The "Hey MM, what car should I get?" thread - Maeng edition

[Maengelito]

Now that the Miata is sold and the S2000 is currently getting track prepped, I'm looking to get a "practical" car to replace the STi. I'd like to keep my options open so lets hear some ideas. My requirements:

-AWD (already have a RWD and I'd prefer not to have a FWD turd. It better be awesome for FWD to even consider it)
-4 doors (Jenn and I will probably talk about having kids in 2-3 years which is why I need a "practical" car. It can be a wagon, hatch or even an SUV but see the additional rqmts)
-budget $9000 (can maybe do $10000 but it better be a great value)
-its gotta be "fun" ie: available in manual transmission (I know "fun" is subjective but I prefer a sportier car)
-no VW/Audi (I don't have a high tolerance for electrical issues)

I have been leaning towards a Forester XT (available in turbo since 2004) but I'm open to other suggestions. Other cars I've considered:
-E46 325 or 328 or 330 Xi sedan or wagon
probably not gonna happen in my budget. I doubt I'll be able to find one in decent condition and it probably won't be very cheap to maintain.
-G35 AWD sedan
the AWD sedan isn't available in manual (argh!) I'd love to have this car but I can't stand the idea of auto. That and its also probably out of my budget unless I get one with crazy high miles on it.
-WRX sedan or wagon
can I really go from an STi down to a WRX? I'd prefer not to but its not out of the question.
-Mazdaspeed6
I think they're too new to fit in my budget.

So MM, what car should I get?

[.RJ]

Rigeline </fanboi>

[Steve85]

What's wrong with the STi?

[Maengelito]

nothings wrong with it, I just don't need 300hp for my 8.5 mile commute to work every morning so I've decided to sell it soon.

[fiveoh2go]

nothings wrong with it, I just don't need 300hp for my 8.5 mile commute to work every morning so I've decided to sell it soon.

Wut? Too much power, does not compute.


Seriously, the STI fits all of your requirements. Keep it...or sell it to me for peanuts. :mrgreen:

[JohnC]

I just don't need 300hp for my 8.5 mile commute to work every morning so I've decided to sell it soon.

Nissan Leaf?

[ScottyB]

the back seat of my impreza is pretty tight. can you even fit a rear-facing child crash cell containment module in the back of one?

for 10g i'd say either forester XT or maybe a 5-series

[Apoc]

All your choices suck. Keep the STi and STfu.

[BLINGMW]

The STI really does fit all requirements...

Forester makes sense, those seem nice

Just thought I'd throw the Element out there. Xterra too I guess since its another ute that has 5spd available. But we've quickly grown to love the Element a lot more than we thought we would. We both enjoy driving it, stereo kicks ass, fuel economy isn't embarrassing, and it's a hell of a lot more useful for Lowes runs and such than a sedan.

Of course, you might hate the styling, I dunno. It's an appliance. :dunno:

[Mike]

Ahem... Element also has 5spd available.

[Dave]

I'd keep the STi, but an XT is also a good option. I see no reason that you couldn't get an E46 in that price range either...

[ViPER1313]

+1 on keeping the STI, it fits all your requirements. Maybe a Saab 9-2X wagon if you are looking for something with a little more luxury, although I don't see why you would trade down from the STI to a WRX... Durango w/ 5.9L Hemi? When it comes to trucks I don't know why you would want a 5-speed.

[BLINGMW]

Ahem... Element also has 5spd available.

yeah I noticed that on ours when I couldn't find D

When it comes to trucks I don't know why you would want a 5-speed.

[ViPER1313]

Ahem... Element also has 5spd available.

yeah I noticed that on ours when I couldn't find D

When it comes to trucks I don't know why you would want a 5-speed.

Really, what's the advantage? They usually have heavy clutches and bulky shift throws, you can't tow as much, and trucks aren't sports cars. I really doubt I would find much driving joy in heal-toeing / engine braking a 2 ton SUV :dunno:

[Mike]

Ahem... Element also has 5spd available.

yeah I noticed that on ours when I couldn't find D

I'll help you find the D... err... wait... nevermind.

[BLINGMW]

Really, what's the advantage? They usually have heavy clutches and bulky shift throws, you can't tow as much, and trucks aren't sports cars. I really doubt I would find much driving joy in heal-toeing / engine braking a 2 ton SUV :dunno:

These cute utes can't tow anyway. They're just big station wagons. Clutch and shifter are like a Civic. And then when it comes to REAL trucks and SUVs, well, I personally ALWAYS want manual transmission. A coworker had a Dodge Cummins 2500 with 6-spd, that thing was waaaaaaaaaaaay more fun to drive than auto. :twisted:

Anyway, a different discussion. I don't think Maeng wants a truck/van anyway, let alone a real truck.

[PDenbigh]

4 doors, RWD but light enough to push if it gets stuck, plenty of fun - look at the smiles on those faces!, american brand!

[JustinG]

Dodge Cummins 2500 with 6-spd, that thing was waaaaaaaaaaaay more fun to drive than auto. :twisted:

INSERT SMOKEY DIESEL BURNOUT VIDEO HERE

You can get an e46 wagon for that price range but in the upper mileage, 85-100k on the odo. 5 spd lifted XJ can be had for half of what your looking to spendm bullet proof and descent room. If you don't get a wagon/Forester and just buy another sedan, I really don't see the point in getting rid of the STI. If its the "image" the car gives, off, get a WRX/RS trunk, debadge the thing and paint your brembos black. There problem solved, just another WRX with STI wheels.

But i can see why you want a larger car, although i only have 2 dogs, the Focus is barely enough room, and god help me if Casey and the Dogs ride in the GSX, hence my want/need for a Wagon or Medium SUV.

HOLY GRAIL OF WAGONS!!!!!

540it......YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT

[Jeff]

Wow. I don't know what you could get for $9,000 really. If you don't mind miles you can only get as new as what? 07? I think you should just keep the STI. Only thing I would say is go full SUV and get a Grand Cherokee...but it would need to be an older one. I have an 04 SE (a 4.0L Limited) with 60k on it and it still books for over $12,000! A late model (2000-2001) XJ might be a good choice. A nice low mileage stock example wouldn't be more then $6-7.

[.RJ]

How about a sebring convertible?