Element in AWD IS auto only. Actually, all recent Elements have been auto only.
Element in AWD IS auto only. Actually, all recent Elements have been auto only.
What about a Golf R32, or are those to unreliable/pricey? Or for that matter, Evo???
The R32's have been holding their value pretty well. I like Evo's, but they are holding their value pretty well, and they tend to skimp on some of the luxuries that I think the OP seemed to be gravitating towards. What about that new mini that is awd?
In reply to sachilles:
You can get an AWD Countryman, but I think by the time you've got AWD, you're pushing $28k
Oddly, I only got as far as thinking about looking at one of these before buying the WRX. For everything else we looked at, we just never thought it was a realistic contender. Not sure for what combination of initial price, mediocre performance in non-S versions, impression that every Mini so far has had some sort of moderately expensive and common issue, or just being unable to get over being generally offended by such an unmini Mini...
no mitsu's we both have had bad taste from those. Element is to fugly for her...dam berkeleying box with wheels.. I love the fact she loves cars and style.
I did mention a mini but she said no a freind has one she can't upstage... but i'll look in to it anyway.
If Imprezas are up your alley and WRXs prove hard to find, don't discount the '06+ 2.5i. Faster than it reads on paper, hackable via laptop and free software, cheaper insurance, and takes 87 octane.
I haven't driven one, but I imagine the new 2.0 is a bit lacking in power.
Only the 2004 R32's have manual transmissions. Performance is underwhelming on them...
04 r32 from what i had heard in testing it bested the wrx but got beat by the sti in the 1/4... my buddy bought one and loves it... i've driven it and id agree that it'll defiantly get out of its own way... however, i duno how your wife rolls but id be willing to bet the interior might scare her off, its not exactly a Cadillac... if shes down on that tuner sports car kinda feel, this is her... that'll one up her snooty lil mini friend ;) lol
WRX or LGT. They both are pretty quick. It's really easy and inexpensive to make them faster.
Just look for 09s. Shouldn't be much more than an 08, and an extra 50hp is nice....and better suspension. Should be easy to find sub-20K at this point.
325ix or 330ix? Have to be used, but might be a good ticket if you can find a manual.
There are 78 manual 325xi's some in touring on Cars.com. There's got to be one in your neck of the woods. Highest price was $22.5k.
Can you get the G35x in manual?
No
When I saw the title of this thread and thought of this:
I wanted a car with basically the same criteria as you when I was looking for a car a few years ago and ended up getting a LGT. An aftermarket TMIC, a downpipe, and a tune will net you pretty decent power for a daily. Plus they're much nicer inside and more subdued on the outside than WRXs so as long as you're not being an ass on the road the police tend to not notice you anymore than they would a Camry. 27/28 MPG on the highway, ~30 if I'm drafting a big rig. Good luck! 
Jeep Compass Sport? 
Well we were going to go buy a 2012 Legacy but the one dealer in New England who had a non Blue 2009 WRX e-mailed back asking if we were still interested when I said no due to lack of heated seats and it being a hatch (she has concerns of golf clubs and cart not fitting) they said "we can have that done" So we drove the 80 miles there last night and it was very nice for a 2009. Two small dings in the hood and 3-4 minor scratches but very nice low mileage car @ under 27,000 miles.
After pulling out my high powered flash light and crawling around it found no evidence that cars been monkeyed with. Brought her clubs with us to test fit they fit if you put them in just right..
The test drive had her smiling ear to ear.
Afterward we pulled it inside to the heated and dry delivery garage where i got to pick it apart some more.
Sales guy left us alone for a while and hard as i might i could not find a reason not to buy it other then it needs tires, missing one front all weather floor mat and no heated seats.
In the end they came down 2k and will put new tires and the seat warmers and the floor mat.
We hope to pick it up Monday! 
Turns out it was a returned Lease by a 30+ lady with a dog (can see short hair in hatch area and scuffs on the dash.) but hey it used and priced right at just over 19K Far below any others I've found
I can't believe it...she's never going to let me drive it.
there is a 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X XWD for sale.
you can also look for a Volvo S60 R or S40 T5 or even a 2005 Jaguar X-Type with AWD and stick.
Personally I would take a mazdaspeed6.
In reply to 44Dwarf:
Pics. Or it did happen (but we can't enjoy it with you)
I've got no way of hosting pic's
but heres a link to the dealers site add.
It's in riders rides now
Very nice!
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