What do isles fans drive?

[redbull]

A Redbull sighting!! I hear you re: the small Italian town. I see those articles now and then about the Italian towns offering "fixer-uppers" for $1 to attract new residents - tempting. Although I think the ultimate cost, like a used Fiat, would end up being high.

and a double-chilli-night in a small italian town would be expensive and confusing as well !

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

I have an Audi A4 which is prob the best all-around car - fun, freakishly good/reliable (I'm one of the lucky ones with almost zero costs except regular maintenance).

I had an A4 and it was nothing but problems from the jump. My Acura has had no issues.

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

Honda Pilot. Was looking at the Ford Ranger pickup. Just couldn't do it.

Ranger is what I've been thinking of for a while now, what turned you off from it?

For reference, I have a 2 door 2007 Jeep Wrangler. I need more space and gas mileage. Would be interested in @QuadDeuces Gladiator but that MPG ain't going to be enough for me unfortunately...

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Just got a new subaru crosstrek sport. Seems fine.

 

[JKP]

Still driving my 2016 Outback, but this is my next car in a couple years once I'm not dragging my kids' hockey gear around:

2024 Toyota GR Corolla | Toyota.com

Redefine your boundaries with the track-built, road-ready 2024 Toyota GR Corolla. This turbocharged hatchback has a robust 300-horsepower engine and a GR circuit-tuned suspension for agile handling.

www.toyota.com

 

[Bones45]

Still riding my 2013 Accord, 6spd. 123k. Runs like I just got her.

Lately, been stalking 2019/2020 Toyota Avalon- a Lexus, without the price tag. Silky smooth V6. Bulletproof. just not many of them around

Still love the Acura TLX PMC (as always)
Still driving my 1986 Prelude Si as weather allows (also as always)

Absolutely amazed at how many electrical issues the Honda Passports seem to have. Powertrain seems solid, but the infotainment system is absolute trash.

 

[Tahoeblue]

Ranger is what I've been thinking of for a while now, what turned you off from it?

For reference, I have a 2 door 2007 Jeep Wrangler. I need more space and gas mileage. Would be interested in @QuadDeuces Gladiator but that MPG ain't going to be enough for me unfortunately...

It has the word Ranger.

 

[Lame Lambert]

Ranger is what I've been thinking of for a while now, what turned you off from it?

For reference, I have a 2 door 2007 Jeep Wrangler. I need more space and gas mileage. Would be interested in @QuadDeuces Gladiator but that MPG ain't going to be enough for me unfortunately...

If you can hold off, wait for the next gen Ranger prob coming next year.

 

[FourRings]

I had an A4 and it was nothing but problems from the jump. My Acura has had no issues.

Similar situation here. I had an A5 and it was issue after issue.

 

[nyisles]

Still driving my 2016 Outback, but this is my next car in a couple years once I'm not dragging my kids' hockey gear around:

2024 Toyota GR Corolla | Toyota.com

Redefine your boundaries with the track-built, road-ready 2024 Toyota GR Corolla. This turbocharged hatchback has a robust 300-horsepower engine and a GR circuit-tuned suspension for agile handling.

www.toyota.com

I don't usually say this but I'd like to see one of these in the sedan instead, only because this gen Corolla hatch's back seat is a joke even by compact car standards. Having a 3-cyl engine with that much power also makes me nervous about long-term durability, but I guess if anyone could pull that off it's Toyota

 

[redbull]

Still riding my 2013 Accord, 6spd. 123k. Runs like I just got her.

Lately, been stalking 2019/2020 Toyota Avalon- a Lexus, without the price tag. Silky smooth V6. Bulletproof. just not many of them around

Still love the Acura TLX PMC (as always)
Still driving my 1986 Prelude Si as weather allows (also as always)

Absolutely amazed at how many electrical issues the Honda Passports seem to have. Powertrain seems solid, but the infotainment system is absolute trash.

fantastic thread by the way !

ok: 86 Prelude? still? amazing.

