i said the mini cooper...i think it'll just be fun driving one of those things around.

 

Definitely check out the TSX! I saw it on my way down to DC and was like what is that? When I got here I checked it out online and was really surprised at the price tag, I thought it would be a lot more. Its a nicer, more powerful, 4 door RSX basically.

 

i just got back from a couple more test drives, so here's my feeling thus-far.

i started off by driving a civic si. first impression is, its a solid little car. i personally like the looks, and the rally shifter is smooth and unexpectedly comfortable. seats were nice, audio layout was good, gauges looked great. this definitely moved up my list. comparing it to the last car i test drove, the svt focus...

i can't believe i even wasted my time in the focus. the thing is just plain crap. the shifter feels weak and the shifting is very choppy, not smooth like mitsubishi and honda. the interior felt small, and the mirrors were much too small. blind spots galore. dash trim looked goofy, seats weren't very comfortable... as far as power goes, it had a little oomph to it, but the clutch didn't really leave any room for play, and you have to practically floor the gas to get any juice flowing. you can push the gas pedal in about 1/2 inch and barely get above 1K RPM.

after driving the civic si, i was able to move one dealer over, and actually test drive the only srt-4 around.

say all you want about it being a neon, but this car is well built. you can really feel the german engineering. shifting wasn't as smooth as an import, but had a nice firm feel to it. the stock exhuast sounded great, especially during a downshift. i loved the guages, especially the boost. very nice. speed wise? this thing will haul. i didn't even push the engine, and still felt a sweet boost when the turbo kicked in. didn't hear the blow-off valve at all, but again, i didn't hit high RPM.


its funny, because after test driving those cars, i got back in my lancer, and really loved it all the more. the honda manager came outside and was checking out my OZ when i pulled back in from a test drive. he was asking me all kinds of questions about it, and said he had been thinking about getting one. when i asked the dodge salesmen about purchase with trade, he said "if that's the car you're trading, then we can definitely help you there. that's a great looking car."

decisions, decisions. in the meantime i'm gonna fix the scratches and broken tail-light on my car, and see what my first paycheck looks like next week.

 

Mazda 6s
yellow, with sports package

 

I think the best choice you had on the list is the RSX-S. I would NEVER get the mini. I think it might be a fun little thing to drive maybe like once a month. But IMO they look gay. The neon SRT4 is an awesome car for the money. But I would get the RSX-S over it any day. If i was in your position I think I might wait a little longer and get something you would be happier with. Perhaps a BMW 325 ci? I just bought a 2000 Cadillac Catera Sport. I love it. Its a great improvement from driving the lancer. I would personally suggest a car like the Catera. Luxery and sport. Such as an Audi A4. I love having all the luxary features. Im happy that theres no reason to modify it. I was spending all my money on my lancer for mods. Being 18 I dont have much else to buy but still. Another idea could be a WRX those are pretty cool. and not much over 20K. You can find a used one for less.

 

go with the gti..those things are nice as hell..

 

gti's are very nice, but if i ever needed parts they cost serious $$$. i keep daydreaming back to the srt-4. what a pocket-rocket.

part of me (and all of my girlfriend) thinks i should pay off my lancer first, and wait a little while. who knows what's coming out in the next year or so... a new si? more hp srt-4? ralliart lancer?

 

Gti's look like a big retarded turtle. Personally I couldnt drive an ugly car no matter how fast it is. But im sure other people like the look of the gti. Just get something youll know youll still like down the road.

I also wish they would come out with a new Si. They are one of the worst looking things on the road. They just look like a big egg.

 

I voted for the fix up your OZ. I mean if u have the money now why not save up a little for a turbo from RRM. Its a lot more original I think. The Lancers have a great look to them. But I like fixing things up also. So the moral of the story is fix up your Lancer to make it a big head turner.

 

personally i think the VW Golf GTI is the best ride. i test drove 3 of those before i purchased my lancer and i loved it. i am 6'1" and i felt that it was the most comfortable of all the cars i test drove, many of which you have listed. the only reason i settled for the lancer was because it was very reasonably priced because of a friend i have, and it seemed like the car i would have most fun modifying. but i would definately go with VW GTI! its a sweet ride bro

 

buy a pickup...you will get more use outta it

 

Save some money and buy the Evo. The next ML might just have some good improvements since we are all telling Mitsu that they forgot all the goodies (AYC, ACD) in this years. I think everyone who has gotten that call has told them they were a 5. Plus you like your lancer now.

 

I was in the same situation as you, I want a faster car but I can't trade in the Lancer because I still owe money on it. But if I could trade the Lancer, I'd get the RSX Type S.

 

I'd pay off the 'ol Lancer first, then look at your options again. No sense in taking a hit by trading in your car unless it's absolutely necessary. Plus then you could start looking into the 30k range, and there's few cars I love more than the Evo, but I'd take a 350z over it most days of the week.

 

How bout the Mini Cooper S? That car is so cute and has power too, I think. Comes with turbo too.