[hchang]

Which would seem like the better choice?

Both have 0% financing.
The Suzuki SX4 Sedan has the top of the line package (sport package)
The Mazda3 is just the basics, with power window and air conditioning.

Moneywise would work out to be roughly the same.
Both are 4 Cylinders, and 2.0L

I test drove the Suzuki and Mazda, and both have CVT shifting, which I really liked.
Suzuki - Felt like the engine always couldn't find the right gear to take advantage of the engines horsepower, so I tried the manual paddleshifting, which was fun, but seems like a cheap car trying to be an expensive car.

Loved the feeling that it was a sedan, but all the seats inside are higher, with a lot of head room as well.

Mazda3 - The engine felt a lot more powerful, but the CVT shifting didn't seem to catch on quick enough or something. I slowed down for a right turn at a green light while in manual shifting mode, so when I started to brake for the turn, I was shifting it back to first, while turning it felt like it had no power, and its a different feeling than it just being a FWD.

Loved the interior of the Mazda3, not a big fan of the outside styling. (Preferred the old one better) but didn't really like the fact that the front windshield is really small, and being a pretty tall guy, I had limited visibility.

Which one seems like the better choice, and which one would you choose?
Keeping in mind of reliability, fuel efficiency, looks, easy to mod?

Thanks so much!

[?NR]

Sounds like CVT is a big deciding factor for your choices. Mazda3 would be more mainstream and thus more support. SX4 is a comparable unit, however not much support even from the dealer level.

Richmond Suzuki - forget them.
Jim Pattison - by far the the largest
Orca Bay - never dealt with them
North Van Suzuki - never dealt with them

Mazda - everywhere.

out of those 2 choices, I have to choose Mazda 3. (althought I dislike the big happy look on new mazdas)

but it is ultimately going to be your car, you pretty much know what you like and don't like about each car already. Hard decision eh?

[hchang]

^ Yes sir its a fun factor to have.
Basically gives me the advantage of both standard and automatic right?
Easy to drive in city when lazy, better control over car for when needed.

The SX4 had a better outside, but not so appealing inside in my opinion, whereas the Mazda had better interior, but not so good exterior.

Mazda offers Bumper to Bumper warranty up to 60,000 kms and 100,000 powertrain warranty whereas Suzuki offers 66,000 (or something like that) rust free warranty, and maintenance if I remember correctly.

I went to Richmond Suzuki... are they a bad repped dealership or something?
The only reason why I'm considering the SX4 is cause its a decent bang for the buck, fuel efficient and exterior looks great I guess.

[!Aznboi128]

Have you considered the sentra? It too I believe has a cvt option and it's a pretty good car, the sx4 has the awd option which is nice too have but does take from the fuel consumption. However if your comparing the sedans the sx4 sedan looks a bit awkward the wagon/hatch looks better imo.

Oh if not the versa's kinda same size as the sx4 but slightly less power but better pricing.
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[hchang]

I have considered the sentra, but it doesn't look as good imo unless its type s. Which would hurt the wallet quite a bit.

The normal sx4 sedan looks like shit but the one I'm considering is top of the line sport package, which a small spoiler which kind of makes the rear look like a 2008 impreza sedan.

The AWD would be useless to me, as I just do city driving to and from school, plus the once a week or so highway run.

[!Aznboi128]

Ah ic ic, yah the sentra does get pricy. What about hyundai? The elentra isn't bad lol
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[hchang]

I was actually also considering the elantra... corolla look on the outside, civic look on the inside... great minds think alike haha :P

But the big Hyundai sign was a big turn off for me.
I think it's just a biased thing that I don't really trust Korean brands.

[!Aznboi128]

Yah but it's pretty good lol, and I test drove the kia forte. It was really good, tho only 2 doors and it's dirty cheap and it looks great!
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[hchang]

Oh and on a side note, does anybody know if ICBC appraisals are still valid to be argued a week after?

ICBC wrote off my car and offered me a price that I found unreasonable, so I found a bunch of ads and faxed it over. I don't know what I was thinking but I forgot it util just now. This should've been settled about last week.

