Definitely test drive the Focus ST. And in ST2 or ST3 version.

You will have a blast.

 

The Ford dealer that's about 2 miles from my office has 3 on their website (assuming it's up to date). Called yesterday to see if they had any 6MT Fusions & never got a call back.

What kind of MPG are you getting in yours?

 

Has anyone driven a MT CX-5?

I've read that they're a little underpowered for a small SUV, but haven't been able to find one to check out with a MT.

 

I'm getting 26MPG and I do mostly city driving.

 

Wow, that's pretty good. I'm getting about 25-26 in my TL at about 70/30 Hwy/City.

 

Sort of confused here. Is the requirement $35k or $25k? Also, update on the CLA, the starting price is $29,900.

 

Typo, meant 35.

CLA looks nice, but fits with the BMW/Audi comment above. Out of warranty, not sure I'd want to foot the repairs.

 

Now you've really done it..

 

I can understand that.

If I were you I'd wait until the summer or early Fall. I have a feeling that the new Mazda6 is going to be a heck of a car. Additionally, I think that there are going to be some new diesels available that may sway you one way or the other. I mean, why buy a NA 2.5 that gets 40mpg when the same car with a diesel will get 50mpg and not cost that much more. Especially if you drive it a long time.

 

Since you mentioned it, I just went to mazdausa.com and played around with the Build your own function for the 2014 Mazda6. You can get a nicely equipped 6MT for under $25k (base MSRP is $20,880). The only drawback is the base trim is the only trim that offers the 6-MT. It might be worth checking out though.

 

Saw a '14 Mazda 6 in a really nice red at the Mazda dealer by my office. Very, very nice looking car. Surprised to already see a '14 model in Feb '13.
I stopped in & drove a CX-5 GT FWD (all they had was AT models), knocked that off my list of potentials. Had someone call it "anemic" & that's a pretty good description. I don't think having a 6MT would help much.

 

I vote Accord.

 

OP: If the older Legacy body style was nice in your opinion, then a 08/09 would be the way to go. Only a LGT will have a MT. Also, look for a Spec B, and you get a 6MT.

 

Just test drove a 6MT Accord Sport Sedan over my lunch break (they didn't have a '13 Civic Si Sedan in stock)

Really impressed with the Accord, plenty of pep, roomier inside than my TL, comfortable ride (for the 3-4 miles I drove it) & did well in the rain (been raining all day here).

So far, I've driven the ILX & Accord Sport. the Ford dealer is a little further, will be trying to stop in to look at the ST & see if they have a 6MT Fusion (doubtful).
Also want to make my way down to the Subaru dealer & look at an Impreza Sport & XV Crosstrek.

 

Usually when I'm in the market for a new vehicle, I'll have three or four in mind that I'm seriously considering. But, I'll also have one that is a competing model which I'm not considering just to lend some perspective.

So on that note, I'd toss in a 2013 Jetta GLI Autobahn 6MT with Navigation; it has an MSRP @ $28,200. Though I know they've been upsizing with each generation, I'm not certain how it's dimensions compare with that of the 3.2TL.

 

Just off of seeing new Jettas on the highway, I think it's still small than the UA5.
Just not too keen on German out of warranty. I'm sure VW is better than MB/BMW/Audi though.

 

I wouldn't rule out a VW. They have free maintenance and are solid feeling cars.

I was considering a GTI for awhile.

A new TDI VW would get great mileage. Plus you can get a tune for it. Doesn't gr8ness have a tuned TDI?

 

I'd never recommend a used VW but new models should be fairly reliable. As I've indicated, you should include one model within the target segment that you're not considering. While I named the Jetta as that candidate, it can be any other make/model of your choosing.

 

There's a new VW dealer on my way in to work, maybe I'll stop in & have a browse.
When I was working for the local Chevrolet dealer while in college, we had a couple 6MT Jetta SportWagen TDi (09's I think) come through. Actually a nice driving car.