[QUOTE=edbochung,Oct 16 2005, 06:29 PM] Any suggestions on new cars that are reasonably priced around $20k?

 

Gotcha

 

:slaps forehead: Can't believe I forgot the 92-X!

You could get a used STi and have Bi-Xenon (high and low beam - Audi A6 OEM) HID projectors retrofitted in for about $1,000.



http://www.HIDTech.com/

Not only will you have a 6-speed and Xenons (regular non-projector HIDs come factory), you'll have AWD, 300hp/tq, HELL of a lot of fun in the snow/dirt, and a safe/reliable car that's easy to upgrade!

Can you tell I'm a Subaru fan? LOL....

 

[QUOTE=edbochung,Oct 16 2005, 06:29 PM] Any suggestions on new cars that are reasonably priced around $20k?

 

Definitely check out the 06 Civic Si. About the same curb weight as the S2000, almost 200 hp (compared to the S's 240), and it's front wheel drive.

 

Civic Si is coming out in December. I need at car before then. If I knew the S2000 can handle New England Winter with snow tires, I'd be fine.

 

I posted on the tire forum, but what snow tires should I get and what size, if I do keep the S2000?
Should I consider the Dunlop Winter Sport M3s or the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50s? Should I stick with 205/55/16 in front and 22/50/16 in the back?

 

If fuel economy is an issue, then yea, I can see where you're coming from with the WRX. It gets HORRIBLE mpg compared to any of the other 4 cylinders in its class due to the awd and turbo. The overlying complaint I've heard from Suby owner I've spoken to is the gas mileage, ~18mpg on average for city driving, low 20's on the highway. The Civics average a minimum of 26-28mpg in the city and 30-35mpg on the highway. The TSX is a bit overpriced for a fwd, n/a 4banger psuedo-lux sedan imo.

 

And the Si is slated to start selling in Nov, not Dec. But perhaps the people out here in Cali get first dibs?

 

I read just today that Blizzaks absolutely suck in anything but snow...

Don't want to get into a big explanation, but the stock rear tires have a 8.5" contact patch, which is typical of most 245 tires. BUT, for snow I'd recommend narrower 225 tires to cut through the snow more effectively.