GRM: Does such a car exist?

Long time lurker, first time caller. I sold my '09 GTI yesterday (hallelujah!) and I am on the hunt for a replacement. After a long history with VW and a bad experience with the MKV I'm done with the brand for awhile.

Here is my impossible list of wants - does anything fit the bill?

• Reliable. Doesn't have to be a Civic DX but better than an old VW.
• Manual. No exceptions.
• Torquey. I prefer near-instant power to high revving screamers.
• Responsive. I like a communicative car. May do some amount of auto-x.
• Comfy. I've been spoiled by VWs and Volvos, so a FiST may be an adjustment.
• 15k or less. I could go higher if absolutely necessary but I'd rather go lower.

4 doors aren't a requirement but with dogs/eventual kids it could be helpful (although we have a XC70 for DD and hauling duties).

That said, my options so far are: Volvo C30; 128i M Sport; Mazdaspeed3 (1G); Fiesta ST.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I appreciate the help!

Is300 ticks all these boxes for half your budget. Spend the rest on a swift racing technology turbo

Would Corvette be comfy enough?
It hits all the other marks.
C4 or C5 can be had well under the $15k mark.

Infiniti G37 is the back seat version of the Nissan 370z and that back seat can be had in either 2 door or 4 door.

'12 or earlier Accord EX V6 6spd Coupe.

Based on the instant power requirement I think you need a manual Leaf.

JohnRW1621 wrote: Would Corvette be comfy enough? It hits all the other marks. C4 or C5 can be had well under the $15k mark. Infiniti G37 is the back seat version of the Nissan 370z and that back seat can be had in either 2 door or 4 door.

I've never really liked Corvettes based on ride quality and driving position. I'm also in Nebraska so gobs of horsepower + lightweight body + RWD + winter driving can be challenging.

I forgot to include a late-model G35 on my original list but I'm definitely open to that. IS300s are a good option too but tough to find in manual.

In reply to Prototypical:

Really not hard to find one with a manual, people always say that, but on the average, I'd say at any given moment there are two+ on a local craigslist search. Most (all) manuals I've seen are lsd equipped too.

I always liked the Volvo C-30 but don't know much about them.

Murphy wrote: Based on the instant power requirement I think you need a manual Leaf.

It's a single ratio gearbox with no clutch or torque converter. You could say that it's not an automatic.

I've got requirements similar to yours. My list includes the Infiniti G35/37 twins and an Acura TL, preferably Type S.

Is the 128i below $15k?

My list would be:
Accord V6 6spd coupe
G35 or G37
Mazdaspeed3
FiST or FoST (you may find a base trim around your budget)

IS300 and MazdaSpeed3 would be the two I gravitate toward.

VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition?

Mustang, Camaro, Infinity G37

But for comfortable, powerful, responsive and AWD Audi has the market cornered. S4

Spped3 was the first thing to come to mind.

sesto elemento wrote: In reply to Prototypical: Really not hard to find one with a manual, people always say that, but on the average, I'd say at any given moment there are two+ on a local craigslist search. Most (all) manuals I've seen are lsd equipped too.

True, although IS300s are much less plentiful in the middle of the country and the thought of driving a 15+ year old car across the country (many with 120k+ mi on them) isn't encouraging. If the right one popped up I would definitely consider if PPI and shipping were options.

TL - I drove an 06 manual and found it a bit sterile. Maybe the Type S might correct that though? Would it be too big for autocross?

128i - early models are definitely at or below 15k although M Specs are hard to find.

Accord V6 Coupes aren't bad; did they do a V6 manual in sedan form?

TDI Cup - a diesel VW is about the last place I want to go right now. Lol. I might consider a GLI or a 4-door GTI but only under warranty (tough to do in the price range I'm working with).

Any major turn offs for the MS3?

S60R/V70R... might be a bit of a stretch for reliability? But 15k should land you a very nice one.

If you're looking at the C30, there's also the S40 and V50.

The nicest Saab 9-5 Aero in the world.

In reply to Prototypical:

Accord V6 manual sedan was '06-'07 only, though they seem to trade at the same price as a similar Acura TL, and I doubt they're more exciting.

"Does such a car exist"

Yes

Winter driving High HP rwd cars in Nebraska is not that big of a challenge with the right tires. I drove V8 mustangs there for years with winter tires and never had any issues.

I would have a MS3 well before I'd look at the C30. I wasn't a fan of the MS3 long term though but that is more just that I found it loud and I tend to drive long distances when I drive.

I really like my G37. I mean it's a 13.5 1/4 mile car and can cruise for days. In journey trim it's not as sharp as a GTI but I would also drive it across country any day of the week. In the same lines, the TL-S is not a horrible option either.

I wouldn't put a 128I in the $15K price range in the reliable category personally but that is just me.

I have a 2012 Mazdaspeed3 I'm about to sell for under your budget. It's not perfect but it's a lot less than ones that are.

Drive the FiST and if you can't wipe the grin off your face within 2 hours, you'll know you have your car.

BMW 335i with a JB4? Ludicrously fast and torquey, more reliable than an older VW, manual, comfy, responsive, and close to budget.

I'm looking at an 01 M5 manual for $14K with a buddy tomorrow. ..

Bmw with turbo motor. 135i, 335i, heck even a 535i. Otherwise with your requirement of "near instant torque" you want a v8...at g8s at that price point yet?