[?NR]

the Sx4's 2.0 inline 4 comes alive with a manual, but that's not what you are looking for.

My opinion is somewhat biased in regards to CVTs, as I find them weird to drive.

*floor it..oooo 7k rpm,and... it...stays there* It's a scooter on 4 wheels :D

jokes aside Richmond Suzuki lacks alot of, shall we say, commitment?

I've worked under Mr. Tom Glen before from Auto Gallery Regina, who owns Richmond Subaru, Richmond Suzuki, Vancouver and Richmond Kia. From my personal experience, and his business practices, it eventually funnels down to the consumer: you.

If it's a Suzuki you want, and as an honest opinion, you are better off with other dealers.

not bad stock wise, but check out www.roadracemotorsports.com for some aftermarket modding choices/ideas. Have yoy considered the upcoming Kizashi? http://www.suzuki.ca/suzuki/assets/cms/Kizashi_News_Release110509.pdf


oh,side note: CVT (continuously variable transmission) is not steptronic. CVT is belt driven, much like a scooter and pulleys. Steptronic/tiptronic is more of a conventional automatic with the ability to override the transmission controller, enabling the driver to select their own gears.

[jing]

I test drove the Suzuki and Mazda, and both have CVT shifting, which I really liked.
Suzuki - Felt like the engine always couldn't find the right gear to take advantage of the engines horsepower, so I tried the manual paddleshifting, which was fun, but seems like a cheap car trying to be an expensive car.


Of course not, it's a CVT!

[?NR]

Oh and on a side note, does anybody know if ICBC appraisals are still valid to be argued a week after?

ICBC wrote off my car and offered me a price that I found unreasonable, so I found a bunch of ads and faxed it over. I don't know what I was thinking but I forgot it util just now. This should've been settled about last week.

did you accept the offer and sign off on it already? guessing no since you are faxing stuff over.

You can negotiate with them, to a point that if they won't bunch anymore you may choose 3rd party arbitration but that is a double-edged sword.

[hchang]

What can the other Suzuki dealers offer that differ?
I thought all warranty and stuff was done up to the manufacturer, no? :eek:

What would be the main disadvantages of CVT? I wiki'd it and the only two disadvantages it showed was :
In vehicles, without intervening electronics, a CVT will go to high revs on wide throttle opening. The increase in noise can be disquieting.[1]
CVTs are not as capable of handling torque as other transmission systems.[citation needed]

which both I don't find too big of a deal.

did you accept the offer and sign off on it already? guessing no since you are faxing stuff over.

You can negotiate with them, to a point that if they won't budge anymore you may choose 3rd party arbritration but that is a double-edged sword.


I faxed stuff over, but I have already released the car to them... fuck.
So I guess I'm fucked eh?
After I faxed them the ads I found, I called back but the dude that handles my case left for 5 days, and then just completely forgot about it.
Whats a 3rd party arbritration?

[?NR]

http://www.icbc.com/claims/repair_replace/writeoff

see section 2 & 4

actually, here's what you can do :

http://www.icbc.com/claims/claim_complaints/appeal_settlement#Variables._frag_

[?NR]

bigger dealerships such as Jim Pattison has bigger store, bigger staff, thus more resources to help you.

[smk]

New Mazda 3 drives very nice over bumps, feels very european... Interior quality is also very nice. Downside is the exterior styling

I would go for Mazda3 over SX4!

[TypeRNammer]

I don't recall the mazda 3 having CVT transmission.

[?NR]

poll enabled.

[hchang]

poll enabled.
Thanks :)

New Mazda 3 drives very nice over bumps, feels very european... Interior quality is also very nice. Downside is the exterior styling

I would go for Mazda3 over SX4!

Thanks for your input! Is the Mazda3 moddable?

I don't recall the mazda 3 having CVT transmission.

