Javelin
Javelin MegaDork
2/28/19 12:53 p.m.

Driving a lowered Mazda5 is starting to get on my nerves. The roads here resemble cratered battlefields, there's rocks everywhere, and my back can't handle it anymore. Instead of low and 18's I need rally suspension and sidewall.

What all should I look at? New suspension and wheels/tires? 

I'd like 5-15 years old, $10k or less, versatile cargo space (so wagons!), and fun to drive. I love everything about my 5 except the suspension and the transmission (autotragic).

Javelin
Javelin MegaDork
2/28/19 12:54 p.m.

Oh, and the current suspension is KYBs with H&R springs, SPC camber arms, and 18x9 Motegis with 225/40/18 Cooper RS3s. 

stumpmj350
stumpmj350 New Reader
2/28/19 12:58 p.m.

Buy the smallest wheels that'll clear your brakes and appropriate tires.  Swap in stock springs.

bmw88rider
bmw88rider SuperDork
2/28/19 1:01 p.m.

Didn't you just describe half the cars in the PNW......The Outback? 

captdownshift
captdownshift PowerDork
2/28/19 1:11 p.m.

V50, T5, AWD, manual. 

captdownshift
captdownshift PowerDork
2/28/19 1:14 p.m.
red_stapler
red_stapler Dork
2/28/19 1:30 p.m.
tr8todd
tr8todd Dork
2/28/19 1:34 p.m.

I just tried to talk my wife into a Saab 9-3 wagon with a V6 and a manual trans that had 110,000 miles and was for sale for $2600.  She said no.  I want another Range Rover.  Then I tried to talk her into a 2004 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas that was immaculate, no I want another Range Rover.  Yesterday it was an immaculate BMW 740i with 90,000 miles it was a maybe.  I've also looked at several Range Rovers in the last few months.  All were overpriced and not something I would pull the trigger on.  Point being, Saabs are fun, reliable, carry a bunch of stuff in wagon form, and they are way underpriced.

Dusterbd13-michael
Dusterbd13-michael MegaDork
2/28/19 1:40 p.m.

Lift the 5, slam sime 16s and tall sidewalls on it.

Nothing will be cheaper and better known than what you have already paid for and maintained. 

Javelin
Javelin MegaDork
2/28/19 1:42 p.m.
captdownshift said:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/seattle-2005-volvo-v50-awd-6-speed/6788348254.html

Oooh, I had no idea that existed! Turbo manual Volvo wagon goodness...

Javelin
Javelin MegaDork
2/28/19 1:44 p.m.
Dusterbd13-michael said:

Lift the 5, slam sime 16s and tall sidewalls on it.

Nothing will be cheaper and better known than what you have already paid for and maintained. 

I didn't come here for practicality and sage advice!

captdownshift
captdownshift PowerDork
2/28/19 1:45 p.m.

In reply to Javelin :

It's basically a detuned previous generation focus RS with a haldex in wagon guise. Viva performance can upgrade the engine spec to RS trim rather easily. 

Justjim75
Justjim75 HalfDork
2/28/19 2:09 p.m.

i love my Toyota Matrix XRS.  Bone stock 180 hp 6 speed manual, 8500 rpm redline and ive hauled EVERYTHING in it.  Add trailer hitch like i did for hitch rack and lawnmower trailer

sleepyhead
sleepyhead Mod Squad
2/28/19 2:27 p.m.

how 'bout a Mazda3 hatch, manual.  and an 15xwhatever, LSD, and D2 Rally Coilovers?

mazdeuce - Seth
mazdeuce - Seth Mod Squad
2/28/19 2:38 p.m.

Rallycross suspension and tons of sidewall. Apply liberally to car of choice. 

Edit: to expand, 20-40% stiffer springs, decent dampers, stock to a 1/2 inch higher, smallest wheels that will fit with the proper size tires. Sway bars to suit. If you want that post apocalypse look go up 3/4 to 1 inch and upsize tires to match. Add home made brush guard and lights. 

John Welsh
John Welsh Mod Squad
2/28/19 6:19 p.m.

In reply to Javelin :

Would the natural progression be a used Mazda CX5, manual trans with mildly larger off road tires? 

Sadly, manual trans means fwd only on Mazda CX5 

dxman92
dxman92 Reader
2/28/19 6:27 p.m.
John Welsh said:

In reply to Javelin :

Would the natural progression be a used Mazda CX5, manual trans with mildly larger off road tires

We have a winner right there! They are starting to creep into the sub $10k range. I would drive another in a heartbeat..

Javelin
Javelin MegaDork
2/28/19 10:15 p.m.
mazdeuce - Seth said:

Rallycross suspension and tons of sidewall. Apply liberally to car of choice. 

Edit: to expand, 20-40% stiffer springs, decent dampers, stock to a 1/2 inch higher, smallest wheels that will fit with the proper size tires. Sway bars to suit. If you want that post apocalypse look go up 3/4 to 1 inch and upsize tires to match. Add home made brush guard and lights. 

Mazda 5 Paris-Dakar Rally boxtruck version? Hmmmm...

dj06482
dj06482 UltraDork
2/28/19 10:21 p.m.

I had also had KYBs with lowering springs, and it felt like the ride became more harsh over time.

I like the going back to stock button. First, you can see if you like it better. And secondly, if you want to sell, it makes it a heck of a lot easier.

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