Looking for car suggestions, help please!

So I think I am going to retire my 198k mile v6 manual Mazda 6 wagon (if anyone is interested) and look for something newer with less potential maintenance. I need something that can hold two car seats occasionally so rear seat accessibility is necessary. I drive 50 miles 2 to 3 times a week, without the kids. I move sheet goods occasionally so hatches and wagons are great but a pass through sedan would likely work too. Mpgs isn't massively important but is always something to consider. I would like to either enjoy the drive or be so comfortable that I don't care. Manuals are preferred but a good auto is acceptable if attached to a torquey motor.

Less than 10 years old and a decent annoy of miles for a Max budget of $15k. 
 

Current contenders are Chevy Bolt, Ford Fusion Sport, a variety of small manual hatchbacks, VWs with the dual clutch auto(or three pedals). 

Thank you!

I have been looking at Kia Sportage seems to be a lot of value for the money.

Can you get an Elantra GT that cheap yet?

In this similar thread, I recommended a Kia Stinger for the 4 dr w/ hatch and rwd.

A little more than your budget but CPOs w/ warranty to 100k can be found for $20k

VW Sportwagen with a 2.5. VW-ness without the self-destructive nature of the turbo engines.

In reply to John Welsh :

That is an interesting thought but $15k is already a bit of a stretch. 

Volvo V60?

Autotrader V60 in Kansas City

In reply to singleslammer :

I really like Adrian's that he bought last year.  

The Bolt is my favorite in your list, but I have to admit I haven't tried one yet.

In reply to singleslammer :

Even the T5 will move that competently. Find a T6 for real bonus. 
 

Genesis R-Spec is another option. I would love an Lexus LS but those are either too old or too pricey. 

How about an Infiniti QX-30, specifically in Sport trim?

I'm crossing genres, but hear me out.

Mercedes made the GLA as a compact SUV. The GLA250 is a tall, two box design. The GLA45 AMG lowers it such that the EPA designated it a compact station wagon, and it dimensionally matches a WRX wagon, except with 350hp. Cheap AMG45 examples are in the 25k range.

Nissan partnered to rebadge the GLA, making the QX-30. The QX has the same engine and double clutch as the GLA250. Thing is, the Sport trim combines the lowered stance (I don't know that it's the same suspension, it probably isn't.) with the smaller engine.

Used asking prices for a QX-30 sport seem to be $16-17k, so may be within negotiation.

I've driven the GLA45 AMG, and it was a very enjoyable car.

I'm thinking it'd be a good combo of your wants of efficiency, enjoyable drive, and comfortable enough to not care.

In reply to Mike (Forum Supporter) :

This IS interesting. I do worry about the maintenance costs of a German in Japanese clothing. I will definitely look into it though. 

I dont hate this color but this is the only Sport nationwide that is even close to my price and it is still 663 miles away. Stupid COVID makes a fly and drive not possible. If I could find one locally to drive, I would be okay with delivery though. 

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=65255&trimNames=Sport%20FWD&showNegotiable=true&sortDir=ASC&sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&distance=50000&sortType=DEAL_SCORE&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d2356#listing=293924877

Best mini van you can find. 

In reply to dean1484 :

I am on the minivan train but my wife already has a Sienna so getting another van doesn't really make a ton of sense. 

The Infiniti QX30s under $20k seem to have issues (salvage title, frame damage reported, etc...) Not likely something I want to drive 700 miles to check out. 

Focus ST?

In reply to Furious_E (Forum Supporter) :

I am more inclined to go for the Fiesta ST but those are on the radar as well. 

In reply to Mike (Forum Supporter) :

the QX-30 also looks so much better than the GLA as well

So that qx30 I listed was a flood car. What are the thoughts on that? 

I've bought and sold more than 15 salvage cars. Flood cars scare me. Especially if can not see the car in the "before repaired" condition and only in the "after repaired" condition. 

German Japanese mash‐up sounds bad enough itself in the long run but then add in electrical gremlins ala flood damage and I think you'll have a car that Infiniti doesn't know how to fix and Mercedes won't fix. 

John Welsh said:

I've bought and sold more than 15 salvage cars. Flood cars scare me. Especially if can not see the car in the "before repaired" condition and only in the "after repaired" condition. 

German Japanese mash‐up sounds bad enough itself in the long run but then add in electrical gremlins ala flood damage and I think you'll have a car that Infiniti doesn't know how to fix and Mercedes won't fix. 

i mean all the Infiniti 4cyls are Mercedes now but agree on the flood car part

John Welsh said:

I've bought and sold more than 15 salvage cars. Flood cars scare me. Especially if can not see the car in the "before repaired" condition and only in the "after repaired" condition. 

German Japanese mash‐up sounds bad enough itself in the long run but then add in electrical gremlins ala flood damage and I think you'll have a car that Infiniti doesn't know how to fix and Mercedes won't fix. 

I agree without seeing how deep the water was in it, it's a gamble as to what kind of electrical nightmares will surface. If it was totaled quite a few modules must have been affected, plus fluid changes, etc. 

I want to apologize. After having the idea, I vetted the QX-30 and typed it out too quickly. I failed to catch how bad that one was, and I wrote my original message so it looked like the cheapest was the average price.  I think the car meets your purpose, but it's over budget.

In reply to Mike (Forum Supporter) :

No worries Mike! It was a good suggestion otherwise. I didn't even know they existed.