Car Decision
Printed From: Tippmann Paintball
Category: News And Views
Forum Name: Thoughts and Opinions
Forum Description: Got something you need to say?
URL: http://www.tippmannsports.com/forum/wwf77a/forum_posts.asp?TID=148879
Printed Date: 01 December 2025 at 1:44pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Car Decision
Posted By: PBalla2242
Subject: Car Decision
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 5:05pm
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My parents always promised that they would help me buy a new car once I graduated high school, and now that I know that I'm also getting money to go to college, my doors openned a little more. I've narrowed my choices between 3 cars:
Brand New 2006 WRX Certified 2005 Altima SE-R (about 6,500 miles) Certified 2004 TL (about 13,000 miles) I'm really on the fense now, and I'd appreciate any insight or opinions from anybody. The prices as of now are about the same (+- a few $1000), so suggestions really shouldn't be based on cost. Thanks for any input. p.s. I know its a paintbal site, but I figured some good opinions should be here. ------------- 
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Replies:
Posted By: Sammy
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 5:06pm
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Do you live in an area where it snows?
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Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 5:08pm
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I live on Long Island (NY) so I usually get 3-4 months of possible snow, but generally, snow isn't really a big issue.
Pictures Altima SE-R 
'06 WRX 
'04 TL  -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: DracoPlasm
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 5:23pm
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A new 06 WRX or an older car with miles on it....go with the WRX ------------- 
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Posted By: Mr.Shake56
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 5:32pm
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06 wrx |
Posted By: stratoaxe
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 5:32pm
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I've driven the Altima and the TL both, and I think the TL is the better choice. You'll gain about 30 horsepower with the WRX over the TL, but you'll lose about 10 MPG gas mileage according to the specs. I'd personally take the WRX for the power, but that's your choice entirely. ------------- 
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Posted By: RussianGuru
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 5:38pm
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the WRX but get the WRX STI my moms works for a local subaru dealer and ive driven one with a Twin Turbo - Beast ------------- the new account of "PaintballkidEPS" Shape Up or Ship out. - God |
Posted By: Bolt3
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:09pm
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Altima The WRX is ugly. ------------- <Removed sig for violation of Clause 4 of the New Sig Rules> |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:42pm
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It depends what you are looking to do.
I'm not very familiar with the TL. Off the top of my head I would always lean towards the Nissan. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Clark Kent
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:45pm
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Acura's don't have the most exciting styling, but they are very nice cars. Lots of cool techno-luxury features. I think they were the first to have stereo buttons on the steering wheel... 13k miles is nothing. The Acura is the best deal by far. That said, the WRX is a sexy beast. |
Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:47pm
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...I already tried, but I'm not allowed to get an STi. The way I break things down in my own head is this:
Both the TL and the SE-R are about the same speed, handling, size, and luxury, although the TL is a year older (but the mileages aren't much to worry about). The WRX is quick with the turbo, and I can get it brand new. Both the TL and SE-R are both autos too, but I'll be able to get the WRX in a manual 5-speed. Also, in my eyes, the WRX is gonna need some work (rims, sound, etc.), while the others are fine to me. Thanks for all the imput so far, I guess I'm kinda leaning towards the SE-R now. -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:50pm
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I looked at the TL, and like most other Honda/Acuras, it has less torque than horsepower, and it weighs more than the Altima SER.
Based on that alone, I would say the Altima is gonna be the more enjoyable car to drive......it just sucks with FWD because your weight distribution is all messed up. But yeah the SER seems like a really nice all-around car. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:52pm
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"For 2004, the TL’s all-aluminum 3.2 liter VTEC V-6 engine now pumps out 270 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm. This is the only engine available and it propels the 3,575 lb TL from a dead stop to 60 mph in under 7 seconds."-Quote ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Hades
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:54pm
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I have a buddy that is going to buy an WRX STI any day now.
I am happy for him. |
Posted By: mbro
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:54pm
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but seriously ------------- 
Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos. |
Posted By: eliminator
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:54pm
------------- __||__ [ }------ =() =() //' || R THOSE MY BALLS ON UR FACE |
Zesty wrote:Posted By: mbro
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:55pm
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why limit yourself to one? -------------
Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos. |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:57pm
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As usual, the Nissan's major drawback is it's weight.....it weighs around 1,000 pounds more than the TL!