5-speed shiftable automatic

[StylinRed]

I was @ the gym and i saw this like Lime Green Hyundai drive by and it looked awesome (like futuristic).. i was like wtf??

and it turned out to be the Hyundai Tuscon i was so impressed you should consider it, they do have the best warranty

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/images/HyundaiUSA/Vehicles/Tucson/2010/tucson_exterior_01.jpg

starts @ $23k 0% also

awd @ 26.7k

i know its more of an suv and might not be what your looking for but i would still consider it ^^

[RE-Jo]

i think you are mistaken CVT for tiptronic/sport-shift
CVT is the technology that allows the engine to always operate in the most effecient rpm range
white tiptronic is the feature that allows you to select the gears you want in an automatic car

[hchang]

i think you are mistaken CVT for tiptronic/sport-shift
CVT is the technology that allows the engine to always operate in the most effecient rpm range
white tiptronic is the feature that allows you to select the gears you want in an automatic car

Oh... well I know for sure the Suzuki is CVT, as stated in the brochure.

The Mazda Dealership didn't have brochures so I guess I just assumed that it was CVT.

[Lomac]

Oh... well I know for sure the Suzuki is CVT, as stated in the brochure.

The Mazda Dealership didn't have brochures so I guess I just assumed that it was CVT.

*facepalm*

CVT and basic automatic transmissions are quite different. You should be able to hear/feel difference as you drive.

[orange7]

2010 Kia Forte Koup (starting at $19,950 -$750+(special offer) for the EX model)
-> very fuel efficient and enough power to beat vtec.

http://www.kia.ca/content/vehicles/ForteKoup/showroom/gallery/exterior/01_l.jpg

http://www.kia.ca/content/vehicles/ForteKoup/showroom/gallery/exterior/08_l.jpg

http://www.kia.ca/content/vehicles/ForteKoup/showroom/gallery/interior/01_l.jpg

http://www.kia.ca/content/vehicles/ForteKoup/showroom/gallery/interior/06_l.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs168.snc3/19559_486903525178_532195178_11130238_1267073_n.jp g

GET THE SX MODEL (fully loaded at $23,025 -$750+(special offer): sports seats, suspensions, etc.)

Different models: http://www.kia.ca/pages/showroom/ModelOverview.aspx?model=ForteKoup

full specification and features: http://www.kia.ca/pages/showroom/Features_Specs.aspx?model=ForteKoup#

[asian_XL]

I can't believe people on RS suggest someone to buy a Kia or Hyundai.

Sooner or later, they are going to say "Chinese cars -> Korean cars -> Domestic -> Euro -> Japanes"

[RollingStone]

I can't believe people on RS suggest someone to buy a Kia or Hyundai.

I'd buy a Hyundai over domestic anyday.

OP: I think the Mazda 3 is amazing, buy that!

[!Aznboi128]

actually, looking at the above pics the Kia Forte looks even better LOL!

[Wykydtron]

One of the salesmen at the dealership I work at bought a Forte Koup....LOVES IT!!

[J-Chow]

Get a Kia. There I said it.

No really though, look into it (the forte koup)

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

I can't believe people on RS suggest someone to buy a Kia or Hyundai.

Sooner or later, they are going to say "Chinese cars -> Korean cars -> Domestic -> Euro -> Japanes"

seems to be the idiotic trend thats being going on lately on RS

go figure

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:



neither of those car, the mazda 3 is fugly

[jpark]

I can't believe people on RS suggest someone to buy a Kia or Hyundai.

Sooner or later, they are going to say "Chinese cars -> Korean cars -> Domestic -> Euro -> Japanes"

im sorry but i would buy the new hyundais and kias over dumbestic anyday

[Lomac]

I can't believe people on RS suggest someone to buy a Kia or Hyundai.

Sooner or later, they are going to say "Chinese cars -> Korean cars -> Domestic -> Euro -> Japanes"

Yeah? Guess what... twenty years ago people were saying the exact same thing about Japanese cars.

Have you drive a new Hyundai or Kia lately? They're actually quite good. They contain absolutely zero character or soul, but for what they are, they're good cars.

[twitchyzero]

how's Kia reliability in their current line-up compared to Hyundai's?
reliability is so subjective IMO...how does one quantify it? The number of repairs/recalls in a year?

