Best Daily Driver Under $25k

Stang_Crazy · 08-31-2002, 04:55 PM

After going back and forth and back and forth... I think I have it narrowed down to these:

1. 02 Mustang GT (****** the snow, it'll be more fun

)
2. Pontiac GTP (smaller blower pulley + nitrous and I'd be happy)
3. Subaru WRX (factory boost + all wheel drive)

This car will be my daily driver. That's over 300 miles a week plus it has to be driven through the winter and the snow. Anyone have any opinions on these cars?? Any other cars you think I should consider??

RBatson · 08-31-2002, 04:59 PM

Now would be a good time to get a new car with all the 0% finance offers available. A new GT would be nice.

Stang_Crazy · 08-31-2002, 05:32 PM

I agree about the 0% financing. It is a BIG reason why I'm looking at NEW cars instead of USED cars, however, I don't know of any Ford dealers around here offering 0% on GT's

streetracinchik · 08-31-2002, 07:01 PM

I like the GTP out of the ones listed... Or a Monte Carlo SS

I know, I know, no supercharger on the Chevy.. The GTP's r really nice tho.... Basically the same car as the monte & my mom has S/C Regal (same motor), No trouble from either car. MIne has about 68,000 miles (I drive a lot) & moms has 100,000.

Crazy Horse GT · 08-31-2002, 07:54 PM

get the gt, then trade it to me for my 2k, lol, really though get the stang, they are fun to drive, plus now you can get the mach 1,000 stero instead of the mach 460 system i have.

Shelby428cj · 08-31-2002, 08:21 PM

Dude you gotta get a GT!!!!!!!!!

Unit 5302 · 08-31-2002, 09:00 PM

Mustang V6 is a better car for daily driver status than the GT in my honest opinion. Pick one up brand new for $5000-8000 less than a new GT. That's about $100-150/mo less.

Personally, none of those cars would be the greatest daily driver. Volkwagen Jetta TDI. I can't argue with 50mpg and cheaper diesel fuel along with a standard 5/60 warranty and 10/100 on the powertrain, I think.

If you want performance too, the GT is your best bet. I don't think you're gonna be able to get the WRX for under $25k, but the GT base is somewhere in the $20k neighborhood, fully loaded you can get an 02 for about $22000 with destination.

srv1 · 08-31-2002, 09:19 PM

get the WRX! good gas mileage, reliable, hadles great, does well in the snow and it is pretty quick. check this out:

The Sandman · 08-31-2002, 10:03 PM

All of those choices sound like they'd be a lot of fun, especially the GT. If I was in your shoes, I'd get the GT.
However, if you're looking for an actual Daily Driver and not a sports car (and all things that go along with sports cars), then I'd pick the GTP.
You already have a track car, and ultimately it is your choice, but my opinion has been given to ya bro.

MidNiteBlu 5.0 · 09-01-2002, 01:40 AM

As much as it would be cool to have a new GT I think I would pick a WRX for a daily driver if you can find one for 25k. They actually have a fairly large aftermarket growing for them too.

Later,
Nick

The Deuce · 09-01-2002, 01:48 AM

SRV, could that picture be any bigger?

Personally, I'd go with the GT. That's why I got mine. I needed a car that would get around that I wouldn't mind spending all that time in.

But if I was getting a second car, I'd go with the VW GTI. Either the VR6 or the 1.8T. Both are respectably quick, have decent mods available, and you gotta love that German build. Heck, they do well in the snow too. If you need more room, those motors are both avail in the jetta, and you can get any of those for just under 25.

Errant · 09-01-2002, 02:25 AM

I don't know about you, but when I think of "Daily Driver" the first thing that comes to mind is "gas mileage"

Let's take a look at this:

Pontiac GTP: 18 City/ 28 Highway

Subaru WRX: 20 City/ 24 Highway

Mustang GT: 17 City/ 24 Highway

The GTP gets the best gas mileage (highway), barely. All of these cars are gas hogs. Obviously what is more important to you here is power. THUS my expert opinion (haha) is... get the Mustang GT. You will love this car, you will not be disapointed.

You can probably get one for 18-21,000k being that the MSRP is 23,970. Which means this car is also the cheapest. You get the most bang for your buck here.

I am not biased really..

(P.S Get the Mustang)

-
Errant

tireburner163 · 09-01-2002, 10:02 AM

Well you already have a stang......now you need a good daily driver, something with good gas mileage and that's good in the snow. Honda anyone? Or hell....pick up a SVT Focus

Stang_Crazy · 09-01-2002, 01:54 PM

I was out today looking at some cars and boy is there alot of GARBAGE out there. Some of these cars are just hideous. I was thinking of going to the Honda dealer cause they have a 00 Si for sale. I wanted to take it on a test drive and just powershift the hell out of it, then comment to the dealer how it's too slow for my tastes

But then I thought if I did that, my Mustang would be mad at me and would break down or something...