But the SER comes standard with 6-speed manual, and it's pushing 250HP and 250+ ft/#'s of torque at 5800RPM, so it's the more torquey engine which should help make up for the extra weight, but the TL is probably still gonna be a little peppier because it has less weight per the amount of power it has. Either way, you're lokking at cars out my price range, so it's hard for me to get very enthusiastic!  ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Tae Kwon Do
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:57pm
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Altima. ------------- 
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Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:58pm
------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: mbro
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 6:59pm
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Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos. |
Posted By: Alberto411
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:01pm
[rant]Twin turbo STi... possibly, but doubt it. They're made to work with just one turbo, and they make turbos that put out way more than enough power from a single-turbo platform. That's why the WRC [rally] car is a single-turbo. There are twin-tubo AND supercharged custom fabrications [wastes of money] out there, but I really don't see a point to them. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=840806&highlight=supercharged - Here is a link to one with twin-turbo AND a supercharger [/rant] To the matter at hand: Get the 2006 WRX - get the TR [tuner ready] if you can. You get better brakes with them. Maybe on the new WRXs, not sure. I have a 2002 WRX and can't be more happy with it. They're reliable, fun cars. Not to mention they're some of the SAFEST cars on the road with AWD; ABS - some with side, seat-deployed systems like my 02; excellent body rigidity and they're sedans, so you'll get a little bit of a break on insurance. The Subaru community is very close-knit one and most Suby owners are out to help fellow Suby dudes. Either way, congrats. Either of those choices are good cars, but I'd stick with the Subaru  ------------- WRX by 4, GSXR by 2 "I came, I saw, I lurked..." - Me |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:02pm
------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:02pm
...nope, its available in auto too. -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: eliminator
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:03pm
------------- __||__ [ }------ =() =() //' || R THOSE MY BALLS ON UR FACE |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:10pm
The 2006 Nissan Altima SER is ONLY available with a STANDARD 6-speed manual transmission.....there is no automatic option. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:11pm
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http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/ModelHomePage/0,,125952,00.html?destination=VLP&modelName=altima - altima Go to the official Nissan USA site and click on the Altima SER to see for yourself....it's a standard 6-speed manual......but that's a good thing anyways, so you should be happy. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:13pm
you're an idiot. not only have i been in the car, but i'll gladly provide proof. know what you're talking about beforehand. http://cars.about.com/od/nissan/fr/ag_05altser.htm (under "First Glance") -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: Alberto411
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:15pm
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If you get the WRX, you really don't need new rims. The TR edition comes with 17x7 rims which is good enough really. Or you can find someone with a 2004 STi and get their BBS rims and tires for pretty cheap. I would definatley get rid of the 215/45 Bridgestone Potenza RE-92s ASAP, because they're pretty lame V-Rated all-season tires.
Also, the suspension is regarded as a 'sport-tuned' suspension, but it rides a little high - I guess they really expect you to rally it! But if you don't like that look, springs can be purchased for $200 and are rather easy to install with coilover configuration at all 4 corners. ------------- WRX by 4, GSXR by 2 "I came, I saw, I lurked..." - Me |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:18pm
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Dude, no need to call me an idiot, I'm trying to help you, but now you can go sit on a telephone pole for all I care......
The link you gave doesn't work, so I don't know what you're trying to link to....but all I see on Nissan's site is "2006 Altima SER" and it says the "6-speed manual transmission is standard"....leaving me to believe it is standard, meaning it comes on every car. Maybe you we're sitting in an automatic, I don't know, I'm just saying what I'm reading on the site, and it conflicts with what you're saying. Either way you are the idiot if you are gonna get a car in automatic when it is offered in 6-speed standard, but that's your problem. Good luck with finding the right car, you probably should go with an Acura if you were planning on getting an automatic Nissan Altima.....I don't see why you would pay more for the sportier model, only to nueter it with an automatic transmission, but that's your mistake. Laters. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:20pm
i'd really hate to turn this thread into an arguement, but first off you're talking about a 2006 while I'm looking at an'05, and second, the 2006 SE-R does have an auto transmission option anyways (follow the link you provided until it shows you the option). Other than that, there are a decent amount of good points on these boards, especially some of the stuff the rex has that I never really considered. thanks, any more points are appreciated -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: ItsJustMe33
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:22pm
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Don't waste your time with the WRX, you're going to regret not going all out and just getting the STi. Might want to think about the new Evo IX. Maybe 350z? There are so many choices out there... altima's are sort of boring everyday cars. Get something small and sporty. ------------- its just WHO??? |
Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:24pm
alright, i got you. whatever. but thinking "standard" means universal is kinda a lame assumption behind your claims. and I'm not willing to sacrifice a good deal just for a transmission, so I don't know how you can really call me an idiot on that. whatever, no hard feelings. -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:25pm
Personally, I don't see why you'd get a sportier version just to go with automatic, but that's your choice. I just think it's kinda of a waste of money. But yes you are right I was looking at 2006 and even then the auto is an option, but I was also right that the 6-speed manual is standard, and the auto is only an option.....I think opting for an automatic over a 5 or 6 speed is one of the worst listakes you could make when buying a car, but that's your decision. Good luck either way. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:26pm
i had the exact thought when looking at the WRX. But just like the STi, the EVO is just too quick of a car for my parents to allow me, although both rides are amazing. there were a bunch of Z at the same dealer as the SE-R, but the tags were just too high. good ideas though -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:27pm
------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Alberto411
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:28pm
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YES - always more Suby points! Ha...
