Topic: Top Picks: Best Used Rocket Sleds

[Autos_Editor]

A look at some great used-sedan buys for fighting off the winter blahs.

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[mixmanmash]

Definitely a nice selection there.  I always had a soft spot for the MazdaSpeed 6.  The practical side of me would likely pick the safer bet of the Infiniti.

[ChaosphereIX]

very good list, I as well would personally pick the 'Speed6, always loved that car except for its clutch, but that can be fixed. Other than that, of that list I would pick the Audi, but my pick would be a 07 with the V8 - just for the sound it makes.

My other rather eccentric picks, personally, would be:

07 Volvo S60R
08+ Saab 9-3 TurboX / Aero XWD
94 Alfa Romeo 155 Q4
05 Subaru Legacy GT
07+ Audi S6
03 Audi RS6

[mixmanmash]

Like your list.  I would further define the Legacy GT with a spec.B

[Fobroader]

Like your list.  I would further define the Legacy GT with a spec.B

^^  Its the WRX for adults. Id be happy with either the Spec B, STi or Evo.....I loved the drive in the Speed 6 but the reliability scares me....same with the FGC crowd.

[Northernridge]

If you can keep them out of the shop, AWD FGCs make for excellent, balanced winter 'sleds'.

[alljay]

*knocking on a very big piece of wood*  I have owned a Speed6 since new and I love the car.  So far, I've had absolutely no issues with it except the usual -- brakes, tires and the usual maintenance. 

The car is a blast to drive and great in the snow.  She's 6 years old now, but I have no plans to let her go.

When I bought the 6, I had narrowed things down to the Legacy Spec. B and the Speed6.  The transmission on the Spec.B was what sent me to the Speed6 -- five speed only and less refined (in my mind) than the 6.  Once I got used to the clutch on the 6, there was no turning back.

[Fobroader]

*knocking on a very big piece of wood*  I have owned a Speed6 since new and I love the car.  So far, I've had absolutely no issues with it except the usual -- brakes, tires and the usual maintenance. 

The car is a blast to drive and great in the snow.  She's 6 years old now, but I have no plans to let her go.

When I bought the 6, I had narrowed things down to the Legacy Spec. B and the Speed6.  The transmission on the Spec.B was what sent me to the Speed6 -- five speed only and less refined (in my mind) than the 6.  Once I got used to the clutch on the 6, there was no turning back.

  Awesome to hear shes been flawless for you. I loved the drive I had in one, it was fun and tail happy!!

[Snowman]

I have a client who has a MS6 and has had minimal issues as well. He did fry the clutch at Mosport tho 

[Snowman]

Duh!! Hellooo!! Feelin' left out here!!      I've seen Fusion Sports for under $15g...plenty quick and fun in the snow.  If only you could turn the TC right off (maybe you can and I just haven't tried, but even "off", the SC still kicks in)

I think you missed the rocket part 

[ArticSteve]

The BEST rocket sled is the one that if it hits a snow bank and scrapes up the side you simply don't care.  Unless you're seriously loaded, not that much fun knowing that you're one skid away from 10K in body parts and paint.


I bought a early 92 AWD Talon about 10 years ago and drove it occasionally for 2 winters.  My son finally polished it off.  It had a ton of issues, but it was a fun vehicle in the snow.  Only worry was with the  if you ran it off the road and couldn't get out before they'd come by.  AWD with a limited slip rear diff.  Really awesome.

Actually old VW bugs were lots of fun too.

However, want the real experience of a Rocket Sled ......  buy a late model snowmobile.  Makes driving a car fast on snowy road pretty lame.

[Fobroader]

Traiblazer SS, 400Hp LS2 V8, AWD, enough room for the kiddies, enough ground clearance for whatever winter throws at you and body parts are GM (read: mucho cheap). My kinda "winter rocket" 

[ChaosphereIX]

Traiblazer SS, 400Hp LS2 V8, AWD, enough room for the kiddies, enough ground clearance for whatever winter throws at you and body parts are GM (read: mucho cheap). My kinda "winter rocket" 

nice out of the box thinking, but it aint no sedan...

I would say Forester XT, Audi Allroad, or Volvo V70R if we are expanding our criteria...

[Snowman]

Traiblazer SS, 400Hp LS2 V8, AWD, enough room for the kiddies, enough ground clearance for whatever winter throws at you and body parts are GM (read: mucho cheap). My kinda "winter rocket" 

I remember pounding on those with my WRX wagon back in Sudbury. A few redneck's had them thinking they were hot stuff drag racing everything at stop lights.

[Fobroader]

Traiblazer SS, 400Hp LS2 V8, AWD, enough room for the kiddies, enough ground clearance for whatever winter throws at you and body parts are GM (read: mucho cheap). My kinda "winter rocket" 

nice out of the box thinking, but it aint no sedan...

I would say Forester XT, Audi Allroad, or Volvo V70R if we are expanding our criteria...

See to me.....these are a station wagon 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Nothing better than basking in the warming glow of a CEL light on a dark, snowy, evening drive.

From the list, it would be the WRX/STi. Not on the list, Legacy GT, or maybe a Taurus SHO.

[Fobroader]

Traiblazer SS, 400Hp LS2 V8, AWD, enough room for the kiddies, enough ground clearance for whatever winter throws at you and body parts are GM (read: mucho cheap). My kinda "winter rocket" 

I remember pounding on those with my WRX wagon back in Sudbury. A few redneck's had them thinking they were hot stuff drag racing everything at stop lights.

They are fast, with a blower and some add ons, scary....Ive seen a few at the dragstrip and I was thoroughly impressed. I betcha they surprised a few people in moms SUV though.

[Snowman]

Traiblazer SS, 400Hp LS2 V8, AWD, enough room for the kiddies, enough ground clearance for whatever winter throws at you and body parts are GM (read: mucho cheap). My kinda "winter rocket" 

I remember pounding on those with my WRX wagon back in Sudbury. A few redneck's had them thinking they were hot stuff drag racing everything at stop lights.

They are fast, with a blower and some add ons, scary....Ive seen a few at the dragstrip and I was thoroughly impressed. I betcha they surprised a few people in moms SUV though.

Anything can be fast with a blower bolted to it.

[Fobroader]

Traiblazer SS, 400Hp LS2 V8, AWD, enough room for the kiddies, enough ground clearance for whatever winter throws at you and body parts are GM (read: mucho cheap). My kinda "winter rocket" 

I remember pounding on those with my WRX wagon back in Sudbury. A few redneck's had them thinking they were hot stuff drag racing everything at stop lights.

Anything can be fast with a blower bolted to it.

They are fast, with a blower and some add ons, scary....Ive seen a few at the dragstrip and I was thoroughly impressed. I betcha they surprised a few people in moms SUV though.

The fact its a suburban assault SUV makes it more interesting to me. Kind of like the SRT-8.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Traiblazer SS, 400Hp LS2 V8, AWD, enough room for the kiddies, enough ground clearance for whatever winter throws at you and body parts are GM (read: mucho cheap). My kinda "winter rocket" 

I remember pounding on those with my WRX wagon back in Sudbury. A few redneck's had them thinking they were hot stuff drag racing everything at stop lights.

They are fast, with a blower and some add ons, scary....Ive seen a few at the dragstrip and I was thoroughly impressed. I betcha they surprised a few people in moms SUV though.

Anything can be fast with a blower bolted to it.

That was a bad time to get a GM, it would be in the shop more times then it would be on the road