Another what daily driver thread...

My turn!  For the first time in 15 years, I find myself daily driver-less (sold my E46 ZHP sedan this weekend, and already miss it).  I have a Miata to take up the slack for now, but I travel alot for work and need.....something, not sure what.  No hard requirements, but some preferences: manual, seats 4 adults comfortably, reliable, low maintenance, quiet and comfortable on the highway.  I'm having a tough time picking a direction or getting excited about a particular car, would welcome the hivemind's thoughts. 

Top contenders:

• new Civic Si (it's fine, love the seats and general dynamics, the low redline hurts)...no blues available in 2025
• new GR86 (tight backseat, possible RTV/oiling issues)....no Neptune 2.0 blue in 2025
• new F150 (breaks the manual requirement, but a truck's utility means I'll let it slide...man trucks are expensive for what they are)

Leaning new only because I have been having a TOUGH time finding clean used cars lately (CL is dead, FBM filters barely work, autotrader/cars.com/etc are 99% dealers).  I feel like you used to find tons of private party cars on CL, but that was 10 years ago, and maybe I have rose-colored glasses on.  Where did they all go?

Budget options:

• 8th gen Civic Si if I can find a low miles, clean car.  Several friends had them when we worked at Honda, and they're fun to drive, don't break, and are just great little cars.  This is what I would buy if they were still available new.  The K20/6speed/LSD was the perfect daily drivetrain (to me).  Fun to rev out, slow enough to stay out of trouble, super-engaging, and stone dead reliable.
• Focus ST - a slightly newer but possibly less reliable version of the above
• MK7 GTI - I have seen several of these with ~80K miles FS by original owner for $15K, they seem easier to find FS private party for some reason.  I don't like the MK8 interior.

Dark horse candidates:

• 6th gen (2015-2023) Mustang GT w/Performance Pack - seems like the asking price is ~$30K for a clean one of these, putting it up against the new Civic or GR86 with more power and less backseat
• New GR Corolla - does the price premium over a new Si make sense?  Especially as a daily to pile miles onto?  How is the interior quality and road/wind noise?
• New Lexus IS500 - currently the best BMW 3 series you can buy (Yeah I said it :P), if you can get over the no manual, I don't think I can, but I love this for what it is
• New Acura Integra - nicer version of the Civic Si.  I actually like the Civic's interior better, but the hatch on the Integra is nice. 
• Used Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport - had one as a rental car, loved it.  It's the only new sedan that has E46 sized-greenhouse.  Silent on the highway.  Auto only, and it's GOING to break. 

Any thoughts?  Contenders I'm overlooking?  Thanks!

If you're serious about the Focus ST, consider the Mazdaspeed 3. I think the Mazda has a better-sounding engine (opinion, I know, but it is a little louder and more exciting), and I think it came with a limited-slip differential. The Focus did not have one for some reason...

I like the 6th Gen Mustang GT. The Coyote engine is such a joy. High redline, lots of power, and very usable. It's also a comfortable, good-looking car. Plus, if you felt like it, you could buy a convertible. Consider the Mach 1, because I think the used prices aren't terrible, and the engine has a little more output. I mean, you're this ->||<- close to 500 horsepower in a reasonably-priced Mustang.

Ecoboost Mustang as a GR86 competitor? Compared to the Coyote cars, the 4 banger would be less expensive upfront and less nose-heavy, while still being more efficient and powerful than the Frisbee. All of the suspension and brakes, etc from the GT Performance Pack would drop right into place, but there's obviously a massive aftermarket for those things too, so you could tailor it to your tastes

GR86!!!

confuZion3 said:

If you're serious about the Focus ST, consider the Mazdaspeed 3. I think the Mazda has a better-sounding engine (opinion, I know, but it is a little louder and more exciting), and I think it came with a limited-slip differential. The Focus did not have one for some reason...

Its about 100x easier to find an ST thats doesn't have a dump pipe out the hood, a big turbo and a "500hp tune".  Stockish Speed3s in good condition are super rare, and even then they are still 12+ year old turbo cars.

Similarly, I looked at numerous 8th Gen Sis back in ~2018 the paint was always in a pretty poor state.  A few had 3rd gear synchro issues (not sure if that is widespread).

I had a 2.3 Mustang as a rental recently and I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed the car.  Granted, I didn't have to do daily-like stuff with it.

MK7 GTIs were near the top of my list for a while.  I'll let a VW expert chime in, but I think there is only 1 year you can get a non-sunroof, manual trans with the good headlights or something annoying like that.

The f150 is the only one that'll fit 4 adults comfortably. It doesn't have a manual but it's as fast if not faster than most of those in your original post. 

