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What modern car is most comparable to a DSM? In other words what would you buy for a newer car?

Which car to get?


  • Total voters
    55

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Talyn

10+ Year Contributor
443
19
Jun 10, 2012
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In other words, if you wanted a newer version of your dsm, what would you buy(since there are no new DSMs :( ?

My DSM was recently utterly destroyed in a head-on collision.(And I got damaged rather badly as well, but I will heal, sadly my Talon will not....RIP :( There is nothing left of it or even the parts to salvage....

So I am trying to figure out what kind of car I want to try to buy, I can't afford a project car atm due to other financial commitments.(In other words I need to get a loan for whatever I buy) But even when I had my DSM as much as I loved it, I wanted a new car just like it without all the sqeaks, rattles, broken bolts, broken trim peices etc that come with owning such an old car, or similar in philosophy. Unfortunately nobody makes a reasonably priced AWD coupe though, so I'll probably have to settle for RWD. I don't like the WRX/STI, or ralliart/evo because they are boxy sedans.
I'm thinking about trying to get a saturn sky redline, its not awd sadly, but they are small, lightweight, good looking(imo) even with the top down(unlike many verts). And of course it has a turbocharged 2.0.
Other options I'm thinking about are a c5 vette, 350z, rx8, or a BRZ or Genesis. But I'm scared to go anywhere near a wankel, the BRZ is overpriced(compare its features to the slightly cheaper WRX and you'll understand), the Genesis is heavy for what it is. The c5 and 350z options I somewhat like. Although I feel the sky is more like a dsm than any of these options. And I like the moddability of a turbo car, its easy to get a lot more power. And I do like having something a little bit uncommon.

Please share your thoughts/opinions/suggestions below, I'm looking to spend $20k or less ideally, but might be able/willing to go up to 30k for a brand new car.

Edit: Sorry, I forgot to mention that I don't mess with front wheel drive, hence why I didn't mention any FWD cars in my list, Needs to be a coupe too, although I would MAYBE consider a 4 door if it looked sleek enough.

More about the accident/my car if anyone is interested to hear my sob story...:
I had $10k+ into rebuilding/modding it, 387hp and climbing, finally had it almost completely sorted out, only about 1k miles on freshly rebuilt engine, then BAM...wasn't even driving fast, it was a confusing ambiguous road layout that caused the accident...I was exiting a toll road, and normally an exit on a toll road, opens into multiple lanes for each of the toll booths, guy in front of me was driving too slow, so when 2 more lanes opened up on the left side, I moved to pass, only to collide head on with an SUV....the other two lanes were opposing traffic, and there was no barrier, median or any lane separation, no insurance money because I didn't have collision coverage, and am deemed "at fault", even though I feel the dangerous road design is equally at fault....And I had ALL of my hand tools in it, most of which are gone now, I believe the guy that did the road cleanup and towed my car stole them, then charged me $900. As if the wreck weren't bad enough...
As for injuries, only 2 people were involved, myself and the other driver, I have quite a few injuries, but no lost limbs or brain damage, just lots of broken things. Idk much about the other driver, only that he was relatively old, 78 I think. Had injuries to one of his legs, and recently my mother said something about him having issues with one of his eyes, but hopefully its nothing he won't recover from.
Lastly, here is a picture of the carnage that used to be my baby, my pride and joy, I poured my heart and soul into it, and its just gone...but at least no one died, and I didn't lose any limbs either. Still depressing losing something I poured everything into, and having a total loss with absolutely no reimbursement, and almost all my tools too.....
 

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I have test drove a couple pontiac solstice gxp the 2.0 turbo) version of the sky, and it is quick but I couldn't own one, sitting in it, you feel like you have no room to move in it very tight, mind you i'm only 5'8" 175lbs, not a big guy and i felt like that. Out of your suggestions, I would go with a C5 vette, best bang for the buck and the sky is the limit as what you would want to do with it.
 
Ford Focus RS. Hard to drop 40k on something you'll want to make even faster the minute you get it. That's the down side.
Other than that it's looking like a god damned beast

I didn't see your mention of the vette.
Dude, if i wasn't 15k into this dsm when i decided to either go awd/AT or dump everything for a massive loss?
I would've spent about 25 to 30 on a very gently used corvette.
Parts availability is one of the things that you really want to consider.
 
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40k is well out of my price range, even 30k would probably stretch me thin atm, I have some new financial obligations atm(A fiance that still needs a visa to come here...) Which is why I'm not trying to get another project car as well.
I do have to admit, that even though I feel like a WRX/STI might be the more proven option. The RS hatchback is a lot better looking, and if it were in my price range I might consider it, maybe if it comes out around 30k. I have been in a solstice before, and I'm actually pretty close to your size yhype(+10lbs or so), it is a bit tight, but most cars like that are (s2000 for example), but it didn't bother me too much, from what I remember it actually seemed a bit more comfortable than a c5. Thanks for the input/suggestions so far, keep them coming.
 
