Just before leaving for my current deployment overseas, a very large commercial Silverado decided that my TSX was simply too nice to look at from the next lane over, and decided to come in for a closer look. Unfortunately, as a result, my car is now totaled. That puts me without a car as soon as I return to the States, so I am trying to do as much research about replacements as possible before I return. The idea is to have a lineup to take for test drives as soon as I get back, so I'm looking for any input you guys might have.

My budget is around $25-30k, lower is obviously better, but I will go to the upper end if the car is right. I loved my TSX, but I did have my complaints - lack of power (for the weighty TSX) was probably the biggest.

I don't care if it's new, certified, or used. I would like mileage to be below 50k and a model year of 2010 or newer. I want four seats, but the back two don't need to be terribly comfortable, so long as they work. Number of doors is not a factor. I am concerned with reliability, especially if it's a used car. I absolutely need a driver's car; the feel of the TSX was what made me fall in love with it the first time I drove it, so if a car makes me yawn, it is immediately disqualified. Manual transmission is mandatory.

Cars I'm considering right now:

New Subaru BRZ
New Mazdaspeed3
New Ford Focus ST
CPO BMW 1-Series

Right now my leaning is, to my surprise, the Focus ST. The amount of power it puts out vs. fuel consumed is stunning. It's reviewed very well, it's well-balanced, it's practical, and with the highest option package it is not, by any measure, poorly equipped. That said, I've never so much as seen one, let alone taken it for a drive, so much remains to be proven.

The BRZ is a bit of an unknown as well. They're beautiful machines, but I would have to drive one. I am concerned with early reports of poor reliability, which is both dismaying and quite surprising, coming from a Toyota/Subaru project. It's also a bit less practical than the other cars on my list.

The Mazdaspeed3 concerns me with its fuel consumption (the same as a 135i!) compared to the Focus ST, but I've driven Mazda3s before, and they're brilliant. If the Focus ST is fun to drive, though, the MS3 is dead in the water.

I would love a 1-Series, but I am concerned with the cost of ownership for a used BMW, even a CPO. Perhaps owners on the board could chime in on that? On top of that, it is pretty much the same price for a CPO 1-Series as it is for a brand new... anything else on my list.

Comments, criticisms, suggestions, anything at all that might help is more than welcome. Thanks in advance. I may be slow in replying to any questions, due to my deployed status.

 

Of your list, Focus ST. We have a couple of members here with one and they are certainly fuel efficient AND fun.

 

Range Rover Sport V8SC.

Nah, but seriously.

Of your list, Focus ST.

Not of your list, the Audi A3. New one in your price range.... slightly used A4, is well within also...

 

2010- Acura TL w/ SH-AWD?

 

a tsx with manual transmission-

 

I would add the Golf R and the Fiesta ST to your list. Depending on when you buy you might even have a MK7 GTI as an option.

 

Infiniti G37?
Hyundai Genesis coupe?
VW GTI?
Honda Accord coupe V6?
Ford Mustang GT?

 

I went from a 1G TSX to the Focus ST. The TSX was a great car but, like you said, it didn't have much power. The ST is absolutely fun to drive and has fantastic power. Going from a somewhat slow naturally aspirated four cylinder to a pretty quick turbocharged four cylinder was a huge difference and all smiles.

You can also get a great deal on the ST as well since dealers aren't exactly selling them like hot cakes.

But I think so far you have a good list of candidates to check out and drive. I fell in love with the ST when I first test drove it. I knew it was the one for me and this test drive ST was even a stripped-down base version. The way it drove was amazing. The one I bought was the ST3 package and the interior is quite nice for a Ford. Absolutely no complaints so far in 1+ year of ownership.

Good luck!

 

 

Being that you are deploying, the following companies have nice military discounts:

BMW
Mercedes
Volvo
Jaguar
Range Rover
Mini

All others are offered via the PX, so you know it is not really a deal.

 

I owned 2010 Mazdaspeed3 for over 4 years. It was AWESOME. FAST/Affordable/Huge cargo volume/Cheap to mod and fix. Between $1k-1.5k will make it as fast as stock STI and EVO. I averaged 20 mpg for 30k miles. The car was modified and I have the heaviest asian foot. Had zero problem whatsoever. My previous of this was 3G TL and that thing honestly gave me more problems than MS3.

I would have kept the MS3 if it wasn't FWD, it just wasn't for me even though it packed some major turbo power.

Now, I own a 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited. I wanted something super light/RWD/6MT/cheap to mod/lots of aftermarket support. I've about 2000 miles right now. Have tracked the car stock twice already. It's unbelievably capable at track even as stock and has incredible amount of potential to be a track monster. You can think of FRS/BRZ as S2K/Miata with nicer aerodynamics/much larger interior/2+2 seats. I've been averaging about 27mpg with heavy foot.

If you want to stay with turbocharged FWD hatch, I would recommend Focus ST/Mazdaspeed3.

If you want to man up and go for the Right Wheel Drive, go for BRZ. The driving experience with RWD sports car is just unmatched with FWD cars. Toyota/Subaru have been very content with TSBs to fix the small issues that the car had in the first year. My BRZ is MY2013 but all the TSBs have been done and I have zero issues so far. And I'm obviously on 86 forum everyday, there's not much issues with the car at all. It's a incredible sports car.

Good luck. If you have any specific questions regarding MS3 or BRZ, let me know. I'll give you some honest answers based on my personal experience with both cars.

 

 

What about something fun? and attractive? and not as boring as beige paint?

 

What about a manual Mustang V6? Meets quite a few of the requirements and with the new 'Stang hitting the showrooms later this year I'm sure Ford dealers will be willing to move the previous model out the door.

 

I bet he could get a 2011 5.0 for less than $30k, too.

I'd also consider a WRX. But you have a solid list there. Depending on how long your deployment is, there may be a next-generation MS3. Something to keep in mind.

Happy hunting!

 

Thank you everyone for the input, it's much appreciated. I feel very solid with my list, as well as a couple additions thanks to you guys. Now all I have to do is get home so I can drive some cars! Ah well, eventually.

 

Good luck man!

 

the new '15 subaru wrx is getting favorable reviews. One comparison between it and the ST put the suby first.

 

I would at least consider the BMW 228i. It's high on the budget (about 33) but it looks great!

Good luck and thanks for serving!