Good performing automatic sedan that you can drive everyday.

[Mitevo7]

Hey everyone,

Previously i started a thread to ask bout driving an EVO VIII as my daily and that thread stretched till 31 pages so far, First of all i want to thank guys like vr2, renesis, 6uest for being very attentive to my thread. You guys are awesome !

Anyway let's cut to the chase, i am still looking for my next ride and have been out hunting for automatic sedans that i can drive to work. My current ride is at 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, clocking at 185k kms. The car still run fantastically without any engine and gearbox issues. However, i am looking to add another car to my collection so i can slowly retire my Lancer from heavy use.

So far i have enlisted a few into my considerations, price for car is about RM110,000. So here it goes:

1.) 2009 Audi A4 (B8) 1.8 TFSI - RM95000 - RM115000.
2.) 2010 Alfa Romeo 2.2 JTS - RM90000
3.) 2012 Lexus IS250 - RM105000
4.) 2008 Subaru Legacy GT -RM77000 (low mileage)
5.) 2010 Mazda 6 2.5 - RM75000

Actually few months ago i almost paid deposit for a BMW 323i, however i retract that decision when i discovered the back of the car is not big enough for myself. To me a sedan car must comfortably sit 5 persons in it. The above are few of my choices within my budget. Do you guys have anymore suggestions? Please feel free to suggest.

 

[ixeo]

4. Hands down

 

[Mitevo7]

4. Hands down

I already knew someone would definitely for for 4. Hahaha. But its the oldest of all the choices even though with low mileage. The model is 2.5 GT sedan, EJ255 H4 turbocharged. It's the most powerful sedan of all 5 choices. In terms of cabin, i have never sat in one so i couldn't know how big is it. Care to enlighten me ?

 

[Tom]

Interesting topic, in my opinion the Alfa 159 JTS and the Subaru Legacy GT would be the top choices here as a workhorse and a fun car in one.

The Subaru will undoubtedly be the most practical and cost effective between the 2.

While the Alfa is the prettiest and spirited choice here, it is also likely the least heavy duty of the 2.

Good luck


Sent from my SM-N9208 using Tapatalk

 

[ixeo]

I already knew someone would definitely for for 4. Hahaha. But its the oldest of all the choices even though with low mileage. The model is 2.5 GT sedan, EJ255 H4 turbocharged. It's the most powerful sedan of all 5 choices. In terms of cabin, i have never sat in one so i couldn't know how big is it. Care to enlighten me ?

It's a D segment wagon. Definitely the biggest in cabin space.

 

[Mitevo7]

It's a D segment wagon. Definitely the biggest in cabin space.

Eh, the one i am seeing is a sedan ~ Though its available in wagon form too.

 

[Mitevo7]

Interesting topic, in my opinion the Alfa 159 JTS and the Subaru Legacy GT would be the top choices here as a workhorse and a fun car in one.

The Subaru will undoubtedly be the most practical and cost effective between the 2.

While the Alfa is the prettiest and spirited choice here, it is also likely the least heavy duty of the 2.

Good luck


Sent from my SM-N9208 using Tapatalk

Well for the Subaru, engine maintenance could hurt. The cost of building the boxer engine is quite costly. Can't argue about its performance though.

Alfa 159 is damn sexy, but abit worrying on the reliability. There are so few used units, let alone workshops that know how to service them.

 

[6UE5t]

Don't waste money on those, just focus on getting the Evo!

 

[RENESIS VIII]

Previously i started a thread to ask bout driving an EVO VIII as my daily and that thread stretched till 31 pages so far, First of all i want to thank guys like vr2, renesis, 6uest for being very attentive to my thread. You guys are awesome !

You're welcome. I had fun joining your thread earlier. Let's hope this one will be as good as the previous one.

I'll vote for Legacy GT. You are referring to the BL5 Legacy sedan model? Or BP5 Wagon? The reason I vote for Legacy is, since you are a great fan of Evo, I'm sure you like the feel and technical features of Evo. Therefore, I think that Legacy here will be the closest one to match Evo's characteristics, being JDM, 2.0 turbo, 4WD, 4 pot Brembo (in Spec B)... It'll be a good driver's car. Spare parts are should also be easier to source compared to conti cars like the Alfa and Audi. Should also be cheaper than Lexus, Audi and Alfa too...

