Ford Mustang or Acura RSX? - Page 5

Setec Astronomy · 06-05-09, 08:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by japjoe7

I resent Setec Astronomy "boy-racer"remark by the way.

I think you are misinterpreting my remark...the OP is comparing what we used to call the "secretary's" Mustang (V6) against the "boy racer" RSX (Type-S, premium fuel, 6-spd manual only). I was suggesting the relative performance trim levels of the cars being compared was not equivalent.

Setec Astronomy · 06-05-09, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRL

Fox Bodies were like late 80s. Mustang guys will look at you funny if you call an '04 a foxbody.

IIRC the Fox-body was the '78 Fairmont, which the '79 thru late '80's Mustangs were built off of.

Perferd · 06-06-09, 02:53

Fox Body stang = 79-93'

Citius · 06-06-09, 11:58

My bad. Anyway, I don't like the previous generation style very much. I read that they have an awkward driving position?

For the RSX is the type-s really that much better than the base model? And does the base model have the transmission problem too? Someone said it was just the type-s that did.

OTG Signs · 06-06-09, 12:15

The only thing awkward about it is it feels like the steering wheel shaft is bent to the left.

SpoiledMan · 06-06-09, 01:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRL

Honda drops the ball pretty often, but people just shrug it off. The 3.2 TL and CL had issues with transmissions. The MDX had them for a while too. Eventually they got the bugs worked out though('04 or so). People just seem to have a more forgiving attitude towards foreign cars.

I wouldn't say they drop the ball often but several years of cars that had V-6 engines and auto's do have tranny issues. I know first hand. They will however replace one that is long out of warranty with little cost to the owner. I think that makes the difference between them and *some* other manufacturers. My 3rd gen Odyssey is nothing like my 2nd gen in terms of running gear and power delivery as that has all been WELL sorted out.

944obscene · 06-06-09, 05:00

You can pick up A Nissan 350Z for around 13k if you look. I'd look at BMW's, Subaru's and maybe a few others. Be picky when you're looking though. I've known too many people that went car shopping with an open mind and hated what they bought because they had no real criteria. Know what you want.

Your initial list of RSX and V6 Mustang suggests that you don't exactly know what's available to you for 13k. There are a lot of suggestions listed here that I'd take over a V6 stang. You want a car. That's been established. Do you want comfort or speed/sporty? When I got the chance I jumped on my first fun car and haven't looked back yet.

For under 7k I got an older Porsche that trounces many MANY newer cars (STi's, Mazdaspeed3's, newer GT mustangs, 350Z's/G35's etc) in what police like to call "contests of speed". However my Saturn is twice as comfortable to drive everyday because the clutch isn't heavy and the steering and suspension don't jar you around. Also, the 944's repair expenses can get HIGH if you're not careful (however, I have yet to experience this con that many spew about 944 and BMW maintenance). But that's the thing. I didn't need the car for comfort or everyday dependability. I have two cars. And you could purchase both, insure both, and register both for under 13k TOTAL.

That's my approach. I'm not like most people. I don't need a newer car. Some people like newer cars. I know poeple that don't want cars older than 2000. This narrows the possibilities A LOT. I judge a car by how much it's worth in my eyes and how much I'm going to enjoy driving it and owning it. I can't think of many newer cars that would make me as happy for the same price, but at the same time, it's different strokes for different folks. Get an idea of what you want OUT of a car. Then search for possibilities that fit the criteria.

Citius · 06-06-09, 08:15

944obscene, I have to say, that was by far the best piece of advice that I have received so far.

I'm looking for something that's more speed/sporty and not necessarily comfort/luxury. However, this will be my daily driver, so I don't want something that I can't stand driving for more than an hour. So basically a little comfort would be nice. Also, I want something newer than 2001 and I don't want to own two vehicles. I might be moving to the city next summer, so my parking will be limited.

I don't want a car that has rear-wheel drive anymore. It would be fun, but not in the winter. So the mustang and the 350z are out. I have to say, all-wheel drive would be nice, but it's definitely not a necessity. I've owned a FWD car before and I got through the winters just fine. Got stuck a few times, but that was when I was still learning how to drive in the winter.

944obscene · 06-07-09, 12:17

A random search turned up several WRX's and a number of them are turbo. Sounds like a good route to take. Name one good reason not to own a Subaru right? lol

Hey, what about a Mini Cooper S? FWD, boosted, handles like a crack-spider, and is quite economical.

Citius · 06-07-09, 06:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by 944obscene

Hey, what about a Mini Cooper S?

I'm not a fan haha. I'm picky when it comes to cars.

I might look into a WRX or a BMW 325.

Perferd · 06-07-09, 06:45

LOL looks like you need to really sit down the think about all this more...When I was in the market I broke down everything I wanted then found cars in that catagory and test drove all of them. From there I came up with about 4 out of 15 I really liked and went to town from there....To me you are too scattered and that will make it impossible to pick a winner. You might find one then the next day see a car you didnt think about and be upset...If you figure out which catagory find all those cars and go from there you wont miss anything...

spike_africa · 06-19-09, 07:45

If you want to be bored while driving get the v6 model. They are nice and all, but they are boring to drive.

Look into the 99-04 Mustang's as you can get V8 power with good mpg for less then $13,000 now days and it will be fun to drive. I got my 02 GT with 14,000 miles back in 2004 for $15,000 and it ran 14.0x@100mph bone stock. While still getting almost 30mpg on the highway (29mpg doing 75 mph). Now days you can get a an 02 for around $10,000 flat.

If it was me I would check those cars out. You can also find the more powerful Mach1 which were only made in 2003-2004 for 15k or less if you look around. These cars handle better then the 99-04 GT's and have 305hp over the 260hp the GT's have. So they are even quicker. They have hit 12's bone stock with those cars.