Need car recommendation

I need a new car!

Hello Everyone,

I am trying to decide what to get as a daily driver and (potential) autocross car; I want to limit this to four door models: sedan, hatch back or small wagon.

Any Suggestions?

I have been driving a Honda del Sol since 1997 and really like this car. I know it is a lot to ask for, but is there a newer equivalent (i.e. is fun to drive on twisty windy roads) that can hold four people, and/or my tools, is steady in bad weather, has decent gas mileage and is reliable?

Candidates do not need to have four wheel drive as long as it has a LSD. I will consider cars without one, if LSD's are available for upgrade.

Potential candidates are too numerous to list, which is why I need your input. I have thought about: VW Golf TDI, Honda civic SI, Subaru hatchback or wagon, Audi A4 (or is it A6?) small wagon...

My budget is for something used for under $20,000

Thanks, Scott D.

p.s. I love the sun, so sun roofs or glass tops have appeal, despite adding weight to the top of the car. (tic)

FRS/BRZ

If you think the Del Sol was fun, just wait until you kick the tail out for the first time.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4218415805.html

I'd be looking squarely at a manufacturer from Bavaria. But that's just me. When I had my A6 Quattro with the 2.7TT and a 6 speed manual, it felt like a nice big highway cruiser but when you asked it to turn it felt like a heavy front wheel drive pig.

MazdaSpeed3
Mazda 3
Mazda RX8 is cool but might be too small in the rear
Cadillac CTS or CTSV maybe if MPG works
EVO might be cool too but not sure about MPG

Audis feel rather heavy to me to be considered sporting. BMWs aren't bad but reliability is questionable.

I had P71 in the chamber, but after reading the last portion, maybe not.

Since you had good luck with the Del Sol, what about a Fit? It might be underpowered and not competititve in an autocross environment compared to some of the other recommendations but they have ample cargo room, handle okay, can carry four people and lsd's are available for them. A Fit plus a decent lsd should be well in your budget.

Forte SX. leaves you plenty of money for tires, gas and hotels for all the events you're going to win.

there is always a wrx wagon

In reply to tripp:

He said reliable and decent fuel economy.

Acura TL/TL-S 6-speed

I vote Civic Si. High-er mileage ones can be had for under 10K.

Fiestas are fun and get great gas mileage.

My Mazdaspeed3 has done well and fits your requirements. $20K should buy a VERY nice used one of either generation.

four doors? check

fun to drive? check

can hold four people? check

also hold your tools? check

steady in bad weather? check (with snow tires)

decent gas mileage? check (I get around 24-26 mixed driving)

reliable? check (not a civic, but it's been solid with 80K and 38 autocrosses so far)

LSD? check (standard on all Speed3s...and it's a real LSD, not an electronic one)

Sunroof? I think I've seen them in Speed3s, although mine doesn't have one

tripp wrote: there is always a wrx wagon

My vote is with this guy!

I'm a Nissan/Infiniti person so, I'd be looking at an 09 or newer maxima or G3Xx sedan. I find them fun to drive plus they have room for people and things.

CrashDummy wrote: My Mazdaspeed3 has done well and fits your requirements. $20K should buy a VERY nice used one of either generation. four doors? check fun to drive? check can hold four people? check also hold your tools? check steady in bad weather? check (with snow tires) decent gas mileage? check (I get around 24-26 mixed driving) reliable? check (not a civic, but it's been solid with 80K and 38 autocrosses so far) LSD? check (standard on all Speed3s...and it's a real LSD, not an electronic one) Sunroof? I think I've seen them in Speed3s, although mine doesn't have one

Sunroofs are not a factory option on the ms3- gets in the way of the roof bracing.

IS300 (and 20k buys a nicely built one with a turbo 2jz, or lets you build your own)

(thanks to crashdummy for the cut/ paste post)

four doors? check

fun to drive? check

can hold four people? check/ and comfy alcantara interior and the mark levinson sound system is amazing

also hold your tools? check/ sportcross (wagon) available too

steady in bad weather? check (mine's great with snow tires/lsd)

decent gas mileage? check (I get around 20-25 mixed driving)

reliable? check

LSD? check (option and it's a real LSD, not an electronic one, and trd has one if it's not properly optioned and doesnt)

Sunroof? check/ standard

<--- Ford Focus sedan meets all your requirements except LSD, but those are available(have a Torsen in my car). I would recommend a 2005-2007 ST sedan with the 2.3L Duratec motor.

Personally, I don't like the way Subarus drive, the controls are incongruent, very overboosted feeling brakes(given, this was a disc/drum car) and kinda slow steering, next to a fairly snick snick gearbox and clutch. They also squeak and rattle like a 90s American car.

I'd look at Fits and some of the already mentioned Fords.

Alfa Milano would work except for the mileage (about 24 mpg), and for one to drive in bad weather you need to make sure to buy one that the heater works. MK2 VW is good too, but they aren't that great without an engine swap.

Miata with a rumble seat.

(Sorry)

Murano convertible

(ok no not really, but available AWD and loving the sun is the only time that i could recommend this terrible terrible car)

Also look into TSX's. Since you're familiar with Hondas, that is pretty much right on the money. An LSD and tune REALLY wakes them up.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will look into all of the reasonable ones ;~)

Did not realize the Mazda Speed 3 came with a LSD.

What do you think of the Lexus CT 200h ?

Isn't there a VW golf/rabbit with a LSD?.. the R32

I also forgot to mention that I am --only-- interested in cars with a manual transmission.

• Scott

scottdawson wrote: What do you think of the Lexus CT 200h ?

No manual.