You have a great list of candidates but one I do not see there is a used Genisis G70, 2.0L turbo, manual, rwd and available in a great looking blue.  BMW 3 -series sized.  

Available new also but the depreciation on these is "impressive" making used the smart spend.  Transferable factory warranty too.    

As far as the warranty transfer I found this answer on the internet (be sure to verify.)  This would be for non-CPO buys.  If its a real CPO then all the warranty likely continues.  

The 10yr/100k power train warranty drops down to a 5yr/60k warranty.

The 5yr/60k bumper to bumper transfers.

The valet service covered by Genesis does not transfer.

The 3yr/36k paint and battery warranty does transfer.

The 3yr roadside assistance does transfer if you fill out a change of ownership on the Genesis website.

To my surprise, I was told that the 3yr service/maintenance would also transfer.

Because you said F150, but we're talking about just how expensive trucks are...

Ford Maverick? I love my 2023, the back seat can actually accommodate adults pretty well, it has good bed capacity, you can either go hybrid and have fwd and good gas mileage, or Ecoboost/AWD and have the option for 4k tow. Bed can carry 1500lbs. I love mine.

 Optioned like mine (xlt lux AWD 4ktow) it's about $35k MSRP. A stripper fwd non hybrid is closer to $26k brand new. 

I went that route as it was one of the cheaper options to get my tow needs and like you, the used car market wasn't enough savings by comparison.

I have a 2021 Mustang GT. The main reason I bought this car was, I wanted a rwd, manual, good power, and enough space for two car seats. It gets the job done very well. I haven't fallen in love with it in the 2 years I have had it. I still miss my last car, a Hyundai Genesis coupe. But, the mustang is a great car and I would recommend it to anyone. I believe it is hard to beat in its price range.

I like all your "dark horse" candidates better than your top contenders, the IS500 specifically, which I think is going to be one of those cars that everyone appreciates in retrospect after it's no longer available. For that matter, you might also consider the old IS-F. I've driven a new Integra Type S, it's a very nice and fairly impressive car, but doesn't have the great verve and charm of the old n/a K-powered Civics. The base Integra is going to be even worse in that regard. 
What's more important to you in a daily, rwd or manual transmission? If you've got to have both, the Mustang and 86 are probably the cars to go test drive. I still want to try a Giulia Ti, but auto only and non defeatable traction control are strange choices in the development of a sport sedan.

confuZion3 said:

If you're serious about the Focus ST, consider the Mazdaspeed 3. I think the Mazda has a better-sounding engine (opinion, I know, but it is a little louder and more exciting), and I think it came with a limited-slip differential. The Focus did not have one for some reason...

I like the 6th Gen Mustang GT. The Coyote engine is such a joy. High redline, lots of power, and very usable. It's also a comfortable, good-looking car. Plus, if you felt like it, you could buy a convertible. Consider the Mach 1, because I think the used prices aren't terrible, and the engine has a little more output. I mean, you're this ->||<- close to 500 horsepower in a reasonably-priced Mustang.

Good suggestion!  Especially the LSD and sportier drivetrain experience.  Though I share some of Travis's concerns a few posts further on, they seem to be older than Focus ST's, and have the age/mileage deterioration that goes along with that.  Even more so for me because I like the first gen's WAY better :).   Added to the list though, a clean one of these would be great:

STM317 said:

Ecoboost Mustang as a GR86 competitor? Compared to the Coyote cars, the 4 banger would be less expensive upfront and less nose-heavy, while still being more efficient and powerful than the Frisbee. All of the suspension and brakes, etc from the GT Performance Pack would drop right into place, but there's obviously a massive aftermarket for those things too, so you could tailor it to your tastes

I really want to like the Ecoboost Mustang, but if I have the choice between an NA V8 and a turbo4, I am going to pick the V8, for both the Mustang and F150.  I recognize all the benefits of the smaller, more power-dense engine, but the heart wants what it wants :). 

Also, the Performance Pack bolting on is great, but I am hoping to just change the oil and go on whatever I buy, and leave the wrenching to the non-DD.

Apexcarver said:

Because you said F150, but we're talking about just how expensive trucks are...

Ford Maverick? I love my 2023, the back seat can actually accommodate adults pretty well, it has good bed capacity, you can either go hybrid and have fwd and good gas mileage, or Ecoboost/AWD and have the option for 4k tow. Bed can carry 1500lbs. I love mine.

 

 Optioned like mine (xlt lux AWD 4ktow) it's about $35k MSRP. A stripper fwd non hybrid is closer to $26k brand new. 

I went that route as it was one of the cheaper options to get my tow needs and like you, the used car market wasn't enough savings by comparison.

