Suppose you were buying a new car...

[srivendel]

Suppose you were buying a new car sometime in the next week or so. The purpose is to replace the Miata, have at least four seats, be reasonably fast, reliable, and usable as a daily driver. Is there any candidate I'm missing other than those below?

2007 Subaru Impreza STI Limited (that's the one without the spoilers, black leather, etc)

Honda Civic Si

VW GTI

Mazdaspeed 6 for $7,000 off sticker

Mini Cooper S

RX-8 is out because of maintenance and fuel economy concerns. 350Z lacks a back seat. Not interested in anything pricier than the STI, and luxury is not a big concern.

Comments from the peanut gallery are welcomed.

Thanks,
S.

[POS Racing]

How about a nice SUV!

[Majik]

For me the STI would be the choice. No real reasons, I have just always liked the cars.

[POS Racing]

For me the STI would be the choice. No real reasons, I have just always liked the cars.

Wonder how happy S's insurance guy would be if he got the Subi, I recall reading somewhere they were one of the most expensive cars to insure.

Of this list I guess I'd take the Subi or the MazdaSpeed6, the rest on the list are just meh.....

[wrxmr2eater]

Acura RSX/TSX
Any of the current VWmodels (GTI/GLI/Passat) as they are all the same platform, just pick your layout
Nissan Altima SE-R
Inifiniti G35 Coupe/Sedan
MS3 as it will be available about the same time as the STI Limited
Subaru Legacy GT

[srivendel]

Wonder how happy S's insurance guy would be if he got the Subi, I recall reading somewhere they were one of the most expensive cars to insure.

Subie would bump our insurance by $300/year over the Miata. I can live with that. It's the $34,000 that might be the sticking point on the STI.

S.

[Titus]

Not sure when they go on sale but you will be able to test drive an MS3 at Zoom Zoom in 3 1/2 weeks. It is the car that they will be using for the performance challenge.

[POS Racing]

At your age maybe you should be looking for a nice Buick!

[Radio-Active]

I'd check out the next gen Mini Cooper S. It has more horsepower and better fuel economy to boot. You can see it on the Mini UK web site. They streched the car by 3 3/4" in length and have put a larger engine in it with BMW designed valve timing.

Looks to bee a much better car.

David

[srivendel]

I'd check out the next gen Mini Cooper S. It has more horsepower and better fuel economy to boot. You can see it on the Mini UK web site. They streched the car by 3 3/4" in length and have put a larger engine in it with BMW designed valve timing.

Looks to bee a much better car.

David

I agree, but I then have the problem of what to drive until they come out in February.

S.

[Nexus Flux]

I'll have to say RSX Type-S. It's plenty fast. There are many parts availible for upgrades. Back seats are a little small, but I moved everthing besides my furniture in it. Insurance isn't bad and I get about 24 MPG.

The Suby does look pretty cool.

[Titus]

I agree, but I then have the problem of what to drive until they come out in February.

S.

[MadMerv]

You said it must have four seats, but you didn't say if those passengers had to have legs........ The Mini's back seat has no leg room. You already know my choice :)

[Titus]

I agree, but I then have the problem of what to drive until they come out in February.

S.

Or...

[tailchaser]

I really like how there's an appropriate response to all of Titus' posts right at the bottom now... oh wait... that's his signature...

Given the current options and being a cheap bastard, I'd have to go with the MS6... Now... If money were less of an object, RS4 all the way... no doubt. Or maybe a Volvo V70R.

[Titus]

I really like how there's an appropriate response to all of Titus' posts right at the bottom now... oh wait... that's his signature...

Just trying to stay one step ahead of you!

Given the current options and being a cheap bastard, I'd have to go with the MS6...

+1

[blackzx3_13]

Honestly, for that kind of $$ I would get a 3 series. But thats just me, and I have an affinity for BMW's.

[tailchaser]

Honestly, for that kind of $$ I would get a 3 series. But thats just me, and I have an affinity for BMW's.

Yeah, but you're a bass player.

[blackzx3_13]

Yeah, but you're a bass player.

What does that have to do with anything. You know, your probably going to cause some thread drift. We need to stay on topic here, the mods have been giving out warnings and taking points off lately.Example

[altiain]

RX-8 is out because of maintenance and fuel economy concerns.
Thanks,
S.

Have you priced brake pads for those fancy gold Brembo calipers or a set of uber-sticky factory tires for an STi lately?

Considering that you can get an RX-8 for ten grand less than the STi, it's more fun to drive, and maintenance costs are a wash, I'd be trying to figure out how many gallons of super unleaded I can buy with the leftover change I'd had if I bought an RX-8 instead of an STi. Besides, the STi isn't exactly a paragon of fuel efficiency - most that I know average 18-20mpg, versus 14-17 for the '8.