Comments on: Intermittent Daily Podcast: The Weirdo’s Paradox

By: Demetri

Demetri — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 01:03:05 +0000

“This is an old podcast right? Or did I go back in time again?”

It is. I sent a message to Robert about it. The real podcast is on Autofiends if you want to hear it.

By: JJ

JJ — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:06:49 +0000

This is an old podcast right? Or did I go back in time again?

Anyway, a 328 Wagon isn’t a mainstream sports sedan…It’s a wagon, and after the recent facelift it’s pretty neat looking too. Yes you see them around a lot, but that’s for good reason.

On the jerks issue, I’m with TopGear on that one. Jerks have moved on to Audi, leaving BMW for the really car-loving ADD afflicted.

Saab hasn’t had anything going for it since that Saabaru 9-2X from back in the day, but that would be a step back from the GTI. The 9-3 is an old Opel Vectra, the 9-5 is a design from 1997. Volvo is quirky, but in a ‘look how bland-yet strangely appealing’ way, the problem is they usually have bland handling. I like the V70 as a concept, but that’s not really the best car for an enthousiast to drive.

By: shiney2

shiney2 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:28:32 +0000

92 Lancia Integrale Evo1!

http://bringatrailer.com/2009/01/19/rare-in-california-1992-lancia-delta-integrale/

By: TRL

TRL — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:57:59 +0000

Evolution – the model with the wierd carbon fiber roof fins. Good car and chance Mitsubushi won’t even be around the US in a year or two should give additonal points. Rare, Overpriced, depreciate like a rock and more reliable than anyone would guess.

By: mocktard

mocktard — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:31:45 +0000

2008+ Subaru WRX (or STI) in 5-door trim!

By: Hugh

Hugh — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:38:35 +0000

Although it isn’t available as a hatch or wagon, why not consider a Volvo 780. It’s as easy to keep as any turbo Volvo of that era, but has a rather more attractive coupe body manufactured in Italy by Bertone. They’re comfortable, more-or-less reliable and not the sort of car you see everyday. They can be had for just a few thousand dollars, and plenty of upgrades are available if you want to go that route.

By: Kurt.

Kurt. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:14:17 +0000

Not too common? I just saw my first 4 door MINI! I thought I was seeing things and had to pull over to rub my eyes…it was parked next to a 4 door Jeep Wrangler.

By: TaxedAndConfused

TaxedAndConfused — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:12:53 +0000

If I was in the US and wanted something different, small, fast and well screwed together then a personally imported Focus ST (or RS if really brave) would be top of the queue.

By: revjasper

revjasper — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:12:26 +0000

I love my weird Saab 9000, turbocharger and all. Then again, part of my maintenance routine is to purchase a bottle of classy booze for my mechanic monthly. Even with proper preventive maintenance, I’m now a member of the “Avis First” service level…

You could go way out on a limb and purchase something that nobody else in the country owns.

A Chrysler.

Or a 1959 Singer Gazelle convertible.

By: Nicholas Weaver

Nicholas Weaver — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:27:46 +0000

I’d wait until at least April and see what the new Insight is like. It won’t have power, but it will have utility off-the-charts (its a hatch), and it looks like it has one of the most driver-focused cockpits around.

By: V6

V6 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:29:33 +0000

i’m not sure they have this model where you are, but i’d go for Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec.B wagon with the manual transmission.

might not be as outright fast as the turbo, but the 6 is so nice and with a new (likely uglier) Legacy around the corner, should be able to do a good deal

By: romanjetfighter

romanjetfighter — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:05:33 +0000

Get something too weird and no one will even recognize it’s weirdness. i.e. The Alfa in the picture, most people will think it’s a Taurus or something.

My advice is get a weird color on top of whatever car you want. Ruby? Sky blue?

A silver 90s Maserati doesn’t get you noticed. An amber gold ES350 does, though. :)

By: mkirk

mkirk — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:01:53 +0000

For some reason I want an Alfa 75…

By: Scorched Earth

Scorched Earth — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:34:18 +0000

Second on the Subaru SVX!!! My favorite car ever.

Another awesome old choice…a 3000GT VR4…find one with newly replaced turbos.

By: Paul Niedermeyer

Paul Niedermeyer — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:25:23 +0000

Kia Soul; be the first one in your town.

By: keepaustinweird

keepaustinweird — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:04:35 +0000

In these recessionary times, arguably the best “weird” and rare bang for the buck out there – if you can find it – is a 3 door SAAB Viggen.

By: Dave M.

Dave M. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:58:49 +0000

How about a GM clone of a Japanese car like the Saabaru or Pontiac Vibe.

My thoughts too – the Saabaru 9-2X.

Or a C30.

Or a Mini.

Or a Genesis coupe when they come out.

By: rjones

rjones — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:24:09 +0000

How about a late model V70R. 300hp wagons aren’t that common.

By: Morea

Morea — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:15:45 +0000

Revving up an Alfa V6 to dowshift before a fast sweeper… brings a smile to my face just dreaming about it!

By: menno

menno — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:04:20 +0000

New Hyundai Tiburon, 2.7 V6 (sweet DOHC, sings like and Alfa, but doesn’t constantly break), and six speed.

Better hurry, though. (But you’ll get a GREAT deal and have a very long warrantee – and very few duplicates on the road).

Or if you prefer right-wheel-drive, wait for the new Hyundai Genesis coupe.

By: steronz

steronz — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:01:42 +0000

I usually don’t jump on these recommendation threads, but it sounds like you’d enjoy a Forester 2.5XT with the JDM Forester STi suspension and some regular STi wheels. Simple, somewhat understated, and fast, plus Subaru quirks and reliability. It’s a real head turner, too:

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/ForesterSTi2.jpg

You can get a more muted color combo, though.

By: shiney2

shiney2 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:11:04 +0000

Actually, the more I think about driving in NY, the more I like the Saabaru 9-2 suggestion…

By: jkross22

jkross22 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:35:26 +0000

If you’re up for going used, the old C36/C43’s Mercedes built in the late 90’s were uber cool, especially with the two tone interior.

If you’re zeroing in on Volvo, what about the S60 R? More of a Q ship, granted, but you’d still have fun.

By: shiney2

shiney2 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:31:27 +0000

Given your restrictions, I think I would give the RX-8 a good look over, then maybe the Subaru SVX and BMW M-coupe. Maybe a clean BMW 2002 touring if you could find one…

It such a tricky question. When I turned 18 I set out to own a beater from different country every year, but eventually I found myself looking at cars made in Russia or Brazil and gave the whole idea up before I went broke. That said, one day I will own and drive a Tatra T603!

By: charleywhiskey

charleywhiskey — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:30:25 +0000

Every car enthusiast should have at least one Alfa in his life; after all you’ve got a Volvo to fall back on. There’s a pretty blue ‘74 GTV with only 42k miles up on eBay right now.