I owned an 89 and 92 and both were my fav all time cars to drive/own/reliable/fun and I search for them every few months, then calculate how old they are, and never pull the trigger. I should have kept them.
---
The Avalon is an amazing old-man-Lexus and prob a smooth tank. The RL Acura is similar but I still like the fun/nimble A4 even you you guys are throwing the jinx on me! I love Audie but they can be a problem - but love is love and men (yes, and women) make bad decisions on what they think is love - but it's lust - and we're still talking about cars.

Also read about the Miata - I really want one, I like go-karts. Mini Cooper may be another one, or a Toyota MR2 - that whole class of vehicle have hit incredible pricing

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

If you can hold off, wait for the next gen Ranger prob coming next year.

I know, it looks a lot nicer. More squared off like an F-150 and significant upgrades to the technology package & interior.

It has the word Ranger.

Why did I not think of that...

 

[JKP]

I don't usually say this but I'd like to see one of these in the sedan instead, only because this gen Corolla hatch's back seat is a joke even by compact car standards. Having a 3-cyl engine with that much power also makes me nervous about long-term durability, but I guess if anyone could pull that off it's Toyota

Get the Morizo track version that has no back seats.

I think it's the same engine they've been running for a couple years in the hot Yaris available in Japan.

It looks like a blast, and I only like to drive manuals, so getting harder and harder to find cars. I'm also intrigued by the ability to alter the F/R split of the AWD.

My original plan was I'd get a WRX STi, but stupid Subaru has dropped the STi model as they fully soccer-mom their lineup.
Then I thought the Golf R, but it still looks like a Golf.
Then I found out about the Corolla GR... and I'm very intrigued.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

Similar situation here. I had an A5 and it was issue after issue.

Strange, my R8* has no issues.




*doesn't exist except on paper

 

[doublechili]

Still driving my 2016 Outback, but this is my next car in a couple years once I'm not dragging my kids' hockey gear around:

2024 Toyota GR Corolla | Toyota.com

Redefine your boundaries with the track-built, road-ready 2024 Toyota GR Corolla. This turbocharged hatchback has a robust 300-horsepower engine and a GR circuit-tuned suspension for agile handling.

www.toyota.com

I knee-jerk signed up for alerts on the GR Corolla as soon as I heard about it - I won't actually be getting one though. But a GR Corolla combo with a Miata RF would be pretty ridiculous.

I was half-joking about the Prius when I posted about it, but I've been seeing a lot of hate directed at Toyota for the Prius because they updated it, increased HP and retained the internal combustion engine. So maybe now I can actually get one (and put an "America: Love it or Leave It" bumper sticker on it).

 

[doublechili]

I only like to drive manuals, so getting harder and harder to find cars

I have that same issue (been driving MTs since 1979). I have an MT 2013 Acura TL SH-AWD along with the Miata and am hoping that lasts a long time because AWD MTs can be counted on one hand anymore (and since electric doesn't need gearing, they'll all be gone before you know it). It's ironic that as other companies do away with true enthusiast cars, Toyota of all companies is trending in that direction. Totally didn't see that coming.

 

[Lame Lambert]

I know, it looks a lot nicer. More squared off like an F-150 and significant upgrades to the technology package & interior.



Why did I not think of that...

The interior is the biggest turn off to the current one. Unfortunately, just not a good value right now compared with the lower end F150s and the Bronco.

 

[JKP]

I have that same issue (been driving MTs since 1979). I have an MT 2013 Acura TL SH-AWD along with the Miata and am hoping that lasts a long time because AWD MTs can be counted on one hand anymore (and since electric doesn't need gearing, they'll all be gone before you know it). It's ironic that as other companies do away with true enthusiast cars, Toyota of all companies is trending in that direction. Totally didn't see that coming.

Yeah. It's a shame about MTs, esp AWD MTs. As a dearly departed friend of mine used to say, "some people like to drive, some like to steer."

The other 2 things that are disappearing are analog gauges for speedo and tach, etc. and physical dials for climate controls instead of stupid buttons or, worse, having it in the infotainment system touch screen.