Other options I'm thinking about are a c5 vette, 350z, rx8, or a BRZ or Genesis. But I'm scared to go anywhere near a wankel,
My friend has an rx8. It handles like it's on rails, 6 speed, very wide tires, fastastic very short throw shifter which goes right into the rwd tranny - feels like you can go as fast as you want around corners and it always hangs in there, better than anything I've driven - unbelievable! And it sounds pretty cool. HOWEVER, the gas mileage is TERRIBLE! It's also lower and harder to get in/out then your other choices. And it's designed to normally burn oil. And there's not much power there (what it has is over 8k rpm) - any dsm would easily beat it (except on corners).
 
Dodge darts are decent and arent over priced, The brzs are pretty cool looking my buddie has the special edition(sti) costed him 45gs but it's beautiful,
I'd buy Lancer If I had to buy a new car right now ,

Just get an old chevy hah

How about the awd outback get one used for a good price there pretty cool suv's

The closest platform on the top of my head to the dsm is the lancer evolution mivec

Just some ideas for ya
 
I'm the same way - don't like sedans. The only new coupes (or 1 or 2 years old) I'd consider would likely end up being RWD... I like the BRZ/FRS, the Genesis Coupe, the 370Z/G37, the Mustang, and maybe a BMW 335 or M3 but they're a bit more expensive unless you get one with higher miles. If the Camaro and Challenger wouldn't so big and heavy I'd like them too, but the Mustang is my favorite of the muscle car trio. Vettes are cool too if you don't need a back seat.

More options would open up if you add 2 more doors or go a little older. But not much out there that compares to what the DSM was in it was new in terms of performance and value for an AWD 2-door sports coupe.
 
Unfortunately, from the automaker's perspective, the sedans drive the market. I think it may be due to the fact cars cost so much, so people tend to buy something that suits all their needs. However, if you notice, they are pushing the styling of the sedans to look coupe-like.

Have you checked out the new (2015) Chrysler 200? 30k will get you a V6 AWD... with 300HP, and over 30mpg! That's a pretty nice combo for a daily driver. I have been casually looking at them. My only gripe is that they do not come with a manual transmission option.

I also dig the new Mustang. Took the turbo one for a test drive, and it was quite fun! I've also heard those are not hard to get to run 12's. I just cannot justify a RWD car as a daily up here with the cruddy winters.
 
What about getting another Talon for $2-3 G and spend the rest on fixing up the motor, restoring the interior, replacing missing screws, and so on. I'm just worried that any new car won't last much past the warranty (100 000 miles?) unlike even a DSM that can do 150-200+ relatively easy.

From the design stand point Ford cars IMO are the best looking ones out of USA's 'big three'. Have no idea about their mechanical specs and longevity though. The new Bug looks nice too, but they are FWD now.
Or, depending on your area, you might even think about getting a hybrid or a fully electric car.
 
^^ I like it, get one in decent shape so it's not a project that way you can fix the little things you find here and there and you won't go bashing your head when a dsm drives by. You know you wouldn't be able to stay away forever :D
 
Umm since when were you a wiseman??? did you just get promoted today?? :thumb:
There was some info a found stating they would start at 36K and some change; doesn't seem too bad.

Yeah, somebody thought my motherly charm would help bring us all together :shhh:

Again, I agree. The price tag on the RS wasn't terribly attractive, but when you consider what a loaded Evo goes for, you're in the same market.

Also, did somebody say Evo?
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i was leaving the store the other day and could hear a car taking off it was a Cadillac cts tt all black sounded SO good and was pretty damn quick. ever science that I've been looking into them. (like i really need a 3rd project)
 
C5s are the epitome of GM plastic crap interiors, you can get a C6 for low $20k's now though. 350z isn't an exciting car to me, though they're dirt cheap now. Used BRZ with a turbo kit would be fun, reasonably priced, and somewhat practical. Genesis coupe sounded great when announced, but it's too bloated. 135/335 are quick but you're gonna pay the German tax when it breaks. I'd also stay with the RWD version, as the AWD BMWs are a safety/weather thing and not really performance based. I test drove a 335xi sedan and it was the most bland, numb thing I've ever driven. I haven't driven a new Mustang yet, but from what I've seen it's a heavy pig and the handling can't touch other options within the same segment/price range.

You're selling yourself short by not considering an EVO X. Looks great, best seats in any car under $50k, quick, easily moddable, handling is amazing, practical, there's just something about them that is so much fun to drive. After all, you're asking what's most comparable to a DSM. What's closer than an AWD turbo 2.0 Mitsu? At least take one for a spin before going for a coupe.
 
What about getting another Talon for $2-3 G and spend the rest on fixing up the motor, restoring the interior, replacing missing screws, and so on. I'm just worried that any new car won't last much past the warranty (100 000 miles?) unlike even a DSM that can do 150-200+ relatively easy.

From the design stand point Ford cars IMO are the best looking ones out of USA's 'big three'. Have no idea about their mechanical specs and longevity though. The new Bug looks nice too, but they are FWD now.
Or, depending on your area, you might even think about getting a hybrid or a fully electric car.

