Hi all! New to the forum, have daily driver questions.

[EdwardNorth]

Hi everyone.

Let me start by saying that this is a great forum, lots of excellent info to be found here!

I will need to replace my daily driver soon, and I really like the DSM and want to get a 2G. Right now I am driving a 1995 T-Bird LX with the 4.6 V8 engine. I love that car, have had it since 1996, but it is getting on in age (condition-wise) and has a few issues that wouldn't be worth addressing due to the overall picture with it.

The DSM is my kind of car. While smaller inside than the T-Bird, the interior styling is very similar, and I feel that the car fits "like a glove" from the couple that I've test-driven. What I am looking for though, is a low-mileage great condition vehicle that will easily last AT LEAST until the end of this decade. At first I thought that I would have to have a TSI AWD or a GSX, but considering the big picture, that has changed. I think the best thing for me to do would be acquiring a GS/RS or ESI. These are the reasons that I've come up with (I'll list them as pro's and con's) to justify this.

PRO's

- First and foremost, I recently acquired the car of my dreams -- a 1994 RX-7. I had wanted one for many long years, and I finally got a 99.9% stock one with good mileage and in great condition. I will slowly mod the 7 over time, as well as do my best to keep it in Showroom condition. This car is my legacy....

As a result, since the 7 is a car that can be *delicate* at times, it steers me away from getting another car (2G Turbo DSM) that could *possibly * have a short lifespan as a daily driver.

(I hope this little bit doesn't offend anyone here, being that this is the DSM forums and all )

- The cost of buying a low-mileage good condition 2GNT
would be much less I believe.

- Having a 420a engine, worries of possible crankwalk
would be eliminated (yes I know that Crankwalk is the
V-Tec of the DSM world... ).

- Being N/A, I think that there would be much less
chance of unseen abuse to the vehicle (or at least the
extent of possible abuse would be less since there is
not as much power to damage/stress the engine and
components).

- Fuel efficiency would be higher.

- It would be easier to train my wife how to drive a
stick on a N/A.

- Eventually, I would add a turbocharger kit to the
car to bring it up to the same level as a TSI or GS-T,
while hopefully keeping any added reliability that comes
from having a 420a engine.

- I test drove a 97 Talon ESI a couple days ago. It
was in decent condition with some flaws, but had
116,000 miles on the ticker. I was surprised at just
how much pull it had for a 140HP car, despite the
mileage even. It was alot of fun, and I had my wife
with me, so despite the little bit of extra weight,
the car was still pretty quick! The best 0-60 time I
can get from my T-Bird now is 8.8 seconds. I believe
the N/A 2G can do 0-60 in about the same time. So
therefore, there is alot of fun to be had with this
car, ESPECIALLY as a daily driver.

- Considering how much of a PITA driving my RWD Bird
in the snow is, FWD will be just fine, especially with
good tires.

CON's

- I was really hoping to get an AWD vehicle, for some
serious snow-fun!

- I'll have to put the turbo on before I get good
performance. It doesn't matter too much, since my
RX-7 will be the "racecar" of the household, but it
would be nice to still be able to beat the average
ricer or newer compact car in my daily driver.

Feel free to shoot holes in any of my pro’s an con’s if you have a different opinion.

Now for a question or two...

1. I used to have a Beretta, which was FWD, and it was very nice in the snow. How does a FWD DSM compare to OTHER FWD cars in the snow?

2. In general, do you think a NT 2G would make a much better/more reliable Daily Driver than a factory Turbo or Turbo AWD?

I look forward to posting here! I appreciate any input that you can give me.

Thanks guys.

 

[PropXprt]

Any vehicle can be reliable. My first truck 89 Dodge dakota w/190k, my 2nd vechicle a 92 Gs-T w/ 90k on it and now my current vehicle 91 tsi w/ just over 100k on it, all of my vehicles have been very reliable, not once was I ever stranded due to something breaking on my vehicles. I'm sure some of this is good luck, but I am always under the hood of my vehicles looking for problems and things that may cause problems. I also do all of my own work so I know things are done right, as well as sticking to all the scheduled maintenance. Like someone else said in a thread the other day, any car can be reliable... but if I were you I would just get a n/a.

