Well, as a lot of you know, a ways back I came into money...12g's worth, actually - and planned on a new vehicle. Unfortunately, it came to my attention that I was required with thi smoney to pay off (most of) my student loans...so bye bye new car idea...thanks all who responded before, or sent me links to good car deals, etc.

Well, I've recently got a job back with GM (well, OnStar, actually), and the cash will once again flow...so the new car idea is again up and coming. This time it comes down to one of two - Thirdgen (5.7 'Bird), or a 1Gen DSM. I love the idea of AWD, and like the thought of a repectable import. However, I love my Thirdgen, I'm just concerned with the 5.7 on milage on fuel, etc. In your opinions, what would you do? Think of newish-used condition, not too high milage..which is more moddable...? More fun? etc etc etc....what would YOU do?

Thanks again in advance, guys.

 

If it aint a v8 it just aint

 

4TH GEN!!!

PS-I KNOW WHERE THERE IS A REALLY NICE, VERY FAST ONE FOR CHEAP!!!

 

DSM's are sweet too. get a pre-94 to avoid the crank-walk prone later models. I'd buy one with under 100,000 km's though.
Comparing them is tough though. The DSM is a blast to drive, especially in the snow.

 

Hi Jer

Please avoid the DSM!!!! My brother in law had one. Nothing but problems with the timing chain and these cars are known for this. Especially crank walk in the pre 94's. Mind you they are fast, my brother in law put a J-spec turbo in his 93 Laser. I'm telling you he went through 4 timing belts over two years and when the belt goes you can bet that some valves are going to go with it too. That's why he took out the turbo, put in a J-Spec non-turbo and is selling it (Nice car too!).

 

Jer, there was a DSM or laser for sale on lambs road just past 3rd concession a little while ago. I'm not sure if its still there.My thoughts on the DSM are as follows, I hear that they can be made to perform nicely, the only problem I would have with them is how much abuse has it gone through and what is waiting to break. I have heard of problems with these cars and unless its never been modded I would stay away from one. Getting a 4 banger to perform like a V8 is a great feat, I truly believe that when this is done the longevity factor is greatly reduced. THe 5.7 will be harder on gas and not great in the winter, but overall they are pretty reliable. The problem with the 3rd gen is that they are all old and stuff just goes wrong wit h age as well as miliage.Man I just think I've added to your dilema instead of offering you advice.......I 'll shut up now

 

Jer, a DSM with a T3/T4 swap, MBC and a nice exhaust would probably clean half of the people here on the ontario board. These things like mods and respond to boost very well.
Timing belts(not chains) need to be replaced often on these(about every 50000km) and as for fuel mileage, when getting into heavy turbo's are probably worse than a V8. Insusrance is worse than a thirdgen too, and when making serious power, they eat axles. But very nice cars. I would get one.