What Am I Missing (Another Suggestion Thread)

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Bones Brigade

Bones Brigade

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GTP_BrokenVow, zmikedz
So, I currently have an '06 350z. I love the heck out of the thing, but I'm afraid, our time may have come to an end. I gave my Ford Escort to my sister because her minivan is in need of repairs totaling more money than they can spare.

I need something with a back seat. And, while the NW winters aren't particularly...entertaining...I would like something a bit more all season capable. Realistically, I'd like to be around 15k, but given the huge decrease in insurance I'm sure to get in dumping the Z, I'm looking up to 20k. Things like the Mazdaspeed6 and Subaru Legacy GT DO fit into that range, but just barely. I'm not too concerned with over the top reliability, either, as long as the price is decent, as the savings from insurance could go to repairs and such.

Things on my radar currently are:

Ford Fusion V6 (only car w/o manual transmission)
Ford Fusion 2.0 w/6spd
Infiniti G35 Sedan (2005 or older)
Mazda 6 V6
Mazdaspeed6 (A bit too pricey)
Mazdaspeed3
Subaru Impreza WRX
Subaru Legacy GT (Also a bit pricey)
Subaru Legacy
Volvo S60R
Volvo S40 T5
Saab 9-3 Aero

Those last 3 are a bit of a gamble on reliability. But depending on how much I save on insurance and payments it won't be too big of a deal. But what am I missing? I want something fun, with a manual, and good space. Anything with over 200hp should be mentioned. Or anything mid-sized and pretty good looking with a manual (eg. the Fusion.) On the Fusion, it looks like some dealers are offering the brand new one at huge discounts. I'll have to look more into that.

I pay over 600 a month including insurance, so...even if I trade the Z in I'm looking at coming out with a lower number. I think I can get between 15 and 16k for the Z on trade in - basically what I owe. (I was offered 17k when I test drove some Mazdas, but that is too high.) So if I go that route, which traditionally is not the smartest way, I'm just financing something new. And I'm guessing the most expensive on that list to insure is the MS3.
 
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I'd suggest the 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6M (that's with a 2.5L). You can grab one brand-new for right around $20K, and I'm positive you could walk that down very easily. In terms of style and substance, the car is top-notch. It isn't going to drive as hard as the more sporty Mazda6 or Nissan Altima, but nevertheless, the Ford offers up a significant level of value at a fair price.

Although, here is a sideways, curveball suggestion:
2010 Suzuki Kizashi
 
I live where the winters are hell too... personally I'd go with either a WRX or G35x sedan. The Fusions are really nice too though... I think my next vehicle will be a Ford after owning GMs since I could drive (minus a 2 year love affair with a CRX).
 
Wouldn't the subaru WRX be the best choice ? At least it would be one of the best fun. And it has awd, so it's great for the winters. In latvia (the **ithole, where I must live), where the winters are a bit frosty, the wrx is quite popular.
 
Get a Subaru Legacy. You can get a good 2006-2008 2.5i limited for around your pricerange, and if you drop to an SE or a 2.5i it will be even lower.

I picked up a 2007 Legacy 2.5i Limited for 17k, and it had only 25,000 miles. I'm sure you can get lower prices.

The handling is phenomenal, the grip is incredible, and the seat heaters are miracle workers. Oh, and the seats are really good. Not too cushy, not too stiff.

you'll enjoy one if you drive it. I'd imagine the GT is a hoot.
 
I would suggest the Mitsu Lancer Ralliart - it's a budget Evo. I drove one around when my parents were searching for a new car, and it's quite a pleasure to drive. Much livelier than a Civic or even a Fusion. From that list, however, I would also go with the Legacy. It's a jack-of-all-trades and a blast to drive. My parents were considering that, but they ended up getting a Mazda 6.
 

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