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Since we are moving to Michigan to get me back into the car biz, our mortgage is being cut in half. When doing so, $1000 in car payments looks silly. So wife's car is being paid off, ditching the F30 328 and buying a car in cash. I wanted something winter friendly, 6mt wagon or hatch.
I had a list of AWD wagons with manuals, Audi S4 and Allroad, but engine out for turbos, timing belts, A6's Air-suspension scare me too much(same thing with an V70R Volvo). I like the Legacy GT wagon, but only '05 has a manual. I would do an E46 XI, but 184hp is all that comes in a wagon. I would also do an '06 9-2x Aero 5spd, but good luck finding a low mileage one for under $15k.
The only two FWD cars I considered are an Saab 9-5 Aero and an MazdaSpeed3. The Ms3 is a natural successor to the Viggen I had. Nice aftermarket, decent fuel economy, semi rare, quick stock(5.8 to 60/14.1@100mph). So far that's the winner, an '08-09 with 30-50k miles, throw on a Cobb tune, exhaust, FMIC and have a low 13 second car.
So that's the plan! F30 is only for sale on one forum right now. When I return from "The show" in Cali(leaving Saturday!) I will put it on Autotrader, Craigs, etc as it has a pretty low payoff. So I will be picking up the new car in early April when I return.
Any suggestions from you guys I might have missed for a wagon/hatch in a 5dr, manual, FWD or AWD, quick+decent aftermarket, nothing older than '05, nothing more than asking price of $15k(negotiated to $13,500)?
FYI, I am also open to salvage/Rebuilt title cars, so if I found a '09+ WRX hatch for that price, something like that is worth it for me too.
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Outback XT? Love mine. LGT wagon on stilts.
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hyperboarder wrote:
Outback XT? Love mine. LGT wagon on stilts.
I did think of that, turning into a bit of an STI. I would think they are rare with a 5mt and low miles for under $15k.
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Forester XT
VW R32? - nm, the 04-08 versions may have only been 3 door
Last edited by n_r_child (2014-02-20 12:05:33)
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n_r_child wrote:
Forester XT
VW R32? - nm, the 04-08 versions may have only been 3 door
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Jameson wrote:
hyperboarder wrote:
Outback XT? Love mine. LGT wagon on stilts.
I did think of that, turning into a bit of an STI. I would think they are rare with a 5mt and low miles for under $15k.
They aren't too rare. They came in manual from 05-09. You could get them for under $15k. I was going to mention that car as well.
Maybe a new Jetta Sportwagen when they come out this year. They are supposed to be available in TDi with manual and awd.
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crxgator wrote:
Jameson wrote:
hyperboarder wrote:
Outback XT? Love mine. LGT wagon on stilts.
I did think of that, turning into a bit of an STI. I would think they are rare with a 5mt and low miles for under $15k.
They aren't too rare. They came in manual from 05-09. You could get them for under $15k. I was going to mention that car as well.
Maybe a new Jetta Sportwagen when they come out this year. They are supposed to be available in TDi with manual and awd.
This. You can buy mine for cheap but it's got 134k on the ticker. However you can probably find one well under 100k for sub-$15k.
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Jameson wrote:
The only two FWD cars I considered are an Saab 9-5 Aero and an MazdaSpeed3. The Ms3 is a natural successor to the Viggen I had. Nice aftermarket, decent fuel economy, semi rare, quick stock(5.8 to 60/14.1@100mph). So far that's the winner, an '08-09 with 30-50k miles, throw on a Cobb tune, exhaust, FMIC and have a low 13 second car.
When I was looking for a wagon/hatch and ultimately bought my Aero I test drove a Mazdaspeed since I liked those as well. Fun little cars (I was looking at the previous generation) but I had a neighbor that had a tuned Mazdaspeed that I took a ride in as well that was even more speedy! Those are cool for their sleeper quality since you hardly see any Mazdaspeeds, just the base hatchbacks.
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You're a bit far from me but I've been considering selling my Legacy Wagon GT.
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The Turbo X Sportcombi meets those requirements. I've seen a few listed for $15k or under. The downside is finding a manual wagon for sale. With so few in the US it may take a while for one to come up.
Did the A3 ever come with a manual? This one is close to meeting the requirements.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-A3-WE-FINA … ars_Trucks
Last edited by ERP (2014-02-20 14:48:57)
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I'm not crazy about Mazda's clutch feel. It's like a cross between Volkswagen and an old Wrangler. I would go with an 08+ Forester "XTI". I think they're really good looking and have a familiar and capable power plant. If you're moving to Michigan a high power FWD car might not be the best bet.
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thebillsman wrote:
I'm not crazy about Mazda's clutch feel. It's like a cross between Volkswagen and an old Wrangler. I would go with an 08+ Forester "XTI". I think they're really good looking and have a familiar and capable power plant. If you're moving to Michigan a high power FWD car might not be the best bet.