Great suggestion!  I do like the Maverick, sitting in one made me realize how far Ford's interiors have come.  Unfortunately, if I get a truck, it will regularly be used for pulling 6000-8000lb trailers.  So probably need the heavier capabilties.

John Welsh said:

You have a great list of candidates but one I do not see there is a used Genisis G70, 2.0L turbo, manual, rwd and available in a great looking blue.  BMW 3 -series sized.  

Available new also but the depreciation on these is "impressive" making used the smart spend.  Transferable factory warranty too.   

Unfortunately I have a blanket ban on Hyundais.  Which is a shame because I like the suggestion, and I really like some of the new N cars, as well as the Ioniq5.  And the OEM rocks in their support of IMSA.  Combination of: 1. I had a very negative dealer experience (sales treated me like a subprime buyer as I walked in the door, wanted a credit report and financing in place just to test drive a car), 2. My BIL had issues with his, and service dept treated him similar to me.  Like the OEM, dislike the US dealer network.   The difference between a BMW or Lexus dealer is staggering, and the difference between a Honda or Toyota dealer is still noticeable. 

Mattk said:

I have a 2021 Mustang GT. The main reason I bought this car was, I wanted a rwd, manual, good power, and enough space for two car seats. It gets the job done very well. I haven't fallen in love with it in the 2 years I have had it. I still miss my last car, a Hyundai Genesis coupe. But, the mustang is a great car and I would recommend it to anyone. I believe it is hard to beat in its price range.

Any idea why you haven't fallen in love with it?   I've driven a couple, and they do seem like a great value. 

In reply to Flynlow :

You are likely spot-on with your assessment of the Hyundai dealer network.  

Staying with blue but missing on the manual trans...there is a blue Lexus RC coupe in my neighborhood that I find intoxicating. 

Sample

In reply to Flynlow : I think my biggest gripe with the car is, the gearing. For 2018+, they made the gearing substantially longer in the GT. It makes the power feel a little underwhelming. The Mach 1's come with a tremec with better gearing instead of the MT82-D4. But, Mach 1 owners seem to think there car is worth their weight in gold. 

dannyp84 said:

I like all your "dark horse" candidates better than your top contenders, the IS500 specifically, which I think is going to be one of those cars that everyone appreciates in retrospect after it's no longer available. For that matter, you might also consider the old IS-F. 

Came in to say IS-F. V8, actually seats 4 adults, gets decent gas mileage for a heavy v8 (we average just north of 20mpg in mixed driving). And, objectively, the best color is Ultra Sonic Blue.  

Seems like your budget is $30-35k, which gets the a pretty nice '08 or '09

I say this somewhat tongue in cheek, but how about an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - with an aftermarket warranty?

Here is a low mileage 2018. Sounds amazing. Sexiest 4 door ever produced. Sure it's going to have issues, but a $4k warranty covers that! 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - 44k miles, $35K

In reply to John Welsh, calteg :

I've driven several of the older IS-F's, and they are awesome.  I feel the same way about the current IS500, RC-F, and LC500.  Lexus has really upped their game.  I am having a tough time giving up my clutch pedal, or the IS500 would be my go to.  Only reason for that over the ISF is most $30-35K ISF's I see are getting close to or over 100K miles, and something newer/lower miles is slightly preferred.  A 0 mile IS500 for $60K vs. a 100K mile ISF for $35K (in Ultra Sonic Blue naturally, calteg :P) seems like similar value, just pay now vs. pay later in maintenance.  I could do the $60K pricetag, but really don't want to.  The $30-35K budget estimate is much more palatable. 

dyintorace said:

I say this somewhat tongue in cheek, but how about an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - with an aftermarket warranty?

Here is a low mileage 2018. Sounds amazing. Sexiest 4 door ever produced. Sure it's going to have issues, but a $4k warranty covers that! 

2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - 44k miles, $35K

Including the picture because it's so dang good looking!  In an alternate universe, I buy the regular Giulia sport used with ~30K miles, drive it for 10 years and 100K more miles, the engine pops in the otherwise perfect exterior and interior, and it gets LS3/6-speed swapped and we all live happily ever after.  Your suggestion of a warranty is a good counter to go for the pre-swapped Quadrifoglio.

Some current top choices from scouring the web last night in front of the TV:

2009 Honda Civic Si

2008 Mazdaspeed3

There are dozens of Giulia Ti Sports for under $30K

Going to the local Honda dealer this weekend to see what a new Civic Si deal would look like. 

Zoom-zoom!

Edit: That Civic is pretty. I like the blue a lot.

In reply to Apexcarver :

They have AWD Hybrid Mavericks now!

Life is short and hard like a body building elf. 
 

get the Alfa.