 

[redbull]

I have that same issue (been driving MTs since 1979). I have an MT 2013 Acura TL SH-AWD along with the Miata and am hoping that lasts a long time because AWD MTs can be counted on one hand anymore (and since electric doesn't need gearing, they'll all be gone before you know it). It's ironic that as other companies do away with true enthusiast cars, Toyota of all companies is trending in that direction. Totally didn't see that coming.

also, like JKP, struggling to find a fun manual and I'd even go RWD because 4WD is impossible. I thought I'd like the "paddle-shifting" A4 (which I probably use more than most people do) but it's just not the same as a clutch.

I love the TL, I had one before my A4, superb car, but also automatic (with the tiptronic that I never used).

Electric is awesome but feel it's not the right time, that tech will evolve super-fast and it's currently overpriced. It's like buying a blue-ray player or a plasma tv when they first came out. I'm not sure if there's a world with an electric powerplant AND some manual-type drivetrain/transmission at some point? in some way? but feel that the market demand for such a vehicle is near zero - though I've seen some hybrid supercars that seem like incredible drives.

I used to really want an Audi Sport Quattro but they are very dated, very expensive, probably not every-day-drivers. So I'm kinda stuck with something that doesn't exist or overpaying for an MR2/Miata/Cooper and older Fiat/Alfa, maybe S2000. Was thinking of getting one from Colorado (read that some US States with good climate (no floods, not much snow/salt damage) may be a solid place for used cars.

Any ideas? I assume most of you live in the tri-state-area? I hate that term, I will never use it again.

 

[Lame Lambert]

also, like JKP, struggling to find a fun manual and I'd even go RWD because 4WD is impossible. I thought I'd like the "paddle-shifting" A4 (which I probably use more than most people do) but it's just not the same as a clutch.

I love the TL, I had one before my A4, superb car, but also automatic (with the tiptronic that I never used).

Electric is awesome but feel it's not the right time, that tech will evolve super-fast and it's currently overpriced. It's like buying a blue-ray player or a plasma tv when they first came out. I'm not sure if there's a world with an electric powerplant AND some manual-type drivetrain/transmission at some point? in some way? but feel that the market demand for such a vehicle is near zero - though I've seen some hybrid supercars that seem like incredible drives.

I used to really want an Audi Sport Quattro but they are very dated, very expensive, probably not every-day-drivers. So I'm kinda stuck with something that doesn't exist or overpaying for an MR2/Miata/Cooper and older Fiat/Alfa, maybe S2000. Was thinking of getting one from Colorado (read that some US States with good climate (no floods, not much snow/salt damage) may be a solid place for used cars.

Any ideas? I assume most of you live in the tri-state-area? I hate that term, I will never use it again.

Are you looking used? There’s a bunch of fun to drive new manuals still around.

 

[redbull]

Are you looking used? There’s a bunch of fun to drive new manuals still around.

trouble is, Canada eats away at cars with the winter/snow/salt and a lot of these fun/used/older cars are either in horrible shape or have such stupid mods on them that I think "if that idiot thinks the lime-green carbon-fiber hood and those absurd fog-lights and flared fenders are a good idea, how can I trust he didn't microchip something nuts and cut the springs in his garage or other stuff.

I think I only want a decent body, some wear and tear, something with potential. I mean, it's almost word-for-word what I've got on my Tinder profile.

Both are expensive, disappointing so the search goes on.

 

[doublechili]

also, like JKP, struggling to find a fun manual and I'd even go RWD because 4WD is impossible. I thought I'd like the "paddle-shifting" A4 (which I probably use more than most people do) but it's just not the same as a clutch.

I love the TL, I had one before my A4, superb car, but also automatic (with the tiptronic that I never used).

Electric is awesome but feel it's not the right time, that tech will evolve super-fast and it's currently overpriced. It's like buying a blue-ray player or a plasma tv when they first came out. I'm not sure if there's a world with an electric powerplant AND some manual-type drivetrain/transmission at some point? in some way? but feel that the market demand for such a vehicle is near zero - though I've seen some hybrid supercars that seem like incredible drives.

