I can't believe I'm asking this, but the 4-Runner is going down the road which leaves me with a Ranger pickup, the 914, two motorcycles and a VW pickup.
I want a GTi, my wife says it's too small, she's leaning toward Passat wagon. I'm waiting for Per to put up something about his TDI, curious about everyday life with one.
I tend toward German builds but how are the Hondas, Toyotas? Please don't say Kia. A Toyota Venza turned my wife's head one day, no, no what-the-heck-is-that noncategory car.
My requirements are:
4 doors.
Cruise control.
That's it.
I really like the Fusion as an everyday all around car. I have put quite a few miles on three different fusions and have enjoyed them all. Close to 30mpg on the highway and plenty of room.
All mine have been 4cyl/auto and are a little bit underpowered. A manual wakes it up a bit.
mndsm wrote:
Mazdaspeed 3?
This would be my vote.
Ride is good, handle pretty good, quick, oodles of midrange torque.
Then again I'm biased.
if youre considering getting a tdi, DO IT! it doesnt matter what vehicle its in, just get it! golf, jetta, passat, bluesport, that one guy that stuck one in a corrado, they are fantastic engines. they got torque coming out the wazoo, theyre economical, just... awesome.
a jetta TDi wagon is the best comprimise. room and fuel economy. the 1.9 tdi is too small for the heavier passat.
Matt B
HalfDork
8/20/10 1:16 p.m.
The newer TDI engines must be better than the 04 Passat I drove through Germany. Sure, it had some low-end torque, but that's about it. It was like there wasn't any difference between 2K and 5K rpm. Not fun. To me at least. 
Matt B
HalfDork
8/20/10 1:19 p.m.
If I was in your position I'd take a look at the Kizashi. I've heard good things. (unconfirmed though)
Acura Legend? They seem to be fairly cheap...
all the vw diesels are rad, but the new common rail 2.0 litres are downright quick
I picked up a G35 a couple of months ago for a daily driver, and so far I love it. Don't get me wrong, it's still somewhat appliance-like, but it's a damn fast appliance. They're very reasonable used too. So far mine has been perfect. A one owner, low miles '05 for $10k.
I rented a Mazda 3 once, it was nice. Recently rented a Civic, meh. Appliance, proletarian transport.
Budget is $10 - 15k pre-loved.
Dan
How has no one said P71 yet?
ReverendDexter wrote:
How has no one said P71 yet?
Or Volvo!
But in this case I'd say look at used S40/V50s. Same platform as the Mazda3 but trimmed a bit nicer with a turbo 5 in some models.
914Driver wrote:
I rented a Mazda 3 once, it was nice. Recently rented a Civic, meh. Appliance, proletarian transport.
Budget is $10 - 15k pre-loved.
Dan
I'd think you could find a really nice MS3 with that budget.
I'm just sold on one now that I've had one. When I purchased my 350Z back in April, I was over it within 6 weeks. My 2010 MS3 I purchased 2 months ago.
Perfect DD, lots of room, quick, all it really needs is a rear bar and better tires. The OEM Dunlops have sidewalls made of bubblegum.
I have a 2005 Jetta GLI that will be below the low end of your range with a set of 16" snow tires included.
From CARS
Ready for another trip to Michigan?
On that criteria, how bout an M3 Sedan?
Michigan? You kidding, I love driving to Michigan, sometimes I bring back cars.
I've had a black motorcycle, a black M5 and a black truck, I'm cured. But I'll show the finance officer tomorrow.
Dan
