Holson

The VR-4's my brother's dream car but he's not sure if he'd like a 951 instead. He drives a 3000GT SL, and so far his car's been much more reliable than my 951 :-p

http://209.6.169.106:2000/p-stuff/gto/

The SL's not quite 951 quick tho but the 3000GT sure looks killer! It just looks.. good! I really hate the seats in the SL though but maybe the Vr4's are better.

The stock sound system is really decent. Japanese cars I guess

pikey7

You really need some better cars over there.

Maybe you could find some imports?
Lancia Delta Integrale
Mazda 323 4x4 (not the boring looking one!)
Mitsu Galant VR4
Nissan Pulsar GTi-R
Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4
Skyline GT-S (I think they're 4x4, but you'd have to pick up an early on on that budget)
MK2/3 Golf GTi (or was it a VR6?) 4x4
Peugeot 405 Mi16x4
And the cult classic..... Late '80s Audi Quattro Sport (The square looking one!)
Have a search on some late 80's/Early 90's rally cars. There's lots of choice.

PSUice944

I'd have to chime in with a bit of simplicity... How about a late 90s Impreza 2.5 RS in 2 or 4 doors? Small enough and light enough that they do move with the lack of a turbo, and great reliability.

You would only have ot give up the "luxury" in this avenue, but I would see it running great for a long time and doing all you asked it to do?

AWD is real nice, but I have seen how a GOOD front wheel drive can be in the nasty weather. I have an 03 VR6 that has literally plowed the roads in the deep snow with proper tires, and have no issue in the heavy rain, plus a good ride and great interior. Looking at your budget, I'd say a 97 or definitely a 98 Jetta or GTI GLX VR6 with a 5-speed would make a great runner.

I guess my suggestions may be a little too practical and stealth-sporty for what you're really lookin for? Or just lease a new Legacy GT! (I'm a finance guy at a Subaru/VW dealership)

Fishey

I have still found no reason for AWD cars here in Ohio....

Just buy a 1994 Buick 3.1V-6 (like I use to have)

UDPride

Ive briefly considered the Impreza 2.5s, but its so close to what I have right now Id want something a little different. If anything, Id rather opt for a 96 or 97 Forester L. I dont think they have butt warmers though until the later models and then those are getting over my budget. If I got a Forester Id want an automatic. If Im gonna drive a quasi wagon I dont want to make it an honest person hauler and not try to pretend shifting a heavy wagon with a stick makes it more fun when theres so little under the hood.

Ive become so accustomed to the AWD in rain as I have snow. I realize it doesnt make you stop a bit faster, but Ive never felt so surefooted on the roads without it and have never even come close to feeling like I could hydroplane. In all my other cars there were times I felt I could lose grip.

Matt H

Galant VR4s can be a blast but I dont think you will find a good one for 5-6K here. They use the drivetrain from the Eclipse, have four doors and look pretty good for an every day car. The big minus is they have no b pillar and as such they can be noisey.
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jjjr944

Cage Match!

Actually Chris, I am in a similar situation as you.
I have the 944 and a Miata for summer/weekend fun and an 93 Audi 90 for the daily chores. With snow tires, the Audi 90 went most places any SUV could. Built as if of a solid block of steel. 2.8L V-6. Plush with leather and seat heaters. If you can find a 90 quattro (They latest gen from 93-95 are the only one's I'd look at) either 4 door or coupe, I'd suggest it.
Reliable with quirks--just like any other car.

Oh-and as for utilitarian, I just fit two half sheets of plywood (2' x 8') in it with the rear seats folded and was able to close the trunk and doors and drive home normally. My $.02

Jerry

UDPride

How are BMW 535is cars in the snow? I know the engines in them are pretty notorious as being workhorses. MattH? These are cheap anymore. I love their style.

UDPride

Im looking at this particular 1994 Audi 90 CS Quattro with 90K miles:

AUDI 90 CS QUATTRO

The sales guy says its a 7 out of 10. Traded in on a new Audi. Ive asked for more photos and information.

I understand the 90K service is pricey. Water pump/timing belt? Ive asked him if it was done or not.

Given a 7 out of 10 car, wheres this price fall? Good? Bad? Obviously Id try to steal it from him.

ninefiveone

Any interest in the original 325iX's?

In the end, it sounds like the VR4 strikes a chord for you. Can you manage having the VR4 and the 951 at the same time for awhile? I'm guessing you'll be just fine with the VR4 but if you decide it wasn't the right car afterall, you still have your hard to find 951. Give it a month or two and if the VR4 works out, sell the 951. If it doesn't sell the VR4, I'm sure you can get what you paid for it, and start the search over.

UDPride

325IX is too old. I want something no older than 92-93.

I probably could live with the VR4 and 951. I just dont want three sports cars. I have some plans I want to to on the pcars and Im not sure I want to spend $4000 more on a daily driver than needed when it could go into some nice go-fast goodies on the pcars.

So I guess what Im saying is Im letting the VR4 idea go. The local VR4 though looks amazingly pristine. As someone said though, would its AWD go as well in the snow as a comparable SVX? Probably not. Low ground clearance means stuck in snow maybe. Im paying $4600/yr to drive the WRX so I want to buy a car that will break even compared to my current situation in a little over a year. Which means about a $5000 car or so. Id go $6000 for the right one. Which would mean after 1yr Id be basically driving for free in terms of recurring charges being gone compared to now. Id like to keep the car 6yrs/75,000 miles.

We'll see if this sales guy gets back to me on the above Quattro.

Matt H

My 5 was good in the snow with snow tires. With S-03s you couldnt move an inch!

I will let you know how the new one is next year, it has traction control the old one didnt.
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tifosiman

What's wrong with a decent, smaller SUV like a mid-90's Pathfinder or Trooper? Decent gas mileage, solid mechanicals, 4WD for Ohio winters, tallish tires for Ohio's potholes, and room inside for hauling gear and other necessities (for when you become a home-owner someday). Does the daily car have to be sports-car-like?

As far as the 951 goes, sell it. It's never going to appreciate, and frankly, is quite redundant with that pristine 930 sitting in your garage. It may even become more of a headache soon with the lack of driving it gets and become more of a maintanence liability then a joy. 944's and 951's are not all that anyway, so don't feel any emotional remorse or attachment anxiety about letting it go.

streckfu's

[QUOTE=tifosiman]As far as the 951 goes, sell it. [/quote}

FOR SHAME!!! BAN the hertetic. Blasphemy! Stone him!


Appreciation is never an issue with the 951s as they never have. I would never use redundant when comparing a 930 to a 951. They are different enough animals to warrant space in the same garage.

inactiveuser92616

galants have a reputation for burning to the ground