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Old 11-22-2011, 10:27 PM   #1
Optimus Prime
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new car shopping

Looking for a "second car" to compliment the Passat Wagon.

Needs:
-Good MPG
-Manual
-Doesn't suck

Right now the top two cars are the Mazda 3 and Golf TDI. The Focus was impressive, but the Mazda 3 is better. Loved the TDI, but that's starting to push how much I want to spend.

More in depth test drives on Friday.
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Old 11-22-2011, 10:30 PM   #2
Josh (PA)
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do you want new?
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Old 11-22-2011, 10:59 PM   #3
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Which Mazda 3, I am interested in the skyactiv one but cannot find a 6MT in SoCal to test drive
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Old 11-22-2011, 11:13 PM   #4
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a Mini?
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Old 11-22-2011, 11:47 PM   #5
Optimus Prime
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh (PA) View Post
do you want new?
yes, only because the used market is overpriced at the moment. I may be convinced by a car owned by someone I know and can trust or the right CPO
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Originally Posted by Jeff_DML View Post
Which Mazda 3, I am interested in the skyactiv one but cannot find a 6MT in SoCal to test drive
They have sedan skyactiv 6MT on the lot here. I drove the 5door auto skyactiv yesterday.
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a Mini?
Maybe, but the cost is creeping up there when compared to the Focus, Kia, Mazda.

Cost creep already set in to get me to the Golf TDI; I started at "cheap set of wheels" but the lowest levels of cars suck bad.
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Old 11-23-2011, 12:07 AM   #6
Sharp11
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I like the Golf TDI - 40 mpg is tough to sneeze at. Also, there's just an overall goodness to the car, even if it is a bit less than exciting. Problem is, you've already got a Passat.

Since you're looking for a car to "compliment" the Passat, a Mini might make a better "fun" alternate ride.

Cars are so good now, you almost can't go wrong, unless you went with the new Civic, which has become vomit-inducingly banal.
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Old 11-23-2011, 06:01 AM   #7
JST
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Veloster? Fiat? Scion tC? Wait for Toyobaru? Mustang V6? Genesis coupe?
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Old 11-23-2011, 06:08 AM   #8
John V
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Toyobaru mileage is supposed to suck. I think they're predicting 19/27? Miserable for a light, four cylinder car.
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Old 11-23-2011, 08:17 AM   #9
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I second the Golf TDI. I looked at and drove one a few months back and loved it. For me it would be a perfect commuter up here in Chicago. The only issue for me was the cost. The sticker price gets up there quick when you add the good stuff on.

I would take a look at the Honda Fit Sport also. Drive one and you might be surprised at how go cart like it is. It's also got a great amount of utility in it.
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Old 11-23-2011, 08:35 AM   #10
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I second the Golf TDI. I looked at and drove one a few months back and loved it. For me it would be a perfect commuter up here in Chicago. The only issue for me was the cost. The sticker price gets up there quick when you add the good stuff on.

I would take a look at the Honda Fit Sport also. Drive one and you might be surprised at how go cart like it is. It's also got a great amount of utility in it.
+1 on both

If you are ok with the price, TDI is cool. If you want something cheaper, the Fit is surprisingly nice. Could use a few more hp, but very versatile and handles well.


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