 

[eclipse13]

simpley put, the more you mod the more things will break. If you get a turbo AWD dsm and keep it stock(with maybe intake and exhaust), and you do regular maintnence, it should be reliable.

 

[Defiant]

Originally posted by EdwardNorth
Hi everyone.

Hullo.

Right now I am driving a 1995 T-Bird LX with the 4.6 V8 engine. I love that car, have had it since 1996, but it is getting on in age (condition-wise) and has a few issues that wouldn't be worth addressing due to the overall picture with it.

It's a Ford. Say no more.

- The cost of buying a low-mileage good condition 2GNT would be much less I believe.

Maybe. I was just nosing around on AutoTrader yesterday, seems like the bargains are the Talons. From what I saw, the Eclipses are pulling 30% more, I guess because the broad market doesn't realize the similarities, and are frightened by the paucity of Eagle dealers.

- Having a 420a engine, worries of possible crankwalk
would be eliminated (yes I know that Crankwalk is the
V-Tec of the DSM world... ).

I guess that's valid.

- Being N/A, I think that there would be much less
chance of unseen abuse to the vehicle (or at least the
extent of possible abuse would be less since there is
not as much power to damage/stress the engine and
components).

That may be backward: a kid without a turbo may be driving _harder_ to "keep up".

- Fuel efficiency would be higher.

That one _IS_ backward: fuel _usage_ would be less (about 30%), but you ain't getting no 200+ horsepower out of what you're using.

- It would be easier to train my wife how to drive a stick on a N/A.

Not an issue. At shifting, a turbo'd car is no different from N/A. Stock, a turbo just feels like it has more engine. It doesn't come on like a dam burst. If she drove one with the factory intake and exhaust, all she'd notice is that it goes faster, sooner.

And you have a wife that can be trained? You're either the _one_, or you're fooling yourself. I know where my bet's going.

- Eventually, I would add a turbocharger kit to the
car to bring it up to the same level as a TSI or GS-T,
while hopefully keeping any added reliability that comes
from having a 420a engine.

Nope. They're not built as turbo motors. They can be _made_ into turbos, but it'd be easier to train a wife.

- I test drove a 97 Talon ESI a couple days ago. It
was in decent condition with some flaws, but had
116,000 miles on the ticker. I was surprised at just
how much pull it had for a 140HP car, despite the
mileage even. It was alot of fun, and I had my wife
with me, so despite the little bit of extra weight,
the car was still pretty quick! The best 0-60 time I
can get from my T-Bird now is 8.8 seconds. I believe
the N/A 2G can do 0-60 in about the same time. So
therefore, there is alot of fun to be had with this
car, ESPECIALLY as a daily driver.

They're _very_good_ cars. But that T-bird is quicker. The 2Gs just feel really good on the road. Treat yourself to an AWD drive..... at your peril.

- Considering how much of a PITA driving my RWD Bird in the snow is, FWD will be just fine, especially with good tires.

Chalk and cheese. The differences go far beyond FWD. For one, all your weight is over the traction tires, and I think you're about 600 pounds lighter in the DSM.

- I was really hoping to get an AWD vehicle, for some
serious snow-fun!

Believe me, just do it. Bite that bullet, you'll never regret it

- I'll have to put the turbo on before I get good performance.

I don't agree. The N/A cars give good performance. Unless it's going to be a constant point of attention, I want to steer you away from putting a turbo on a non-turbo car. Many people are doing it, and many are getting good results. But it's not something you can casually add to a non-turbo and expect to drive around without a care.

It doesn't matter too much, since my
RX-7 will be the "racecar" of the household, but it would be nice to still be able to beat the average ricer or newer compact car in my daily driver.

Eh. Don't head into turbocharging an N/T with that mindset.
Oh, and a DSM may make you forget about that Mazda.

1. I used to have a Beretta, which was FWD, and it was very nice in the snow. How does a FWD DSM compare to OTHER FWD cars in the snow?