I'm going to test drive all three cars tomorrow and see what kind of deals I can get. I was also looking at a late 90's Eclipse GST, but I don't know if I can find a decent one around here. As you can tell, gas milage is not one of my top priorities. The 94 Grand Prix that I drive now eats $20+/week in gas money so I'm used to paying alot for gas. If I can find a new GT 5-speed for around $20k, I'll be driving home in it tomorrow.

PKRWUD · 09-01-2002, 08:54 PM

All things considered, if I were in your shoes, I'd change my socks.

Then I'd get the Subaru.

Take care,
~Chris

Stang_Crazy · 09-01-2002, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PKRWUD
All things considered, if I were in your shoes, I'd change my socks.

Hey man, are you trying to say something about my shoes?

PKRWUD · 09-01-2002, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stang_Crazy
Hey man, are you trying to say something about my shoes?

NO!!! Of course not!!! It's your socks that concern me.

Take care,
~Chris

Stang_Crazy · 09-01-2002, 09:55 PM

My socks are fine!!! The doctor said my fungus isn't contagious (sp)

PKRWUD · 09-01-2002, 10:16 PM

I was more concerned with the little pink hearts. I prefer plain white socks.

Take care,
~Chris

The Sandman · 09-01-2002, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PKRWUD
I was more concerned with the little pink hearts. I prefer plain white socks.

*Falls out of chair*
Thanks for the laugh Chris

08-31-2002, 04:55 PM	#1
Stang_Crazy It's never clean enough! Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Shaler, PA Posts: 1,542	Best Daily Driver Under $25k After going back and forth and back and forth... I think I have it narrowed down to these: 1. 02 Mustang GT (****** the snow, it'll be more fun ) 2. Pontiac GTP (smaller blower pulley + nitrous and I'd be happy) 3. Subaru WRX (factory boost + all wheel drive) This car will be my daily driver. That's over 300 miles a week plus it has to be driven through the winter and the snow. Anyone have any opinions on these cars?? Any other cars you think I should consider?? __________________ ~Dan 2001 SVT Lightning 89' GT : Taking up garage space and waiting for a buyer... Rice Hater's Club - Member #11

08-31-2002, 05:32 PM	#3
Stang_Crazy It's never clean enough! Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Shaler, PA Posts: 1,542	I agree about the 0% financing. It is a BIG reason why I'm looking at NEW cars instead of USED cars, however, I don't know of any Ford dealers around here offering 0% on GT's __________________ ~Dan 2001 SVT Lightning 89' GT : Taking up garage space and waiting for a buyer... Rice Hater's Club - Member #11

08-31-2002, 07:01 PM	#4
streetracinchik Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Belfry, Kentucky Posts: 27	I like the GTP out of the ones listed... Or a Monte Carlo SS I know, I know, no supercharger on the Chevy.. The GTP's r really nice tho.... Basically the same car as the monte & my mom has S/C Regal (same motor), No trouble from either car. MIne has about 68,000 miles (I drive a lot) & moms has 100,000. __________________ My Cars Hardcore 5.0 Moderator, Mississippi Bad Boys 2000 Monte Carlo SS 1990 Mustang GT : Carbuerated, Holley 650, Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake, GT40P Heads, Worldclass T5, Full Length MAC Headers, Flowmasters, Roller Rockers, 3:73 Gears, 31 Spline Moser axles, Manual rack & No A/C Ricer Hater's Club- member # 18

08-31-2002, 07:54 PM	#5
Crazy Horse GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sale Creek, TN. C. S. A. Posts: 4,652	get the gt, then trade it to me for my 2k, lol, really though get the stang, they are fun to drive, plus now you can get the mach 1,000 stero instead of the mach 460 system i have. __________________ 95 gt vert, lot's of stuff, it aint slow. 04 sonic blue v - six my beater 89 rs camaro iroc turbo hood, other stuff, my wifes ride 84 lx stang cammed up 289 hi po, etc 65 falcon, maybe by the year 2020. black 00gt, gone but never forgotten. R H C- member # 1 o.b.c. da prez- member # 1 if your under 40 dont ask. goodbye for now odie,r.i.p. 11-27-03

08-31-2002, 08:21 PM	#6
Shelby428cj Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 510	Dude you gotta get a GT!!!!!!!!! __________________ Karen Wells, Moderator The Mustang Works Magazine http://www.mustangworks.com 1969 Mustang (Project Rice Eater) 1999 Silver Mustang Saleen S281 (SQ car for stereo contests) SQ Goddess My Stereo Bro "tireburner163"

08-31-2002, 04:59 PM	#2
RBatson Registered Member Join Date: May 1997 Posts: 3,028	Now would be a good time to get a new car with all the 0% finance offers available. A new GT would be nice.

08-31-2002, 09:00 PM	#7
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Mustang V6 is a better car for daily driver status than the GT in my honest opinion. Pick one up brand new for $5000-8000 less than a new GT. That's about $100-150/mo less. Personally, none of those cars would be the greatest daily driver. Volkwagen Jetta TDI. I can't argue with 50mpg and cheaper diesel fuel along with a standard 5/60 warranty and 10/100 on the powertrain, I think. If you want performance too, the GT is your best bet. I don't think you're gonna be able to get the WRX for under $25k, but the GT base is somewhere in the $20k neighborhood, fully loaded you can get an 02 for about $22000 with destination.

