NSR: Echando Mecánica. The official car repair/maintenance/modification thread

Since the Trans Am is getting old and breaking down more often than is reasonable, so I need a more dependable car to come to work
So which car do you guys think I should buy to replace my Trans Am?

Here are the cars I am thinking about, what do you think:
2011+ Hyundai Veloster 4cylinder/M6/FWD, 138hp/123lb-ft, 28/40 mpg, price: 18-25K
1999-04 VW Jetta 4cyl TDI/M5/FWD, 129hp/230lb-ft, 32/42mpg price: 6-9K
2005-10 VW Jetta 4cyl TDI/M6/FWD, 134hp/240lb-ft, 30/41mpg price: 9-25K
2010+ VW Golf 3dr 4cyl TDI/M6/FWD, 108hp,184lb-ft, 30/41mpg, price: 20-27K
2004 GTO 5.7 V8/M6/RWD, 350hp/365lb-ft, 16/26mpg, price: 11-17K
2009-2012 Genesis Coupe R-spec 4cyl Turbo/M6/RWD, 223hp/223lb-ft, 25/30mpg, price: 22-26K
2009+ Audi A4 Quattro 4cyl/M6/AWD, 208hp/258lb-ft, 23/30mpg, price: 25-35K
2007-2011 Volvo C30 5cyl Turbo/M6/FWD, 227hp/236lb-ft, 21/30mpg, price: 25-30K

All nice cars.
I would go for the Genesis based on cost of maintenance alone. If that is not an issue, Audi or Golf.

Are the Hyundais cheap to maintain?

I was thinking hard about getting a TDI golf, those VW diesels just keep going, I have seen a ton of them with over 200,000 miles, and 40+mpg is pretty nice.

but part of me wants a nice commuter, not just a car to get to work and back

Like jJapanese cars. Plus I think they offer 100k warranty, even if you buy it used is transferable. That coupe looks pretty nice.

my brother has a v-6 automatic and I was pretty impressed, but he doesnt take care of his cars so well.

http://automotivediscovery.com/2013-hyundai-veloster-turbo-confirmed-21950-base-price/9213444/
Wait a few more months......

That 6 cyl has a sweet exhaust sound too.

1.6 engine producing 200 hp. Every mechanical component better be super precise.

My understanding is that Hyundai worked very hard on this car to get the numbers they wanted 200hp and 40mpg. so take that for what it is......
More in depth article
http://www.autospectator.com/cars/m...r-turbo-review-specifications-photos-features

its not bad.

But nothing compared to this:

Im keep my eyes out for that.
I dont like buying cars new off the lot though. too much depreciation.
Also my Dad went to look at one and he said that the ergonomics were odd and that the car was uncomfortable to sit it and drive.
But he is shorter than me so it could be good or worse

Apples and oranges.
That's exactly how my truck sounded when some asshole stole my catalytic converter. JAJA

LOL

when I switched my rocker arms to 1.65 ratio full rollers I was expecting a little more cam, but when I started it up, it was acting like I put a huge camshaft in it...
turned out I forgot to connect the hose back up to the brake booster... jajaja

I know Buick is know for been an old foke car but I saw one of these the other day. Sexy

Yea those are sick, my friend who works at GM says the GS has a turbo, manual 6 speed and all wheel drive.. very nice.

I would really like the 2.0Turbo R-spec with the 6 speed. I just wish it had better highway fuel economy.

on a more important note:
I checked the trouble codes on my car with my phone and my bluetooth obd2 adapter, its showing:
P0400
P1371

I know the 0400 is from my y-pipe leaking, but the 1371....

OPTISPARK

For your trans am? what year is it again?

97

I test drove a Veloster the other day.
when the Veloster Turbo comes out either late this year or next year that is what Im going to get. They are really nice. all it needs is a little more power
Veloster: 138hp, 40mpg
turbo: 201hp,38mpg

Pricing just got announced on the Veloster Turbo. Also, the Hyundai warranty is 5 year/60K miles for subsequent owners.

The Veloster seemed small and awkward with that small backseat and third 'suicide' door.

Used VWs get expensive to maintain.

suicide door? it opens normally not backwards.

about the VWs thats what I have heard, especially the timing belt. I have a friend who has 2 TDI's and both have had head problems due to timing belt issues

I got confused with the Mazda RX-8 which is also a "3-door coupe". If you have any need for passengers in the back seat, they will be resting their heads up against the headliner if they are over 5' 6" ... and don't hit any bumps or there will be spinal damage, lol.

The thing is packaged oddly, too. You buy in certain seat trim color combinations or something. The turbo starts @ $21.950 for the 6-speed manual and $22,950 for the 6-speed auto w/ shiftronic.

You know what car gets my attention right now? The Subaru BR-Z/Scion FR-S. That thing has potential ... especially if it gets a turbo.

I saw a dark grey scion FR-S yesterday in teh peter piper pizza parking lot, looked pretty nice, much better than the pictures I had seen