I'm semi curious on this subject because the U.S. gas prices seem to be semi chaotic but have hit a platoe. Many people want a more fuel efficient car but don't want to sacrifice power. I have always had a hobby of designing cars mostly sports cars. Lately I've been thinking with all the new gadgets they have how pointless they are. The world is beginning to get so lazy they have paddle shifters instead of a stick shift, what the fuck is with that?

Anyway... I look for a 6 speed manual transmission. You can keep your rpm's low for better gas mileage but if you engage in a race you have an extra gear or two on most transmissions. I also think 4 cylinders are perfect. Small, but can pack a punch if built right. Then I look for AWD. It provides better handling than FWD and RWD. Also good in the snow.

Also only one gear box that you have to service :P

I personally enjoy the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. To me it's the best car built yet but would be nice to get more MPG's somehow.

This isn't a favorite car thread, but you can throw that in. I'm curious to what YOU as a mass would want. Do you need a big v8 on a lift kit? Maybe a giant RC car? Lemme know!

I have the perfect car.

MK5 Fiesta Zetec S. Little and loveable.

"The world is beginning to get so lazy they have paddle shifters instead of a stick shift, what the fuck is with that?"

You say you design cars? Paddle shifters are a necessity to racers. Although very uncool if you have to shift alot or parralel park.

I prefer rotaries. My rx8 for example, gas hog but lots of high end power, 6spd tranny, and turbocharged..more fun than imaginable.

If not a rotary then I settle for nothing less than a v8 and under 300hp / 300ft/lbs. I grew up around speed, and its in my blood.

RWD is a must. I will never own a fwd. Mid compression, nothing too high incase you do want to supercharge/turbo it oneday. The new camero or the new Challenger = awesome. Some people choose interior over exterior and power...wtf...wierd people.

Anyways Im a car-a-holic. Racing / cars = my life.

Evo, oh no i'm a Subaru Fan have got a 94 WRX with a few mods, will be doing more, but gas is a problem where i am to.

but would love a 2005 WRX STI, the new ones are just horrible, but have the VF22 turbo.

Cavilini I love speed as well. I just sold my Mustang GT. I have to see paddle shifters in a stock car, I believe they're in the indy cars.

But I said car design is a hobby not something I actually do for money. I mean yeah that'd be cool but I doubt anything I'd like is street legal. I've gotten to the point in life though where going fast doesn't need to be all the time.

My friend has paddle shifters in his 350z, thier base purpose is so both hands can remain on the streering wheel at all times, which comes in handy for road courses and so on, much safer. As for the evo, another favorite of mine ;)

the cheapest one

well i have recently bought my first car. It is a 1998 MKIV volkswagon Golf 1.9 tdi with 90bhp. and all i have to say about her is quite simply i love her, my little car looks very good, it is incredibly fuel efficent with me getting around 45 mpg. now obviously its not the fastest car ever made but there is a bit of poke there to have a bit of fun with. i dont race my car, so it does everything i want it to do.

I make sure they're not fixing it with tape. Everything else is cool.

Just get me from point A to point B baby and Gio will love ya.

† The Spanish Inquisition † 

Recro. Having now been a Subaru Tech for 2 years now I will say only this.

Anything after 2003 is the wrong way to go. They have gotten far too involved with their cars and tried to make them into something they are not.

When they were kept simple they were sort of Ok. Now they are just a wreck waiting to happen (Especially 2006 onwards that has a major fault with number 4 cylinder requiring a full engine strip to solve..)

I dont understand why they went hatchback..ew

That's good to know Bighead, thanks.

I stick with the 94 at the moment that I'm slowly working on by the time I have finished taste my have changed.

Usually I make sure it has the right amount of wheels to start with :)

LOL, me usaly I atleast make sure it works, 

Speaking of the whole diesel subject. I think it'd be nice to try the new Jette TDI clean diesel. But the only question is the commericals say like 58 mpg or something that high yet online it says EPA of like 30. WTF MATE?!

oy bloody matey! Why a ..(hard to say this word)...D..di..diesel? Its 41hwy if that counts lol. Alot of these companies lack research when a car is launched some even mistake hp numbers (damn mazda!)...