08-31-2002, 10:03 PM	#9
The Sandman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fay NC Posts: 179	All of those choices sound like they'd be a lot of fun, especially the GT. If I was in your shoes, I'd get the GT. However, if you're looking for an actual Daily Driver and not a sports car (and all things that go along with sports cars), then I'd pick the GTP. You already have a track car, and ultimately it is your choice, but my opinion has been given to ya bro. __________________ « Red Firebird » [ A4 ][ W68 ] [ Interior Painted Red/Black ][ Wings West Spoiler (Black) ][ Firebat Decals ] [ (^ How-to For ^) ][ Zaino'ed x 17 ] [ Mobil 1 ][ Flowmaster 80 ] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LS1.com Moderator FirebirdV6.com Moderator North Bay Mustang Moderator

09-01-2002, 01:40 AM	#10
MidNiteBlu 5.0 I got something to say Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,557	As much as it would be cool to have a new GT I think I would pick a WRX for a daily driver if you can find one for 25k. They actually have a fairly large aftermarket growing for them too. Later, Nick __________________ 91 LX Hatch 5.0 - made for the twisties 89 LX Hatchback 5.0 5spd. stolen/stripped 4/7/05 http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/...splay.cgi?3494 1987 Toyota Pickup Ricer Haters Club Member #33 Want a custom gauge cluster for your Vintage Mustang? www.jmeenterprises.com

09-01-2002, 01:48 AM	#11
The Deuce Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,325	SRV, could that picture be any bigger? Personally, I'd go with the GT. That's why I got mine. I needed a car that would get around that I wouldn't mind spending all that time in. But if I was getting a second car, I'd go with the VW GTI. Either the VR6 or the 1.8T. Both are respectably quick, have decent mods available, and you gotta love that German build. Heck, they do well in the snow too. If you need more room, those motors are both avail in the jetta, and you can get any of those for just under 25. __________________ 1997 Mustang GT "The Freak" - 13.80 @ 101.70, 2.07 60' 1995 Honda VFR750 - not much @ really fast (actual data pending.) 1964.5 Mustang 289 Rice Haters Club Member #13

09-01-2002, 02:25 AM	#12
Errant Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 10	I don't know about you, but when I think of "Daily Driver" the first thing that comes to mind is "gas mileage" Let's take a look at this: Pontiac GTP: 18 City/ 28 Highway Subaru WRX: 20 City/ 24 Highway Mustang GT: 17 City/ 24 Highway The GTP gets the best gas mileage (highway), barely. All of these cars are gas hogs. Obviously what is more important to you here is power. THUS my expert opinion (haha) is... get the Mustang GT. You will love this car, you will not be disapointed. You can probably get one for 18-21,000k being that the MSRP is 23,970. Which means this car is also the cheapest. You get the most bang for your buck here. I am not biased really.. (P.S Get the Mustang) - Errant __________________ 2002 Silver GT Convertible. Photos in User's Rides

09-01-2002, 10:02 AM	#13
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	Well you already have a stang......now you need a good daily driver, something with good gas mileage and that's good in the snow. Honda anyone? Or hell....pick up a SVT Focus __________________ 1987 Buick T-type 1998 HD Electra Elide

09-01-2002, 01:54 PM	#14
Stang_Crazy It's never clean enough! Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Shaler, PA Posts: 1,542	I was out today looking at some cars and boy is there alot of GARBAGE out there. Some of these cars are just hideous. I was thinking of going to the Honda dealer cause they have a 00 Si for sale. I wanted to take it on a test drive and just powershift the hell out of it, then comment to the dealer how it's too slow for my tastes But then I thought if I did that, my Mustang would be mad at me and would break down or something... I'm going to test drive all three cars tomorrow and see what kind of deals I can get. I was also looking at a late 90's Eclipse GST, but I don't know if I can find a decent one around here. As you can tell, gas milage is not one of my top priorities. The 94 Grand Prix that I drive now eats $20+/week in gas money so I'm used to paying alot for gas. If I can find a new GT 5-speed for around $20k, I'll be driving home in it tomorrow. __________________ ~Dan 2001 SVT Lightning 89' GT : Taking up garage space and waiting for a buyer... Rice Hater's Club - Member #11

09-01-2002, 08:54 PM	#15
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	All things considered, if I were in your shoes, I'd change my socks. Then I'd get the Subaru. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

09-01-2002, 09:55 PM	#18
Stang_Crazy It's never clean enough! Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Shaler, PA Posts: 1,542	My socks are fine!!! The doctor said my fungus isn't contagious (sp) __________________ ~Dan 2001 SVT Lightning 89' GT : Taking up garage space and waiting for a buyer... Rice Hater's Club - Member #11

09-01-2002, 10:16 PM	#19
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	I was more concerned with the little pink hearts. I prefer plain white socks. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

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