New Car: WRX - Si - Mazdaspeed - Cobalt SS

[MyCord]

Just looking for some other opinions on these 4 cars. I have an in with the dealerships so I can get any of them at cost. I'll be buying in the spring, new.

Si - I like the look the best, and it will probably be the most reliable. I'd do the blue coupe w/ the lip kit. Interior is nice.

WRX - Not a big fan of hatchbacks, doesn't look to sporty. AWD/Turbo is cool but it'll cost more in gas/insurance. Interior is nice.

Mazdaspeed - Don't like the look a whole lot but it has the coolest features. 10 speaker bose kit, navigation, push button start etc all for 1k. FWD/Turbo but mazda is new with turbos and I don't know how reliable it will be. The interior is sick.

Cobalt SS - Turbo/FWD, seems to be the fastest of the 4. Haven't looked too much into them yet but they seem pretty cool.

Lmk what you guys think.

[N9netwoAccord]

the new cobalt would be my pick. its the car to beat out of all of those IMO.

and i don't like chevy at all, but they did something right with that car. it'll handle and be quick in the straights.

[kouzie]

Are we talking about just the regular WRX?

[DJ metadelic]

Is it an EJ20 waggie you speak of? they're not bad at all. AWD, turbo, plus perfect overall sleeper

Otherwise, the I would stick with the Si. I'm biased, I don't really like Chevrolet at all namely the Cobalts, and I've got a buddy who has a MS3, and he likes it but it's starting to develop electrical problems already, and he's had it less than a year.

...Butttt, that's just me. Let us know come spring what you end up choosing

[owequitit]

I would go with MS3 or Si. I LOVE my Si.

The Si will probably be cheaper.

Also, not sure where you got your info, but Mazda is NOT new to turbos. They have had very many boosted cars in the past.

[MyCord]

I'm talking about the base WRX impreza, not the sti. It's good to know that mazda isn't new to turbos. It just seems every good thing I here about mazda is counter acted by two bad things. The cobalt actually seems pretty cool, 4 piston brembos are a nice feature and there is a factory turbo upgrade option for 290hp/340lb torque.. sick....

[Accrdwgnguy]

Si is decent, good handling, but good ride as well. 30+ MPG is good too. My buddy has one for a DD and loves it. I have driven it on several occasions.

I really don't like the WRX. From what I hear it rides hard like a track car, 20 or less MPG. Not good for a DD.

[deevergote]

Mazda new with turbos? Please...

Mazda has had PLENTY of boosted 4 cylinders in their history. If anything, GM is the company I'd be wary of. They DO have a good deal of turbo experience, but the only turbo motor from GM that ever got any significant praise was the V6 in the Grand National (and other cars that used a similar motor...)
I drove 2 Mazda 3s from the last generation. A base model automatic for a full day, and the 2.3 around the block. Both were nice. Comfortable. Handled VERY well. Almost pulled me away from the Honda camp when I was shopping for a new car. Almost. I never drove the Mazdaspeed 3, but I'd assume it'd take all the good of the lower models and multiply it. Mazda knows sporty, and they do it well. Of all the turbo options, the Mazda would probably be the most reliable.

The new WRX is supposed to be quicker than the STi. They look cool, I think. Subaru makes good cars. My mom just got an 05 Outback, which is nice. I've driven my friend's 06 STi, and that was a blast as well. You're right, though... the AWD isn't going to be good for gas mileage. It also provides more parts (and more expensive parts) to break. Furthermore, not every mechanic is as comfortable working on boxer motors as they are inline and V motors. You'd need to be careful who you went to.

The Si probably WOULD be the most reliable and efficient, if anything, just due to the lack of turbo. That is, unless you rev it to the moon every day! They're nice cars, very well made, and reasonably quick. They don't inspire me, though. It's a reasonable, rational choice...

The Cobalt... it's very quick. It handles very well. At least from all I've read about it.
However, it's a Cobalt. It's a Chevy. They're supposedly turning themselves around, and making great cars... but I'd still be wary. GM has to prove themselves once again. ESPECIALLY with a tricked out sport compact. You can feel pretty confident in shelling out top dollar for a Corvette or CTS-V... but those are cars that are already expected to be made with a degree of quality. The Cobalt is the bottom of the barrel shitbox from a company that has perfected the art of scraping the bottom of the barrel! I'd love to drive one... but you'll never see a title for a Cobalt SS with my name on it.




Given the choice, I'd be torn between the Mazda and the Subaru. I'd probably go for the Subaru, since I've had nothing but FWD cars for the longest time, and a change would be nice!

