the golf) is CRAZY good. ive thrown the car into a 90 degree corner at 40km/h and come out the other side giggling.

the TDI is crazy easy to tune. the GTI come stock with i think 200/200, right? or 210,/250? the TDI is 140/260 stock, but a simple re-flash from APR brings it up to 200/300, i think.

and then there is the build quality (remember, we have the audi, which is built in germany) we have about 120k km on it, and this is what has happened
a flat tire.
someone tried to break in and ruined the paint on the hatch (breaking into the hatch) and on of the body-filler things on the roof. had that fixxed
I think one of the sensors in the exhaust died at like 100k km. 20$ part, took the dealer 10 min to replace it. covered under warrenty.
and we hit a chunk of truck tire on the freeway one night. broke a foglight surround (but not the actual light) 50$ to replace.

even the smaller things. we still have the original pads and rotors. not a HINT of wear and tear on them. even the friggen wiper blades are original(but almost due for a replacement. still, 5 years and 120k km for a set of wipers?)

we love it. dad does a 50k commute on it everysingle day, and the car just takes it.
(slightly off topic) the dealership was really nice. we got the car a little cheaper then normal, and when the time came for winter, dad wanted to get michiilen x-ice2s on it. guy at the part counter said: here, try these (i think it was marrecheti or something) it weas an ITALIAN winter tire.
dad: huh? what do the italians know about winter tires?
parts fguy: well, audi recommnds them, so they must have something

our review: they are loud on the road. like dad took the car back cuz he thgouh the wheel bearing had broken or something. but SHIT do they grip in the cold. when the time comes to replace the x-ice 2 on my moms IS250, thats whats going on it.

crowmolly > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:34

Ok, last question :)

Are you a guy who likes to constantly modify his ride or is "close to stock" good?

signintokinjalol > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:36

Why can't normal people buy MK3 Supras?

Party-vi > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:37

20.6 mpg? Mine shows around 26-27 usually. If your engine light issues were resolved would you keep the E46?

Jay Lauer > crowmolly
02/28/2014 at 22:37

close to stock is just fine for me.

bob and john > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:38

the IS we spent about 25K on (09, 50k km) the A3 we bought new.

go to the audi (or the VW store, if you HAVE to have a man)store and ask for a test drive, (if ur at VW, make sure it has the stability control) and go for a spin. it might be worth financing as the TDI A: doesnt die, B: uses very little fuel, C: is easy to tune.
my $0.02 anyways

Jay Lauer > signintokinjalol
02/28/2014 at 22:38

Cause they're upwards of $30k now.

signintokinjalol > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:40

What??

Bro, i'm seeing $3-5k. Where the hell do you live?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Sup…

forcerrptr=true&hash=item540595a597&item=360870946199&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > bob and john
02/28/2014 at 22:44

I wouldn't mind a 3.6 LY6 CTS with the Getrag 6MT with some handling goodies. Still a powerful car (255HP, 252 ft/lbs), a great value, and less nose heavy.

bob and john > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7
02/28/2014 at 22:46

yea. id like a car. full stop. i hate being a uni student with no budget for this stuff DX

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:49

I completely disregarded your parameters.

What about the new 2 series? Checks all the boxes.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 22:52

You're thinking of the JZA80/MkIV, man! MkIIIs are dirt cheap.

N/A POWAAAHH > signintokinjalol
02/28/2014 at 22:53

I came here to post this, so thank you for doing it for me. Probably mistaking mk3 for mk4

signintokinjalol > N/A POWAAAHH
02/28/2014 at 22:57

Ahhh, that explains.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro
02/28/2014 at 22:59

Probably should've thrown in a budget. $10k

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 23:02

AND WE TURN BACK TO THE ALFA

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro
02/28/2014 at 23:04

$11k reserve not met. Besides, 10k could probably get me an S2000, which goes fast.

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 23:05

S2000 seems to check all boxes except practicality.

JasonStern911 > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 23:17

your post makes no sense.

What happened to RWDs int he 2000s? In the past, if you there were numerous options for this question, most of them Japanese. You could buy Miatas, E30s, Silvias, MR2s, i think Honda made something, and the great Fox-Body Mustang. Now, it seems the well has dried up.

you do realize that they made rear-wheel drive Miatas, 3-series, MR2s, S2000s/NSXs, and Fox body SN95 Mustangs in the 2000s, right?

but whatever. the answer is 996.

unless, by 2000s you really meant 2010s, in which case you have the FR-S for a cheap Japanese sports car. and, if that's not good enough, you have the BRZ. twos of options.

and then your answer would be 997.

Milky > Jay Lauer
02/28/2014 at 23:24

Wait what?

"You could buy Miatas, E30s, Silvias, MR2s, i think Honda made something, and the great Fox-Body Mustang."

Well now you can buy Miatas, F30s, 370s (hopefully IDXs soon), FRSs (not mid-engined but same company badge), … err well honda sucks now sorry …, and the new retro stangs.

IMO disregard friends & inquire fun (they can drive themselves).

Kinja'd!!!

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > offroadkarter
03/01/2014 at 01:47

And it really started happening before the 2000s.

Magnus Wiberg > Jay Lauer
03/01/2014 at 09:19

BMW M135i?

TinFoil Knight > Axel-Ripper
03/03/2014 at 00:03

yup. my v-6 mustang fits what you are saying here. It's the first Ford I have ever liked in my 25 years of driving. it took me 2 years of therapy with qualified healthcare professionals to be able to say that out loud.

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > signintokinjalol
03/04/2014 at 19:04

What I see mk4 for sale around the 15k mark???

http://www.kijiji.ca/b-cars-trucks/…