New Car help

So I'm an enthusiast, and we're looking for a new car in the next 6 months or so. Current stable is '69 MG Midget, '95 M3, and '02 WRX. Wife wants to get a new car. We have two kids (6 and 10), like to go camping, and the occasional road trip. We live in/near DC.

These are the constraints- what do we sell, and what do we buy? Budget ~$30k. New or certified.

She likes the idea of awd but will defer if necessary. I'd like something "special", as I think life is too short to drive appliances, and we aren't the type to buy/sell every couple years- meaning we might get "stuck" with whatever we get. I've looked, and nothing is really jumping out at me like an '08 Forester Turbo manual did. '15 GTI seems just a tad small.

I am intrigued by the CX-5 as a not too big, not too small vehicle that returns good mpg.
If your wife is like mine, she will appreciate the higher seating position as well. Many people, like my wife, equate low to the ground as small. It is not that a CX-5 is large but my wife consider it a bigger car than it is, due to the seat height.

Re: CX-5: I'd just as soon get a forester, and I can't help but look at those as appliances.

Datsun: I think we're leaning toward selling the WRX (it's a wagon). Don't really use the MG at all, but it unfortunately has a permanent spot. Had it since I was 13, and it sorta just lives here now.

Re: A3. I like it- seems to have a little more wagon than hatchback, but can't find one on auto trader that's AWD and manual. I simply can't bring myself to trust autos, and I do carry some fear of VAG products, but an extended warranty may sway me on that point.

Sell WRX (and M3 if needed), and buy Focus ST. I don't think id get an Audi to keep for a long time, they seem to fall apart rapidly after 100k miles.

ST was definitely on the list, but checked it out at the auto show, and the hatchback is just tiny. The GTI is almost doable (convincing myself of this), and the '15 is getting rave reviews. I could handle it with a new car warranty I think. Wishing it was more wagon-ish.

Also, looks like A3 is off the list, as to get quattro, you have to accept DSG.

If you have any go fast goodies on the WRX you can use many of them on a Forester Turbo.

I will throw out an oddball that is similar to what has already been suggested. How about a Jetta TDI wagon?

EDIT: Sorry just saw AWD and manual. How about a AWD Element and do the 6 speed conversion?

Can I do AWD manual turbo element? That sounds fun, but looks like 2004 was last manual element, and we're looking for something more recent- I'd probably just go '08 forester turbo manual if that were an option.

So one rabbit hole later, how about this?

Teh E36 M3 wrote: So one rabbit hole later, how about this?

why haven't I heard of this before??????

Ursa Minor Campers

Datsun1500 wrote: Is the Audi A3 too small?

He likes camping, not hiking. A few of the outdoor guys at work have Foresters and rave about them.

berkeleyin' a. Just talked to the wife about it- she can be hot and cold about this type of E36 M3.... doesn't like the "wheelin'" thing, but we had such a good time driving around europe a few years back in a VW camper van (VW California - freakin' badass, but not US available) that she's definitely open to this. And I added this: http://www.pinterest.com/westcountyxclub/pins/ and she may be sold! I don't look at myself as a "Jeep" guy, but damn....

Otherwise, Wally, you're right, likely a Forester is the best option. Would be nice to have the vehicle do some of the hiking

Teh E36 M3 wrote: berkeleyin' a. Just talked to the wife about it- she can be hot and cold about this type of E36 M3.... doesn't like the "wheelin'" thing, but we had such a good time driving around europe a few years back in a VW camper van (VW California - freakin' badass, but not US available) that she's definitely open to this. And I added this: http://www.pinterest.com/westcountyxclub/pins/ and she may be sold! I don't look at myself as a "Jeep" guy, but damn....

I had an XJ 4cylinder with 5 speed, and really liked it. Fun to drive. I just didn't put the stupidly over ply tires on it. I went with the softest sidewall I could find (Wal-Mart Wranglers 235-75-15 [29" x 9.25"]) it rode nice, was comfortable, and looked good.

Jeeps are just one of those vehicles that are fun.

That's good to hear. Fun is my goal in life. Happiness is overrated.

I second the Jetta TDI Sportwagen. People may say that it looks like a regular car but it handles very well for a midsized car,definitely not an appliance. Other possibilities are an E90 3-series, Lexus IS, Acura TL, and a Cadillac CTS. My sleeper is a Mazdaspeed 6. A fun car with awd and can be found with a 6-speed.

I would suggest to sell the car she drives the most since she wants a new car, especially if you wouldn't be thrilled to drive it daily. Also convince her that awd isn't the be-all-end-all, especially if she only wants it for snow. Snow tires will be just fine.

Teh E36 M3 wrote: So one rabbit hole later, how about this?

Awwww what did you have to go and post that for, now I kind of like a j@#p. What if my landcruiser friends hear about this?