You overlooked what I said about my current financial situation, I don't have spare cash to throw parts at something, and I don't have any money in savings either, spend the rest of what exactly? There is nothing to spend...You can't get a $20k loan from the bank to buy a car as old as a DSM and build it up, otherwise I would have built up a 3rd gen camaro with an ls3 years ago....and certainly not on my credit. And lastly, you can't restore a car they don't make resto parts for. I had a brokeass door trim piece that held the window switch panel in, so my switch panel sat in the hole there and kept falling down, I couldn't do anything bc I couldn't find that stupidass little piece of plastic. Nobody manufactures a numerous one and I must have inquired to at least a dozen people parting out their cars, asking for that piece only to get no response. I dealt with that PITA for pretty much the duration of my ownership of the car, 3+ years.
And my DSM was anything but reliable, and new cars can absolutely go that many miles if taken care of.
 
I was not impressed with the Evo X. It was like the restyling done to the 3rd gen Eclipse. I would stop at the Evo 9.

Ford's line-up over the last few years has been impressive! I will be honest and say I wouldn't mind a Taurus SHO with the police package (basically all the performance without all the other junk features that come with the SHO model). Mustangs will made great advancements in handling and have been a force to be reckoned with in the autocross scene. I of course would steer towards the v6 turbo as opposed to the v8. The Ford RS has been lllooonnnngggg overdue to come to the US. This will definitely give Subaru a run for its money! It seems to be the most anticipated car next year!
 
C5s are the epitome of GM plastic crap interiors, you can get a C6 for low $20k's now though. 350z isn't an exciting car to me, though they're dirt cheap now. Used BRZ with a turbo kit would be fun, reasonably priced, and somewhat practical. Genesis coupe sounded great when announced, but it's too bloated. 135/335 are quick but you're gonna pay the German tax when it breaks. I'd also stay with the RWD version, as the AWD BMWs are a safety/weather thing and not really performance based. I test drove a 335xi sedan and it was the most bland, numb thing I've ever driven. I haven't driven a new Mustang yet, but from what I've seen it's a heavy pig and the handling can't touch other options within the same segment/price range.

You're selling yourself short by not considering an EVO X. Looks great, best seats in any car under $50k, quick, easily moddable, handling is amazing, practical, there's just something about them that is so much fun to drive. After all, you're asking what's most comparable to a DSM. What's closer than an AWD turbo 2.0 Mitsu? At least take one for a spin before going for a coupe.

You are right about the c5 interior...as for a used BRZ with a turbo I have actually seen one or two for sale at a reasonable price even, but you have to rebuild that engine to get any real power out of it with stock compression ratios so high...which is one of the biggest reasons I'm shying away from it, im not going to buy a brand new car and rebuild the engine on it right away, and stock just isn't enough power. Honestly, even though it is a sedan I would almost consider the EVO, but it looks like a pita to work on, and its out of my price range new, and everybody selling a used one wants a million dollars for it after they beat it to hell for 100k miles....

I'd like to hear more thoughts on the solstice gxp/sky redline for those who have any experience, as that is still what I'm leaning towards most heavily, followed by a c5 vette or 350z. I would start a poll on here though if I knew how...
 
Yeah, somebody thought my motherly charm would help bring us all together :shhh:
HAHA well congrats :hellyeah:

I was not impressed with the Evo
And congrats to you too :hellyeah: and the SHO is not bad, my body's girl has one... It was better than I expected!

OP: for your price point I guess I would vote for a forced Induction c5 but I have a couple of f-bodys too so I might have a GM bias :p
 
HAHA well congrats :hellyeah:


And congrats to you too :hellyeah: and the SHO is not bad, my body's girl has one... It was better than I expected!

OP: for your price point I guess I would vote for a forced Induction c5 but I have a couple of f-bodys too so I might have a GM bias :p


Thanks! New status came today.
 
As far as adding more power to the solstice/sky turbos they used to have to get "imaginative" to add more fuel because they are direct injection but its has been a while since I have read or looked into that type of info. Maybe why people LSx swap them. As 350z goes, I'd be more afraid of the previous owner beating the living crap out of it. A c5 vette has a better chance of older people driving them and taking care of them, interior isn't the greatest, it was designed in the early to mid 90s. And working on the engine isn't the hardest to work on, but is a lot more involved to replace and clutch or pull the trans, not the hardest after the first time.

For something that might off the beaten track, you could look for a used Subaru Legacy turbo sedan, they pull pretty good and think they look decent. AWD for poor weather and Subarus in stock form are usually reliable.
 
I came across some aftermarket cams that address the fuel issue by basically stroking the manual fuel pump by using a larger lobe to drive it. I think there are aftermarket injectors too but I'm not sure. My poll list is pretty much the order in which I'm currently considering the cars. I know I can't go wrong with a vette, but for some reason I just like the Sky better, and it just feels...more me, if that makes sense. Maybe cause its turbo and I've never owned a v8, idk, LOL.
 
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