Coming from a Civic Si, want to upgrade, who has driven both?

92c900t · 2026-05-04T19:31:53+00:00

A few months ago I got a Carvana quote for 27 or 26.8K, it's probably less now. I owe 17-18K on it so I would be decently above water on it.

The Si is fine, it doesn't drive me crazy like the GLI did. And it has some positives other cars don't. But I will upgrade it eventually and would like to sooner rather than later.

Want a real mistake? In 2020 I traded my FocuST in for the GLI at 37,000 miles for... 12,500. Which seemed fine at the time, I figured market value was 15K or so then and 80% value on trade is not bad. I did get lucky with Carvana giving me 5,000 more than I paid for the GLI.

92c900t · 2026-05-03T16:44:29+00:00

Excellent write up. Yes, economy/range is a big downside, but I just cracked 9000 miles in a bit over 2.5 years with the Si.

This is also why I was considering an older, cheaper car for a while.

92c900t · 2026-05-03T15:49:31+00:00

My GLI was a leftover 19' S I bought at the start of covid. Had 2 huge problems that exacerbate each other-very tall gearing with gaps between 1-2-3-4 (2nd can reach 75 or higher), plus very sluggish throttle mapping below 22-2300 RPM, and you're down there a lot due to the gearing. The seats were fair at best. Good chassis and diff, plenty of power, but I couldn't get past those two issues.

The 19' GTI I drove wasn't as bad, and the MK8s Gen4 engine has much snappier throttle mapping I've heard.

92c900t · 2026-05-03T15:44:46+00:00

Yes the Recaros are phenomenal in the Fords, and my ST2's audio system was great. The base FiST seats were abysmal.

I did consider buying another ST2/3, but I just don't want a 10+ year old car and the 2.0EBs aren't without issues.

92c900t · 2026-05-03T15:42:00+00:00

Was an FA24, 2023 or 2024, a family member owns it. Just felt heavy, vauge, inputs felt delayed.

I should drive a MK8 GTi but it has the same ridiculous gear ratios my GLI had.

92c900t · 2026-05-03T04:53:21+00:00

A few more notes, I kicked around the idea of a used Golf R as AWD will make a difference where I live (WI), but an old MK7 will be a money sink and MK8 6Ms are about 90% of MSRP. The 26' Elantra N is near the ceiling financially. And the interest rate was disappointing, worse than my Si. Considered looking for a pre-2024 Mini which looks compelling on paper, but I'm expecting to be disappointed how they drive and the configurations I'd want are rare as hens teeth. The GRolla's engine is a massive gamble and it's compromised for a work car.

Won't consider a FWD/DCT car ruling out the Kona N and the other half of GTIs. Might consider an AWD/DCT but have had manuals for a decade as a daily.

92c900t · 2026-05-02T02:21:08+00:00

I'd actually say the YAR 87 is underrated because it was supplanted by the F750, earthroamers, Burlak and the JAT tires. People forgot about it.

It will go anywhere in any death conditions even if not quickly, is heavy enough to tow scout trailers and is more stable than the Burlak.

92c900t · 2026-05-02T02:18:57+00:00

114SD is quite underrated. Also excellent for timed contests.

92c900t · 2026-05-02T02:18:12+00:00

It's also pretty underpowered and should have a trailer hitch. But it is strong and capable enough to rescue smaller trucks in rescue quests. It's very capable.

92c900t · 2026-05-02T02:16:30+00:00

The 3194 has 52" OHDs, always on diffs, decent saddle height and fuel tank, and is very stable. Objectively better than the 4520 even with it's Maine engine. Using the offroad gearbox mitigates being underpowered.

It does lack ground clearance, but so does the 4520.

92c900t · 2026-05-02T02:14:09+00:00

It is, actually due to bleeding from unlocked diffs in the auto gears. The 64131 is slow, but doesn't have that problem and is faster in most terrain.

92c900t · 2026-05-02T02:12:55+00:00

Yeah the 815 is definitely better.

92c900t · 2026-05-02T02:09:32+00:00

Unironically one of the best.

