So I got a new job(well, my old job) and I need a reliable D.D. to go 60+ miles a day and take the kids around in. Last car I had was a "00 Golf Tdi that did well.
So I'm looking for a replacement. Requirements are somewhat fun to drive, 30 Mpg, carry two adults and three kids in a pinch.
Bonus for comfortable seats, great headlights, (I'll be driving back roads early mornings/late evenings so DeeR!) track days or autox (maybe, just a wish) and stick shift.
I have test drove a 04 Mazda hatch and enjoyed it and a 08 Mazdaspeed3 that was great but don't know how it would do long term. Looking for a Volvo v50 to test drive as I really think it may fit the bill. In short I'd like a 4 door hatch or wagon. What can I get with a 5000 budget ?
This sounds like a job for a Mazda6. The 3 would work as well, but three kids beyond short trips is asking for conflict.
The Volvo V50 is based on the same platform as the Mazda3, IIRC, so unless you find a wagon, it won't be much bigger.
You can get a relatively new v70, 06+?, and have the best seats ever made. Down side is probably 28 mpg max. Up side, a nice tunable turbo 5.
Above, the Mazda6 is recommended which may be a good recommendation.
Here is a similar and overlooked option that may be correctly depreciated. The earliest Ford Fusions (which share a Mazda6 chassis) were offered with a 2.3L 4cyl and 5 speed manual. Mercury Milan too for even more depreciation. On both, you could even get all the options (Fusion SEL or Milan Premier) and still get the manual trans.
There are not a ton of these out there but the few that are out there are not selling quickly off dealer lots and they are not paying a lot for them at auction.
Sure, a Fusion/Milan is not the sportiest car and given its somewhat large size it is not ultra fast in 4cyl trim. Add to that size, the MPG is not amazing (rated at 29 hyw)
The Fusion/Milan first launched in '06. In '10 the 4 cyl went from 2.3L to 2.5L.
Before you ask, no, the 6cyl Fusion/Milan was never offered with a manual.
However, the Mazda6 was offered with 6cyl and manual.
JohnRW1621 wrote:
Above, the Mazda6 is recommended which may be a good recommendation.
Here is a similar and overlooked option that may be correctly depreciated. The earliest Ford Fusions (which share a Mazda6 chassis) were offered with a 2.3L 4cyl and 5 speed manual. Mercury Milan too for even more depreciation. On both, you could even get all the options (Fusion SEL or Milan Premier) and still get the manual trans.
There are not a ton of these out there but the few that are out there are not selling quickly off dealer lots and they are not paying a lot for them at auction.
Sure, a Fusion/Milan is not the sportiest car and given its somewhat large size it is not ultra fast in 4cyl trim. Add to that size, the MPG is not amazing (rated at 29 hyw)
The Fusion/Milan first launched in '06. In '10 the 4 cyl went from 2.3L to 2.5L.
Before you ask, no, the 6cyl Fusion/Milan was never offered with a manual.
However, the Mazda6 was offered with 6cyl and manual.
AFAIK, only the first gen mazda 6 came with a 6cyl and mtx. 2nd gen was 4cyl only.
Brett_Murphy wrote:
This sounds like a job for a Mazda6. The 3 would work as well, but three kids beyond short trips is asking for conflict.
The Volvo V50 is based on the same platform as the Mazda3, IIRC, so unless you find a wagon, it won't be much bigger.
Depending on how often "IN a pinch" means I agree, the 3 is too small.
If it's solely a backup to a better option with regard to hauling the rugrats, someone just posted that Mazdapseed3s are hitting the 5k range...
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/mazdaspeed3-now-a-5k-car/122142/page1/
I get just about 30mpg at 60mph (got all the way up to 33 with some tailwind help for one tank), and a few less at 70 if I don't drive it too hard. Or a lot less when I'm having more fun.
The third kid would be a booster seat, and just once and a while. Most likely it will be just me and the bigger kids as needed (9 and 11 y.o.) The golf did a great job but was getting long in the tooth. I test drove the two Mazda 3 with the kids and they are voting for Mazdaspeed 3 
I've also had a 03 Mini s but worry about a used one long term . I'd love to get back into auto x ! 85% of the time it will be just me driving to/from work at 65mph playing spot the deer (back roads).
lnlds
Reader
10/12/16 3:35 p.m.
Maybe a 1st gen TSX would fit the bill or even it's softer cousin a 7th gen accord. I've driven an auto mazda6 v6 and auto 7th gen accord and like the accord much better. If you look hard enough some TSXs are starting to dip down into your price range.
