Here's my personal experience of a month ago. I test drove a new SI with 12k on it for $14k. I liked it but not as much as my cousins base RSX when it was stock. I test drove a 99' GSX with 44k on it for $11k. It was absolutely awesome, but the interior really annoyed me. I test drove a V Spec with 8k on it and I absolutely loved it. A lot of room, real nice interior and just from the seat of my pants i can say that it would whoop the shit out of the SI. But neither the SI or the v spec held a candle to the GSX's performance. After those test drives, I gave up looking. I still can't decide whether I want a new car such as a WRX, GTI Turbo, RSX-S, or if I want low mileage used car. I have always had a sweet spot for the GSX, both gens and the GTI's. But for 10-15k you could get a sweet used car and have plenty to upgrade it. Hell, If I find a non-abused GSX with low miles I would have enough to make it a semi-serious car right of the bat. I think you are norrowing yourself too much. But the SI's interior is great too. Oh, and the rockford sytem with the sub in the Vspec kicks major ass. The SI's system sucks balls. I just don't see many modded V specs and Dropped SI's are coming out of the wood work. Also, I remember reading an article in Turbo about removing some balance shaft or something in the v spec and it gained quite a few free horespower.

 

Here's my problem with buying a used car, such as a GSX, 99-00 Si, Integra GSR, WRX, etc, etc. You just know the person who owned it before you probably beat the shit out of it. And I know you can have a full mechanical inspection done and such, but it still scares me. As it stands now, I'm gonna hold off. It just doesn't make sense to get the Si with the CTR possibly coming out in the fall for a couple of thousand more. I've heard some horror stories about the Sentra that just makes me wary of buying it. However, I think if I find a used car that just knocks my socks off, I might just change my mind.

 

Oh, and I agree about the base RSX. I was gonna go with that, but there is a difference of $200 - $300 per month insurance on it for me between the RSX and the Si, so it was just not a very feasible idea for me.

 

if you are planning on spending 20k why not consider the dodge srt-4 or the vw gti 1.8l turbo? Turbo cars have much much more potential for less money spent than an si. The srt-4 starts at 20k msrp and the gti is 19k or 22k if youd rather have the vr6.

Also, the gti is very high quality and has a nice interior. Not bad handling either.

 

I don't want to buy a Dodge or VW because of reliability issues and resale value.

 

I havent ever heard of reliability issues with the 4th gen gti. Plus if youre getting a new car it will have a warranty anyways. And wouldnt it be nice to actually have a relatively fast car (not an si)

 

I know way too many people who are unhappy with their vw's years after they bought it. Warranty or not, I'm just not impressed by the craftsmanship of VW's. They also don't hold up well to age. I went to look at Certified Pre-Owned VW's only 3 years old and they look like crap. Not to mention, for being a turbo, they're not very impressive. And, needless to say, since I'm not impressed with VW's craftsmanship, I don't really have to tell you what I think about Dodge.

 

Well to argue the impressiveness of the 20v 1.8l motor, there have been gtis that run low 12's on stock internals. I think 10's would be attainable if you really tried

I guess you have had a bad personal experience or something with vws though and its too bad because you turned away an overall better performing car with more potential.

 

To say VW's are an "overall better performing car" than some of the cars that have been mentioned in this thread is a bit presumptuous. From my experience, knowledge, reading, etc., VW has reliability issues and I am not much for the VW technology/engineering. Also, it's pretty bad when 3 year old certified pre-owned vehicles which are supposed to represent the best a car can look at that age doesn't impress me.

Also, The Si is about $16k (160 hp). The Spec V is about $17k (175 hp). The GTI ranges from $19k - $22k. Usually each extra thousand financed is about $20/month for a 5 year loan (generally speaking, of course). If I'm going to spend that amount of money, I might as well look at an Accord or TSX (love the TSX!). If indeed the CTR comes into fruition, i would be looking at an estimated $19k for a naturally aspirated 200 hp car.

Lastly, TURBOCHARGED 180 hp? Not impressive at all, regardless of the times you claim. If i wanted to go the forced induction route, I could do it with many of the cars I'm looking at and have a better machine for about the same price.

 

That's why I didn't include VW in my considerations from the beginning.