A Used Mazda3 or.......

Just what was needed...another car recommendation thread.

As of recently I've had to really tighten the reigns on my cashflow. So I'm going to be selling the 335.

I'm looking to spend no more than $13K for a well kept, used, car that is entertaining to drive and will last me for years to come with minimal maintenance and costs. I've pretty much narrowed my search to the Mazda3 wagon, manual transmission. I'd much prefer the 6 cylinder, but won't say no to an I-4 if the price is right. And it seems from the little bit of searching I've done a 6er wagon mated with a manual transmission is pretty difficult to find...especially in white.

This probably my best bet for my money, or any one have other recommendations? This will also be my first FWD car, as I have always preferred RWD.

Thanks guys for any insight you can provide.

 

The Mini Cooper is supposed to be all that.

 

I've thought about the Mini as well, but repair costs for things that break can get pretty high from what I understand. My roommates buddy apparently just had a $1600 shop bill for something that seemed so minor.

 

I bought a 2008 Scion xD last year and did a few simple mods (wheels / tires / springs / tint / rally stripe), but I'd vote for a Civic Si. I saw a blue one yesterday at the dealer that was awesome! Really nice interiors, about 200hp, and Honda reliability and resale are hard to beat.
I'd love to change the xD +$5k for one.

BT

 

I have a Mazdaspeed3 as my DD and love it. I am averaging 25.3mpg in my daily commute in metro-Atlanta traffic. It is a much better DD than the e60 M5 I had before...

 

We looked at the Mazda 3 when we bought a car 3 years ago. It was nice bit cost more than I wanted to spend. For $12,500 (3yrs ago) I got a Pontiac Vibe GT. People may poopoo it for the Pontiac badge, but its really a Toyota Matrix, every part is a Toyota part but its costs about 20% less than the Toyota because of the brand. The GT has a 170hp 1.8L motor (same engine as in the Lotue Elise), 6 speed manual, 4 wheel discs, side airbags, and gets 30+mpg and has been trouble free over 3 yrs and 80,000 miles (bought ist at 24k now have 108k+). It even has a timing chain not a belt.

YMMV

 

What about an old Subaru? You can surely pick up a nice older WRX (2002 or so) "bug-eye" for around 13k. That way you have the usefulness of the wagon, AWD (better than FWD, not as good as RWD IMHO) and can easily mod it into the 300hp+ range if you feel the need to do so.

 

This is also a good idea.

 

Thanks for the input, it's great appreciated.

John, I actually thought about the Vibe for a second. Just not a fan of the design.

There's an idea, that I haven't thought about. I'll add that in the mix and read up a bit. Since I will be paying cash, and assuming I buy from an individual I think it will make it easier to get the price I want for whatever I end up with.

 

It is not the most beautiful car ever, but it serves the purpose for the time being.

 

So true....but when I am able to move back up the car ladder I plan on keeping whatever car I get so I want to find it semi-pleasing asthetically.

 

I put my vote towards the WRX especially the wagon as there is just something about them that I love.

Good luck Jason,
Gregg

 

I'd go for a bugeye hatch.

Others:
RSX Type-S
S2K
240SX
Suzuki SX4, you can buy a new one probably for that much
VW GTI
350Z (most likely high miles or beat)
BMW 850ci: $5,000 (not at all minimal maintenance cost, and I think it's an auto,thought it was a "bargain" to throw in )---http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/1251091574.html
Lexus SC300

 

That was going to be my vote. Fun car to drive, well balanced and tossable, revs like crazy and you can fit a surprising amount of cargo in it when you need to. That being said, the wrx will have a lot more power and has the bonus of awd, I'm not sure I can get with how they sound though, not a huge fan of that boxer noise.

 

If you just want a basic commuter and are willing to give up all driving pleasure (compared to the BMW at least), the Mazda 3 is perfect. My friend had one for close to 4 years and it did not give him a single problem. It was a base model with the 4-cylinder engine, but it had a bit of pep and it was definitely a comfortable and well thought out car.

Kudos to you for having your priorities in check.

 

Maybe put some more money in and get a GTI.

Stupid fun to drive, and doesn't feel cheaply made like a Mazda 3 does.

 

As far as I know they never made a V6 Mazda 3....just had four I4's to choose from.

 

You're correct. Might be a typo, since he says 6er on the next sentence. Not sure though, Both are nice cars.

 

For some reason I thought I had looked at one a while back and 6 cylinder was an option. I must be confused with another car.

Guys, yall have been a tremendous help. It's give me a lot more options to look for while keeping an open mind. Still have to get a ding fixed on the car and a service complete before I put it on the market, but it also gives me time to check out my options closer.

I like the SC300 option. My cousins husband has one I believe so I need to talk to him about it. I also have thrown in the IS300, but it's so difficult to find a manual tranny example. One that's not yellow anyway.

I'm going to miss my car, but I'm better off without it right now. Thanks again!