-Turbo platform, easily tunable. You can probably get up to 300+HP from the stock 230HP with just tuning and moderate bolt-ons. -AWD > FWD It'll handle really well. If you live in a place where it snows or not, the AWD will give you a lot of fun. What's more fun than an AWD drift and donuts 
-I actually wanted the WAGON, yes the wagon, because of its practicality. Talk about sleeper! Stick with the WRX / TR. You don't need an STi... yet. Once you learn how a WRX handles and what not, then you can change worlds and get the STi. At a price point of $23k for the WRX and $33k for the STi, that's rather compelling. Your parents would make the right choice and get you the WRX between an STi or the EVO. ------------- WRX by 4, GSXR by 2 "I came, I saw, I lurked..." - Me |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:28pm
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How much are you spending for the 2005 Altima? I see 350Z going for less than $25 all the time. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: mbro
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:41pm
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Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos. |
Posted By: Sammy
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:42pm
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Subaru or Acura A Nissan, is well, a Nissan. -------------
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Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:47pm
You guys think you are so smart, but you are so simple and basic it's really kinda sad....you guys really underestimate me, that's all I'll say. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Tae Kwon Do
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:49pm
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Flaming, Strike 3. -------------
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Posted By: Cedric
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:50pm
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This is getting out of hand. ------------- 
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Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 21 January 2006 at 7:52pm
Seriously though, Nissans are awesome. The 240sx and 300zx still have crazy followings and respect, the sedans are all great(Sentra, Altima, Maxima), the 350Z speaks for itself, the trucks and SUVs are getting overwhelmingly positive reviews, and I mean c'mon, they make the Nissan Skyline! Gotta give props where they're due. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Alberto411
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 2:47am
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^^ Yes, Nissans are great. They did have some problems some years back and even had to merge with Renault as early as the late 1990s. But that turned around thankfully so the automotive world can further enjoy Nismo performance. The Skyline, 240, and 300 are some of the most revolutionary cars today. I drove a 1984/85 300ZX turbo for a while in High School and that car was awesome: T-Tops, turbo, digital dash, electronically controlled dampers. Yeahhh...
I'm still going to stick to my guns. Get the WRX. It has a lot of room and some actual juice you can throw around on any terrain albeit tarmac or gravel. ------------- WRX by 4, GSXR by 2 "I came, I saw, I lurked..." - Me |
Posted By: __sneaky__
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 3:41am
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dont even deny it... you want this car ------------- "I AM a crossdresser." -Reb Cpl Forum Vice President RIP T&O Forum |
Posted By: mbro
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 4:28am
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Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos. |
Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 10:23am
Stop trying to make yourself look right when you know the arguement of the manual being standard was never something I brought up. You wew 100% wrong about the automatic thing, so just let it go. And a real waste of money would be passing up a good deal just b/c its an automatic car, which you would have understood in my situation if you read things through. geez, you really know how to act like a piece of garbage. -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: piranhakiller
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 10:38am
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I agree but I would go with the WRX. I don't trust nissans nemore. My friend got a so called certified 300zx then it just died. No one would help him, Not nissan not the dealer nor the woman he bought it from. While the WRX has good gas mileage, 4WD, Manual...., Probably best handling and just an all around fun car. ------------- ~Marker setup~ 2K1 Autococker Rt Feed 12in Freak ANS 3-Way Black Houge Grip Shocktech Drop Forward TippmannA5 16in J&Jceramic r/t 2X trigger Blue Dye c4 |
Posted By: GI JOES SON
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 11:04am
| depends on the snow with long island....we got snow once or twice, and yesterday (1/21) as you know was in the 50s.....its retarted..dont know what you should get just figured id say somethin i guess....im in holbrook, go to sachem, you? |
Posted By: PlentifulBalls
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 12:06pm
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Get a WRX, nut get an older molder. The 06 are so ugly. Try to find an 04 or 05.
