I'll be leasing my next car and will finalize my decision within the next 6-9 months. I'm not looking for anything too youthful in design (i.e. Evo, STI, SRT-4, etc) and I'll only be considering rwd and awd cars in the 25-33K range. I plan on leaving my next car relatively stock, but it'll probably see frequent duty at the drag strip and autox events!

The current cars on my short-list are:

1) '05 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT (5spd)
2) '05 Subaru Forester XT (5spd)
3) '05 Mazda RX-8 (6spd)
4) '05 Pontiac GTO (6spd - 400hp)

I'm also thinking about test-driving an '06 MazdaSpeed 6 as well.

Has anyone here test-driven any of these cars I'm considering and if so what's your impression of their performance, build quality, etc.?

I wanted to post this on the Evo board (rather than a Subaru, Mazda or Pontiac forum) as I'm looking for non 'brand loyalty' responses.

Thanx!

 

My dad bought the 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT and he loves it. It's a really nice car, great interior, turbo AWD, and it's quite fast. It's a very good sport sedan for the money. I say go for the Legacy.

 

i really like the legacy's as well, fun to drive, adn looks pimp on the inside.

 

i have test driven a 03 Mazda RX-8, my impression was...this car has a nice looking inside out, but no power at low-mid RPM range and the lack of room.

it had a good sport car looking but it didn't has the good acceleration(low torque) that i expected.

i knew this car's power is in high RPM range, but since i was looking for a daily driver, i don't want to drive a car at very high RPM all the time and squeeze it for some power like that. so it is not my cup of tea.

however, this car is well balanced, very close 50/50 ratio, and some experts said it is a very good car for skilled driver and it is a good car to train the driver's skill.( i forgot the reason, sorry!!).

i think since i am not a skilled driver, thus i don't get any fun from it.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. The Legacy 2.5GT and Pontiac GTO are probably my two favorites at this point.

The new Legacy strikes a perfect balance between performance and practicality, and the awd will definitely be useful in the Winter.

The '05 GTO has a great interior and a magnificent LS2 V8 that just speaks a sweet language to my soul. I can't wait to see the Speed Channel comparison next weekend after the Watkins Glen race (GTO vs Mustang GT vs 330Ci vs G35 Coupe).

 

i would say go with a GTO..its an all around great car to me..fast,looks pretty good, and awesome interior

 

The 350Z is missing from your list. Did you consider the Audi A4 and Volvo S40?

 

All the car's I've listed can accommodate 4 adults - I'm married with two kids. The 350Z just wouldn't work. The natural choice would then be the Infiniti G35 Coupe, however, I'm not big on luxury brands at this point in my life - hence no Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, etc... (even though I've thought about a pre-owned '04 S60R or an '01 E46 M3)

 

Give it enough time (I.E. GM to throw on more rebates) and you could get a killer lease on a GTO (probably $460-$480 range 36k 3yr). The Subaru is dang tempting too though.

 

The Legacy 2.5GT is very tempting, and it's my default choice unless something better comes along.

Btw, I'll be replacing my wife's Lancer with a new Endeavor SUV, so I'll still be in the Mitsu family!

 

I've given the new turbo legacy a test drive as I was considering trading in my year old Acura TSX for one. I must say, they are damn nice. I'd take that over the poor selling, bland looking, very fast but not great in bad weather GTO.

 

Another vote for the Legacy 2.5GT. They are very nice cars.

 

Actually, out of all the cars I'm considering, the Legacy is the only one I'd buy to own. I definitely know I won't tire of that car in 2 yrs, plus it's a very practical 4 door and my wife wouldn't force me to get rid of it down the road...

 

Alright, you didn't make it clear you needed four seats. I'm not big on luxury either, but if there's a car that offers the features I want, I'll look at it. Have you thought about the G35 sedan? It's comparable in price to your other choices.

 

Sorry. Should have mentioned the car needs four seats - however, four doors isn't necessary. The G35 sedan just doesn't excite me like a Legacy 2.5 GT or Pontiac GTO. Plus it's an Infiniti... (i.e. luxury brand)

The soon-to-be-released MazdaSpeed 6 is an option, but I hate the fact that it's full-time fwd, until there's a loss of traction.