Hey, I'm going to college and I need something to get around when it's colder or when it snows.
After thinking about it I have 4 cars to choose from:
1. Saab 93 2.0 Turbo (04-05ish)
2. Lexus IS 300 (02 ish)
3. Saab 9-2x 2.5 wagon (Subaru 2.5RS w/ STi swap) - can't get a subaru.
4. VW Golf 4 GTI (04-05)
5. Mazda 3 2.3 (new - I don't like new cars)

So maybe that's 5 but the first 4 are the ones that I like the most for the money - under 16k. Which one would you recommend. I'll be making around 200-250 miles a week. maybe less.

HELP OUT.

 

I would have to go for the subie, they are very fun cars to drive ... super solid and the turbo motors have a sweet kick to em.

 

What do you need it for? If your in Mi go for the AWD. Can't beat it for the snow. AWD doghnuts are a blast. =)

 

2.5 rs all the way

 

GC8 with the STi Swap FTW... but if your looking for MPG + Reliability the Mazda 3 or the GTI For the Win.

 

STI swap definitely, I was considering that over my miata!

 

GTI or scoobie

 

The GC8 with STI power for sure. You are a bad *** if you pull it off nicely for under $16k

 

Just got the wife an IS300 about a week ago. We absolutely love it. If you're gonna be in snow a lot though, I'd go with a Sube.

 

Loved my IS, but it would be about as much fun in the snow as a Miata. That looks like big price spread on some of those cars. What's the used STi run for? I agree- lots of winter driving = awd.

 

Dude, none of the cars you listed are particularly good "college" cars. You want something 100% reliable, something you won't mind parking in an apartment complex, or leaving out in front of bars overnight, will carry 4 of your drunk (possibly puking) buddies, will be able to haul your stuff to and from home, is cheap on insurance and gas, doesn't attract attention from Cops, isn't impossible to get a chick to climb into (large'ish back seat?), and just be good all-around practical... basically something you can just add gas and change the oil for 4 years and never have to worry about.

But I also understand the need for *****-enlargement through personal transportation choices and the need for speed, plus driving in the snow... so we'll compromise. A stock WRX Wagon is the perfect car. No fancy wheels, no wings, no loud as **** BOV... just leave it stock and drive it. Maybe a reflash and boost controller... but nothing visible from the outside. You'll be a lot happier in the long run.

 

I'd stay away from the GTI - I had a 2002 and it wasn't good. Had a great motor, just-OK suspension, but it wasn't well made. Lot of electrical issues, and the interior didn't hold up.

 

I agree with Sam, and am kind of surprised that no one else tried to throw a reality check in before post #11.

You're going to college. You're going to be broke. The car will be subject to all sorts of abuse. You need something reliable, safe, not flashy, and inexpensive. A $3-5k Honda or Toyota FWD would meet your needs. Something you can park on the street and not stress out over if it's going to be backed into or broken into. Get into debt after college.

If you want a 15-20k car because you think you need it to get laid in college, let me counter that notion right now. A bum living in a box could get laid in college. Right there in his box on the street. If you want to get a vehicle that WILL help you get laid, get a bicycle and ride it everywhere. It will burn a lot of fat and build muscle on your legs. Then get yourself a cheap motorcycle. Motorcycles make panties wet.

 

Living right next to Emory University, I just assumed that all college students got new cars every semester (not to exceed $30k of course). No? :gay: I had no car in college... but a pretty cool skateboard.

 

Nissan truck FTW man gotta love having real bumpers +1 on the bike as well.

 

I hear what you're saying Rich but a truck sucks in snow and ice. I'd love to have one of those old hardbody trucks as a beater. A buddy of mine has one and it's a friggin awesome beater truck.

My college car was a 1970 Oldsmobile 98LS 4 door with the sweetest running 455 cid V8. Then I went to a 69 Cutlass-S covertible with a 350, buckets, center console, and 3 speed Hurst on the floor. Very rare car I got for a song. The top was ratty but water tight BUT the rear window was so opaque I could not see through it at all. White with blue buckets. I wish I had it now. Fun times.

I still have the 98LS, but it got broadsided so I had it repaired and prepped for paint. Then a family member backed into it with a higher vehicle. So their bumper went right over the 98's bumper and right through the front of the 98. Car's been sitting at my dad's shop since (6 years?). I used to start it every once in a while and drive it around the parking lot, but last time I did, a power steering line blew off. Haven't touched it since. Very sad. That was the slickest running car I've ever driven. That 455 WILL go into something else one day.

 

The Saab is just a rebadged WRX. Just get an older WRX and save a few bucks.

If you want a well sorted swapped RS->STI, this one is top notch and probably in the 16K price range.

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulle...ad.php?t=18930

If you can find an '04 Forester XT, you'll have a less blingy, cheaper insuranced STI motored fun turbo car that's practical. And it will help you with your lesbian side. you can find them in the $15K-16K range now. Hell, I tentatively sold my highly modded '04 for $17500 and it's mint with only 32k miles on it.

Frank

 

Father in law has an 02, or 03 saab 93 with the 2.0T.... Nice to drive.... hasn't been to bad on maintainence either..... But it's got relatively low mileage.... I admit it is nice for long drives though.

However, the 92x is the WRX clone with a saab badge. Loved that.... Too bad, they only made it for 2 years.

Something reliable is definately the key here..... plus with room for crap. Go for a wagon, you'd be surprised what you can stuff in there......

mazda3, P5, wrx or the stock RS..... Then you have something you can continue with as the beater down the road too......

Dave,

 

uhhhh...are you cereal???? Go for the sti or 2.5 w/ sti swap. Killer AWHP!!!

 

I owned a Saab 92x Aero for one year before I realized I wanted a project car and ditched it for 2 miatas which only cost for only a fraction of the worth of that car lol. Ya it was completely just a wrx wagon with a few body modifications and thats it . Almost was sad how little was changed.