It is Wednesday so that means another time for a Mid Week Match-Up (TM)! DT reader TinyFrogs is looking for a commuter in the $5k-$12k range. Find him something good. In his words: Anyway, later this summer I'd like to pick up an efficient, reliable,
and fun-to-drive compact wagohatch of some sort, manual transmission,
ballpark of $5k (cash) to $12k (note). I like sleepers with style. This
would complement an old Xterra that needs more TLC, so no beaters.
Also needs some modern safety. I have a family.
Fit is too small, Legacy is too large. Current car crush of the moment is the 1st-gen Matrix XRS/Vibe GT, which have the 2ZZ, a 6-speed, a functional body style, and well over 30 mpg if kept out of lift. I just saw one with only 87k on CG but it was gone almost instantly. I've given up on finding a Saab 9-2x aero that isn't molested or high-mileage. Besides, it leans too heavily on the "fun" and less so on the "reliable/efficient" parts of the formula. Same with the hot version of the V50, but maybe a FWD T5? I'm in the mid-atlantic so East Coast, rust free cars are fair game.
DT's choice would be the Mazda 3 hatch. The Mazdaspeed version is certainly tempting, but the basic Mazda 3 with NA 2.3 liter inline-4 and 5-speed manual is much cheaper and will be frugal in fuel and maintenance. Here is one in the SF Bay area for $10k.
What do you recommend for TinyFrogs? comments below.
Here you go, good sir. These are the droids you're looking for. Saab 9-3 Aero Sportcombi
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete4Door SVT?
This right here folks. Or a 5-door, 5-speed Golf TDI for the same price. A good tune really unlocks the torque.
DeleteA 200k mile Ford or a 200k mile Golf (from VW's high water mark era of quality indifference)......you guys saw where he said "reliable" as one of his needs, right? ;-)
DeletePlus, all VW's of that vintage smell like crayons inside. I heard it was because of the glue they used...but that could just be internet hearsay.
DeleteAudi A3 - Jetta wagon - Lexus IS300 hatch
ReplyDeleteYou don't know it yet, but you need this.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, don't we all need a Yugo? I'd park it right next to my LeCar, Pacer & Chrysler Town & Country Convertible K-Car.
DeleteWas that a video.......cause the house was moving faster.
DeleteIt has the look, low miles, and function to keep you and the wife happy without breaking the bank at this link:
ReplyDeleteMazda 6 Long Roof
Now get a separate project sports car with a stick and moar power!
Or stretch and get this: 35K mile BMW Long Roof Ohhh yeah!
DeleteFinding a non-slushbox Mazda 6 Wagon is a true unicorn
DeleteThis Scion XB will not light up the drag strip but it's zippy nature, tight handling and good mpg combined with it's reliability and safety might JUST BE THE DROID YOU"RE LOOKING FOR. Plus, the kids will love it.
ReplyDeleteI would want THIS, minus the HELLA BRO STANCE BRO . Anyway, back in the real world, the Fit is pretty enormous inside, almost 60 cubic ft of cargo with the seats down and very fun to drive. Legacy wagon has about 66, the Rav4 about 70 for comparison.
ReplyDelete^^ That minivan looks like a BMW mated with a mongoloid.
Deletehow about a my mazdaspeed 3? has some body work needing to be done (someone decided to clip my front bumper by merging into my lane without checking their blind spot) and it is molested but very reliable... obviously doesn't look quite as nice anymore and has oz's on it now. http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/f228/xcoldricex-s-black-mica-mazdaspeed-3-a-36806/
ReplyDeleteor... you could get a awd supercharged previa? i really want one.
ReplyDelete