Fuelly Forums - what car to buy?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rh77 (Post 46607)

That's right -- there are WRX "Wagons" -- a bit heavier, but more functional. They race well too, with the additional weight in the rear...

hmm i never thought of that. i would definitely prefer the wagon...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wazabi Owner (Post 46615)

Like I mentioned before, look into the Matrix XRS, a different drivetrain. Drawback - you have to run premium (like the WRX) BUT it's the little pocket rocket you're looking for with cabaility of MUCHO better mileage than the WRX wagon. WRX wagon is faster - but that Vibe is a dog compared to the XRS (UNLESS you looked at a Vibe GT). You'll get the 6 speed with the XRS too compared to the 5 speed in the Suburu. Still, that Suburu is one bad looking car while the XRS looks like the regular Matrix - more of a sleeper. Good one to pull a fast one on the wife like the Neon SRT4 and the old SE-R Sentra. Looks like you're getting a regular car. :D

my wife doesnt care if its a normal car or not, she just cares if i am putting money into it after i buy it. to her if i am spending money on repairing a car OR making it more fun the car then becomes a 'money pit' to her. :thumbdown:

i did look into the vibe/matrix and i am only interested in all wheel drive version, which is pretty underpowered. if i were to get a fwd car i would stick to what i know: civics and integras.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rh77 (Post 46619)

There's still the option of the non-Turbo Impreza 'RS' version that's available in Wagon form. This year they're calling it the 2.5i.

But -- I can say the Matrix xRS AWD is a good drive, smaller, and potentially better FE.

I can tell you from experience that a turbo is hard to control at cruise without an additional boost controller, and consequently sucks down the fuel. In addition, to have the turbo last beyond 100K miles, monitoring of oil temp and proper cool-down is necessary or the hot turbo bearings can be damaged by stationary oil that burns into them (so if you can't properly cool it down, 30-seconds to a minute of idling is necessary to cool both the turbo and oil -- enter the "Turbo-Timer").

My recommendation for maximum FE is to go non-turbo. Plenty of HP can be extracted from the flat-4, 2.5L without forced induction, and still retain a decent FE. Also, turbo replacement wont be a problem after a few years.

The xRS is all-motor, right?

RH77

i am pretty sure i want a turbo car this time around and yes, from the brief research i have done the toyota matrix xRS is all motor and front wheel drive. if they offered 170hp with awd i would reconsider. however, their awd system seems to be designed for safety, much like hondas awd system in the crv, and not for a crisp launch and heavy throttle exits from turns at the track.

i have a strong feeling i will be able to get much better percentage gains from the wrx than i would from the toyota. it almost seems like subaru doesnt care about fuel economy, they seem to have the worst mpg ratings with all their cars across all classes. but man that wrx is a fun car...

i am really not worried about controlling the turbo and also am not worried about getting a turbo timer. if the turbo goes, i will just get a bigger one, which will be faster AND easier to control since it 'should' spool slower.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rh77 (Post 46632)

(sorry for the diversion [not] Jared)

thats fine :)