Ask the Car People.SM


Help Me Choose!

3277 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 4:12 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, Mazda MAZDA3, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 304 of 328

#3027 of 3277 Trying to chose sporty sedan... by redlinez

Jan 25, 2013 (7:25 pm)

So I've test driven a ton of cars, most of which 5 minutes or so which truly doesn't give enough time for a fair analysis of each. The Mazdaspeed3- the most boy-racer, worst gas mileage, least supportive seats, roughest riding, but by far the best performing. The Jetta GLI- love turbo power and 2.0T, easy to tune (APR/Revo/GIAC), great handler and ride, least visually appealing, spotty VW reliability, first 3 services free. Both of these require premium fuel. Lastly, the Honda Accord Sport sedan 6 speed- great handling/ride combination, super solid feeling, lots of standard features, gem of an engine, only color for me is gray, most grandpa-ish, slowest (0-60 6.7 1/4 15.393mph- which aren't bad), best mpgs, most proven reliability, regular unleaded, not much available to boost performance. Payments on all three would be $375-385 on 66 mos buying at invoice (less 1500 on the MS3) no money down. If I could find a low mileage 06-09 Jetta GLI 6 speed, I would have bought it already. I love that car. It's a 3rd car, daily driver for me, take my wife and boys places on occasion. We already have a 2012 Ford Fusion appearance pack car we love and a 2003 Suburban Z71.

#3028 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [redlinez] by bpizzuti

Jan 25, 2013 (7:51 pm)

Replying to: redlinez (Jan 25, 2013 7:25 pm)
Did you test drive the WRX and Focus ST? Where would they slot in?

#3029 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [redlinez] by qbrozen

Jan 25, 2013 (9:32 pm)

Replying to: redlinez (Jan 25, 2013 7:25 pm)
since you are willing to consider used, how about a 335i?
 
A civic si would be a far better choice than the Accord if "sporty" is your priority.

#3030 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [qbrozen] by kyfdx HOST

Jan 25, 2013 (9:41 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Jan 25, 2013 9:32 pm)
Jetta GLI shouldn't be that hard to find..

#3031 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [kyfdx] by redlinez

Jan 26, 2013 (9:13 am)

Replying to: kyfdx (Jan 25, 2013 9:41 pm)
The GLI base car is what I'm looking for. The WRX is out of my budget range and I thought the Focus ST was way to hyperactive. It was all over the place on acceleration (not spinning), the turbo didn't even really kick in until 3500-4000 rpms, and they're all loaded up with options. I hate the Civic Si's dash and the throttle overrun is terrible. If it weren't for those two things, I'd probably go with a Si, that and I don't like the newest styling.
   The used car I'd buy today if I could find one, is a low mileage 06-09 Jetta GLI 6 speed. The wife hates GTI's, so can't go there again.

#3032 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [redlinez] by drvette

Jan 26, 2013 (11:34 am)

Replying to: redlinez (Jan 26, 2013 9:13 am)
I like the VW offerings until I joined a V-dub forum.
$500~ timing belt
poor quality fuel pumps, frt suspension, interior etc etc
 
So I bought a Cruze ECO 6sp
Timing "chain"
Cast Iron block
Quality build and good skidpad figures.
 
132+ top mph 32psi t.p. from the 15# boost 2000rpm~ has real seat-of-the-pants power.
I've hit 125~ twice. This thing is Quick!
 
The ability to get 50mpg by hypermiling is pretty neat.
 
Goodyear Assure-Max(sp?) LLR tires are v. stiff & max of 51# cold press gives tidy handling.
 
Chk cruzetalkforums.com
 
As always YMMV

Doc

#3033 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [drvette] by redlinez

Jan 26, 2013 (10:33 pm)

Replying to: drvette (Jan 26, 2013 11:34 am)
Just drove all three today. The Accord sport is out because it's just a great driving large car, we already have a 12 Fusion we love. I really love the Speed3's power and just how raw the driving experience is. Great brakes and steering. But the interior feels cheaper than the Vdub and after visiting the really annoying Mazdaspeedforum, it's plagued with interior rattles and noises. Haven't read that about the MKVI Jetta GLI. I drove the GLI I would buy today, the base car on 17" wheels. It just really lacks the low end torque the MKV had. Very clean interior design, feels way more upscale than the Mazda. Obviously two very different cars. I can get the 13 Speed3 for $1200 less than the GLI, but VW offers .9% for 66 mos, so the payment is only $10 more for the GLI. Really tough decision here......
    The Cruze is a nice looking car, rented one once with the turbo automatic. Just not in the same league powerwise and I think they're over-priced just as the Sonic.

#3034 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [redlinez] by benjaminh

Jan 27, 2013 (5:00 am)

Replying to: redlinez (Jan 26, 2013 10:33 pm)
Can you drive a manual?
 
If so, you might want to consider a Civic Si.

#3035 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [benjaminh] by redlinez

Jan 27, 2013 (6:34 am)

Replying to: benjaminh (Jan 27, 2013 5:00 am)
That's all I'm looking at is manuals. Should have specified that too. I can't stand the Si's spaceship dash and throttle overrun programming. (from what I've read). I doubt it has enough low end for me.

#3036 of 3277 Re: Trying to chose sporty sedan... [redlinez] by benjaminh

Jan 27, 2013 (7:31 am)

Replying to: redlinez (Jan 27, 2013 6:34 am)
My brother in law has a 2012 Civic Si. This generation has much more low end torque, because they put in a 2.4 engine. The dash is weird, but I don't think it's a deal breaker. I think it's a lot of fun to drive and shift. Honda's manuals are about the best in the biz. Imho you should test drive it yourself before you write it off
 
But I've always loved VW GTIs. A four door of those would be a lot of fun, and quite functional too.

Messages Page 304 of 328

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement