Help me choose a car! ~22k

[Anto]

So I'm looking for a daily driver to replace my 1993 240sx. I need something reliable with good gas mileage. I'm aiming to stay under ~22k, or $320/mo. New or used - the only problem with used is the potential for problems I want to avoid. My only requirements are:

Manual Transmission
Sedan/Hatchback/Wagon
30+ MPG

I'm 6'0", 165lbs.

So far, I've only found two models-

2012 Mazda3 Hatchback
2012 Impreza Wagon

I like the Mazda3 because it comes with a host of amenities, six speed manual, direct injection motor, 27/38mpg, coming in right at ~22k.

The 2012 Impreza looks great as well, but MPG is slightly lower at 25/33 with the flat 4. Interior dimensions are very similar for both the Impreza and the Mazda3, give or take a couple of inches. Trunk space is larger on the Impreza by ~4.5 cu ft. The Impreza is slightly cheaper at ~$19k.

As far as used models, most of the Honda cars retain their value so well that it looks like it's worth it to spend the extra few thousand and get a new car altogether. I've also looked at the Hyundai Accent Hatch but have yet to see one in person. On paper it looks good but I'm concerned the rear passenger space might be on the smaller size.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

EDIT:

Ended up getting the Mazda3 in Feb. Love it. $18,678 before taxes, $20,942 OTD with $500 GAP insurance.

Already started modding it too. CF wrapped interior, painted/smoked tails, etc.

[yokotas13]

The features of the mazda at 22k is horrible to say the least. I was going to buy one, and ended up with a 2011 corolla S for 20k out the door with 3 years no maintenance. i have 32-34 mpg consistantly
If you get a Used Corolla XRS, you can have your fun too

[deolio]

the mazda 3 is ugly as hell, but it seems like a much better car.

[yokotas13]

even at 23 (before taxes etc) it didnt even have bluetooth. lol

[silviaguy240]

MK6 TDI Golf/Jetta, 50mpg's in manual, good standard features (golf comes standard with touch screen radio), stupid reliable, awesome resale value and actually a brand new one is only a grand or two more and if you get it new they have the 3yr/36k free maintenance.

MK5 as well, a few grand cheaper but not as nice in my opinion.

[s14>integra]

^^ i say get a tdi golf too. great gas mileage and looks clean too.

[EjMalernee]

Hyundai Veloster doesn't look that bad. Better than getting an Accent Hatch.

I also agree with the tdi golf.

[yokotas13]

Originally Posted by s14>integra

^^ i say get a tdi golf too. great gas mileage and looks clean too.

too bad diesel is 40 cents more expensive here lol dunno about OP

[VROOOM]

I just bought a Hyundai Veloster, loaded with every option but the auto trans and it was $22,300 its a great daily driver. gets really good fuel economy, looks good and has a bunch of tech gadgets inside. i would at least look into one.

I bought my Veloster from Handinpants if your interested try to PM him.

[slider2828]

Veloster is definitely awesome or you can get a base model Genesis coupe....

[WanganRunner]

Buy a C5 Corvette 6MT.

Get it for $15k, it gets mid-20's mpg and the price differential between 15k and 22k will make you forget the lower mileage.

Besides, it's sort of a hatchback...


Also: Because V8

[fyneyoungstunna]

Mini Cooper!
for a big guy like you if your not hauling stuff or lots of ppl you wont be let down.
im 6'6 and it is the most comfortable ive been in a car in a long while.
buy used mk2, the newer ones are not that great. "S" package if you can.

other than that the ford focus is pretty nifty.

[ZilviaKid]

Hyundai Accents are wicked value for the money

you should def check them out

[silviaguy240]

Originally Posted by yokotas13

too bad diesel is 40 cents more expensive here lol dunno about OP

Yea its more expensive per gallon, but the yearly fuel cost comes out to be less because of the MPG's and you dont fill up as much. One of my professors has a tdi golf and the dealer wanted to buy it off him. It was 2-3 years old and they were gonna strait trade and put him in a brand new passat without his payment changing. But his yearly fuel cost going from diesel to gas was gonna go up $2000 a year.

[blueshark123]

I wanna buy diesel car for my next daily for sure.

[godrifttoday]

Get a Nissan Altima so u don't have to mod it at all. No money pit. You'll also have a reliable car. Pmts should not be what u look for when going into the dealer u want total price to be less , pmt can always be manipulated by longer term contracts.

[Walperstyle]

EVO IX MR
Seriously, after a few friends bought them, I really regret putting thousands into my S13.

Mods: Coilovers, Cobb accssport tune, volk te37's, injectors and cams. ...there, you have the ability to trash on every s13 out there.

PS, as you get older, and married and such, you can keep it. My wife hates the fact I have a s13.

[VROOOM]

with the VW TDi's do you need Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

[driftsilvias13]

Evo is a great car (I have had both the VIII and X) but the gas mileage is very poor on them. I drive quite a bit esp in traffic and I get 16-18mpg.

[Anto]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm asking for DD advice and I have people telling me to buy an evo or vette. LOL.

I definitely looked into the mk6 Golf, it looks like a great car, but at 26k it's over budget. I'd have to save a few more K's for the down payment.
Diesel gas I don't mind paying the extra $ for because of the increase in MPG.

Veloster looks nice, but it's a 3D and I'm set on a 4D for sure.

Mini cooper - reliability issues. I've read up on some bad stuff about it, plus it's a 2D.

Ford focus is an option I'm looking at.

Altima - nice car but poor MPG in city.

The Mazda3 is supposed to be getting a diesel in 2014 or 2015, something like that, too far out.

I'm also looking at the Jetta TDI. 23k vs the golf at 25k, very similar trunk & interior dimensions (jetta has more rear room). Same motor, weight is within 90lbs so it should get the same gas mileage...

I'm looking up the review stuff on myturbodiesel.com, anyone have first hand experience with the 2011+ TDI Jetta?

[lucky7]

Originally Posted by VROOOM

with the VW TDi's do you need Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Urea? not sure if the new 2.0 TDI uses it.

FA5.


R56.

it's small, but fucking awesome.

MK5/6 sportwagen.

[TheWolf]

Originally Posted by Anto

I'm aiming to stay under ~22k, or $320/mo.

Unless your bringing about 6k down and got the note at around 2%, you're not going to be at 320/month on 22k... don't forget about dealer fee's etc etc.

If you're just MSRP shopping on the websites add about 1k to every price for whorefee's.

[Walperstyle]

I wouldn't look to a new car at all... unless you are one of those types that doesn't have any tools of any kind, and needs a Warranty.

[fyneyoungstunna]

don't count the mini out, the issues are there but its not worse than any other car.
yeah its a two door, but unless your hauling friends around its plenty roomy.
the Hyundai sonatas are pretty decent too.
I,however, imho don't see why people want car payments with the economy the way it is. Not bashing or attacking or anything, just being realistic

[VROOOM]

Originally Posted by lucky7

Urea? not sure if the new 2.0 TDI uses it.

yup, that stuff. we have brand new Mack trucks at work and they drink that stuff down. not to mention if you "accidently" put it in the gas tank your engine is toast.


also what about the Juke. everyone says they are ugly, but i really like them. i looked into them when i got my Veloster. but they dont get nearly as good gas mileage and they still take premium fuel. shitty fuel mileage and premium fuel, i would have just kept the Evo.

[ManoNegra]

Originally Posted by Walperstyle

I wouldn't look to a new car at all... unless you are one of those types that doesn't have any tools of any kind, and needs a Warranty.

Have all the resources I could possibly need on hand
but it is nice to drive a nice comfortable car with good mpg
and warranty

Originally Posted by TheWolf

Unless your bringing about 6k down and got the note at around 2%, you're not going to be at 320/month on 22k... don't forget about dealer fee's etc etc.

I did on the Mazda 3 Skyactive hatch I just picked up
3700 down and $300/moth for 60 months (happy Grant?)

Originally Posted by fyneyoungstunna

I,however, imho don't see why people want car payments with the economy the way it is. Not bashing or attacking or anything, just being realistic

If you have the means it can also be a plus
dealers are more willing to give you a deal BECAUSE of the economy


35mpg street/freeway combined, takes 87 and doesn't drive like a couch
I'm pretty happy with the Mazda 3 so far

[mrslowevoix]

dude i had a r56 mini an 08 and i ran that shit to the ground and it ran so hard nothing ever broke. got it new put 50k on in and it was still running awesome when i sold it. the mini looks small but im tall and i fit in it better then my evo or 240. driving like a grandma i got 45mpg had exhaust and intake. bad ass little car and fun.

[sw20>>s14]

kia optima ex turbo

[lucky7]

i know i posted it in the other thread, but moms has one.


she loves it, although i think she wishes she got the clubman S instead. she calls the trunk on it a little breadbox. it's small.

but even with all the JCW shit, and being an auto, it still gets pretty good MPG's. i don't think my mom has calculated her MPG's, but when cruising on the highway, at 80mph the dash says 40+ nearly all the time. i think it's got 208hp or something out of the turbo 1.6.

[GSXRJJordan]

After owning a few new cars and trucks as well as older ones, and having good paying jobs and not-so-good ones, I have a major conscience problem with taking the huge depreciation hit by buying or leasing a new car. For a corporation, leasing cars makes sense, but it's tough to stomach how much you've paid and what the car's worth when you get close to the end of your payments.

At 20k, you're in CTS-V territory, and almost in G8 territory. Great daily, still good mileage, not huge maintenance problems, and excellent status/resale.