Get a Civic Hybrid, those get insane gas mileage. I also hear the new Passat is cheap and comfortable with lots of standard goodies (including 6 speed I think).

 

werd

 

srt-4

 

i traded my lancer in for a mazda 3 i gotta say i LOVE the car very comfortable and spacious inside plus the sound system is nice overall really good and fun car

 

You can't go wrong with the SI.

I would avoid Mazda 3, nice leather + comfort, but I can't help but feel like they cheaped out on the mechanicals. My friends manual 3 shifts really badly, not familiar with the autos though.

 

I went out car shopping today, and test drove about every car in the class of $15k-23k...and I have made up my mind on the 06 mazda 3 grand touring s package... fully equipped with leather, HID's, 6 speaker bose 6 disc changer...everything! 20k and some change out the door! Not to mention the standard 6 airbags and 4yr/50k mile warranty. I should be making the purchase sometime in the next 2-3 weeks...gonna get the winning blue or black It was just an overall awesome performing car for the price. It just feels like my money is going the right way with this car.

 

Well, seems like you made your choice... but ill say it again incase you change your mind.

Ralliart.

Before, I purchase my ralliart I drove everything around for the same price and only car I would get over it was RSX-s, but insurance was killing me at the time. SpecV was a close 2nd choice but the exterior/interior just was 'blah' to me and performance wise, the specV and ralliart go head up.

Anyways, ull still stay mitsu, and ive had NO problems with the car and it's a first year model (2004). It requires unleaded gas and it's gets reasonable gas when your not driving in MIVEC (3500rpm+). It looks good and handles well for it's FWD, but loose the stock tires thou if you want some real fun. Overall, for handling, fit and peformance the ralliart is a great buy. The mazda3 has an awesome turning radius compare to the ralliart which I like, but that's it. The interior had way to much going on (lights, buttons etc.), a lil on the cute side and the exterior is good looking as well. When my g/f told me "I love it, I want it" that's when I said, "great, I hate it... it's a chick sedan". Also, if you don't want to mod but want that great stock performance, can't beat the ralliart and the MIVEC.

If you still keep the mazda, nvtl... congrats. I do like the options you get with the car.

I heard the sedan wasn't as reliable as the coupe... but that's still an awesome price.

 

I test drove a 3 wagon before I got my RA. It was auto, it handled like crap and I felt every little bump on the highway. It also had a stupid little computer that told me what gear I was in.

 

When I was shopping for a car, went to the mazda dealer and couldn't/didn't want a RX-8, so I took a ride in Mazda 3, and let me just tell you....... I ran away.

 

2000 audi a4.

 

VWs are nice if you can put up with electrical problems.
Another vote for the new Si. Great car, wish I could get it too.

 

The new SI requires premium gas only...no can do.

 

VW/Audi cars are nice but they are in the shop quite often.

I like the Mazda or an RSX if you want a small car. If you want to step up the class a little bit id get a Chrysler 300. Its a bad *** ride, although its a larger car and might not get the mileage your looking for.

 

You do realize that for an average driver to step up to premium is less than a 100 bucks a year for a car doing 30MPG, such as the honda.... Thats less than my satelite radio charge...

 

Used Mini Cooper S.
You will miss the power, but the handling and feel on the MCS is close to the EVO.