Sporty Commuter for Friend - URGENT!

Hey guys,

I know we get this a lot but my friend is looking for a new car and needs to know by tonight what he wants. I've thrown him a few ideas but I want to pick your guys' brain. There are a few restrictions for this car:

• $20-22K Budget
• Seats 5
• Sedan or SUV (No wagons or hatchbacks)
• Relatively New (2007+)
• < 10,000 miles
• ATX
• At least 20+ city, not too thirsty
• RELIABLE (Not for a car guy, maintenance will be at a shop)
• Fun, not FlyinMiata fun but something he can enjoy driving.

So far we're thinking about the Mazda 3, Lexus IS300, and Acura TSX but are open to suggestions. What do you guys think?

Thanks guys.

He wants sporty but no hatchback? Has to be an auto but will take an SUV? Sounds like he's trying to justify his way into a Camry...

Ideas (and note that ALL of these are better with the stick):

• Ford Fusion
• Mazda6
• Subaru Legacy (preferably the 2.5 GT Turbo)
• Subaru Forrester (again, prefer the 2.5 XT Turbo)
• Last of the Pontiac Grand Prix (GTP Supercharged FTW here, and the Tap Shift Auto is almost a flappy-paddle)

I was going to say fits a BMW 5 Series to a T, but I don't know what $22K would get you for one post-2007.

Love that list. He doesn't need SUPER sporty (not sure if he even wants a boosted car) just something that can get out of it's own way. Thanks, keep 'em coming. Were still looking.

He also just changed his mind about the ATX only, he's willing to learn stick. WAAA-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! This just got a lot more fun.

Edit: He was originally looking at the last generation Impreza WRX. What do you guys think? Personally, I thought that it's a lot of car for what he wants. Higher gas mileage, insurance, theft rate (?)...maybe even too fast (Again, he doesn't need something ridiculously fast, just that he can have a little fun in. I felt that for someone that just wants a sporty commuter, the additional costs of owning the WRX are not worth it). Am I just being paranoid or do you guys think it would be good for him compared to the other cars listed?

rx8, mazdaspeed 6

If he's into the Scooby's, but isn't sure about stick/turbo, the WRX is not the car for him. They have glass transmissions in non-STi form, plus all the negatives you listed.

Better potentials:

• Impreza 2.5RS. Basically a non-turbo WRX, can be had way cheaper. They are small for 5 people though, he should look at mid-size such as:

• Legacy GT. Non-turbo sport Legacy. The 5-speed is smooth but hard as heck to find.

• Mazda6. Again, this is a great choice. Loss of AWD, but way easier to find in a stick and the Sport Pack is nice (visuals, trim). I personally think this one is winner-winner-chicken-dinner.

mazdaspeed6

push $22 to $24 and get the WRX - learn to enjoy a 5 speed.

same thing i'm looking at for after school: v10 tdi touareg
or a phaeton w12
they can both be found for around 20k

At $22k worth of budget, buy new.
That will bring warranty and calm his concerns of reliability.
A new Elantra should fit in that budget.
New Ford Fiesta with some nice options.
Wheel and deal and I bet you could get a Ford Fusion for that kind of money.

In reply to Javelin: Only the early models had tranny issues. late model subaru transmissions are fine unless abused often.

I would echo everyone else's comments, but I'm gonna throw a jetta GLI out there. A little small for five, but it has most of the GTI hardware, in a slightly larger, non-hatchback package.

Also, a sedan Infiniti G35.

I agree with most of the above, but will add a few:

Impreza, mazda 3, mazda 6, civic si, fusion, new focus, new elantra (surprisingly fun), maybe a Sonata/kia optima, cobalt ss sedan, acura tsx

Pontiac G8?

Or get a 6 with boost and AWD if you can scare up a Mazdaspeed 6...

A Mazda 3, but no hatchback? I'm confused.

Anyway, I'd say Mazdaspeed 3. Decent room with the back seat down, great engine for a driver (more TQ than HP focused) and GREAT brakes.

Can you get a new Optima or Sonata with the turbo for that kind of money?

z31maniac wrote: A Mazda 3, but no hatchback? I'm confused. Anyway, I'd say Mazdaspeed 3. Decent room with the back seat down, great engine for a driver (more TQ than HP focused) and GREAT brakes.

I said the same thing. I'm thinking to myself "They make them in not hatchback?"

Then again i'm biased, and would buy the hatchback of anything before the sedan.

Acura TSX?

Saw a 2012 Focus yesterday. Kool, white with blue stripes.

Kia Soul - he can buy new and have lots of change left over. Its a fun car that's usally nicely equipped for the price and 5 year/100,000 mile warranty. Slightly tight for 5 but it can work

Per Schroeder wrote: Acura TSX?

I'll second that recommendation, and also echo the recommendation for a Mazda6, especially an MS6.

Have you driven a MS6?

Per Schroeder wrote: Have you driven a MS6?

Me? Only briefly. There was a used one on a dealer lot near here but they wouldn't let me take it out by myself.