Question for tuners...DSM or an SRT4?

Question

I'm looking to get into cars and stuff....learning more about motors, how things work. I've always had quads and dirtbikes as a kid but I've really lost interest. Right now, I'm commuting to college and have ultimately decided to keep commuting for the next 3 years of school. I'm considering selling my car in favor of a new daily driver that I really could enjoy. Something with some power but wouldn't be too busy for putting through gridlock traffic and up and back to school and such...

I've got a naturally aspirated FWD 4cyl right now, enjoying the great gas mileage but theres not much power on tap. I'd like something to have a little fun with, to learn more about motors and such but not something I'm going to be throwing cash in every weekend. I've been trolling VFAQ and DSMTuners for awhile...I'd really like to pick up a 98 Eagle Talon TSi AWD/99 Eclipse GSX/GS-T (99 thrust bearings were revised by Bishi; against CW argument) but I think I'd perhaps equally enjoy an 2004+ SRT4 (LSD). If I were to find a cheap Talon, even if I could find a 6 bolt 1G, I'd retain my current daily driver and keep the DSM as the weekend warrior. At 19, insurance might be a bit tough but I can always pick up a second job. If I went for the SRT4...I'd sell my current ride and just take a huge *** loan out and pay the difference back (guessing it would be about 4-5K difference if I sold my car privately)...

I'm looking for a non-biased answer, but if anybody has either an Neon or a Dumb Stupid Mitsubishi to provide some input and help. Whatever I pick up, in terms of mods and stuff, I'd go bolt-ons and possibly 50trim/E316G down the road, and that would ONLY be after the car was finished and paid for. If I picked up a cheaper DSM, I'd probably have to do about 2K in maintenance work, whereas the SRT4 would be more expensive to purchase outright but I'd hopefully find something low mileage where I wouldn't be concerned with little things going here and there just from being 10+ years old.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate all the help I can get.

Answer 1

OK so i would choose the srt 4. Yes the insurance is cheap but they are newer and would have less problems. The neon would have more hp that way you aint need to modify it to have a quick car. The DSM are slow cars and i think they get just about the same MPG. I think the SRT4 is a better investment. If you want power srt4 is also better. Ive beat so many turbocharged eclipses so im just tired of them thinking they all fast and trying to race everybody. Ive also beat all the SRT4 but they more fun to beat lol (i have an STI). Thats just my opinion i would go for the SRT4.

Answer 2

Totally avoid getting a SRT-4 at all costs. They are only front wheel drive. They are dog gone slow. My friends Dad has a 8,000 lb. Ford with a Cummins diesel engine in it,and he walked a SRT-4. His truck does wheel stands. So, don't get a SRT-4. If your looking for something fast,and affordable, with creature comforts, then get a Subura WRX Sti,Mini cooper,VW gti,or Vw R32. If you want to spend a little bit more money then go ahead,and fork out the money for a Lancer Evolution. However, if you would rather drive something just a little slower, but would out run a SRT-4 on long distance, then get a Sentra Spec V. Or, you could spend a little amount of money on a older Eclipse, if its in good condition. Most older Eclipses came with all wheel drive. So, they are really fast.

Answer 3

this is a long question it should be devised in 4 questions. please makeit short .

Answer 4

Me personally would go with an import, but since you are talking about a DSM vs. Dodge... i would go with the SRT4.  yea it might be expansive but its more reliable.