DumbasSi

So the lease is up on my 03 this year and I really don't want to keep it. It has been a good, totally problem free car, cheap on gas and insurance with a comfortable interior. But it is so boring to drive and not really mod friendly to fix it's shortcomings.

I'm looking for something BRAND NEW, more practical then a Coupe, so a Sedan, an import and under $30g's. It also doesn't have to be a Honda either.

A TSX would be sweet, but too rich for my blood.
The CSX is also nice, but too similar to my 06 Civic.
Toyota Corolla, too boring.
Mazda3, too Ford.
VW Jetta and Golf, a little pricey and I had bad experiences with VW in the past.

So that leaves this...
2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan. AWD, fully loaded with all the options I'd like. Decent power and torque compared to my Civics. Comfy seats and driving position. I drove one the other day and I was very impressed. It's been years since I drove an AWD car and it was quite a change. The car handled so much better then my Civics, it felt faster and the torque was such a nice change. No moonroof and the radio wasn't as good as my Civic, but thats about the only negatives I had. I even love the new look of the car for 06. It looks much more mature and sophisticated the the previous years.

Yeah its no WRX or STI, but those are both WAY out of my price range. The2.5i is only $23g's.

imported_viper_2_4

my uncle had a Subaru Forester....he likes it, however, I believe his out of warrentee, and he has had to do a few repairs, he says if you need anything drivetrain related the parts are really expensive (he used to drive an accord so he would be comparing them to that)....just something to keep in mind....but Impreza is definitly a sweet car (even non WRX or STI trims).....but if its a lease you probably don't care....

what about that Toyota Matrix with the Celica engine or whatever (XRD or something like that)?...I think it comes in AWD...

Jay P

mike are you looking at brand new?
would you consider an off lease?

imported_kungfugrip

2007 TOYOTA YARIS SEDAN FTW!! they are so fun to drive lol

RDub99

iTrader: (1)

I'm not too fond of the grill or the ride height but definately subaru's are nice cars

rjngo

i love subaru cars!!! get it

DumbasSi

Matrix is being considered. I've seen a few around with the TRD parts and they are very nice. The Yaris I wouldn't be caugth dead in.

The wife wants and SUV, but with higher gas and maintenance costs, I'm not a big fan. An AWD car I can convince her.

No off-lease or used cars. I'll be leasing or maybe financing a new car.

Gallagher

spend a lil extra and get the wrx....awsome car to drive, so much fun, had one for a week while ,my subaru was in the shop

DumbasSi

A little? The 2.5i is 23g's and the WRX is 36g's. Thats my basement and deck finished.

imported_Team Rukus

lease a new g35 sedan.

imported_Simich

I'd rock it. Not a fan of the facelift though. Too much happening up front versus the back. However it's still a solid car.

accord98

I LOVE MY TSX

RDub99

iTrader: (1)

I know it's american, but how about the dodge caliber awd?

hmm.. just read a quick review of it..

Bottom Line:
Looks great on paper, lots of useful features, but falls short in performance and build quality.

DumbasSi

/\/\/\Also ugly as sin. IMO one of the ugliest cars out there.

l2iceman

hmm...no mazda eh? cuz i think the mazda6 is pretty decent...but I say go with the 2.5i...


orr...how about a Hyundai Tiburon!!! lol

imported_kungfugrip

matrix.. make sure its the XRS model, the rest drive like ****.. but if ur into toyotas, gimme a shout ill see what kind of deal i can get u at work.. my friends dad bought a brand new 04 camry xle with all options for 30k flat when he came to my dealership and i hooked him up

imported_kumanan

honestly. if you have 23g'z. you can pick up a C class Benz on ebay for that much now because of falling value of used vehicles. although dealers give you warranty n stuff, i still think getting it privately is better because of the mone u save. Check autotrader, you can even get H2's escalades navigators for under 30 now

Jay P

Chigga1

HONDA FIT

imported_MY SiR

Michael,

IMO, I would go for an Accord if I were going for a sedan. Of course this is totally biased . It's cheaper on insurance than the Civic and you can get one in your price range (although I realize it is more expensive than the Impreza).
In comparison:
Interior (size and 'niceness'): Accord > Impreza
Fuel economy: Accord = Impreza
Maintenance: Accord (cheaper) > Impreza ...especially after warranty
Resale: Accord > Impreza (probably)
Power: Accord = Impreza (although you should drive them back to back).

Also, since the 8th gen Civic came out, Accords haven't been selling so well so, I think you can probably get a deal. I think the Accord SE is a good deal. If you are looking at a Manual, I am sure you can get it for about 30k on the road. Anyway, if you are considering another Honda, let me know...before you buy it. I can get you an extra 'discount' regardless of what the dealer sells you the car for. If interested PM me.

Fit is also nice, it drives better than I expected...it wouldn't hurt to look at it. The interior is bigger than you think and is definitely more flexible than the Impreza.

If your wife wants an SUV, the new CR-V is around the corner...or you should be able to get an '06 for a good price...
Again, you know this is totally biased but you know you are in the Honda family .

Mark