New Car time

Konowl · 06-04-03, 10:00

Well, got to thinking this past week about my new car purchase I intend to make in the not so distant future....

I currently drive a 1997 Prelude, nimble and quick. Was contemplating the new V6 Accord then got to thinking - instead of spending 35000 (canadian), why not get a 2001 SVT Lightning or Cobra for a very similar price. I find my prelude to be fairly quick now, however, low end torque is nonexistant (inherent to VTEC) and I'd just like something with more getup and go.

I dunno what to do - none of the new sport coupes that I can afford (Celica's, Accords) really appeal to me the way the Prelude does, so why not go for muscle.

Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions?

2hotford · 06-04-03, 10:46

How much do you want to spend on gas? I have a 99 F250 V10 LOTS of get up and go go go go........BUT 11 MPG !!! I also have a 03 Toyota Corolla Sport 1.8 L Variable Valve Timing Intelligence, 35 mpg city, 49 hwy. So the point is simple, if you want to play, you have to pay! Sure some of the 4 and 6 cyl. are pretty fast, but if you want push you back in the seat power, then the BIG V8's or V10's are in order. It will be a tough decision!!

ps. The new Cobra is a hot car! But the Lightning, well ... that is one truck that no other stock truck can touch. Heck, many fast imports and domestics are left in the dust by that beast!!

2wheelsx2 · 06-04-03, 11:44

Yup...I'm with 2Hotford here. I have known several people to switch to a Prelude from a 'Stang GT because of the fuel economy. At 80+ cents a liter for premium, that Cobra is really going to eat into you budget. As long as you have planned for that, hey, what the heck. But if the cost of fuel is going to be a concern, then I would stick with that new Accord.

bet993 · 06-05-03, 07:49

How about a compromise between the SVT vehicles and the Prelude, something like 2000 (not 2001 because of the funky boosted power steering) BMW 328 (4 or 2 door model)? You will get a turbine smooth in-line 6 that gets good gas mileage (for a 6) and has some of the lower end torque you Prelude may be lacking. The car will also be sporting in the handling department (especially if equipped correctly). I am not sure about Canada pricing but in the US you can get a certified pre-owned (get extended factory warranty and great financing options) 328 with mileage in the 30k range for less than a well optioned new V6 Accord. Just a thought.

Konowl · 06-05-03, 06:25

Well, gas mileage isn't a HUGE concern, I only drive about 5km to work everyday. I just can't make up my midn on what my next purchase will be as the only really nice sporty coupes released these days are fairly $$$, and I was kinda suprised how much you can get a used SVT for.

Nagchampa · 06-05-03, 06:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Konowl
Well, gas mileage isn't a HUGE concern, I only drive about 5km to work everyday. I just can't make up my midn on what my next purchase will be as the only really nice sporty coupes released these days are fairly $$$, and I was kinda suprised how much you can get a used SVT for.

Yeah mustangs don't have the best resale value. If it makes you happy, then go for it. I would probably pick the SVT if I was in your situation too.

Konowl · 06-05-03, 06:53

Yeah, I'm leaning that way. Wonder how reliable they are. Haven't owned a Ford since my 1990 Cougar XR7 (Supercharged V6, it had some good pickup!). It wasn't the most reliable thing in the world - the engine was great, it was the stupid little things that killed me. Are Mustangs the atypical domestic car? It being an SVT should make a differance, I woudl have thought.

germancarnut · 06-05-03, 06:55

Two thoughts and suggestions for you - first, you really need to go drive an Accord V-6 coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission (all new this year) before you write off that option. I'm not generally a big fan of Hondas, but that one seriously impresses me, especially for the dollars. Lots of power, and the 6-speed has upgraded (sportier) suspension, tires and interior appointments, etc.

Second, as an additional data point, you should go find a couple Mustangs or other American sporty coupes of about the same 1997 vintage as your Prelude and drive them. I think you'll be shocked at the difference in how the cars have aged. Most domestic cars really start to show their age around the four or five year mark (unless they're fanatically maintained by Autopians!), and if you keep your cars that long, you might want to factor that into your decision. There's a reason for the difference in resale values...

Good luck!!

Jngrbrdman · 06-05-03, 07:09

You need to consider the insurance factor too. I don't know how old you are or if you are married or not, but the difference between a Cobra and an Accord could easily be several hundred dollars a year. I got a quote on insurance for a Mustang GT when I was 21 (with a perfect driving record) and it was nearly $350 a month. A Cobra would have been even more I'd bet.

I'd be the first to suggest sticking with a Honda just because I know what great cars they are. You might even want to look at the new Acura TSX if they are available in Canada yet. I would imagine they would be. You guys get all the good Acuras up there. That is a good trade off between your lude and the V6 Accord. The power difference doesn't even matter because you are still looking at a 4 cylinder engine with the TSX. The V6 may have more power, but it should. Its a V6 for crying out loud. lol

Konowl · 06-05-03, 07:16

German: I really don't like what Honda has done styling wise lately. The RSX is ugly without putting some money into the body, and all the 2 door Accords I've seen so far are just too curvy. I like solid lines in my car (Prelude has some, Mustang has gobs).

Jngr: Yeah, you're probably right. People don't believe my car is a '97 when I tell them - save for the tiny bit of rust, it's in fairly good condition. I've thought about just getting a 2001 Prelude and pampering IT...

. Wonder what 0-60 in the new Accord is? But my GOD they are expensive compared to the Prelude.

jem7vwh · 06-11-03, 04:04

I would check online for a fleet dealer who'd sell you a 2003 V6 Accord Coupe. They're a tried and true reliable car, and the new engine provides a great base for a lot of power. The consensus seems to be that you get that car up over 300 HP and remain naturally aspirated. At that point you're talking about a car that's faster, lighter and likely to be more reliable than anything you'd find on this side of the ocean.

The only caveat is that if you insist on Manual transmission, you'll pay a premium for it.

Konowl · 06-11-03, 04:19

I will drive nothing but.