get a newer gsx or tsi for like 13000 then spend the rest and mod the hell out of it

 

RSX-S, hands down no contest. Either that, or buy a used ITR. But hey, I've got Integra roots in me, so I'm biased .

 

modvp, my friend is a very strange kid. He got beat by me and by my other friends with Evo's and a couple of kids with stage 2 plus s4's. He makes fun of me for buying a "toliet with a turbo" because he has been with vw for his whole and said day in and day out that he would never drive a japanese car. So he sold his car and is still deciding on what he is going to get but I have a feeling he will buy an STI because there isn't alot of them in my area. I don't know the kid is dump and can't respect cars for what they are.

 

I would probably go with the Si, but you also might want to look around and see if you can find a used hybrid accord or something like that or perhaps a used 3 series bmw.

 

Straight from autobytel.com on the new civic si: "Powered by Honda’s so-called K-Series engine, the 2006 Honda Civic Si has a 2.0-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC motor under the hood that makes 197 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 139 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,200 rpm. Redline is 8,000 rpm, and a warning light flashes in the gauge cluster when that limit is approaching. Meeting LEV2-LEV emissions in the U.S., this engine is estimated to deliver 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Premium fuel is required."

That rules out that choice

 

I would go for an SRT-4 if $22k was my cieling. I had one and loved it. Maintenance costs are nothing like the Evo and gas mileage is better. Out on the open road it pulls just as hard too so you won't be sacrificing much power. Handling is not as good - although it's decent. The warranty is also pretty good...especially if you can find an early '04 model with the 7yr/70k mile powertrain warranty. Good luck not modding it. I had mine up around 270whp/290wtq after only $1,200 in exhaust and Mopar mods.

 

Anything requiring premium gas (ie: 93 octane) is not an option. I have thought of the SRT4, but I MUST keep it stock. After looking online all day, I'm really leaning towards the mazda 3...stock HID's, leather, navi and just a decent car overall for about 20k is nice. I sat in one once about a yr ago and it feels pretty damn solid and refined for what it is... but the search continues...thanks guys!

 

Toyota Prius, 60 MPG

 

I was thinking about a Mazda 3 wagon for work. They are good looking cars.

 

WRX

He had an AWD turbo, so the most logical explaination is the WRX
Everything else is front wheel drive
If he has to get a gas sipper then Acura/Honda all the way.
(SRT-4 is no gas sipper)

 

get i civic si

 

 

Do yourself a favor and at least try the Ralliart. I've driven all the compacts, and features, price and power make the Ralliart an attractive car. It's no Evo, but...

 

Deffinetly, I'm going to give everyone a chance...don't get me wrong, I know I'm stepping down big time, but most of the time I am driving my fiance's 95 accord, and man, that thing is so damn reliable and comfortable! Not to mention how I am now used to a "slow" car since I'm not driving the evo much...so It's not an issue of speed, its now an issue of overall reliability, comfort, gas-savings and all that. I'm still 25, and still can't like the hybrids yet, they feel kinda old-manish, so those are out, but today I'm gonna be hitting a few dealerships locally for some test drives...either way, car shopping is fun!

 

what ever you buy,dont buy vw.