Possible 2nd Car

[Raza]

Wagonize a Toronado.

You're not really understanding the size issue, are you?   

[2o6]

You're not really understanding the size issue, are you?   

Use lubrication.

[ifcar]

I have recently come to the conclusion that they're a bit fragile, otherwise I'd definitely consider the SVT Focus (just not in the ugly 5 door guise).  Rust is also one of my main concerns.  It's car cancer.  Whatever I buy, I'd like to keep it for years to come.  The Z4 isn't going anywhere.  There's nothing that I would want to replace it with other than another Z4, so that's a pretty perfect decision.  I'm not looking so much for a "beater" as much as an "affordable second car".  If the Focus doesn't have longevity issues, it's a contender, but the newest one is almost 10 years old already now. 

You don't need an SVT for fun-to-drive. The 2005-2007 ST sedan has plenty of power, all have great handling, and even the regular 2.0 2005-2007s are peppy with a manual (I think low 8s to 60.)

[Raza]

You don't need an SVT for fun-to-drive. The 2005-2007 ST sedan has plenty of power, all have great handling, and even the regular 2.0 2005-2007s are peppy with a manual (I think low 8s to 60.)

Focus sedans are really ugly though and a lot less practical than the sedan, I imagine.  I agree it's worth a look, but I can't say it's setting my heart alight or my mind racing.

I mean, talk about a car I love with longevity issues:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2004&zip=19130&keywordPhrases=Viggen&sellerTypes=b&transmissionCode=MAN&maxPrice=10000&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=%5BSAAB%5B9-3%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&modelCode1=9-3&makeCode1=SAAB&startYear=1999&showcaseOwnerId=0&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=COUPE%2CHATCH%2CSEDAN&listingId=331926230&listingIndex=1&Log=0

[SVT666]

I'm worried about rust on those guys, but definitely considering it.  I remember hearing that the Focus was especially bad with rust and I think I remember hearing about Mazda rust issues.  I still want this to be a car I can enjoy driving and own for some time.

I drove my SVT Focus year round with no rust issues.

[2o6]

Mine had some rust issues, mostly cause it had lived it's entire life in OH, and it was now a 13 year old car.

[SVT666]

Where do you get this "fragile" crap with regards to the Focus?  I bet I drove my SVT harder every single day than you drive your Z4 and I never broke anything.  Rust wasn't an issue either despite driving it year round.

[2o6]

Where do you get this "fragile" crap with regards to the Focus?  I bet I drove my SVT harder every single day than you drive your Z4 and I never broke anything.  Rust wasn't an issue either despite driving it year round.

Mine was kinda fragile, but It was already beat to shit when I bought it, and it was a first model year car.

[hotrodalex]

Where do you get this "fragile" crap with regards to the Focus?  I bet I drove my SVT harder every single day than you drive your Z4 and I never broke anything.  Rust wasn't an issue either despite driving it year round.

Do they salt the roads in your area? East coast winters are hell on cars because of the massive amounts of salt.

[Raza]

Where do you get this "fragile" crap with regards to the Focus?  I bet I drove my SVT harder every single day than you drive your Z4 and I never broke anything.  Rust wasn't an issue either despite driving it year round.

I doubt you drove it harder than my Z4 or Jetta, but I'll give you as hard. 

I can't pinpoint why I feel that it's fragile, but I can't shake that impression.  Maybe when I was doing some reading about it, I came across it. 

But the rust issue is a worry, as is age.  We get a lot of salt here. 

[2o6]

I doubt you drove it harder than my Z4 or Jetta, but I'll give you as hard. 

I can't pinpoint why I feel that it's fragile, but I can't shake that impression.  Maybe when I was doing some reading about it, I came across it. 

But the rust issue is a worry, as is age.  We get a lot of salt here.

...but you want a 9-3?

[Raza]

...but you want a 9-3?

I didn't say that was a logical choice.  That one would be emotional, since I liked the 9-3 and the Viggen so damn much when I drove them.  But, I think my heart wants the Mini more.

[Raza]

This price has got to be a joke, right?  I mean, it's low miles, but for an 8 year old Civic that was $19,000 when it was new....

Civic Si


And then this one has lower miles and is 2/3 the price?

Reasonably priced Civic Si

[280Z Turbo]

I doubt you drove it harder than my Z4 or Jetta, but I'll give you as hard. 

I can't pinpoint why I feel that it's fragile, but I can't shake that impression.  Maybe when I was doing some reading about it, I came across it. 

But the rust issue is a worry, as is age.  We get a lot of salt here. 

I think you're right to be worried about rust.

I wouldn't say its fragile. There are some components made out of plastic that should have been made out of metal, IMO. You can also see where cost had to be cut for the NAR model.

Nevertheless, the interior still holds up a lot better than say...a Cavalier.

[hotrodalex]

A snowman in Arizona holds up better than a Cavalier.

[Raza]

A snowman in Arizona holds up better than a Cavalier.

[SVT666]

I think you're right to be worried about rust.

I wouldn't say its fragile. There are some components made out of plastic that should have been made out of metal, IMO. You can also see where cost had to be cut for the NAR model.

Nevertheless, the interior still holds up a lot better than say...a Cavalier.

The interior in my Focus was still like new when I sold it.  I think that was the best part of the car for longevity.

[68_427]

Some winsperation

[93JC]

That looks terrible.

[Cookie Monster]

That looks terrible.

Unthusiast.

[Raza]

This may or may not come as a surprise, but whatever I get, I won't be modifying it much, if any. I'm certainly not taking a rally-bred wagon and slamming it to the point it's lower than my Z4.

[2o6]

Then get a damn Focus.

[hotrodalex]

I reallyyyyy can't picture Raza in a Focus.

[Madman]

Some winsperation

Since when did making your car look as if the entire suspension system is broken become "cool"?

Do these people not have speed humps and potholes where they live? 

Fix the collapsed suspension and I would gladly welcome that Subie into my garage.

[2o6]

 

[GoCougs]

Like the car overall but the lowering job looks like a ricer hack job (as they all do).

[Cookie Monster]

[Raza]

You can do a good lowering job, but for the most part, they do look like crap because people go too far.  Much like the above pictured WRX.

There's nothing wrong with this ride height for what kind of car it is:


This car would see snow covered roads, gravel, dirt, mud, speed bumps, some of the worst roads I've ever encountered. 

[MrH]

I reallyyyyy can't picture Raza in a Focus.

Ford brand doesn't have enough Smug H&H™

[SVT666]

That lowered Subie is about an inch too low for my tastes, but I generally like the look of lowered cars...depending on the car, but usually an inch to an inch and a half.