chuqui@nsc.UUCP (Chuq Von Rospach) (01/20/84)
My sincere thanks for everyone who took time to respond to my request.
Since I had a couple of requests for the information, here is a (hopefully
short) summary:
The two brands of cars with the largest number of truly fanatic owners had
to be the VW and the Honda. The VT Rabbit GTI got the largest number of
responses followed closely by Honda Accords. Both of these cars seem to get
unhesitating support, although statistics I have seen on VW have shown that
they have QA problems at times (they may have gotten things right with the
GTI, however). Another Honda to look at would be the CRX.
A few people commented on the Mitsubishi cars such as the Starion (these
comments apply to the Dodge Colt and Conquest as well, since they are both
made by Mitsubishi). If you can get one, they seem to be very nice cars.
Because of import quota's, Mitsubishi has only opened 80 dealers
nationwide, which might make repair and parts a problem. This wouldn't be a
problem for the Chrylser versions, of course. I have seen bad reviews on
the Turbo Colt from noise and reliability standpoints (the turbo tends to
crank on the engine, and it may cause a higher rate of failure). It was
pointed out that the Colt wasn't designed for a turbo and really doesn't
need one. It is a little short on sound insulation for my taste, but it is
inexpensive.
Celica lovers got their word in. While there were fewer responses from
them (Spefically Celica GT's), they were just as happy as the Honda people.
I believe Celica's are a touch more expensive. The newly redesigned Corolla
was also suggested.
I have driven a Nissan Pulsar, and if you want to spend for it, it is a
NICE car. The Nissan Sentra wagon is also well done, if you like driving
something that looks like a box.
Other Random comments:
Dodge Daytona / Plymouth Laser - These also list in the neighborhood of
12K. However, I have heard rumors that it's possible to get them for
less than 10K with air. If true, this is fantastic. The Daytona is a
very nice car. The rear seats can be flopped down individually for
more luggage space. It's a true 4 seater. However you can't seat 5
(buckets front and rear). It's a hatchback, so you get quite a bit of
luggage space. The trouble with the non Turbo version is that is has a
96 hp motor which doesn't really give it breathtaking performance.
If you want a combination of performance, handling and room, consider
the Dodge Shelby Charger. It has very good performance, outstanding
handling, and lots of room at the back. Its engine is very accessible
in case you want to do your own work. Unfortunately, it's not as
refined as it could be. You can pick one up for around 8.5 K.
A friend who has a Fiero that I've never seen suggests waiting until
the new model with the bigger engine (6 cylinder) comes out. It's
supposed to handle great but be a bit on the under-powered side.
It looks like the best cars are all foreign ones (should that suprise me?).
Even the better cars from the domestic manufacturers seem to be imported.
I would suggest that a good search path for cars is probably
{Honda,VW,Toyota,Nissan,Chrysler} with an honourable mention to Mazda for
the 626. Once again, thanks for everyone who sent me comments!
--
From the house at Pooh Corner: Chuq (a Silly Old Bear)
{fortune,menlo70}!nsc!chuqui
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