Dependable/Fun/Affordable Turbo Cars

[VroomPshhTsi]

What turbo cars are out there that are dependable, fun to drive, and not too expensive? Obviously I have already thought of ones like an Evo 8, STI, etc. but those are out of my price range. I don't want a dsm (pre-Evo ones). I'm looking for something in the year of 2002 or newer. Price range is under $14k and nothing with more than 60k miles. I'm not looking for something that is going to be heavily modded. Just intake/exhaust and maybe a couple more psi than stock.

The only ones I can think of are WRXs, VW Golf GTI, and SRT-4s.

I have been out of the turbo community for a while so I want to know what's available (and affordable) these days.

[srt4eh]

srt-4

[tbarsch]

Mazdaspeed 6 - Turbo, AWD, 6 speed... Probably a lil bit north of your price range...

[davidrab]

Good thread. I'm interested in this too. I've been doing some research, but
it's nice to have opinions from people who have experience with them.

Mazdaspeed 6 - Turbo, AWD, 6 speed... Probably a lil bit north of your price range...

I've looked looked at couple of MS6's. They seem pretty cool. It, and the
Legacy GT, are things I'm also considering.

[JBs92Lude]

Subaru ftw

[pOrk]

Legacy GT = Slow and not fun

[WhatsADSM]

Unfortunately the owner group of these cars is changing (I think for the worst) but for your wishes and price rangei dont think anything is a better fit than the nSRT-4. Practical, fast, inexpensive, and most of all tons of fun.

[Waver]

Unfortunately the owner group of these cars is changing (I think for the worst) but for your wishes and price rangei dont think anything is a better fit than the nSRT-4. Practical, fast, inexpensive, and most of all tons of fun.

Ah but he also said dependable, which is a term that is not used too often with a neon

[STANMAN]

Ah but he also said dependable, which is a term that is not used too often with a neon

Bone stock up to about 300HP they are simply unbreakable.

I vote for the SRT-4 also, if you can find one that has been used but not abused, which can be a needle in a haystack type of proposition. Go for an 04 or 05, the 03's didn't have have LSD and other small things.

[Prince Valiant]

Ah but he also said dependable, which is a term that is not used too often with a neon

SRT-4's, especially stock ones, are utterly reliable. North of 300hp, and all you really worry about is breaking half-shafts on hard launches.

[xxtremeteam]

Jetta gli

[Waver]

Jetta gli

I agree with this one^^^^^^^

[VroomPshhTsi]

I've been reading that Neon SRT-4s have some oil leaking problems. Not a huge fan of the look of them cuz they are still Neons, but I guess for the money it's good performance.

I've seen a couple Golf GTIs that have some nice zip to them with a little added boost (but I think they are slow as balls stock, if I'm not mistaken).

[WhatsADSM]

Ah but he also said dependable, which is a term that is not used too often with a neon

You must be confused Nick SRT-4s are VERY reliable when you keep them reasonably modded. The only real issues are stuff you see once you push them to their limits (which is fairly high)

[WhatsADSM]

SRT-4's, especially stock ones, are utterly reliable. North of 300hp, and all you really worry about is breaking half-shafts on hard launches.

Even broken axles aren't much of an issue if you run slicks. On a street tire on a hard launch I agree axles don't like the abuse, however on a slick with the same power they hold up much better.

Wheel hop kills axles in those cars... Rarely is it sheer power.

Worst part of the SRT-4 without a doubt is the fact that it is front wheel drive. Otherwise I think for that price range and turbo my next choice would probably be an earlier WRX. Not quite as bullet proof but if you keep them fairly stock they do well and they are AWD which is great.

[jbiscuit]

04-05ish WRX hands down. As a daily driven, you can't beat it. I took mine out in 12" of snow last year during the worst snowfall of the season and even lowered it still made it through. Granted as a snowplow but the AWD is great. They are easy to work on, make great power with bolt ons and are a lot of fun to drive. I would recommend a wagon since they are super versatile cars. I have hauled 2X4s, landscape retainer wall bricks, wheels you name it in the one I had. Plus averaged 24mpg with city/highway mix on the Cobb

[VroomPshhTsi]

WRXs are easy to work on? I always thought their engine bays looked like a cluster fuck, especially with that intercooler on top blocking half the stuff. Then again I've never owned one.

[jbiscuit]

Easy. Turbo swaps are easy, removing the intercooler is easy. Exhaust is easy. Oil changes are a snap. Fuel filter is right on top in the engine bay held in with a spring clamp. No stupid fittings to deal with. Spark plug changes can be a pain if you don't have a variety of extensions and universals but do it once and the next time is a snap also. 02s had the weak 5-speed, 03s are still somewhat brittle but it depends on what you do to it. Mine had 90k+ miles and shifted like new

[SSLEVO]

Dude, save up a little extra coin and go for the evo. You can find decent 03-04's for around 15k these days.

Check out evom, lots of good deals: http://forums.evolutionm.net/sale-cars-sale-134/

IMO it's a waste to have 300+ hp in a fwd platform. Not to mention they look like ass.

[Moparjim]

SRT4 Neon or Caliber. I got my brand new 08 Caliber for $13500 or so with a cash for clunkers trade in....