Better. The chassis is a bit more aggressive, and more controllable than a sedan.

2. In general, do you think a NT 2G would make a much better/more reliable Daily Driver than a factory Turbo or Turbo AWD?

If the Turbo AWD is left mostly stock -especially if you choose to live with the "crappy" T-25, and if you drive with 5K being a daily, occasional redline, the wife will be able to come pick you up any time the RX-7 craps itself. Of course, you may have to do certain "special" favors for her in order to be allowed to drive what has mysteriously become HER car.
The T-25 turbo was put on by Mits because it has its best output right where you spend most of your real-world driving. It gets wheezy at 6000rpm, and that's just fine. When you go to pull around the motorhome on the two-lane, and drop down into 4th at 3800 rpm, it comes on like Jack Nicholson telling everyone, "Heeeeeere's Johnnnny".

Just look for a nice one that still has its 2G BOV on it. Change that, the intake and the exhaust, and you'll be plenty happy. If you've even _heard_ about AWD, hold out for it. Spend the extra grand.

I look forward to posting here!

We'll get you over that.

I appreciate any input that you can give me.

Yeah. They always say that to start with. Then it turns into "Stop picking on me!"

Good luck.

 

[ETK-kAos]

Alrighty then, I also used to *still have* a beretta. A 90 GTZ H.O. Q4 actually, it did pretty good in the snow, but not nearly as good as my.... tsi awd!!! so my advice is forget about the idea about getting a n/t and just go for it and get a tsi awd or a gsx, i woul d actually recommend a tsi because they tend to sell for cheaper. also, think about it, if you get an n/t everytime you get in it, you will wish you would have gotten a tsi/gsx, especially in the winter. there is nothing like a fresh snow, and turning onto main street, givin it a little gas, and havin all 4 break loose and flying sideways down mainstreet!

 

[FallouT]

Do not get an N/A car, you will regret it later. i have had my 95 gsx for about 8 months now and i LOVE it. i can't even imagine owning a gst, let alone a gs/rs.

i was a little worried about reliablibilty(sp?) when i first got my car but it's been all good. u blew a coolant hose a couple of times, but that was becasue of my own neglect. "humm that hose is really swollen, may i should replace it...naaa!".

anyway, get the awd turbo, youll be much more happy. and congrats on the rx-7, i love those cars!

 

[EdwardNorth]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I'd love to go with an AWD, but I'm still worried that the costs of finding one that is mechanically sound and will last a very long time might be too high. Especially for one with lower mileage. I guess when the time comes I will want to find one with no more than, say, 60k or so miles on it. Less if possible, just so it has a chance of lasting that much longer.

You've given me some good info though, I appreciate it! Keep the feedback coming.

Thanks guys.

 

[98RedGs]

Originally posted by EdwardNorth
Thanks for the replies, guys.

I'd love to go with an AWD, but I'm still worried that the costs of finding one that is mechanically sound and will last a very long time might be too high. Especially for one with lower mileage. I guess when the time comes I will want to find one with no more than, say, 60k or so miles on it. Less if possible, just so it has a chance of lasting that much longer.

You've given me some good info though, I appreciate it! Keep the feedback coming.

Thanks guys.

It will be very hard to find a good used one with less than 60k miles personally. It can be done but like I said, I wouldn't expect to find that easily. Consider the age of the cars now, the newest being a 99 thats still 5 years old and that still is 5 years worth of mileage.

I bought a GS in the beginning (hence my username) and loved the car but it was lacking in the "speed" department. I then went looking for a gst/gsx and found my 95 talon awd. I truly can say if I would have went FWD I would be pissed right now. I love the extra traction you get from awd and the fact is I've driven mine through a thunderstorm that was putting people in the ditches and I drove through it at 45-55 the whole time. I recommend awd just as much as defiant does.

