Re: Got my write-off cheque for my stolen GTI, what car should i buy???? (dhype55)
I'm probably going to get flamed for what I am about to say... but it doesn't matter. It's my honest opinion and I don't expect everyone to agree (that's what opinons are).
After a recent full tranny rebuild on my 30k mile 98 GTI VR6, it still grinds into 2nd. That 6 speed in the new GTI better be the greatest thing since slice bread. All the problems everyone's had with VW and their "only good on paper at the time of sale" warranty... I am certain that VW has lost me. And am sure many of you here would quietly agree. I still like my GTI, and I still like all GTIs. However, that doesn't mean that I would settle for what they are and not desire for more. If I was in the market to buy a new car, I'd probably hesitate before buying another VW. Would you not want the best for your money?
If I was in your situation, I would do one of the following:
1. buy a beater for daily transportation (ideally a truck of some sort to haul parts with) and build a kick ass 914-6 like the one shown on
http://www.kinesismotorsport.com It's beautiful, it's unique, it's fast, and it's pure raw performance.
2. buy and drive a cheap car for now, save the rest for the Mitsubishi EVO 7. When this car hits North American shores, it's going to beat the pants off of cars costing at least twice as much. With a few bolt-ons, you'll be smiling right alone side 996 turbos at stupid fast speeds.
Ever driven a turbo 4G63 (turbo Eclipse)? HP mods for these motors are much cheaper than VWs (most of which can be installed with simple hand tools). Performance parts are plentiful and you won't be totally dependent on a handful of importers who take advantage of you by jacking up the prices (and we all know how that goes all too well).
Each gear pops into place with ease at any speed with no complaints. The clutch engages right off of the floor (how a sports car should be). No more sky high engagement point. You won't feel like you're driving a truck. The arrival of this car will most likely prompt Subaru to bring their ProDrive WRX, which is another excellent car. Swap out the exhaust for a 3" system and you're easily at the 300 HP mark. Best of all, you have rally proven AWD and a state of the art driver selectable traction control.