True statement. Forgot about the snow. And ya I agree the clutch, at least in the older generation Mazdaspeed's was a bit tricky to get used to on the test drive I took it on.
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I am ruling out golfs as I have had bad recent vw experience.
TX and XWD combi are on my radar , but I might be bored of that interior as its in two of my families cars already.
I also have no prob driving a few hundred miles for the right car.
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I'm actually quite interested to hear MS3 input. On my short list of OBXT replacements.
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My wife actually likes this more than the MS3, will put it in the CONSIDER box. It's 5 mins from my house.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale … &Log=0
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Despite a rather blandtastic interior and ... polarizing ... exterior, I find the HHR to be a great "enough" vehicle. The rentals I had were comfortable and rather practical given the extra height it has compared to some of the other waghatches suggested- for people or cargo. It's cheap enough, reliable enough, common enough parts shouldn't be an issue, simple enough that shouldn't be too difficult to work on. Based on all the commentary I heard of the SS Cobalts and SS HHRs, I have to assume good-to-great enough things. For the right price, I'd definitely rock one. In the case of that specific model, I'd strongly consider swapping those seats out, however.
Btw, how do you feel about the first gen Caddy SRX? Just thought of it while compiling my short list below. They are reaching your price point, had AWD variants and drive nicely. Auto-only, though, and a bit more CUV-like than some of your other choices but not nearly as much of a stretch as you might think.
Edit:
In fact, I'm adding the HHR it to my personal short list, along with the Cobalt SS. Others: Fiesta and Focus STs, post-refresh 1st gen Cadillac SRX, BMW clown shoe, Cadillac ATS, Chevy Volt. The last three likely won't stay on the list solely due to cost, and as long as I have the Wagoneer, I can choose a vehicle with a stick, likely eliminating the SRX... still, I'll keep them in mind for when/if the Saabaru goes.
Last edited by n_r_child (2014-02-21 15:48:32)
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At least you'd be reppin a Made in 'Merica car in Detroit. ha. Koji-mod the headlights, get rid of the chrome wheels for something a little more discreet and call it a day.
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Jameson wrote:
My wife actually likes this more than the MS3, will put it in the CONSIDER box. It's 5 mins from my house.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale … &Log=0
Haha that things interior actually makes our cars look good.
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n_r_child wrote:
Despite a rather blandtastic interior and ... polarizing ... exterior, I find the HHR to be a great "enough" vehicle. The rentals I had were comfortable and rather practical given the extra height it has compared to some of the other waghatches suggested- for people or cargo. It's cheap enough, reliable enough, common enough parts shouldn't be an issue, simple enough that shouldn't be too difficult to work on. Based on all the commentary I heard of the SS Cobalts and SS HHRs, I have to assume good-to-great enough things. For the right price, I'd definitely rock one. In the case of that specific model, I'd strongly consider swapping those seats out, however.
Btw, how do you feel about the first gen Caddy SRX? Just thought of it while compiling my short list below. They are reaching your price point, had AWD variants and drive nicely. Auto-only, though, and a bit more CUV-like than some of your other choices but not nearly as much of a stretch as you might think.
Edit:
In fact, I'm adding the HHR it to my personal short list, along with the Cobalt SS. Others: Fiesta and Focus STs, post-refresh 1st gen Cadillac SRX, BMW clown shoe, Cadillac ATS, Chevy Volt. The last three likely won't stay on the list solely due to cost, and as long as I have the Wagoneer, I can choose a vehicle with a stick, likely eliminating the SRX... still, I'll keep them in mind for when/if the Saabaru goes.
Sorry, wont even consider a two pedal car.
I don't think you can compare an rental HHR to an SS like I would not compare an 3 to the MS3. I will test drive both and see.
The HHRs interior is pretty bad though lol. I put the Ms3 on top, but still worth having the SS as an option.
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Jameson wrote:
n_r_child wrote:
Despite a rather blandtastic interior and ... polarizing ... exterior, I find the HHR to be a great "enough" vehicle. The rentals I had were comfortable and rather practical given the extra height it has compared to some of the other waghatches suggested- for people or cargo. It's cheap enough, reliable enough, common enough parts shouldn't be an issue, simple enough that shouldn't be too difficult to work on. Based on all the commentary I heard of the SS Cobalts and SS HHRs, I have to assume good-to-great enough things. For the right price, I'd definitely rock one. In the case of that specific model, I'd strongly consider swapping those seats out, however.
Btw, how do you feel about the first gen Caddy SRX? Just thought of it while compiling my short list below. They are reaching your price point, had AWD variants and drive nicely. Auto-only, though, and a bit more CUV-like than some of your other choices but not nearly as much of a stretch as you might think.
