Secret Squirrel 3 Posted July 14, 2013 Well it looks like I am in the market for a new car a little sooner than expected. I am looking for ideas of what to get. Here are the details: trading in two cars, looking in the $20-23k price range for the car. I am looking for something fun, prefer manual trans, certified pre-owned, gas mileage is a small factor would like at least 25mpg. Let's hear it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djg0770 481 Posted July 14, 2013 You're not going to here anything unless you hear it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Secret Squirrel 3 Posted July 14, 2013 You're not going to here anything unless you hear it. Thank you Daniel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clintoon Eastwood 2 Posted July 14, 2013 Subaru wrx Subaru sti Both used should be in that range Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spanky 1 Posted July 14, 2013 WRX, Focus ST, G35/350Z, 05-10 Mustang, EVO, Scion TC... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Urban Grunt 44 Posted July 14, 2013 V6 challenger 2011-12 range Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Secret Squirrel 3 Posted July 14, 2013 I'll add this, I should have earlier, I am trading in an 05 Mustang GT, I don't want another muscle car for right now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RS1200XL 4 Posted July 14, 2013 Focus ST! Smoothest shifter I ever felt. Ricaro seats are awesome. Its a great all around car for the price(23k for ST1; 25k for the ST2; 27k for ST3). I ALMOST bought one, however the need for a truck came up. I hope to get an ST in a year or so. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan_G 0 Posted July 14, 2013 WRX, STI, FRS, BRZ, Evo, Mazdaspeed3, Legacy GT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawnmoore81 623 Posted July 14, 2013 Ford fusion Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
locochinoloco 0 Posted July 14, 2013 Not sure if this is on your list... VW CC 2.0T It's what I drive and best value in IMO. Stock it is 200 hp with 200 lbs of torque and gets 31 mpg. 13.5 cu/ft of trunk space. I also chipped it and added an intake for less than $1000 .... with the APR chip... 265 hp with 300 lbs of torque... and if I drive like a nerd, cruise control on 55 mph..... I've gotten up to 42 mpg with 40 miles travel distance... with slight hills ... but when I need to go without TCS ... it burns out ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stonecoldchavez 92 Posted July 14, 2013 You didn't say how many doors....... based on your requirements it might be tough for "something fun, manual trans". Otherwise a used Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata. Sporty: Lexus IS250 or G37. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bennj 215 Posted July 15, 2013 Accord coupe V6. the Infiniti is nice, but not sure you'd get close to price point, plus it's premium gas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Babyface Finster 45 Posted July 15, 2013 Look at the new Mazda 6. Good mileage, 6 speed manual available, reasonably fun to drive and you can buy one brand new in your price range. Subjective I know, but it think it's a damn good looking car. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Secret Squirrel 3 Posted July 15, 2013 I appreciate all the input, I have been looking heavily at the Focus ST as it seems like the biggest bang for the buck as far as options, reliability and cost. There is one at a dealership near my work that I might go check out tomorrow after work. When I said "fun" I meant something not boring, ie Camry or Accord. I'm looking for something with a little character to it. Also, it doesn't have to be a manual, I just prefer manual. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TooBigToFit 2 Posted July 15, 2013 Subaru wrx Subaru sti Both used should be in that range Or the Legacy GT. Pretty much a grown up WRX. I love mine. A shame they only had the wagon in manual for 1 year. These don't really fit your MPG requirement though. I think mine is rated 18/24 with 20 average. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob2222 316 Posted July 15, 2013 Honda Civic Si (But not the coupe, the sedan.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted July 15, 2013 I likes me my sonata. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iCARRY 0 Posted July 15, 2013 VW jetta TDI. I get 41-49 mpg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobertJames 14 Posted July 15, 2013 I really like my Forester, though it's probably not your idea of sporty. Check out Legacy's and Outback's instead. Should be close to your price point, mileage is improving, and it's the last car anyone would expect to have a trunk full of guns. And speaking of guns, mine had 5 shotguns, 3 cases of shells, 3 cases of clay birds, 2 batteries, a case of water, a clay bird launcher, and 2 chairs for the shotgun shootout yesterday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ClangClang 14 Posted July 15, 2013 I bought a 2012 Mazda 3 hatchback with the Skyactiv powertrain (41MPG, 6 spd manual) when they were closing them out and bringing in the 2013 models. As of 2 weeks ago, on the 1 year anniversary of buying it, I had 21,300 miles on it. Love it to death - it's the first car (out of the 8 total that I've owned) that I truly like. I've had gripes about all the other cars... 3 Toyotas, 1 Honda, 1 Chrysler, 1 Dodge, 1 Mercury. The new 2014 models are seriously sexy with some fantastic upgrades. I chose the Mazda after test driving the Impreza, Focus, and Elantra hatchback. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blksheep 466 Posted July 15, 2013 Anything from the foreign automakes should be fine. We bought a 2010 Elantra that was $12, 000 with 8000 miles on it last year. Great car, to make it more sporty tint the windows and add a spoiler. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
forayzor 1 Posted July 15, 2013 I appreciate all the input, I have been looking heavily at the Focus ST as it seems like the biggest bang for the buck as far as options, reliability and cost. There is one at a dealership near my work that I might go check out tomorrow after work. When I said "fun" I meant something not boring, ie Camry or Accord. I'm looking for something with a little character to it. Also, it doesn't have to be a manual, I just prefer manual. I drive them all the time at work, they're an absolute blast and we haven't seen any issues with them yet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites