So, I'm at a pass. I can't decide if I want to keep my car and spend more money on it (ie Turbo), or replace it. I'm looking at an Audi A3 2.0T. I see advantages both ways. The RA is for sure a more sporty car, but the Audi comes turbocharged, and for under $1000 you can get it to 250HP with a APR Chip. Audi would be smoother and have more toys.

My RA is a 2004 with 55,000 Km's on it...

I guess the question is... sport luxury or sport compact...

 

if you want sport luxury get an IS300
I would go with the audi. But you cant really mod those out too much, but then again, neither can an RA.

 

i say audi if u can afford it...very nice cars imo.

 

So, I test drove one last night. They're nice for sure, but I wasn't super impressed. Not that fast, and it feels big and smooth. I guess I just needed a reminder that I like sportier, rougher, louder cars better.

 

I drove my mom's IS300 around for a month or so a couple years back. If you want a relatively smooth ride with top notch handling, and a car that you can really modify a lot, then look into a used IS300. Then my mom upgraded to that new GS300 and it handles like crap.

 

I really wish I could get an EVO here. Stupid Canada...

 

I drove an IS300 acouple times, I loved it. I'm sure the ability to mod it is there also.

 

you should look into importing an evo from the states if you really want one, im sure you can do it, but it may take a little bit of cash if you know what i mean. I assume that there is paper work and stuff, but it would be worth it. I will be looking into doing that in a couple of months when i get out of Trade School and start making real money.

 

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I drove the IS300 in a comparative match with the BMW 330i, Acura TS type-S (TSX) and a Mercedes C class (I think it was a 280). All cars are in the same price range... but I must admit the IS300 and Acura suck*d big time. The Mercedes handled itself quite well... but the interior and overall feel didn't suit me at all (the egonomics are quite poor IMO). The BMW was an easy choice. This was a slalom and skid-pad test though... so your own impressions may vary. All-in-all, I wouldn't buy any of these cars though... even if I could afford one. They're quite boring to drive compared to my much cheaper RalliArt.

Got Turbo?, you should get turboed...

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This as been discussed to death... THERE IS NO WAY TO IMPORT AN EVO HERE, THEY AREN'T STREET LEGAL! Got it???

 

The TSX is just a wannabe version of the rsx type S, but with 4 doors and aimed more at luxury. Out of those cars you mentioned, I have only driven the IS, but i must admit the IS was a lot more fun to drive than the RA. It had more power, really good tires, and a smoother shifting automatic tranny. Plus it looks better IMO.

 

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That must mean I'm more of a sport-compact type of guy then! I didn't really have the impression that the Lexus was fast... even if it's clearly more powerful. It's probably the same phenomenon with Got Turbo? test drivin the A3 and not feeling it's sporty enough. My brother owns the A4 and I find it to be be a pretty boring car... even if he got the sports package and 5SP tranny.

I need a car that feels light and connected, not big and smooth. That's why I think the RA and EVO are the best buys in there respective categories...

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Hmm, I drove the IS with the paddle shifters and it was much faster than the RA. I didn't do any crazy driving so I didn't get to feel the suspension setup but I thought it was quite good.

I accually considered many used cars b4 I got the RA but went with it instead. I kinda wish I would have test drove more cars out there before I jumped into mine.

 

Few beers and the is300 looks like the RA

 

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A few more and it even feels as sporty...



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