I saw a base model celica GT the other day with aftermarket wheels tint and brake lights. I see this often, but everytime I do it boggles my mind. Why spend money on a GT when you could have bought the GTS model with 40 more hp and a bunch of other goodies out of the box? The only performance answer would be a lower compression ratio for boosting. However, most people don't think of this when buying the lower model. I simply don't get it. I could understand if you were given the car, but these are new models. Why get the base model and spend a dime on it instead of getting the higher model and enjoying more performance?

In most cases the people who say that they can mod the car for cheaper are fooling themselves. I've had people tell me that M3s are not worth it over 330 CIs and that GT3s are not worth it over carreras. Unless you own a shop that can do the work, you're going to spend much much more trying to get the lower models up to specs. I realize some just want to save money and don't need the performance, but I'm not referring to those people, I'm trying to understand those who spend the money anyway on the base models.

Personally, I see VERY few new cars that I consider to be worth it over a used car. I have a BMW 325IS that makes 167 hp, handles wonderfully, has great AC, power windows, locks, and does the quarter mile in 15.7. I bought it used for $3000. Having a new car is wonderful though and I understand those who really don't want to buy someone's old car. However, the cheapest enthusiast car that I think is worth it is probably a WRX. Next would be the EVO. I wouldn't do it, but if you had to spend less than 20k and had to get a new car, Civic SIs, ralliarts, and sentra specVs come to mind. But for less than 15k, I don't see ANY new cars on the market that could replace a used Integra GSR, Eclipse, BMW 3 series, nissan 240 SX, older civic SI, .... (for an enthusiast)

What am I missing?

I don't mean to insult, it just seems like a lot of wasted money to me and I'm trying to understand.

 

It is not wasting money. Me, I'm spending too much on my car even though it is just a regular car with low hp because I'm enjoying it. I enjoy what I'm doing in my car so I won't really matter if I spend too much.

 

Have you ever considered trading in the car for a ralliart?

Maybe I'm being to analytical. I just usually plan each of my upgrades for a purpose relating to performance. I suppose if one doesn't care about performance at all and spends only on looks, than my argument doesn't apply. Although, I put show cars with no performance into the same category as prom dresses in my mind.... "Oh that's pretty" ::rollseyes::.

 

the thing in my case was i didnt really get into imports, let alone know as much as i do now, untill i actually got my lancer. There are many reasons to mod these "disposable cameras" of the car world.

First off, the price, i got my lancer for 16k after tax and junk, whereas if i got a WRX or an EVO or something id be almost double that. and the other thing is i got the ES knowing it has the same engine and suspension (i figured i could do without pod gauges and trim)

Secondly, its fun, although the engine isnt powerful its fun to see how you can tweak it and put a smile on your face after putting a mod on it and driving it for the first time, whether it be engine improvments, or suspension upgrades, its all just cool sometimes to think your making the car better. but overall, its basically a hobbie.

ive learned that the lancer is a great car to learn off of so that when im ready to pound away the extra cash and get something really nice which might be an evo (crosses fingers) ill have a good idea of what im doing. as for my reason for buying it new.....its the same reason bill clinton f*cked monica, because i could

-matt

 

I can relate with you. Lately, I've been seeing domestics even like that (saw a bone stock Z28 with a stripe kit, and another Camaro with an SS hood, both were otherwise stock, rims and all). And I see the same things on imports. I hope that most of them are works in progress. I also believe in a logical upgrade path, and have only strayed slightly for sales and special deals. But I think it's because I have a performance goal like you. Other people don't race, they just want a cool looking car. So they are fine with just making the outside look a little better and just having a unique car. I dunno.

 

ah yes, the unique part, thats what i forgot, making any car stand out in the crowd and getting some notice from people makes up for not being popular in high school sometimes, haha

 

Yes, making your car look faster than it really is, so all you get are challenges from cars that would eat you alive. I'm just a different breed I guess. I loved the sleeper of the Buick Grand National and stuff like that.

 

Does anyone remember the classic foxbody 'stang LX w/ the 5.0 from the factory? There is a reason for it than buying a straight up GT model.

As for the 240sx comment, the KA series motor isn't as fast most people think they are. Yes, I'm a former owner. If people thinking a bunch of 240's in the US have SR or RB motors, they are plainly nuts and paranoid. If you play the odds game, there are more 1g 240sx dying into the salvage yards tha 1g DSM w/ a G63T. Soon, the 89 and 90 will become near extinct.

 

i drive a base model lancer. the whole reason behind that is because i knew i would be modding it and replacing whatever makes the OZ so special. the other reason is because its lighter. i have some big plans for my car, so why pay extra for **** im just gonna replace??

 

yeah man, i love sleepers, and i hate body kits and big wings, theres a difference between making your car look fast and making it look clean

 

Same parents help pay for their kid's car. In that case, the kid can only work with the budget they are given. Maybe all the kid could afford on his own was tinted windows and wheels.

 

Many people buy new cars for reliability and waranty (well, only the first in my case...), and if you buy used car, those are not things that always come with it. I paid $13.4 for my Lancer and I am more than pleased with it. I could have bought a late 90's eclipse for half what the lancer cost, but I decided I liked the 4-doors, uniqueness of the lancer in my area, along with half a million other things. I know what you mean though, you can go buy a $250 CRX and turbo it and you have a HELLA quick car for only a couple G's... but, that wasnt what I was going for. Comfort (till I dropped on progress) and style were what I wanted, and thats what I got. If I wanted to owe a BUNCH more money I would have spent the extra 15K and got the Evo... but to me, the Lancer was all I needed. It may cost a little more to buy a base model new car, but you're still owning a new car and you know how it has been treated and tuned, etc. Getting a deal on a used car is great, but not for everyone.

 

should this be in Lancer General? ... i dont see anything that says lancer.

but back to the topic... i guess people like base models because they see the potential in the car.

 

2004 Lancer Ralliart was my target after buying my 2003 Lancer.. But when I saw the design, I didn't like it especially the headlights. I even got to test drive it in the dealer.. SO, I was like 'I'm just gonna wait for 2005 Lancer.'

 

Good point, moving to other cars.