Might be time to say goodbye to my GTP...

**DanGTP** · 10-22-2013

Ladies and gents, I believe the time has come for me to look for a new car and move away from the GTP. I've been driving this car for 10 years, and it has been a blast (when it hasn't been in pieces in the garage)! The rack and pinion is going out and the chassis has 180K, so everything that I haven't upgraded over the years (and some of the older upgraded pieces) needs to be replaced. I have become a bit burned out by constantly having to attend to the car's needs. Maybe if I didn't HAVE to work on it, I might just keep it to play with since it really isn't worth much...

I'm somewhat looking at the Chevy Sonic, the Mazdaspeed 3, or whatever else is comparable (small-ish sporty hatch). Do any of you have some input for or against anything in the category? I'm leaning a little more toward the Mazda, but haven't checked out all of the options yet.

**Explicit_Spade** · 10-23-2013

Mini Cooper.

That wasn't a joke. Drive one.

**hensleya1** · 10-23-2013

Keep the GP, I'm at 212k and going strong.

That said, go with the Mazdaspeed 3 between that and the Sonic. The Sonic seems too much like a clown car IMHO, and has a one liter engine. There's no replacement for displacement.

**Thompsju** · 10-23-2013

My gf has a Mazda 3, very upgradable car.

She won't let me touch it though.

I took her front license plate off to make her car more awesome, she put it back on when she got home.

/facepalm

**Anthony Smith** · 10-23-2013

HHR SS! I think it might be MY next ride atleast. Cobalt SS drivetrain with a useable back seat. ZZP even sells 6 speed swap parts. Plus their cheaper than the turbo Cobalts.

**Jordan5066** · 10-23-2013

If you have 42000 I recommend the 2013 Genesis Coupe 3.8l. That car can take a beating and it handles like a dream and it is fast! Muffler delete and it sounds mean. It puts a smile on my face everyone time I drive it.

For all you Hyundai haters, times have changed I've owned Hyundai's and they have held together and lasted longer than all the american companies. Drive a genesis sedan or coupe before you can talk crap

**DanGTP** · 10-23-2013

Thanks for the suggestions. Jordan, 42K is a bit above my budget. I would prefer to keep it in the 20's (or lower).

I'm going to check out an 06 Speed6 today, just to compare it with the 3.

Sent from my SkyRocket

**matt5112** · 10-23-2013

Originally Posted by Explicit_Spade

Mini Cooper.

That wasn't a joke. Drive one.

Look into reliability first.

Not that great in that category.

If you get a 3, look into fixing the suspension. They tend to ride the bump stops.

**blackflag** · 10-23-2013

SPEED3!!!!! http://www.grandprixforums.net/showthread.php?t=83325
I love this car!

**blackflag** · 10-23-2013

Originally Posted by matt5112

Look into reliability first.

Not that great in that category.

If you get a 3, look into fixing the suspension. They tend to ride the bump stops.

i only know 2010+. No bump stops here and i have terrible roads. Suspension is VERY tight.

**matt5112** · 10-23-2013

I can't recall which gen either. I seem to recall they ride them all the time, so you never know you're doing it.

Also:

Originally Posted by BlackFlag

with the timing chain and vvt recalls, an out of warranty ms3 would be dumb.

Another consideration is: are you tall?

If so, many small vehicles aren't so great. Mazda 3, HHR, etc.

**blackflag** · 10-23-2013

They extended the recall to 80k if anyones wondering. Its $400 in parts out of warranty.

I'm 6'3 and i have to pull the seat up a little.
I seriously love this car minus the fact that its really hard to learn to launch it.

**DanGTP** · 10-24-2013

Fortunately, I'm only 5'11" And the inside of the MS3 feels perfect to me. There is even room for a helmet!

Sent from my SkyRocket

**Thompsju** · 10-26-2013

I always liked Calvaliers when I was younger.

Then I sat in one. I'm 6'4" 230. LOL. Got a 00 Bonneville instead.

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**DanGTP** · 10-26-2013

Well, as of last night, I am the proud owner of a Black Mica 2010 MS3! Pics later!

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**blackflag** · 10-30-2013

Originally Posted by DanGTP

Well, as of last night, I am the proud owner of a Black Mica 2010 MS3! Pics later!

Sent from my SkyRocket

You rock! have fun on the new forum lol

**DanGTP** · 10-30-2013

I've been lurking around the forum. Not as friendly as this one... It will suffice, though. I will still hang around here, so don't worry about me leaving just yet.

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