Ok, my GF is going to get a new car and was needing some help. She is currently looking at a mazda 3 which is a nice car and I wouldnt mind her getting something like that. The only prob. is that she is coming from a 2000 Mustang GT, so im trying to tell her to hang on from the big difference she will feel. We are going this Sunday to test drive some cars, any suggestions? She is real big about gas mileage, and no crazy prices, and also she said that she does not want an American brand car. So anyone got some ideas?

 

Mini Cooper S, Maybe a Scion Tc (later you can get the TRD Supercharger).

 

The new GTI is another option. Women love VWs for some reason.

 

she doesnt like the hatchback however, she does love my little 85 GSL-SE. Says it has character

 

Big on gas mileage? How about the Honda Civic Hybrid or Toyota Prius? If she wants something with a little more performance then check out the Sentra SE-R, Corolla XRS, or Impreza RS.

 

Acura RSX -s (2 door), Acura tsx(4 door), honda accord 6cyl man, mini -s, tiberon, sentra ser, mazda 3, scion sc, vw gti, last year for a celica, or a wrx. Most are in the low 20's to high teens. Vw is expensive at 24K for 180 hp though, and you can get better then that for cheaper.

I know you said no american but srt's are good bang for the buck if she wants to keep some power.

 

Hondas releasing their Honda Jazz in your part of the world soon , my wife drives the 1.5 LITER 7 SPEED AUTOMATIC VERSION Honda Jazz 1.5 VTI S NICE CAR WITH PLENTY OF POKE .

cheers
michael

 

she will like the Mazda3...oustanding car and blows away the competition for performance for the price...quality for the price

go with Mazda she won't be unhappy

 

I know it hasn't been much of a winner really. I'm not sure why, but the civic SIR is a pretty nice little car. I think maybe it's a price issue that has held the car back. I really don't know, I haven't looked too much into them. I did drive one back when they came out and was impressed. It was quick, nimble, it felt tight. Maybe someone can chime in who knows why I don't see them more often.

Some pics, oh, I think the US calls it something different. Civic SI maybe?
That shifter position takes a little while to get used to, but it's actually pretty nice being that it's really close to the wheel.

 

The Mazda3s with the MTX really ain't too slow. It's not Mustang GT, but it's no slouch either. And it gets great mileage too.

 

agreed :D

 

We really need more information....

How big of a car?
What price range?
2dr or 4dr?
Sporty or just a a-to-b car?
Does she car if it's fwd, rwd, or awd?

She is going from a Mustang GT to a sadan, so it should get better fuel economy without a problem. Some suggestions without the above info:

Honda Accord with EMS
Mazda 3
The up and comming Pontiac Solstice & Saturn counterpart...opps, American...
The up and comming Honda Civic 2dr...looks real nice
Accord TSX
Mazda 6 V6

Need more information to give a better suggestion.

 

Maybe cause it look like a turd. :p

 

Yes, it kinda does. You can get the type R body kit from honda, makes it look a lot better. I checked the used market on them, it F'in ridiculous. Kids wanting $20K CDN for a 2 year old car with 40K km. The car was only $24K new!! Idiots.

 

Well I don't mind the look of the type R but honda f@#@$% up big time when they decided to go with the mac strut combo instead of the double wishbone. plus that shifter may be nice when your racing but I don't like the fact that there is no place for my elbow when cruising.

 

Now she is looking at either maybe an SUV- Inifiti FX35
20-35K
2dr, however would go with 4dr if it does not look like a family vehicle
Sporty-shes 21, gotta be styln
Doesnot matter about the wd.

We tested the Mazda 3. She said she did not really like the feel. I agree. It was a nice car, but the design was a little different. Dont know. But thanks for all the suggestions so far! As the boyfriend that gives suggestions and gets to go test drive with her, i would say im the real winner!

 

You should testdrive the Mini, even the base model is a blast to drive. However they are having some reliability problems. Also, I didn't think you could get an FX-35 for under 35k.

 

Jeez, 35K, that's way higher than I originally thought!

The G35 coupe is pretty styling!

 

I dont know if it looks too much like a "family vehicle" for her, but the new Accord Hybrid is a pretty cool car. 255HP and almost 40MPG!