So my current DD is an 06 Mazda 3 which is doing quite well for the foreseeable future but 2 things that are in the back of my mind are the fact it's a former PA car and would need rust patches welded in to actually pass VA inspection and it's approaching 200k on what I think is a stock chain assembly (2.3 MZR btw.)
My requirements would be,
- Manual only (there are good autos out there I know but I just can't stand them on a daily basis)
- 32+mpg minimum (88mi round trip every day)
- Regular 87 fuel (see above)
- Sub $10k but looking closer to sub $8k
- Not entirely gutless (have to pull out on to a 65mph road from a stop multiple times a day)
- Still fun to drive and not a rolling penalty box
My thoughts for vehicles so far are,
- Mazda 2,3,6,CX-5, NC miata
- Honda Fit,CR-Z, 8gen plus civic
- VW TDI 4cyl (golf,Passat,Jetta)
I am trying to avoid euros because of cost per parts but am intimately familiar with VW's which is why they are there.
What am I missing that I should be keeping an eye on?