I used to really want an Audi Sport Quattro but they are very dated, very expensive, probably not every-day-drivers. So I'm kinda stuck with something that doesn't exist or overpaying for an MR2/Miata/Cooper and older Fiat/Alfa, maybe S2000. Was thinking of getting one from Colorado (read that some US States with good climate (no floods, not much snow/salt damage) may be a solid place for used cars.

Any ideas? I assume most of you live in the tri-state-area? I hate that term, I will never use it again.

I had a couple of old Audis years ago (the 5 cyl turbos) and a Saab and liked them a lot, but parts (let alone labor) were expensive and I basically swore off Euro cars and have been getting Japanese cars since. My last 3 cars have all had great shifters, which means a lot (2007 Civic SI, the TL, and the Miata). I seriously considered a low mileage, one owner S2000 but couldn't pull the trigger - the Miata was the same price for a new car with a warranty, etc.. The S2000s are becoming collector cars anyway - I didn't want to be hesitant to drive it!

Anyway, my suggestion would always be to avoid a money pit/headache. Find a reliable, relatively cheap to run - but fun - car. I know it's FWD, but the new Civic SIs are supposed to be great - otherwise you'd have to go back a few generations and try to find a clean one. This is probably not a cheap car to run, but I've noticed that the last gen RX8s (with the funny half door) are still pretty affordable - but they get V8 mileage and apparently can have issues that cost $$ to fix. If you want a RWD go-kart as a 2nd car a used Miata checks a lot of boxes. They've made a million of them, so you're not going to pay a premium for a nice adult-owned used example, and they're reliable and cheap to run. And they encourage you to pay 100% attention when driving so you don't get "SUV'd".

 

[redbull]

I had a couple of old Audis years ago (the 5 cyl turbos) and a Saab and liked them a lot, but parts (let alone labor) were expensive and I basically swore off Euro cars and have been getting Japanese cars since. My last 3 cars have all had great shifters, which means a lot (2007 Civic SI, the TL, and the Miata). I seriously considered a low mileage, one owner S2000 but couldn't pull the trigger - the Miata was the same price for a new car with a warranty, etc.. The S2000s are becoming collector cars anyway - I didn't want to be hesitant to drive it!

Anyway, my suggestion would always be to avoid a money pit/headache. Find a reliable, relatively cheap to run - but fun - car. I know it's FWD, but the new Civic SIs are supposed to be great - otherwise you'd have to go back a few generations and try to find a clean one. This is probably not a cheap car to run, but I've noticed that the last gen RX8s (with the funny half door) are still pretty affordable - but they get V8 mileage and apparently can have issues that cost $$ to fix. If you want a RWD go-kart as a 2nd car a used Miata checks a lot of boxes. They've made a million of them, so you're not going to pay a premium for a nice adult-owned used example, and they're reliable and cheap to run. And they encourage you to pay 100% attention when driving so you don't get "SUV'd".

some great free advice on this board - i really trust you guys for some weird reason.

I've got mechanic resources in the family, which helps a lot. Mind you, he hates anything european as well, for a lot of legit reasons but I ignore him for the most part. He refuses to work on rotary engines so no RX8 (though I drove a friend's Rx7 once and it was basically a toy, in a good way).

I tend to feel much safer in a small car, though these days almost everyone is on their phone while driving so it's more scary. Since this pandemic, i've worked from home full-time so only need a car for golf clubs, zipping around Costco, and I want my son to learn to drive a manual as well so seems like it's going to be a fun car for me. I don't care if it's a bit of a project as long as parts are readily available.

I think I prefer an old Prelude. I read they may be bringing it back but it'll hardly capture the spirit of what the original one was (and will probably be labelled an Acura or Accord eventually).

Any experience with those Chrysler-Fiat500s? I want to like them, but the emasculating Miata is not even as bad as a 500 (even the Abarth version) but I can't imagine they'd handle well. They seem so gimmicky, cheap and misplaced - like a worse version of the new Beetle. And I've read that those Fiats are so incredibly poorly built and break non-stop.

