Daily driver suggestions?
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 125
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Daily driver suggestions?
Looking to replace my Mazda6 that is only used for bad weather and such (I'm in PA) with something fun. Considering a Focus ST or AWD TBSS as of now, but looking for other suggestions. The 6 sees under 1k miles per year as I work from home so not going to spend a fortune. Also thought about a WRX or STi, but not really wanting to spend $20k ish.
Also, don't want anything tiny as I want to be able to load wheels & tires, etc when needed. So, sadly, things like the Fiesta ST are out.
Don't want anything with high miles or unreliable. AWD preferred, but FWD is ok. No RWD.
I have a 30th AE Miata and Hellcat for fun. Although, the Hellcat is for sale as I drive the Miata a lot more so I'll be replacing that with something else fast, fun & RWD at some point.
Also, don't want anything tiny as I want to be able to load wheels & tires, etc when needed. So, sadly, things like the Fiesta ST are out.
Don't want anything with high miles or unreliable. AWD preferred, but FWD is ok. No RWD.
I have a 30th AE Miata and Hellcat for fun. Although, the Hellcat is for sale as I drive the Miata a lot more so I'll be replacing that with something else fast, fun & RWD at some point.
Stick Shift Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,469
Likes: 2,657
From: Troy & Dearborn, Michigan
I had a Focus ST. If you can find a clean example they are fine cars. Small for my tastes, but I think great in terms of reliability, especially the later Sync3 cars.
A TB SS though, would be nice, however I think that are at least 18 years old so finding a decent example might be challenging. Consider a Saab 9-7X as well it did get the 6.0 for 2008 and 2009 in the Aero trim and they are less likely to be molested.
A TB SS though, would be nice, however I think that are at least 18 years old so finding a decent example might be challenging. Consider a Saab 9-7X as well it did get the 6.0 for 2008 and 2009 in the Aero trim and they are less likely to be molested.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,274
Likes: 6,469
From: Melbourne, FL
They made very few 9-7x Aeros. They're also cheaper now, so they're more likely to be abused.
Love my TBSS, but the days of them being plentiful and in good shape are loooong gone. They exist out there in good shape with low miles, but they're rare.
Love my TBSS, but the days of them being plentiful and in good shape are loooong gone. They exist out there in good shape with low miles, but they're rare.
Stick Shift Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,469
Likes: 2,657
From: Troy & Dearborn, Michigan
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,274
Likes: 6,469
From: Melbourne, FL
To be fair,.I'm talking similar equipment. A 1SS cloth seat TBSS will be cheaper than a 97x Aero.
Another option that's similar in top level idea (but that's about it) would be a WK1 SRT8 Jeep. The Jeep is a little faster and a little more athletic, but that's about it. You get a couple features on it the TBSS didn't have like rain sense wipers, HIDs, auto high beams (which barely work), but they're smaller inside, can't tow, no spare tire, and you have to make a ritual sacrifice to get the extremely expensive transfer case fluid for it that is obsoleted with no replacement.
I have both. I like both. The Jeep might be a bit more iconic and is faster stock for stock, and even not stock for stock it feels faster even when it isn't, but day to day the TBSS is better.
Stick Shift Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,469
Likes: 2,657
From: Troy & Dearborn, Michigan
I think it's more because they aren't any nicer and are uglier. The TBSS has a sort of iconic look to it, the Aero just looks like nothing really.
To be fair,.I'm talking similar equipment. A 1SS cloth seat TBSS will be cheaper than a 97x Aero.
Another option that's similar in top level idea (but that's about it) would be a WK1 SRT8 Jeep. The Jeep is a little faster and a little more athletic, but that's about it. You get a couple features on it the TBSS didn't have like rain sense wipers, HIDs, auto high beams (which barely work), but they're smaller inside, can't tow, no spare tire, and you have to make a ritual sacrifice to get the extremely expensive transfer case fluid for it that is obsoleted with no replacement.
I have both. I like both. The Jeep might be a bit more iconic and is faster stock for stock, and even not stock for stock it feels faster even when it isn't, but day to day the TBSS is better.
To be fair,.I'm talking similar equipment. A 1SS cloth seat TBSS will be cheaper than a 97x Aero.
Another option that's similar in top level idea (but that's about it) would be a WK1 SRT8 Jeep. The Jeep is a little faster and a little more athletic, but that's about it. You get a couple features on it the TBSS didn't have like rain sense wipers, HIDs, auto high beams (which barely work), but they're smaller inside, can't tow, no spare tire, and you have to make a ritual sacrifice to get the extremely expensive transfer case fluid for it that is obsoleted with no replacement.
I have both. I like both. The Jeep might be a bit more iconic and is faster stock for stock, and even not stock for stock it feels faster even when it isn't, but day to day the TBSS is better.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,274
Likes: 6,469
From: Melbourne, FL
I put a $150 no name Android 10" unit in mine and it's worked quite well. Admittedly I would like to upgrade it to one of the "better" androids like a Dudu7 or a Joying, but I'm in nonreal rush currently.
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Stick Shift Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,469
Likes: 2,657
From: Troy & Dearborn, Michigan
Yeah, mine is an 08 so the new FOBIK key. I kinda prefer the older key, the FOBIK is fine too though. The interior being black looks nicer. There's some other bits and pieces that are a bit nicer in the later ones too. If you don't mind the gray interior though, I think the earlier Jeeps are just fine. Especially now that realistically all the head units in them need replaced, the later cars got the MyGig system which was a big step up, at the time, but is horribly outdated today.
I put a $150 no name Android 10" unit in mine and it's worked quite well. Admittedly I would like to upgrade it to one of the "better" androids like a Dudu7 or a Joying, but I'm in nonreal rush currently.
I put a $150 no name Android 10" unit in mine and it's worked quite well. Admittedly I would like to upgrade it to one of the "better" androids like a Dudu7 or a Joying, but I'm in nonreal rush currently.