The three downsides of Legacy compared to the rest which I can think of is probably comfort (might not be as good as those conti), difficult to find mechanics that knows how to deal with boxer engines and poorer FC than the rest due to 4WD turbo...

My opinions are mostly theoretically based from reading as I don't have hands on experience with these cars. So, pardon me if I am wrong in anywhere.

 

[6UE5t]

If you want automatic family car then buy this!

http://www.mudah.my/2006+Mitsubishi+Evo+9+Wagon+LIMITED+-45525144.htm

 

[vr2turbo]

Daily drive can go Mazda 6 also. Audi I think high maintenance but can get cheaper parts for you......hhahahhaha

 

[kUmUcHaI 11/1]

Where is CL9?

 

[kUmUcHaI 11/1]

http://m.mudah.my/view?ca=9_3_s&cg=1020&q=Legacy&f=a&srch=1&so=1&ps=0&pe=34&ad_id=45902939
Paddle shift. Hard to get.

 

[Mitevo7]

You're welcome. I had fun joining your thread earlier. Let's hope this one will be as good as the previous one.

I'll vote for Legacy GT. You are referring to the BL5 Legacy sedan model? Or BP5 Wagon? The reason I vote for Legacy is, since you are a great fan of Evo, I'm sure you like the feel and technical features of Evo. Therefore, I think that Legacy here will be the closest one to match Evo's characteristics, being JDM, 2.0 turbo, 4WD, 4 pot Brembo (in Spec B)... It'll be a good driver's car. Spare parts are should also be easier to source compared to conti cars like the Alfa and Audi. Should also be cheaper than Lexus, Audi and Alfa too...

The three downsides of Legacy compared to the rest which I can think of is probably comfort (might not be as good as those conti), difficult to find mechanics that knows how to deal with boxer engines and poorer FC than the rest due to 4WD turbo...

My opinions are mostly theoretically based from reading as I don't have hands on experience with these cars. So, pardon me if I am wrong in anywhere.

The Legacy im seeing is a BL7 sedan, it doesn't have 4 pot brembo up front but modifying it will be easy. Its the closest thing to an EVO. You are right on the servicing and spart parts side, even my friend mechanic don't favour it cause it would be troublesome for him to repair. He also asked me to stay away from Audi and Alfa , especially Alfa, endless seledpeed gearbox problems. He has no comments on mazda 6, said its a simple car.

 

[Mitevo7]

If you want automatic family car then buy this!

http://www.mudah.my/2006+Mitsubishi+Evo+9+Wagon+LIMITED+-45525144.htm

Ehhhhh no like wagon :( , thank you for even suggesting. This is eye dropping actually as i never seen EVO IX Wagon before ... Is it using the same invecs II transmission similar to Airtrek Turbo and EVO VII GTA ?

 

[Mitevo7]

Where is CL9?

http://m.mudah.my/view?ca=9_3_s&cg=1020&q=Legacy&f=a&srch=1&so=1&ps=0&pe=34&ad_id=45902939
Paddle shift. Hard to get.

CL9 is Honda Accord Euro R ? Thought it was made in 2003 - 2006 ?

Thats the Legacy i saw ... Noe making appointment to test drive this unit.

 

[6UE5t]

Ehhhhh no like wagon :( , thank you for even suggesting. This is eye dropping actually as i never seen EVO IX Wagon before ... Is it using the same invecs II transmission similar to Airtrek Turbo and EVO VII GTA ?

Yes it should be the same AT as the VII GTA.

Mind if I ask you why now you're looking for an AT sedan? Coz you already have the Lancer GT and the BMW E46, both AT cars. Wouldn't it having another AT car is just like more of the same? That's why I still suggest you to just focus on getting a proper manual Evo, unless you really have changed your mind now.

