What's that? Could it be another what car thread!

First off sorry for polluting the board with yet another one of these threads but I am in need of some help. Short story graduating from school in spring, ready for something a little newer and more presentable. Miata is not the answer as I already have one. The three cars that have caught my attention mostly over the last few years are the 04-06 GTO, WRX, and 02-06 Sentra SE-R. Each get me going for different reasons, the GTO for stupid power burnouts, the WRX for the all wheel drive and good power, the SE-R for a decent econobox with some sporting pretensions.

My criteria for purchase are based on the drive type. Front or rear drive I want a car with a limited slip diff, awd the lsd would be nice but not going to spend Sti or EVO money. Budget is 6 to 10k, with 10k being a hard limit. Pretty sure I've ruled out the GTO based on that but it is what it is. I'm planning on pursuing a career in home inspections and energy audits when I'm done with school so the ability for a roof rack to carry a ladder would be a plus. I don't really want a truck, mostly for the gas mileage but also the fun factor isn't there for me. Preferably I want something made this century, no E36 M3 misses by a year or two.

Well... based on the reading above... seems you like power. Now, you won't be able to get a GTO for that line, but what about a last couple of years f-body? I see Camaros/ Trans-Ams all in that territory all the time. Plenty of LS1 fun, plus the ability to mod the piss out of it for like, a dollar. They don't turn very well.... but that's what steering with the ass end of the car is for.. if you catch my drift.

My god that was a bad pun.

how about a WRX wagon or a Saab 9-2x? Both have good power, great handling, and the wagon body style would let you carry stuff for inspections

I dunno...the idea of a ladder slipping and scratching the paint on my WRX/SE-R/etc isn't very comforting.

I'd say get a dedicated vehicle for the business.Maybe like a cheap, conservative, professionally stable appearing Taurus wagon.

mad_machine wrote: how about a WRX wagon or a Saab 9-2x? Both have good power, great handling, and the wagon body style would let you carry stuff for inspections

Of the choices given I concur. With a roof rack and a cloth the paint will be fine.
Though if you plan on doing ALOT of driving for your job, I would seriously hunt for a Legacy turbo wagon.

Personally though a minivan is your best choice. You can't beat them for the utility or efficiency.

In reply to bigbrainonbrad:

Another plus for the WRX wagon. Sounds perfect for what you want as long as your ladder isn't too long. I like your avatar, BTW.

Home inspections? You don't need a roof rack - you need a pick-up or van... and that is a good thing since they have:

• stupid power
• optional LSD
• optional RWD
• optional AWD/4x4
• can be had on the el cheapo

For what it's worth...while selling real estate I observed, several times, a telescoping ladder that one particular home inspector used that would fit in the trunk of a Miata. (Miata used for size comparison only, I'm not suggesting you do inspections from your Miata.)

If you're doing home in spections and want to be taken seriously, the Subaru is the only non-truck option that will allow you to be taken seriously, in my opinion. I'm not saying you can't do it in the others...and I'm not saying being taken seriously (based on a silly first impression) is really that important. So...don't worry too much about it .

Clem

The WRX wagon was my first thought for the utility, but with my budget I'm afraid of a clapped out piece of E36 M3. I think the wagons attracted a slightly older and more mature buyer to begin with, but by now they could be on to the second and in my case third buyer. If that is the route I go filtering out the garbage will be the priority.

To the WRX owners any years to avoid, options to look for, what's the skinny on them?

I am a claims adjuster for a third party company. I handle both property and casualty claims so I have to get on roofs for inspections now and then. The company gives us Ford Fusions. I can fit a 13 foot "little giant" type ladder in the trunk with the seats still up. That will get you on most one story roofs. Taller than that and I generally schedule something with the roofing contractor. So far I have not found the need to get a collapsable or longer ladder. I imagine a good hurricane down here (FL) will change that. My advise would be to wait until you get hired somewhere to see if you are provided a car.

If you want fun and power get the GTO. My buddy has one and it is a all out hoot.

If you want utility and a work car get the WRX wagon or Forester. My wife and I just bought a 04 Forester XT 5-speed for $12.5k with 60k miles. It is entertaining and decently quick stock but I am a RWD fan at heart. A few mods and we should be well into the 13's but it handles like a subaru and plows in stock form. Gas mileage isn't great but wouldn't be in the GTO either.

No experience with the SE-R. They just don't do anything for me.

My nephew just bought an '08 Impreza 4 door hatch/wagon. It's plenty fun to drive with the manual trans and cost a lot less than a WRX. I think chances are that an Impreza would likely to be less abused than a similar WRX also.

92-93 Celica AllTrac with the Torsen rear?