[!LittleDragon]

If you're looking at the Mazda3, consider the Ford Focus. Same car, more stuff

[q0192837465]

^agree. Docus can be modded to a mean little car

[bcrdukes]

The new Focus is not bad. Although I much prefer RWD, I was pretty impressed with it when I got a brand new one as a rental in Los Angeles. I drove it for about a week. It had its pros and cons but overall, if you're looking to get a lot of car without the Mazda price tag, the Focus is not a bad choice.

[!LittleDragon]

Yeah, I had it for a week as a rental for a road trip and I loved it. Couldn't stop playing with the Sync system. Drove very well too

[hchang]

I heard that the Mazda 3's engine is the same as the Ford Focus... is that true?

[oldsnail]

I heard that the Mazda 3's engine is the same as the Ford Focus... is that true?

no they are not the same engine. mzr vs durtec ..
They use to share the same chassis at some point in time.
on a side note, new for this year. the sx4 comes with a 6speed manual

[hchang]

^ Would the mazda engine be a win over the Suzuki engine?

(Not in terms of horsepower, torque, but in reliability and gas consumption)

Although I must admit that Korean cars do look pretty good and rather cheap, I'd rather wait a few more years before actually purchasing one. The first thing that comes to mind when I hear KIA or Hyundai is "unreliable", even though it may have already turned out to be reliable.

[dL]

I'd get a Korean car over an American car, but that's just me.

Anywho, I'd vote for Mazda 3 if it is compared to Suzuki lol, but then I might be slightly biased ;)

dL

[!LittleDragon]

no they are not the same engine. mzr vs durtec ..
They use to share the same chassis at some point in time.
on a side note, new for this year. the sx4 comes with a 6speed manual

Aren't they the same motor with a different name? Aftermarket Cosworth parts fit both motors. Wiki says they're the same chassis/suspension along with 3 Volvo models

[Great68]

The North American Ford Focus does NOT share the same chassis as the Mazda 3.

The Mazda 3 shares the international "C1" platform.


Wiki: "Where second generation North American Focus models continue with the C170 platform beginning with model year 2008 — in sedan and coupe configurations — the international Focus introduced in 2005 employs the newer C1 platform for sedan, hatchback (3 and 5-door), and wagon configurations."

The Duratecs are the same as MZR's though.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

how's Kia reliability in their current line-up compared to Hyundai's?
reliability is so subjective IMO...how does one quantify it? The number of repairs/recalls in a year?

no one knows, because right now all it can prove is it looks not too shabby, specs on paper looks promising. And thats about it

[StylinRed]

I can't believe people on RS suggest someone to buy a Kia or Hyundai.

Sooner or later, they are going to say "Chinese cars -> Korean cars -> Domestic -> Euro -> Japanes"

u know i never thought i would suggest a hyundai or even a kia (forte is pretty nice)

but these guys have been at it for awhile and they finally seem to be offering some nice rides to people

well enough to consider anyway and not ignore

[hchang]

The other day I also found on Craigslist a 2000 Mazda Protege LX sedan(Top of the line)
Almost 130,000 kms, comes with aftermarket sony deck, and sub and amp.
I went and test drove it, everything seemed to be pretty good and in working order.
The owner has receipts for maintainance and stuff all done at Richmond Motorworks.

Asking price $5500 without sub and amp.
I talked it down to $5300 with sub and amp, but said that I would like to test drive it on the highway before buying it.

Do you guys think that this sounds like a good deal? Too expensive? Any known problems on old Mazda Proteges?

Or should I still go ahead with the Suzuki/Mazda?
Sorry for all these questions...I'll admit i'm an undecisive guy :P

[chucki]

The other day I also found on Craigslist a 2000 Mazda Protege LX sedan(Top of the line)
Almost 130,000 kms, comes with aftermarket sony deck, and sub and amp.
I went and test drove it, everything seemed to be pretty good and in working order.
The owner has receipts for maintainance and stuff all done at Richmond Motorworks.

