Needs:

~$15k
Cheap on repairs
Great on gas (25+/30+)
2003 and up
Manual transmission
Sunroof
Alloy wheels (no cheap steel wheels with wheel covers)

Used of course...

 

scion?

 

I'm thinking of something from Honda, Toyota, or Nissan. How about a Scion tC? Fully loaded with only a few thousand miles, you could find an '05 for like $13k. Definitely something to consider.

 

That's what I said but she doesn't like them. I like the tC (she doesn't) but unfortunately it doesn't get that great gas mileage due to the short gearing.

 

2003 Subaru Impreza RS

 

Mazda 3 or Civic

 

20th Anniversary GTi
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2586075

But its 6 speed, so dunno if she'd want it

 

I show her a few pictures of the Scion tC and she goes "OMG they are so NICE!!!"

Guess she wouldn't take my word for it initially.

 

Thanks... she wants a manual transmission and loved her previous Jetta that she totalled last year

 

Honda Fit? Civic? Mazda 3?

 

Can't go wrong with either of those... If I were looking for a car around 15K, those three would be on my list... Got my sister to buy an 06 Civic sedan....

Someone at work has a new black Fit

 

Mazda 3...zippy little car...I enjoyed it, but I test drove an auto since the manuals are harder to find

 

What about an RSX-S?

 

I don't know why I read "pics of my girlfriend"

 

High insurance costs and premium gas

 

on the scion tC or the Fit. They should meet all the requirements that you're looking for and be inexpensive to maintain.

 

Because you're the Maharaja of Leghumpers?

 

She'd never go for the Honda Fit... it isn't sporty enough.

 

Its not??

Thats not what Car and Driver said in its review

 

Mazda3 > Scion tC in overal value
Toyota > Mazda in perceived reliability
Scion tC > Mazda3 in looks and coolness
Mazda3 > Scion tC in luxury features (the GT trim comes with leather, heated seats, HIDs, trip computer, tire pressure, rain sensing wipers, and more standard)

Edit: sorry...forgot you were looking at used '03/'04. The Mazda3 S GT trim only availble in '06 and '05 it's called SP23.

 

2 weeks ago I bought one of the GFs a 2005 Dodge Stratus Coupe 11K on the clock. Grey/Grey. They where asking 15K, I knocked them down to $10,200 lol..

The car is in perfect condtion in every way. Flawless.

$15k << 10.2K
Cheap on repairs YES
Great on gas (25+/30+) YES
2003 and up YES
Manual transmission NO, but has SS.
Sunroof YES
Alloy wheels (no cheap steel wheels with wheel covers) YES.


Still has bumper to bumper warranty for another 2-3years. + nice sound system 6disc CD player....

 

2 year old LOADED Mazda 6. can't go wrong, great car.

 

How's the gas mileage on those?

 

Do Altimas come in a 5 spd?

 

If the Scion tC is better in reliablity, looks/coolness, and is cheaper than the Mazda3 how is the Mazda better in overall value?

 

Madza 3 is much nicer than the TC. But if she likes the looks then theres not much can you do.

 

If you price out a Mazda3 you have to spend over $18k just to get to where the Scion tC starts.

 

Oh werd, i was assuming she was looking for something slightly used.

 

She won't go for the Mazda3... I know her and I'm not even gonna bring that option up. Haha. Well maybe.

 

She might hate the look, but the old civic SI hatch fits nicely

has everything you want, with an ugly shifter on the dash

other than that its still a pretty sweet car

and gets an epa est 26/30 at the right price

edmunds price estimates just under 15k for an '04

 

2003 accord ex? coupe

or 6 cyl

doesn't look like an ex, but whatever

 

^^Get the 4-banger and I agree with Killer. She'll be all set.

 

of the bold text!

 

hehe, I was going to point that out too but decided to

 

Well, at least he didn't overspend! He just needs to buy his cars in bulk!

 

Yup, but the 2.5SL is a pretty boring ass car. The 3.5SE also comes in a manual, but even for an '03 you're looking at about $18k. The gas mileage on those aren't too great either.

I still say a slightly used Scion tC is where your girlfriend should be looking, Steve. My friend just bought one last week and he already loves it.

 

I think the Scion tC is a winner.

 

Mini Cooper or a Civic

 

05 Chevy Classic with 25000 miles from Hertz.

$9995 before $300 AAA discount.

Insurance is much less expensive, 4T40E GM transmission is solid, and 2.2L Ecotec engine is extremely easy to work on and offers lots of low-end torque. Fuel Economy is easily 32-34MPG on the HWY.

 

I bought an 06 civic LX for 16,500. Brand new with auto transmission.

Make it a manual and save more. This way it will meet all of your requirements.