Elara

We need another car- but because we're buying a new house, and bought the 8 six months ago, we need to keep it under $20k (most likely used). My husband will be driving it, so it can't be girly. But it also can't be something vanilla, like a Civic, because he'd go insane driving something like that.

So far, he's thinking used Mini Cooper S, RSX type S, or something like that. We're also going to test drive a (don't have a heart attack, please) used 350Z ( a bit over 20k, but we could swing it if he's in love).

Can you guys give us any more suggestions? He's said no to the WRX, the Wrangler, and the Volvo S40, so stuff like that is not going to fly. He's giving up his beloved 1993 325i, and insists he doesn't want another BMW. And no RX-8s. I already tried that, and he apparently doesn't want matching cars.

expo1

How about a New PT Cruiser?

Before the Rx-8 I had a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Great car with the 5-speed. Put on 66,000 with zero problems. I just got tired of it after 3 years. It fits your budget and looks better than a Civic

silvercloud

Get the Z - it will impress the heck out of your new neighbors (because you will have the Z and the 8) and keep a smile on your husbands face.

I hope it will be a color that matches Nordic green.

jtimbck2

TWO WORDS:

Mazda 3.

Elara

He loves the Le Mans Sunset- would be a kind of carroty combination. We'd have to keep one in the garage at all times!

And jtimbck2- he likes the 3 too- especially since it comes in the orange too...

This shouldn't be hard- but he's picky, and doesn't know what he wants.

pelucidor

A Scion Tc and $4k of personalization options?

Actually the Mini Cooper S sounds great - I would take one at around the $20k mark. That or a loaded Mazda 3. Could you get a used IS300 in that ballpark as well?

Ike

I don't know if you'd be able to find a Cooper S for around 20k... Keep in mind they are having lots of reliability problems with the Minis and he did say he doesn't want another BMW :p However, they are a total blast to drive.

A used A4 1.8T would be another to consider, or maybe a GTI. I think you could get close to that 20k price for a used S2K as well.
I'm actually thinking of looking at one in my area that a dealer has for 25k with only 15k on the odometer, so I'm guessing one with more miles could be had for around 20k.

tschangrx7

You can get a Mazda 6 V6 stick for less than $20K. Check edmunds.com. There is $1,500K dealer cashback on it.

According to Edmunds, the average selling price with no options is $19,600 in my area.

Do not get the 3! Why bother when you can get the V6 6 for the same price.

xenomorph

MAZDA 6... awesome car... i had it for 2 days missed it when it left...

Also consider Lexus IS300 you get one under 20K used...

xenomorph

the NEW Volvo S40... i have a volvo and they are sweet... the new S40 is fun as heck to drive and powerful ( i read over 5 reviews which they all loved the car)... 450 Watts stereo... awesome ride... and there reliable and good gas mileg... this volvo is so sweet...

tschangrx7

Another car to consider is the Ford Focus SVT. There is a $2.5K rebate and you can get one for $16K with no options. These cars have been assembled for over two years and are fairly reliable at this point. It is probably more reliable than the Mazda 3, which is in its first year of production. Also the Ford you can buy close to invoice BEFORE the $2.5K rebate. The 3 on the other hand you will probably have to pay close to MSRP for. Depreciation on the Ford is a non-issue. The car can be bought for so much less than MSRP that it will probably hold value. Besides, how much money can you lose on a $16K car?

I saw a loaded SVT with leather and everything (which can be had for less than $20K) and the build quality on that particular model was really good.


Edmunds.com has a comparison between the SVT and Mini Cooper. Really, it is as good as all the cars you are considering or close(Mini Cooper, 3, RSX, etc.) but so much cheaper. If I wanted a pocket rocket, that is the way I would go.

Speed Racer

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Miata. They are a blast to drive.

Zio

dont get the mini cooper, they are made by BMW and are unreliable.. plus stupid looking.. anyway I'd recommend the mazda6, or the 3

silvercloud

A yellow s2k and your nordic green 8 would look nice together

KrustyKlown

That WAS going to me my suggestion.

Elara

Miatas (and s2k) definitely on the list- if we had a miata AND an 8 we'd be fighting over who got to drive what every morning! The volvo, lexus, and Mazda6 are all on there.

Thanks for all the suggestions- still have no idea what he'll decide (so keep them coming!), but having suggestions gives me a list of things to drag him to test drive. Nothing worse than a man who doesn't know what he wants...:D

mngpao

Mazda 3 or 6. If you like the RX8's doors try a Saturn Ion Quad Sports car.

porschegeorg

I'll give ya a Porsche 914 for $6500......

Lawerence

Well your list has a ton of different type of cars on it so im not sure exactly what you guys are looking for.
But here are a few cars that you can get for under 20K.

99 and before BMW M3
00 Audi S4
FD RX7 (is this going to be a daily driver? if so this might not be good for him)
300ZXTT
MazdaSpeedProtege

Elara

That's the problem- neither does he. No clue at all. If he'd just wait a year, and suck it up with the BMW, he could get what he really wants, which is a Z4 (even though he says no more BMWs) or a Boxster S. But he doesn't want to wait, so he's stuck getting something cheaper. And he's run the gamut from Wrangler to 350Z to Mazda 3 when talking about it. And yes, it would be his daily driver, or else we would be all over a 3rd gen.

Maximus

Mazdaspeed Miata

just a few dollars more!

Baller

you need this

Senseny

Baller's suggestion would probably put a smile on your face, if not your bank accounts.
I say keep it in the family, buy either a new, optionfilled 3, or a year old 6 with the sporty options (v6 especially) or the Miata (maybe a year or two old). The 3 or 6 would especially fit the bill.
Save your pennies and nickels and pick up an FD as weekender. They are a tad bit of fun.

AltecLansing

FYI, my fran owns an Audi A4 1.8T 03" and its having some engine problem already... and the reliability of Audi isnt that good from what i know.

here are my suggestions:
350Z (yeah, its a good one)
S2k(most prefered)
Mazda 3(but the creash test results are disappointing)
Subaru WRX (pretty fast or something like this:

Miata ( cheap and can spend the rest of $ on modding)
toyota Matrix?(lol)
mini S is also good, but too much problems...and a cute looking car for a man?
RX7 (!)
RSX (looks good too)
Mazda 6 (reliable and safe, got good ratings at the crash tests)
Scion (the new one)
etc... lots of choices!

RenesisRotary

Buy an S2000. *runs for cover*