What might you choose?
Mazdaspeed 3 or if you are comfortable with VeeDubs then a GTI could be the ticket.
Edit: SVT Focus. I might be projecting here but they're awesome.
BMW 318ti. It's the only RWD hatch you can buy that fulfills all you asked.. and is half the price for a really good once
I like my SX4 but I don't think it has much autox potential unless you like your autox experience a bit slow. And you don't like aftermarket suspension support.
With that budget, I'd want the Saab 9-2x with a bunch of sti parts. Otherwise everything else listed is a good option.
Bobzilla wrote: Unicorn: SX manual trans Forte5.
I asked the dealer about that he said they don't make them....I was pretty disappointed.
Just look how fast this Elantra Touring looks!
Very high on the utility/wagon-ness, and pretty fun to drive...and has modern car reliability. Can hold its own in HS. Mine (2011 SE) has 78K and I would sell it for between 10-11K. Same chassis as Forte, but with IRS. Touring has bigger swaybars and about 30% stiffer underpinnings than Elantra sedan.
My only complaint with the ETouring is the drivetrain. As much as I loved the old Elantra with the Beta II and 5-spd, that drivetrain combo is dated and showing it's age. The ET shared platform with the Rondo (oh my, what have I done?) but without the good engine (Theta 2.4).
Still, a great car for the money, huge interior and not bad to look at.
trigun7469 wrote:Bobzilla wrote: Unicorn: SX manual trans Forte5.I asked the dealer about that he said they don't make them....I was pretty disappointed.
They lied. 2011/2012 were the only years available, but the ARE out there.
Bobzilla wrote: My only complaint with the ETouring is the drivetrain. As much as I loved the old Elantra with the Beta II and 5-spd, that drivetrain combo is dated and showing it's age. The ET shared platform with the Rondo (oh my, what have I done?) but without the good engine (Theta 2.4). Still, a great car for the money, huge interior and not bad to look at.
It's nothing exciting to be sure...reminds me of a 2.0 Ford Zetec in a Focus. But it is 'adequate' and reliable. My biggest complaint is that it struggles to break 30mpg.
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