Asking price $5500 without sub and amp.
I talked it down to $5300 with sub and amp, but said that I would like to test drive it on the highway before buying it.

Do you guys think that this sounds like a good deal? Too expensive? Any known problems on old Mazda Proteges?

Or should I still go ahead with the Suzuki/Mazda?
Sorry for all these questions...I'll admit i'm an undecisive guy :P

So you are considering the two cars from $20K+ to a 10 yr old protege at 5.5k?

"Indecisive" is an understatement my friend. I think you need to know exactly what you are looking for. ie. New car peace of mind, New car safety improvements VS old car value, and old car reliability. It all just comes down to what you NEED VS WANTS out of a vehicle.

[hchang]

So you are considering the two cars from $20K+ to a 10 yr old protege at 5.5k?

"Indecisive" is an understatement my friend. I think you need to know exactly what you are looking for. ie. New car peace of mind, New car safety improvements VS old car value, and old car reliability. It all just comes down to what you NEED VS WANTS out of a vehicle.

Yeah I know it's a big jump... and maybe stupid.
But here are my reasons for why I'm now thinking of an old car over a new one:
1) This would be my second car... So a new car wouldn't be completely ideal cause I might still ding it a couple times, and with an older car it wouldn't hurt myself too much cause I wouldn't care as much for it.
2) Safety isn't a major issue, as I only do city driving, for school and work, plus the occasional highway run so I'm not as scared of getting in an accident.
3) I'm more worried about the car being unreliable, which is why I'm asking RS if you guys know if the car is reliable or not.

With an old car, I can basically buy it out myself.
But with a new car, I'd be doing the 0% financing which would be done through my parents, which would be an "advance" if you will, from our deal that they'll get me a car worth around $20,000 after I finish post secondary.

[chucki]

Yeah I know it's a big jump... and maybe stupid.
But here are my reasons for why I'm now thinking of an old car over a new one:
1) This would be my second car... So a new car wouldn't be completely ideal cause I might still ding it a couple times, and with an older car it wouldn't hurt myself too much cause I wouldn't care as much for it.
2) Safety isn't a major issue, as I only do city driving, for school and work, plus the occasional highway run so I'm not as scared of getting in an accident.
3) I'm more worried about the car being unreliable, which is why I'm asking RS if you guys know if the car is reliable or not.

With an old car, I can basically buy it out myself.
But with a new car, I'd be doing the 0% financing which would be done through my parents, which would be an "advance" if you will, from our deal that they'll get me a car worth around $20,000 after I finish post secondary.

Well, in that case... you can buy my 97 Prelude instead! Jokes aside... Here is how I see it:

New Car:
Pros: peace of mind, WARRANTY, newer safety equipment, easier to pick up girls (maybe)...etc

Cons: Much more expensive, paying both taxes, much faster drop in value, might need to "baby" it more... etc

Old Car:
Pros: Cheap, Don't need to care about it as much, only one tax paid when purchasing (assuming from private seller), cheaper parts...etc

Cons: You might be embarrassed to drive it at times, you never really know the full history of the vehicle, much more to worry about in general

The choice is yours, but ultimately, I think I will just take the new car- just because you can. However, this may also get you labeled as "momma powered". ;)

[hchang]

^ I wouldn't be saying its a "momma powered" car.. LOL.
I'll make something up saying somehow I bought it :)

True that I have the ability to take a new car, but if I don't use that card now I can use that card down the road when I really finish post secondary or something, and maybe there'll be better cars in the future for under $20,000?

Yes it'd be kind of embarassing as the Protege is stock except for sub, amp and sony deck. But honestly the body looks pretty ugly. Is it an easy moddable car?

[?NR]

http://www.cars.com/go/compare/trimCompare.jsp?acodes=USB00MAC061B0%2CUSB00MAC061 C0

I'd like to point out that LX is not the top of the line. ES would be top of that model line with a higher displacement I4 engine.

As for the car itself, both versions are great for the applications you want to use them for: commuting economically. They are fun to drive, just don't be expecting super-car performance. Reliability wise, they are the corollas of mazda.