[Tippey764]

I would get a lancer ralliart over all of these cars. The mazdaspeed 3 gets my vote though.

[ibr_adam09]

I voted the WRX, but why not go all out and get an STi? I'm currently looking for a Subie, might be a 05+ Legacy or a 04+ STI. I'm also considering an EVO 8+ because like stated before, boxer engines are bitch to maintain/ modify and I live in Florida, so I could go with a less "raw" suspension since the roads here are relatively smooth.

I'm very vague on this, but I have read (iwsti & nasioc) a lot of problems dealing with the piston rings wearing out very quickly (within the first thousands of miles) if the motor isn't broken in properly. Then again, those were stories relating to the 07+ STI's and not WRX"S, also the cars in this case were modified (tuned with COBB) and was not covered by Subaru despite being well under the warranty expiration date/ mileage.

[steelbluesleepR]

i voted for the mazdaspeed 3, but i didnt notice the wrx on the list. it really is a toss-up between those 2 IMO. when i sold mazdas, i'd use any excuse to hop in a speed3 just to feel the boost build. it is way faster in a straight line than the rx-8.

[owequitit]

I'm talking about the base WRX impreza, not the sti. It's good to know that mazda isn't new to turbos. It just seems every good thing I here about mazda is counter acted by two bad things. The cobalt actually seems pretty cool, 4 piston brembos are a nice feature and there is a factory turbo upgrade option for 290hp/340lb torque.. sick....

Also, just FYI, there is something you need to be aware of on both the Mazda and the Cobalt.

Direct Fuel Injection has MAJOR durability issues. Right now, VW, who was among the first to introduce it is having MAJOR issues with it.

In addition to having injector problems because of the temperatures and pressures in the combustion chamber, they are also have SEVERE problems with carbon and oil residue buildup on the backs of the intake valves due to PCV and EGR. Since there is no constant fuel spray to clean those deposits off, they are hardening and causing major issues. In a few years time, I suspect the Mazdas and Cobalts will be having the same issues, as well as any other DI engine for that matter.

There have also been fairly widespread issues with the fuel pumps since they run at such high pressures. BMW is having major issues with that right now.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=1414333

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothrea...int&id=4397707

There is a lot of tangible merit to DFI, but frankly, there are some HUGE hurdles that have not been solved yet. The closest system currently on the market looks to be Lexus's dual use of port injection and direct injection, although it is unclear whether it will have long term issues or not. Just something to keep in mind, because you WILL have to deal with it.

People give Honda shit for "losing their edge" in terms of engine tech, but the truth is they were in the first 3 companies to have a DI engine on the market, but chose to remove it. I later read something that said they were having durability issues with it, and I am guessing this was part of the problem.

Also, DI only works completely as promised when you can run in ultra lean burn mode where A:F ratios can approach 50:1. Since the US has shitty gas and strict NOx emmissions standards, they can't really run in lean burn mode here in the states which really reduces the MPG gains the technology promised.

[Losiracer2]

I would make sure, if you do consider the new WRX...the one w/ 265hp...that the engine's been taken care of. Look at the issues they've had (rod knock?), some w/ less than 2k miles on em'...thats unacceptable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSXQ1...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufxh6...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvxaR...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCSOu...eature=related

They got some esplaining to do. After seeing that happen, idk if I'd want to consider those

[owequitit]

The Si probably WOULD be the most reliable and efficient, if anything, just due to the lack of turbo. That is, unless you rev it to the moon every day! They're nice cars, very well made, and reasonably quick. They don't inspire me, though. It's a reasonable, rational choice...

I felt the same way until I drove one. Also, the K20 is structurally sound until about 9500RPM in the bottom end. 8K all day isn't going to hurt it. It's a Honda. It isn't going to last any less that the boosted options on the list, I can just about guarantee that. It also doesn't have FRM sleeves so oil consumption over time will be lower.

It is fun to drive with the LSD, which not all the others have standard, it is light, nimble and has super quick and responsive steering. With the summer tire option (like $200 more) it will probably handle as well as the others, and ultimately, it isn't much slower. With bolt ons, it could be as quick. The Subie is most likely faster regardless, but the MS3 and Cobalt are too traction limited.

[Lil' Whitie]

well i'd go how long you planning on having the cars? will yu be doing payments for 5+ years?


i'd start SI honda have the reliably down maybe the slowest but reliably milage which will be handy when gas prces spike again.


next down is wrc then mazdaspeed3. last would be the ss which may be the fastest but i highly dount the longest lasting of all the cars listed.


if you are planning on keeping the car for a few years by means get the ss. lol