I had a BMW 3series convertible for a year or so, hate that brand and those cars now, not even sure why. I felt like an asshole in that car and maybe I was - other drivers hated me YET in every other car, never heard a peep.

Same with Mercedes - prob since my idiot neighbour has one and he hasn't figured out how to take out the garbage yet. And he can't pronounce his own dog's name - next level stupid and now I hate his damn car.

So. The short list:
Love the Prelude, hard to find.
Accord Coupe is a nice compromise - hard to find in a manual
TL - love it, but again, tough to get a manual and kinda big
stretch: S2000 but not likely worth it for price/daily driver - not interested in a museum piece.

Miata - probably best value for fun/parts/pricing - will figure out the golf clubs but workable.

Other maybes:
Toyota Celica - but kinda underpowered, hard to find as well
Supra - Fast & Furious ruined them for many, price is nuts
BMW MCoupe or Z3/4 (but hate BMW)
Audi TT seems nice but worry about reliability/oil - kinda pricey and really small.

Don't want to spend on anything expensive cars are such a waste of money

 

[doublechili]

some great free advice on this board - i really trust you guys for some weird reason.

I've got mechanic resources in the family, which helps a lot. Mind you, he hates anything european as well, for a lot of legit reasons but I ignore him for the most part. He refuses to work on rotary engines so no RX8 (though I drove a friend's Rx7 once and it was basically a toy, in a good way).

I tend to feel much safer in a small car, though these days almost everyone is on their phone while driving so it's more scary. Since this pandemic, i've worked from home full-time so only need a car for golf clubs, zipping around Costco, and I want my son to learn to drive a manual as well so seems like it's going to be a fun car for me. I don't care if it's a bit of a project as long as parts are readily available.

I think I prefer an old Prelude. I read they may be bringing it back but it'll hardly capture the spirit of what the original one was (and will probably be labelled an Acura or Accord eventually).

Any experience with those Chrysler-Fiat500s? I want to like them, but the emasculating Miata is not even as bad as a 500 (even the Abarth version) but I can't imagine they'd handle well. They seem so gimmicky, cheap and misplaced - like a worse version of the new Beetle. And I've read that those Fiats are so incredibly poorly built and break non-stop.

I had a BMW 3series convertible for a year or so, hate that brand and those cars now, not even sure why. I felt like an asshole in that car and maybe I was - other drivers hated me YET in every other car, never heard a peep.

Same with Mercedes - prob since my idiot neighbour has one and he hasn't figured out how to take out the garbage yet. And he can't pronounce his own dog's name - next level stupid and now I hate his damn car.

So. The short list:
Love the Prelude, hard to find.
Accord Coupe is a nice compromise - hard to find in a manual
TL - love it, but again, tough to get a manual and kinda big
stretch: S2000 but not likely worth it for price/daily driver - not interested in a museum piece.

Miata - probably best value for fun/parts/pricing - will figure out the golf clubs but workable.

Other maybes:
Toyota Celica - but kinda underpowered, hard to find as well
Supra - Fast & Furious ruined them for many, price is nuts
BMW MCoupe or Z3/4 (but hate BMW)
Audi TT seems nice but worry about reliability/oil - kinda pricey and really small.

Don't want to spend on anything expensive cars are such a waste of money

Good stuff. Are those old Preludes FWD or RWD? I don't remember. The TL SH-AWD is big - it has that solid/planted feel like it weighs 10 tons, which can be good but also not super nimble. It feels just like my old Audi 200 Quattro, which is a good thing! And I get about 18mpg, which isn't great. Have the Miata RF's been around long enough to find a used model for a decent price? The roof gives it a whole different look/vibe IMO.

I forgot about the Accord Coupe - good call. Not sure how hard it is to find an old Mazdaspeed model in good condition, or that's not abused. But I think they made AWD models of the 3 and 6 series with MT? If I think of other possibilities I'll post them.

 

[Bones45]

Where should we start the bidding?