[hchang]

^ Oh I didn't know that. Sorry for pointing it out.

And another thing ... which should be my last post regarding cars to get... sorry for all these questions.
A 2000 Integra that I looked at last week gave me a call today and decided to take my offer for the car.
It's an 2000 Integra with roughly 130,000 kms on it as well.
Originally 6100 but offered 5300 with sub and amp because of a few problems with it.

The "Check Engine" light is on inside, I asked him about it and he said he's already taken it to Richmond Acura but they have said it is not a problem...maybe a lie, I don't know. Which would be a gamble as it can either be a big problem... or a small one.

The Driver side window is slow...seems close to the end of its life imo.

The Timing belt has not been changed yet.

There was an accident on the passenger side, by the front tire, which will eventually in a few years rust, so that needs to be changed sometimes within the next year.

Seem good? or no.

[chucki]

^ I wouldn't be saying its a "momma powered" car.. LOL.
I'll make something up saying somehow I bought it :)

True that I have the ability to take a new car, but if I don't use that card now I can use that card down the road when I really finish post secondary or something, and maybe there'll be better cars in the future for under $20,000?

Yes it'd be kind of embarassing as the Protege is stock except for sub, amp and sony deck. But honestly the body looks pretty ugly. Is it an easy moddable car?

Of course the cars in the future will be better, its just a decision of whether you want to enjoy the ownership of a new car now or the ownership of a better car down the road.

Like the previous post states, its (protege) a good car for its intended purpose. If you are into modding however, I suggest you to look at a civic or something instead. Parts are much more readily available.

[chucki]

^ Oh I didn't know that. Sorry for pointing it out.

And another thing ... which should be my last post regarding cars to get... sorry for all these questions.
A 2000 Integra that I looked at last week gave me a call today and decided to take my offer for the car.
It's an 2000 Integra with roughly 130,000 kms on it as well.
Originally 6100 but offered 5300 with sub and amp because of a few problems with it.

The "Check Engine" light is on inside, I asked him about it and he said he's already taken it to Richmond Acura but they have said it is not a problem...maybe a lie, I don't know. Which would be a gamble as it can either be a big problem... or a small one.

The Driver side window is slow...seems close to the end of its life imo.

The Timing belt has not been changed yet.

There was an accident on the passenger side, by the front tire, which will eventually in a few years rust, so that needs to be changed sometimes within the next year.

Seem good? or no.

That is a good deal for that year of Integra, but it sounds much more fishy IMO. Especially that check engine light, and as always; its always a good idea to have a trusted mechanic to make a thorough inspection on a used vehicle (VS asking a bunch of strangers on Revscene with your observations:p) I'd say- don't be tempted by the price unless you are sure there are no major issues about the vehicle. Remember, you are not just buying a car, safety is also very important. A life is not worth that extra couple hundred bucks in your pocket.

[hchang]

Modding wouldn't be a big part... just some extra fun.

Car would be used for everyday city driving.

[hchang]

That is a good deal for that year of Integra, but it sounds much more fishy IMO. Especially that check engine light, and as always; its always a good idea to have a trusted mechanic to make a thorough inspection on a used vehicle (VS asking a bunch of strangers on Revscene with your observations:p) I'd say- don't be tempted by the price unless you are sure there are no major issues about the vehicle. Remember, you are not just buying a car, safety is also very important. A life is not worth that extra couple hundred bucks in your pocket.

Thing is.. I don't know of any mechanics, and a BCAA one is pretty expensive, plus, if its not somebody you know I don't think they'd really give a flying fuck and would rush through the inspection and just give you a quick idea of the car.

I trust the people on Revscene :P

Also -- the Integra has had 2 accidents. One for 2400 and one for 3400.
Still seem like a decent deal?
I'm sure there has to be a reason to why it is still for sale and priced for cheap cause it was originally 6100, and now an ad is for 5600 but he agreed to take my offer of 5300.