Anyway in case you seriously consider an AT sedan then I may suggest another car which I drive daily now, a 2008/09 Toyota Mark X 250G (GRX120). This is exactly similar to the Lexus IS250 (same engine & gearbox, very similar suspension and brakes too) but much cheaper. Solid bulletproof car, comfortable, very fuel efficient (easily 10-11km/ltr real average combined highway/city drive on ron95), and quite many stuff to mod. Only if you fancy luxury then go for the IS250 otherwise then better go with Mark X coz it's cheaper and actually lighter with slightly more powerful engine, yet more spacious especially at the rear. The car may look uncle-ish in stock but there are plenty of cosmetics to transform it to look more stylish. This car certainly way much better than any other Japanese d-segments out there (Camry, Accord, Teana and also Mazda 6). Apart from the Legacy GT, I think this car should be a better choice than all your other options (with regards to fuel efficiency and parts availability especially for exterior & interiors this car certainly beats the Legacy too).

 

[RENESIS VIII]

The Legacy im seeing is a BL7 sedan, it doesn't have 4 pot brembo up front but modifying it will be easy. Its the closest thing to an EVO. You are right on the servicing and spart parts side, even my friend mechanic don't favour it cause it would be troublesome for him to repair. He also asked me to stay away from Audi and Alfa , especially Alfa, endless seledpeed gearbox problems. He has no comments on mazda 6, said its a simple car.

The Legacy that you are seeing is 2.0 or 2.5 litre? NA or turbo?

CL9 is Honda Accord Euro R ? Thought it was made in 2003 - 2006

CL9 is similar to 2nd generation of Accord Euro R but CL9 is not really a real Type R. CL7 is the genuine JDM Accord Euro R.

CL7 comes with recaro seats, 6 speed manual and a 2 litre 220hp K20A engine. CL9 is the 2.4 litre 200hp K24 version that comes without recaro seats and in automatic only if I am not mistaken.

 

[vr2turbo]

CL9 is similar to 2nd generation of Accord Euro R but CL9 is not really a real Type R. CL7 is the genuine JDM Accord Euro R.

CL7 comes with recaro seats, 6 speed manual and a 2 litre 220hp K20A engine. CL9 is the 2.4 litre 200hp K24 version that comes without recaro seats and in automatic only if I am not mistaken.

But parts probably hard to find. Even if engine parts can find, body parts maybe be difficult....

 

[Mitevo7]

Yes it should be the same AT as the VII GTA.

Mind if I ask you why now you're looking for an AT sedan? Coz you already have the Lancer GT and the BMW E46, both AT cars. Wouldn't it having another AT car is just like more of the same? That's why I still suggest you to just focus on getting a proper manual Evo, unless you really have changed your mind now.

Anyway in case you seriously consider an AT sedan then I may suggest another car which I drive daily now, a 2008/09 Toyota Mark X 250G (GRX120). This is exactly similar to the Lexus IS250 (same engine & gearbox, very similar suspension and brakes too) but much cheaper. Solid bulletproof car, comfortable, very fuel efficient (easily 10-11km/ltr real average combined highway/city drive on ron95), and quite many stuff to mod. Only if you fancy luxury then go for the IS250 otherwise then better go with Mark X coz it's cheaper and actually lighter with slightly more powerful engine, yet more spacious especially at the rear. The car may look uncle-ish in stock but there are plenty of cosmetics to transform it to look more stylish. This car certainly way much better than any other Japanese d-segments out there (Camry, Accord, Teana and also Mazda 6). Apart from the Legacy GT, I think this car should be a better choice than all your other options (with regards to fuel efficiency and parts availability especially for exterior & interiors this car certainly beats the Legacy too).

6UEST san, my LGT is clocking 200k kms already, i am getting the A/T car as daily so i can slowly retired the LGT from heavy use. EVO VIII is my garage, weekend and night drive ride which i will get eventually as i knew i can't use it as daily. Now i am looking for a daily commuter which enough power and spacious cabin to commute to work.

I appreciated your suggestion on Mark X, i know its same with Lexus IS250 but i prefer the looks of Lexus IS250, muscular and masculine AF. I looked into the interior of Legacy on the other day, damn it is so cramp inside. The seat is not so comfy for me, the performance of the car is really intoxicating ! Reminds me of Holden SV6 which i drove in Aussie last year. But the seats and space is just very disappointing.