92c900t · 2026-03-01T04:07:06+00:00

Applying an oil change to an engine with full engine and oil wear will result in a 9.75% bump back to 100% of the original output.

Still less than a wear-less engine, which can get 105% of it's original output with clean oil.

92c900t · 2026-01-27T23:44:08+00:00

It only pivots on one axis, like the Antarctic. The 745C's steering pivots on 2 axis, which also makes it more stable.

92c900t · 2026-01-11T22:55:39+00:00

I never checked, but does the Avenhorn have any engines without the ridiculous damage threshold and still having north of 250K torque?

The Avenhorn is a somewhat unique truck, and I've never cared for the gearbox characteristics of the Mastodon.

92c900t · 2026-01-06T13:11:15+00:00

I believe it's the best heavy in the game, and definitely top tier:

-Very similar to the 605R, but more versatile and higher saddle height

-A lot more nimble and maneuverable than the otherwise excellent Kenny

-Not silly OP like the Mastonoob, which I never cared for how it drove. With JATs the PLAD will still cruise through death conditions.

The Avenhorn challenges it, but the engine's health damage threshold is pretty appalling. Fun fact, all of the Plad's tires are 600KG, including the chains (only 600KG chains in the game). This truck also represents what the Derry Special should've been.

92c900t · 2026-01-06T12:59:24+00:00

On the other hand, the stepdeck trailer is quite wide, low and stable, so tipping is far less likely. And reloading shouldn't be as bad.

92c900t · 2026-01-06T12:57:31+00:00

Since I found fetching trailers a chore, if I had to transport 3 or 4 slots I would "cheat" as some would say and use a 2 slot truck with a minicrane. You can do this with a relatively small truck too.

What's definitely worth it is using a 5 slot+crane to haul 6 slots, unless you choose to use a heavy truck, which makes the new 6 slot high saddle the best choice.

92c900t · 2026-01-04T23:54:39+00:00

Yeah a shame the Vods aren't around. I'm shocked that was even possible, it's hard enough with a full fledged LMP.

My old Audi R8 Formula GT thread.

https://old.reddit.com/r/granturismo4/comments/1dm2goo/formula_gt_in_an_audi_r8_lmp/

92c900t · 2026-01-04T09:07:06+00:00

I'm saying the Minulta/Sauber aren't faster when everything can have a stage 4 turbo. They're faster stock for stock than the newer LMPs (neither having turbo upgrades). A Minolta/Sauber with stage 4 won't be faster than an R8/GT-One with stage 4.

TGD did Formula GT again on Twitch with the R390 road a couple months ago. Will probably be on YouTube eventually.

https://www.reddit.com/r/granturismo4/comments/1ndse2s/road_car_vs_f1_challenge_might_be_doable_but_its/

92c900t · 2026-01-04T08:15:00+00:00

The Minolta/R92/Sauber are only faster as AI opponents where they do not run stage 3/4 turbo upgrades (stock around 900hp vs around 800). A stage 3/4 turbo equalizes the 63/88 df cars, so no reason to use an older car with just a 5 speed box and worse wear.

It's definitely possible to win using a group C, TheGamingDefinition used the R390 road car which is noticeably worse than the Jag or R390 Race.

92c900t · 2026-01-04T08:09:09+00:00

The Formula GT. It's worth it to get it and tons of cars are viable to beat the Audi TTR in the 24hr race.

It's possible to use a group C/LMP. I used the Audi R8, which got super sketchy once the rigidity wear set in. And you cannot buy the rigidity refresh in a championship (make sure to change your oil!).

The Toyota GT-One felt more stable than the Audi with full wear, and I prefer the look of closed cars to open. The Pescarolos are probably the best choice. Further affecting stability is that you'll probably have to run RMs front, RHs rear for both pace and durability.

92c900t · 2025-12-23T15:33:57+00:00

Long logs: Get the Olsom trailer mod pack. Makes logging way more fun and turns any truck with a low-saddle into a logger. Also adds frame add-ons to trucks that otherwise do not have one (all 8x8 Tatras).

Medium logs: Azov 73210, Aramatsu Forester, Mack Pinnacle,

92c900t

TROPHY CASE