[telling the future]
But like he said, expect to buy the car... The wife to fall in love with it and then a couple months later you will end up selling that rx-7 for another dsm and then BOOM! your hooked! [/telling the future]

 

[EdwardNorth]

That makes sense, except for this little bit right here --

Originally posted by 98RedGs
[telling the future]
But like he said, expect to buy the car... The wife to fall in love with it and then a couple months later you will end up selling that rx-7 for another dsm and then BOOM! your hooked! [/telling the future]

Not a chance. As much as I like the DSM, my RX-7 is the car of my dreams, and for me, nothing else can even come close. I will never sell it.

I plan on keeping the RX-7 for the rest of my life, as a classic in both showroom and raceworthy condition. But it doesn't matter because eventually I will have both cars! I'm already "hooked".

 

[98RedGs]

Originally posted by EdwardNorth
That makes sense, except for this little bit right here --



Not a chance. As much as I like the DSM, my RX-7 is the car of my dreams, and for me, nothing else can even come close. I will never sell it.

I plan on keeping the RX-7 for the rest of my life, as a classic in both showroom and raceworthy condition. But it doesn't matter because eventually I will have both cars! I'm already "hooked".

I promise bro, you will love the awd launches if thats what you end up getting. Heck, you may modify both.... you never know.

Goodluck

 

[ckozlgod]

It's a Ford. Say no more.

ehh....



Anyways, go for awd turbo like they all said.You live in mich, (where at) Anyway, it will come in handy here.

 

[LT1Z28]

Originally posted by EdwardNorth
my RX-7 is the car of my dreams, and for me, nothing else can even come close. I will never sell it.

I plan on keeping the RX-7 for the rest of my life, as a classic in both showroom and raceworthy condition.

That's what I said about my Z28. Now I am probably selling it. You'll change your mind once the rotary engine goes byebye

 

[EdwardNorth]

Originally posted by 98RedGs
I promise bro, you will love the awd launches if thats what you end up getting. Heck, you may modify both.... you never know.

Goodluck

Yeah, it would be a blast that's for sure! One way or another, I plan on modding whichever type I get. If I get an AWD turbo, then probably just an exhaust and intake. If I get a N/A, then I still will want to add a turbo, along with at least an exhaust and intake.

Anyways, go for awd turbo like they all said.You live in mich, (where at) Anyway, it will come in handy here.

I live in Waterford. I really *would* love to get an AWD turbo. It's just the possible crankwalk issue that really makes me lose interest. Especially since I'm leaning towards the 97/98 Talon as my car of choice (due to styling and color), and from what I understand the 97s were the worst for this problem.


Thanks for the replies!

 

[EdwardNorth]

Originally posted by LT1Z28
That's what I said about my Z28. Now I am probably selling it. You'll change your mind once the rotary engine goes byebye

Nope! When the rotary engine goes byebye, I will just have it rebuilt or replaced with a Mazda re-man. Over and over and over again, ad nauseum!

 

[Defiant]

Originally posted by EdwardNorth
Not a chance. As much as I like the DSM, my RX-7 is the car of my dreams, and for me, nothing else can even come close. I will never sell it.

Yeh. I dream every night, and wake up every morning.

You don't balk at rebuilding a rotary, but fear crankwalk?

Be careful of what lives in the closet after dark.....

 

[EdwardNorth]

Originally posted by Defiant
Yeh. I dream every night, and wake up every morning.

I don't get it...?

You don't balk at rebuilding a rotary, but fear crankwalk?

Yes. I can only afford to have one car that could go on me whenever it feels like, not two. When the engine goes in the 7, it can sit in my garage for a year if necessary until I can afford a rebuild. I need my daily driver to be reliable and always running, but still want to have a DSM because I like them very much.

Be careful of what lives in the closet after dark.....

Uhhhhh, what? I'm afraid you've lost me here...?

 

[98spydert]

You would have been better off posting a poll with "the what should I buy" question. Everyone will tell you AWD Turbo for your situation. Another thing to think about is turboing that GS/RS will probably bring about more problems than that 7 will.

Basicly it sounds like you're planning the two car situation for the next few years and in the end, with your performance wants, the AWD turbo will be less of a head ache, cheaper in the long run, more reliable if you don't mod the hell out of it, and a lot more fun for the whole trip. Good luck.