Replacing the impreza

[equ]

Well, we've thought about it all afternoon and seem to be changing our minds. Perhaps it is time for the impreza to go to a new home (i.e. to a crazy mechanic who's going to stuff with sti'ness).

I'm thinking 10-15k as a budget. Requirements:
1. MT only
2. Decent handling/brakes/seats
3. Good mpg

I noticed that 03-04 accords (4-cyl) are priced around there and likely good value for the money. When I suggested, she went ballistic... So there's some image requirement of some sort. I think she likes hatches the most, with sporty wagons/coupes next. So an rsx is a possibility.

I'll have to do some research.

[JST]

Originally Posted by equ

Well, we've thought about it all afternoon and seem to be changing our minds. Perhaps it is time for the impreza to go to a new home (i.e. to a crazy mechanic who's going to stuff with sti'ness).

I'm thinking 10-15k as a budget. Requirements:
1. MT only
2. Decent handling/brakes/seats
3. Good mpg

I noticed that 03-04 accords (4-cyl) are priced around there and likely good value for the money. When I suggested, she went ballistic... So there's some image requirement of some sort. I think she likes hatches the most, with sporty wagons/coupes next. So an rsx is a possibility.

I'll have to do some research.

Mk IV GTI?

[dan]

mazda6

[equ]

Originally Posted by makaveli

mazda6

Are they that cheap? She reacts violently to "family" size cars like the accord so I can only imagine the 6 is not far behind. But she already mentioned the 3.

[bren]

Originally Posted by equ

I'm thinking 10-15k as a budget.

Originally Posted by equ

...she already mentioned the 3.

Can't you get a new Mazda3 for near that?

[ff]

Originally Posted by bren

Can't you get a new Mazda3 for near that?

If you go with a no-frills sedan model, they start at under 15K. The Civic sedan and coupe also start at right around 15K.

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by bren

Can't you get a new Mazda3 for near that?

here in san diego they advertise the 5 door hatch in the sunday paper for $15,700 or so. the 5 door only comes with the large engine too.

I test drove one too and liked it too. nice little car.

[equ]

She loves gti's... Is it reliable enough? Also two VAG's in the family is one (two?) too many... I guess we'll be shopping this Saturday.

[John V]

Originally Posted by equ

She loves gti's... Is it reliable enough?

I can't believe I'm saying this... but if you're mechanically inclined and willing to spend the money to get the VAG-COM scanner and software (it's several hundred bucks) you can probably save yourself a lot of headaches.

If not, then no. It's not reliable enough. Move on.

Mazda 3 seems to be the best fit. What's this about a special wrench for oil changes?

[blee]

Originally Posted by John V

I can't believe I'm saying this... but if you're mechanically inclined and willing to spend the money to get the VAG-COM scanner and software (it's several hundred bucks) you can probably save yourself a lot of headaches.

If not, then no. It's not reliable enough. Move on.

Mazda 3 seems to be the best fit. What's this about a special wrench for oil changes?

Oil filter is accessed from above, in a housing that requires a hex wrench. Housing itself removed easily with a standard oil filter wrench. It's not all that special.