------------- 
sporx wrote: well...ya i prolly will be a virgin till i'm at least 30. |
Posted By: slacker guy
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 12:14pm
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altima ------------- 
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Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 1:11pm
I was looking at the 2006 SER, that's all I was saying, not trying to save face, JUST STATE THE FACTS! I made a mistake I was looking at the wrong car and I admitted that I was wrong for that, and I was wrong because the automatic is available as AN OPTION, but it is also true that the 6-speed manual is STANDARD, meaning that if you want a WHACK-ASS GIRLY car, you can feel free to waste your money and DOWNGRADE TO AN AUTOMATIC. Anybody that has any experience driving a car aggressively will tell you that 6-speed manual is worth thousands more than the same car in automatic, so what seems like a great deal really isn't all that great, seeing as the auto is such a step down performance wise. Automatics get worse gas mileage, lose more power(less transfers to the wheels, where you want it!), and give you less control over your car. Personally, like i said I think putting an automatic OPTION for an Altima SER is effectively neutering what would be a much sportier car. But like I said it's your money(or your parents I guess), so go ahead and do what you want, but I think you're making a big mistake, and anybody that advises you to get a auto instead of a 6-speed is a fool. The only reason I could see to OPT(as in OPT-ion), for a auto tranny over a 6-speed would be if you didn't know how to drive a standard. That's truly the only reason....it isn't like you're gonna be towing anything with that car. But yes, like I said I was mistaken and was looking at the 2006, which also has an auto as an option, so I was wrong! I have no problem admitting that. I just liike for all the facts to be out, ya know? If you want to do yourself a favor and make the smart move, DO NOT Buy the automatic. Good luck. |
Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 3:30pm
nope -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: Hairball!!!
Date Posted: 22 January 2006 at 4:55pm
| I'm feeling the WRX, but that's just kinda brand loyalty. |
Posted By: mjicmike
Date Posted: 05 February 2006 at 10:47pm
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I have an 05 WRX wagon and its almost been a year, and that hauls plenty of my paintball gear and buddies. If you want a versatile vehicle, then you should really think about a WRX, take it to the snow, got good traction, and the MPG is not that bad for having a turbo. Also they are reliable as long as you take care of it and keep up with the maintenance schedules.
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Posted By: Whazuuup!
Date Posted: 05 February 2006 at 10:50pm
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Hey mike, just to let you know, people get mad sometimes when you post in a thread that is a few weeks old and bring it back to the front page. I don't really care, but some of the forumers here are really crazy about that kind of stuff. ------------- 
http://ipods.freepay.com/?r=20098193 - Free ipod! Yay! |
Posted By: Bango
Date Posted: 05 February 2006 at 10:50pm
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Old thread.
------------- http://imageshack.us"> 
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Posted By: Boss_DJ
Date Posted: 05 February 2006 at 11:27pm
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------------- 
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Posted By: ANARCHY_SCOUT
Date Posted: 06 February 2006 at 12:30am
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For a 4 cylinder car its amazing the speeds a WRX can pump out.
------------- Gamertag: Kataklysm999 
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Posted By: PBalla2242
Date Posted: 06 February 2006 at 8:04pm
nice reference. that line is the funniest reaction i've ever seen in a movie. ...otherwise, I actually found an '05 left-over SE-R (black, 6-speed manual) and wound up with that. Thanks for all the help though. PS I still have a space in my heart for an STi in the future. -------------
"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster." |
Posted By: Zesty
Date Posted: 17 February 2006 at 12:53pm
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haha, all that drama but in the end at least you went with the stick! Good job. The more you drive it the more you will be sure about the fact that you made the right decision, autos suck. ------------- "People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood." - Jose Canseco |
Posted By: Roll Tide
Date Posted: 18 February 2006 at 12:00am
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Should've read the whole thread. I hope you're happy with your decision. ------------- <Removed sig for violation of Clause 4 of the New Sig Rules> 
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Posted By: DBibeau855
Date Posted: 18 February 2006 at 12:02am
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Meh. It my opinion shoulda gone with a stick shift WRX, and i like the concept of the TR, shoulda gone that way. ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/DBibeau855/?chartstyle=myspacecolors"> 
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