[Lomac]

Thing is.. I don't know of any mechanics, and a BCAA one is pretty expensive, plus, if its not somebody you know I don't think they'd really give a flying fuck and would rush through the inspection and just give you a quick idea of the car.

I trust the people on Revscene :P

Also -- the Integra has had 2 accidents. One for 2400 and one for 3400.
Still seem like a decent deal?
I'm sure there has to be a reason to why it is still for sale and priced for cheap cause it was originally 6100, and now an ad is for 5600 but he agreed to take my offer of 5300.

Never buy a car with a CEL unless you know the reason why it's on. I can't see a Honda/Acura dealership telling a customer that a CEL is "no big deal." Yes, it might be something as simple as an O2 sensor needing to be replaced, but it could also be something much more drastic. Again, a dealership will never tell a customer that a CEL is nothing to worry about. If you want to go ahead with the Integra, make a post on here asking for someone with an OBD2 scanner and a bit of mechanical know-how to come check out the car with you. I'd offer my own services, but I don't own an OBD2 scanner. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, pick up a cheap one from Princess Auto or Canadian Tire and pull the code(s) yourself. Print out a copy of the codes in advance and take it with you.

As for the Protege, I'll warn you that it's a boring-as-hell vehicle, but they're pretty solid and reliable. There isn't a lot you can do to them to make them look decent, but with that kind of car you'd be buying it more for fuel economy, practicality and reliability than anything else.

That said, I would avoid any vehicles that have a past history of accidents or multiple claims. The two cars you mentioned may look like a good deal, but there will always be more out there. If you look long and hard enough, you will always find a diamond in the rough. You just need to be on top of it every day.

Don't necessarily worry about having a car that looks good in order to show it off. My Accord is my "respectable" car and while it's far newer than my Mazda, I would far rather drive the latter because, let's face it, a modified sports car from the 90's makes me smile everytime I pull through the switch-backs, whereas the Honda makes me bored. It's a nice car... but soooo fucking boring.

[oldsnail]

or you can buy my car !
02 Infiniti G20 Sport 5spd, pearl white..(PM if really interested)

WHat grade is that Integra?
in 2000 ... you had SE,GS,GSR, and Type R.
auto or manual?

[?NR]

^ nice car. SR20DE I believe? Correct me if I'm wrong. Does VLSD come with the G20's? Its been awhile and I can't remember anymore.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[oldsnail]

^ nice car. SR20DE I believe? Correct me if I'm wrong. Does VLSD come with the G20's? Its been awhile and I can't remember anymore.
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yes it does.. only on the TOURING and SPORT(5port) models though.

[hchang]

Thanks Lomac for your input.

The Integra guy was in a complete rush to sell his car, and has been for sale for a while, so I'm sure there's something drastically wrong with that car, if nobody is buying it.

And for an update: I bought the Mazda Protege, and am loving it so far! Gave it a good clean and spent a good 5 hours detailing it on Saturday. Mechanically nothing wrong with it... so far. But there shouldn't be anything wrong.

One thing I've noticed is that the stock alloy rims are really scratched up (yet no damage on the body...which I do not understand), would you guys suggest buying it from Seattle Craigslist or something and picking it up there? Or Craigslist it here. Is there a big price difference?

And stop me if this sounds stupid...but I wanted to at least make it sound better by making the car louder. Any thoughts? Stupid...Ricer...Retarded...Good?

[1exotic]

you can't make it sound better, it's a mazda protege... you make it louder yes(obviously), but it still will be a ricer... you can drill holes in the exhaust or get some straight pipe exhaust.

btw post some pictures.
do it.
... it, do it.

[hchang]

Will be getting pics up soon, havne't had the chance to take pics yet haha.

Is drilling holes into the exhaust an easy DIY job?

[TypeRNammer]

Will be getting pics up soon, havne't had the chance to take pics yet haha.

Is drilling holes into the exhaust an easy DIY job?

LOLOL

Don't tell me you got convinced by Homer Simpson, speed holes do not make your car go faster!

[hchang]

^
Not trying to make it go faster... just sound louder.

The car's pretty boring... lol.