I don't like the RSX as much, but I've thought about it... I'm not a big Honda fan though. Otherwise, though, the Celica is faster, by a decent margin, (according to testing done by Sport Compact Car, which I agree, is not the bible ), but I will look into it. Really, I just want a high-revving, well-handling, good gas mileage rice rocket. However, I can get a new Celica GT-S, packed solid, for about $22.5k, from the dealer I bought my wife's car from. And, that $22.5k is with a TRD clutch, installed.

And, Saleen - I didn't buy the Lightning because it's a truck, I bought it because it's fast. It should have a FAST interior!
Also, I don't find it that comfortable. The lateral and bolster support are HORRIBLE, no better than a plain F150, and we all know how quickly the bolsters wear.....

 

If it hasn't already been mentioned, remember you only pay sales tax of the difference when you trade. That can add up to a grand or more.

 

True..but you can't expect SVT to bear the cost of redesining the entire dash! That would be a prohibitive expense. I think most people on this board are glad that the money went to go fast stuff...as opposed to fancy floormats.

I'm surprised you don't find it to be comfortable...I find it far more comfortable over the 1300+ mile round trip to NY than my lincoln. I didn't have any cramps or anything.

It doesn't offer the lateral support of the Recaros in my saleen, but it is an extremely comfortable seat (although I would prefer all leather...im not a fan of suede, cloth or suede-like-cloth). But..it is still very very comfortable. Whenever I travel on buisiness, it is always a pleasure to get back in the Lightning's buckets after a week in a rental car.

I would agree with Brasil...I am not a fan of the RSX's styling..but I think it is far better than the celica...and it isn't a bad driving little car.

 

For a second car I got a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX and I am very happy with it. It has 227HP (6000 rpm) and 217lb of torque (4000 rpm) and All Wheel Drive. Base price is about $24k and you can get one probably at near invoice. My local Subara dealer is knocking off 9% right off the top.

I think the WRXs are under six second 60mph and around 14 second quarter mile. Quarter probably could be faster if not for the All Wheel Drive slowing them down.

Base WRX has many standard features and not too many options. If I remember correctly, the advertised mileage is 20/27. I got the four door sedan with the five speed manual. Curb weight is 3065lb. I recommend the short throw shifter.

They also have four speed automatics for another $1k with state-of-the-art traction control. Also, have a five door sport wagon version.

The World Rally Championship racing version of the WRX is 300 hp.

 

WRX's are fun cars! Or you could wait for the Evo VII. That should be a fun ride as well.

 

Getting mixed information/rumors in the car mags on the new Evo.

One is saying it will be a slighty detuned Japanese domestic version at about $30k. I think the Japanese version is around 261hp.

Another magazine says it will be around $24-25k with about 230hp.

I think they are due to go on sale in the USA in the spring of 2003.

 

Another point to make.

I have about a 40 mile round-trip commute to work. Most of it in interstate multi-lane highways. It seems when I drive my little 3065 lb. WRX I encounter a lot more road idiots than when I am driving my 4670 lb. red Lightning.

In the WRX, I got clowns very closely tailgateing as 70mph, or sharply cutting me off at 55mph. I have even had an unmarked police car tailgating me and another unmarked almost hitting me by cutting me off while he was chasing a car that had just cut me off too.

As a consequence, I limit my highway driving time in the WRX. I am probably a lot safer in the Lightning even though the WRX has about four air bags, door reinforcing beams, and has passed all the US Government's safety tests.

I am not paranoid about safety, but I have been in enough wrecks to know they suck.