ultrataco

So I'm one of those crazy people who won't drive my 8 if it even looks like rain and wipes off the bugs every time I drive it. Point is, I'm looking for a second car for various situations. I don't really need one just yet, but I like car shopping.

I'm interested in your opinions on 4-door sedans. I have an RX-8 so I don't need another sports car, but fun-to-drive is a big plus. I work from home so mpg is not a big concern.

I'd be buying used for under 15k (in a couple years).

My list so far (never driven any of them):
'12+ Ford Focus 4-door (waiting for reviews, but it looks good, should be fun to drive and it's American.)
'06+ Audi A4* (no logical reason, I just like it for some reason. good in snow. more unique than 3-series.)
'00+ BMW 3 series (obvious choice)
'08+ Mitsubishi Lancer* (I just like the looks, not an evo)
1st gen Mazda6 (fun to drive, but I'd like something a little different.)
No Hondas, Toyotas, or Nissans.

*I like the wagon versions just because their different, though I don't need the space.

I won't be buying anything for a while but I thought it would be interesting to get some opinions from other 8 owners (or ex-8 owners).

Highway8

iTrader: (11)

I am the same way. The 8 stays clean and safe in the garage when the weather isnt fair.

Go with a pick up truck. I have a 07 silverado quad cap with a short bed and locking cover over the back. I haul my kids around, little stuff and even tow the 8 to the race track.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

I'm thinking an Audi R8 - yes , that would look good next to the 8 ......

ultrataco

Thanks, but I definitely don't want (or need) a truck. I'm looking for a 4-door sedan/hatchback/wagon.

The new focus is at the top of my list, even though it's not out yet. I'm hoping and expecting to be good if it's really the "world car" their claiming. The Euro Focus is known for it's "fun-to-drive-ness".

ultrataco

If I could afford that, I'd probably get a 911 GT3 and a second RX-8 (for daily-driving type stuff)

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

I like Porches to drive but they are butt ugly . On second thoughts I would go for a DB9

ultrataco

I like the V8 Vantage better...but we're getting off topic.

WTBRotary!

iTrader: (6)

Get a new Mazda2 or Mazda 3... nothing wrong with Zoom-Zoom

SleepeR1st

iTrader: (2)

Go and find yourself a beautiful, well taken care of, low mileage, year 2000-2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS.

I just picked one up, not so much beautiful, but mechanically sound, and i couldn't be happier with my purchase! PERFECT side car to the RX8! It literally goes everywhere i wont in the RX8!

REsuperD

i'd wait for the new focus; if you can't wait and like small cars, i'd jump on the fiesta. otherwise, the mazda6

tcole6

Since you don't have my pick on the list (Volkswagen Jetta 1.8t), I would go with it's sister car the Audi A4.

I love that damn volkswagen, I bought it new in '02, put 192K miles on it and it still runs like a one year old car.

shinka~mami

+1 i would stay in mazda fam plus you may be able to get deal from dealership for staying with mazda if you bought your 8 thru them. (but i would get a mazdaspeed 6 cuz dammit that is just hawt for a sedan)..

but since mazda was no on your list, i would go audi for my second choice. great car, still nice to look at, since you are no worried bout the room, it would no be a problem that it is a smaller sedan.

Psylence

Volkswagen TDI. When you get 40+mpg in your other car, you dont feel as bad about the sub-20 the RX8 gets!

cornholio135

iTrader: (2)

Another RX8 the wife has a LY 04 GT FTW....

zoom44

Mazda 5



Dont think of it as a van. think of it as a Mazda 3 wagon. Great car.

Plus you can go shopping at Autoexe

http://www.autoexe.co.jp/english/car...emacy(cr).html

dburr

Jaguar S type. Perfect complement

ultrataco

how about a Saab? (like this 9-3)

I think I'm going to drop my target price to 10k. That's probably more realistic.

I'm not looking at anything too seriously yet, just exploring my options - based mostly on looks at this point. I think some of these cars (like the A4, 3 series, and Mazda6) would be fun to do some simple modding. (wheels, springs, shocks)

Anyone know if any of these cars have good factory sound systems?

maxxdamigz

iTrader: (1)

For me, the key to a beater car was always that it was a car that was A) reliable, B) cheap, and C) I hated. I have a 01 Nissan Altima base auto and it's an absolute piece of garbage. However, it runs fine, gets decents gas mileage, and I would never in a million years mod it. I also bought it for $1500.

Now for a respectable daily, I had always thought about a Mazda3 hatch or a truck.

ATL-GP

????..ever thought about a jeep wrangler?? My wife has the 4door hardtop...she loves it...I like it, but it's big as hell and I just don't like big cars that much. That said, if we have to go on a road trip, or take the dogs somewhere...or I just need to get some stuff from the hardware store..it rocks!! Not to mention, it gets better gas mileage than my 8, hahahahaha

ATL-GP

I LOVE SAABS!!!! And the sound system is decent, not as good as the 8s system...but good. Just be aware of it's maintenance history. Saabs are great, but when they break down...seems like EVERYTHING starts fn up all at the same time. Not to mention, they are now out of business...so parts are going to be a bitch at some point.

Psylence

Spyker bought SAAB. Not out of business.

ATL-GP

????whaaaaaaaaaa, really? I thought that fell through? Hope they're not trying to put a Spyker price tag on it!!!!

ultrataco

I'm really starting to like the 9-3, but the more I research, the more I'm worried about their reliability (is that ironic coming from someone who owns 2 rotary cars?). The Mazda6 is starting to look like the best choice. Then again, the Saabs are thousands cheaper.

...not that I have to decide anytime soon.

RWatters

iTrader: (5)

A bit older, but I think it's the perfect garage-mate for my RX-8:



2003 Mazda Protege5. It's reliable, gets decent gas mileage (25-30mpg), has great build quality on the inside, and is a blast to drive. This thing in parking lots is a nimble little thing!

You can pick them up for $6,000-$7,000 on average and they have plenty of life ahead of them. Pick one up, pay it off, and enjoy it!

ultrataco

hmm... I kinda like it actually.