Edit:
In fact, I'm adding the HHR it to my personal short list, along with the Cobalt SS. Others: Fiesta and Focus STs, post-refresh 1st gen Cadillac SRX, BMW clown shoe, Cadillac ATS, Chevy Volt. The last three likely won't stay on the list solely due to cost, and as long as I have the Wagoneer, I can choose a vehicle with a stick, likely eliminating the SRX... still, I'll keep them in mind for when/if the Saabaru goes.Sorry, wont even consider a two pedal car.
I don't think you can compare an rental HHR to an SS like I would not compare an 3 to the MS3. I will test drive both and see.
The HHRs interior is pretty bad though lol. I put the Ms3 on top, but still worth having the SS as an option.
Fair enough. I'm mostly with you on the automatic thing, but have realized I need a break from rowing my own in traffic from time to time. Sadly, no work from home at my current job but luckily, I found the Wagoneer. I think you've been there before, but if not, Detroit has its share of traffic jams, particularly on I94 and 696, though the surface streets aren't immune.
Fwiw, I only compared the HHR rental in the sense that I've sat in one, noted the interior fit and finish and found it practical and comfortable (space wise, though I realize I didn't make that particularly clear). Those are attributes not likely to change significantly from base to sporty trims regardless of Mazda, Chevy or Audi (A4 to S4, for example); appearance, power, handling and suspension stiffness will, however but I didn't comment on those factors.
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ikbrown wrote:
At least you'd be reppin a Made in 'Merica car in Detroit. ha. Koji-mod the headlights, get rid of the chrome wheels for something a little more discreet and call it a day.
I'm pretty sure that thing was made in Mexico....
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n_r_child wrote:
Jameson wrote:
n_r_child wrote:
Despite a rather blandtastic interior and ... polarizing ... exterior, I find the HHR to be a great "enough" vehicle. The rentals I had were comfortable and rather practical given the extra height it has compared to some of the other waghatches suggested- for people or cargo. It's cheap enough, reliable enough, common enough parts shouldn't be an issue, simple enough that shouldn't be too difficult to work on. Based on all the commentary I heard of the SS Cobalts and SS HHRs, I have to assume good-to-great enough things. For the right price, I'd definitely rock one. In the case of that specific model, I'd strongly consider swapping those seats out, however.
Btw, how do you feel about the first gen Caddy SRX? Just thought of it while compiling my short list below. They are reaching your price point, had AWD variants and drive nicely. Auto-only, though, and a bit more CUV-like than some of your other choices but not nearly as much of a stretch as you might think.
Edit:
In fact, I'm adding the HHR it to my personal short list, along with the Cobalt SS. Others: Fiesta and Focus STs, post-refresh 1st gen Cadillac SRX, BMW clown shoe, Cadillac ATS, Chevy Volt. The last three likely won't stay on the list solely due to cost, and as long as I have the Wagoneer, I can choose a vehicle with a stick, likely eliminating the SRX... still, I'll keep them in mind for when/if the Saabaru goes.Sorry, wont even consider a two pedal car.
I don't think you can compare an rental HHR to an SS like I would not compare an 3 to the MS3. I will test drive both and see.
The HHRs interior is pretty bad though lol. I put the Ms3 on top, but still worth having the SS as an option.Fair enough. I'm mostly with you on the automatic thing, but have realized I need a break from rowing my own in traffic from time to time. Sadly, no work from home at my current job but luckily, I found the Wagoneer. I think you've been there before, but if not, Detroit has its share of traffic jams, particularly on I94 and 696, though the surface streets aren't immune.
Fwiw, I only compared the HHR rental in the sense that I've sat in one, noted the interior fit and finish and found it practical and comfortable (space wise, though I realize I didn't make that particularly clear). Those are attributes not likely to change significantly from base to sporty trims regardless of Mazda, Chevy or Audi (A4 to S4, for example); appearance, power, handling and suspension stiffness will, however but I didn't comment on those factors.
Gotcha.
I drive the wifes auto with her in it a fair bit of the time. So I get a rest when I need.
Right on the HHR vs SS interior, SS just means better seats and a boost gauge lol.
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racerjim wrote:
ikbrown wrote:
At least you'd be reppin a Made in 'Merica car in Detroit. ha. Koji-mod the headlights, get rid of the chrome wheels for something a little more discreet and call it a day.
I'm pretty sure that thing was made in Mexico....
I have found that Metro-Detroit has become much more accepting of foreign cars over the last decade.
In '00 I would get high fives for driving the Beretta(also known as Terrible F-). But each year I returned I saw more and more diversity. It also helps bringing at least one Saab as due to GM being in the fold, crap load more Saabs are in the area and don't get a second look.
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I know you aren't looking towards this, but maybe...
2007 VW GTI - 4door - 6MT 20k miles - clean carfax one owner - $14,999.00
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js … listType=1
2011 Mini Cooper S - 54,7XX miles - 6MT - clean carfax two owners - $15,000.00
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js … listType=1
2009 MazdaSpeed 3 - 52k miles - 6MT - clean carfax two owners (one dealer) - $14,954.00
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js … listType=1
Yes, they are all at the dealers.
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