New Car choices
 

hey everyone,

I haven't been able to find a windshield for my SVX, so I think I am going to have to part with it, I believe that insurance is going to want to total the title..... :(

I am now looking for a new car, I would get another SVX, but being in college and the high costs of repairs and their frequency, I decided another route might be better. The cars I am looking at now are a 91-95 MR2, a late 80s/ early 90s BMW 318, or a MKIII Toyota Supra. What do you guys think?

With that list stick with the SVX the others will be no cheaper.....as a colledge student then you should be thinking civic,accord,camry,etc.

I would keep the SVX, but I am worried that the transmission and differentials are starting to get worn, as it doesn't shift like it used to. In no way can I afford to replace the transmission on it.

I would think accord/ camry and all those cars, but I don't think I could ever go back to a car like that, The above cars from what I heard are very reliable and don't break down much, and i'm looking to get involved in the local AutoX group up here in Boone.
i'm just not sure which one would be best. Anyone have any experiences with any of these cars? I've been around the MKIII supra and BMW quite a bit, but I have heard legends about the potential of the MR2

Have you at least installed the shift kit and tranny cooler? I'd get those to eliminate more of the worry about wearing out the tranny even more to prolong the life.....From there I'd get a diagnostic on what needs to be replaced or serviced in the tranny....instead of dropping $$$$ into a new/used tranny.

How much is the insurance going to give you? Is there damages to the car other than the windshield? What's the overall condition if you're planning to sell? :D

the overall shape of my SVX is in really good condition, but I think it is starting to wear out... There is a noise coming from the rear of the car, it isn't the bearings b/c i got them checked, but i'm not sure what it is. There is a minor dent on the front 1/4 panel, but it is nothing major. The paint is just over a year old, and shines really nice. The interior is in really really good shape as well. I am looking to get around 3500 for the car, my tax on the car was valued around 3,700 of so.

MR2 has amazing potential, to run great track times, and also to run bass ackwards into a tree. I'd say more potential to hit the tree. :rolleyes:

Very fun cars, but they will give absolutely no warning when they're about to break loose.

If those were the three cars in question, I'd vote for the Supra. I don't really like the body lines, but the car's fairly reliable, with good potential for power. The turbo model pulls pretty nice.

What are your priorities? Reliability? Comfort? Performance? RWD? Also, what's your budget? Do you want an ultra-clean car, or are you willing to take a more beat-up car with more power?

if you're in college, buy a cheap reliable little car to get you around. that way you can concentrate on schoolwork, and not about if you're going to make it there and back. have a car fund to put any extra money (if you have any) into, and when you get out and get a good job, treat yourself.

i was broke as hell through college, driving a hand-me-down POS. when i got a job, i got the car i always wanted - a Porsche 928. it was worth the wait.

be patient - it will pay off.

If you're looking to get involoved in autoxing the best place to start is with an H or a G stock car. You'll learn more faster, cheaper and have more time to enjoy driving rather than replacing parts. Yeah the MR2 has potential but it is 10 year old at the very least so you'd be much better off with a 5 year old Neon (seriously). Personally I'd look for an early Legacy GT (wagon of course as it is extremely practical plus is anything but a ticket magnet). It can be made to be competative at a local level in H stock (provided everyone doesn't drive Mini's) and tires are reasonably priced. Suspension upgrades are simple and cheap when you're good enough to move up in classes. You can make most anything from an Impreza, WRX, OBS, Legacy GT gen III fit with a little brains.

I love how auto-x really just brings out every fault of your car and brings it to light. I realized that I needed to maintain my car more after an auto-x session. :)

+1 on the H stock or G stock. You'd be pretty surprised at the kinds of cars that get put in those classes....

being a college student i cam see where your coming from. i recently bought a 91 ford escort. no air no power windows no engine power no power steering. however, it gets ~30mpg city and a small 5speed is a fun drive. i still have the svx but i drive it once every other month. that seems to help the repair bill. i figure every hour i drive the svx is an hour tom has to spend fixing what i break. aside from oil changes i dont let other people work on the svx. take into consideration i have to drive almost 6 hours to see my mechanic/friend and i would much rather spend the time at svxfile's doing something other than racking my brain trying to figure out why my car sucks.

Well said. :)



If he buys it.. :p

From your list, I would think MR2 is the least expensive to maintain and get pretty good mileage. But all of them are bad on snow. :D

My friend had one but he wrecked it. Not many around as well.

Ah hell, just buy the 928! That's what I'm planning on doing. We have been looking at houses for the last two weeks and my comment is, the 928 would look good in here. Shannon is to the point she just rolls her eyes. She now knows resistence is futile!!! :D I have two get my two daughters in the back of that silver S4 I keep driving. They love it from the outside. My daughters have taste already at 9 and 3. :)