Possibly lookin' for a new(ish) cage (NEW issue page 6: now in White!)

[Duck-Stew]

Started looking at a replacement for my aging Ranger p/u truck.  Still runs great, still gonna keep it (till the 2.3L dies), but I want something more.

I've looked at the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V and it seems like it would fit the bill, but w/Nissan introducing a new Sentra for 2013, none of the dealerships have the 'hot-rod' Sentra even available for a test-scoot.  

200HP, 6-speed, limited-slip diff, and ~$20K sticker.

I've also looked at the Honda Civic-Si which is a few grand pricier, but like any Honda, I'm going to have to rev the jeebus-crap-ness out of the tach before the cage gets fun.  Which, IMO, is not fun.

200HP, 6-speed, and ~$23K sticker.

Also looking on the more frugal side (mpg's, not sticker $), I've priced out the VW Jetta TDI.  It's 140hp but 250ft/lbs and much better on fuel.  The Jetta TDI's also seem to be selling better in my neck of the woods (ABQ, NM).

I'd like to have the following:
small-to medium sized 4-door car
At the minimum: Peppy to sporty
Creature comforts (a/c, p/l, p/w, STICK-SHIFT (no flappy-paddle non-sense), cruise, etc)
If new, sticker no higher than $23K
If used, then proportionally lower due to age

My don't care about list:
Sat-Nav
11tyB watt stereo
sunroof


---------------------------
Ok, so what have y'all got that I've not yet considered?

[Popeye the Sailor]

On your list, I'd vote TDI-they chip well.


Have you checked out the Acura line? Bit more sporty than Honda, afaik.

[swampduc]

Any interest in a v6 'stang? I was really impressed with the one I drove, an I'm not normally a huge mustang fan. Incredible bang for the buck, an excellent fuel economy.

[ducatiz]

On your list, I'd vote TDI-they chip well.


Have you checked out the Acura line? Bit more sporty than Honda, afaik.

+1

[Duck-Stew]

Any interest in a v6 'stang? I was really impressed with the one I drove, an I'm not normally a huge mustang fan. Incredible bang for the buck, an excellent fuel economy.

Not really...  I grew up in Detroit building V8's for drag-racing Stang's (& other Fords).  I couldn't buy a V6 Mustang and respect myself.  Best if I just stick to Ducati's & a reasonable cage for transporting my butt around.

[swampduc]

Not really...  I grew up in Detroit building V8's for drag-racing Stang's (& other Fords).  I couldn't buy a V6 Mustang and respect myself.  Best if I just stick to Ducati's & a reasonable cage for transporting my butt around.

Understandable. If you get a chance, though, drive one. I'd bet you'd enjoy it way more than a Civic Si. Or an Acura, for that matter.

Good luck with your search!

[lethe]

My vote would have to lean towards the TDI.
I've got over 100k on my Golf now and it's still fun and no real issues to date.

[Ducatamount]

Mazdaspeed 3...VW GTI ?

[Howie]

If you put miles on, VW TDI, not so many miles, then go for the GTI.  The standard Golf ain't bad either.

[Duck-Stew]

If you put miles on, VW TDI, not so many miles, then go for the GTI.  The standard Golf ain't bad either.

Hmmm...  G T I

[lethe]

Hmmm...  G T I

if you drive it sanely, it will get good fuel economy too

big if, of course 

[Le Pirate]

We drove home a new TDI jetta about 3 weeks ago. It's my wife's car, but I'm a pretty big fan. Didn't know if I'd like new jettas, but it ain't too shabby.

140hp doesn't sound like much, but it'll get up and around people on the highway...no problem.


If you want a driver though, go with the Golf. Drives better IMO. Or the GLI (jetta GTI). I looked at one while my wife was deciding what she wanted...I would of went GLI if it were me, but she wanted the TDI mileage. The GLI has all the good bits of the Jettas, plus all the good bits of the GTI/Golf (like The independent rear suspension, bigger brakes, etc...)

TDI, or GLI will be right at the top of your price range. A regular golf will be at the lower to middle end. I LOVE MY RABBIT (golf). I would suggest one to anybody.


That being said, when I start looking for a new car...

I'm going old school: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_2002tii


of course, at this point I have a reliable car that is paid off (the rabbit), that'll get me to school, and I walk to work.

[Ducatamount]

Re:2002 BMW Tii,they handle well but are underpowered compared to today's cars.A WRX will drive circles around it.

[derby]

Re:2002 BMW Tii,they handle well but are underpowered compared to today's cars.A WRX will drive circles around it.

http://jalopnik.com/5517763/engine-swap-of-the-day-e30-m3-s14-%252B-bmw-2002

[Frank C]

Recently had the same "problem".
Picked up an 04 BMW 330i with a ZHP performance package.
235 HP with a six speed.
Wife likes it because it looks nice, rides nice, and has enough room for the kid out back.
I like it because it is reasonably quick (0-60 < 6 sec) and handles well (50/50 balance and rwd).
And the later E46's seem to be more sorted and have less bugs/problems then the newer styles.  
They run between 10 and 18k depending on milage/condition.