I really didn't want to make a what car thread... :-/

But I'm indecisive and it's my favorite thing in the universe to think and talk about.

So here's the req sheet: Kid-seat capable back seat; ability to cruise at 80mph comfortably for 2+ hours, manual trans (non-negotiable), sporty enough to be entertaining to drive but doesn't need to be a racecar (already have one of those). Fuel economy is bonus, but low on the list (I'm coming from 12mpg, so pretty much anything this an improvement). Cannot be anything that needs a tranny or motorswap to meet requirements, and must pass Cali smog. Wagon or hatch would be ideal, and Ford and Mazda are my preferred brands.

Budget is anything under ~ $4500, or anything that putting $4k down + trade-in on my '96 Bronco (est $2k) will get me payments under $250/month on no more than a 60 month loan.

This will not be the primary kid-carrying car (we already have a Mazda5 for that); it just needs to be able to do it on the occasional weekend when the wife takes a trip out of town.

My current thoughts are to go with a new Mazda2 or 5-door Accent, however I would prefer to not have to make payments if I can avoid it. For used, my local CL has been pretty barren... a lot of boring and/or broken cars and almost all automatics. I've been keeping my eyes open for a ZX5, Protege5, and SVT Contour, though haven't seen anything. (Local Craigslist). A Civic could work, but all the ones I'm seeing are non-VTEC (and really, what's the point of a Honda if VTEC can't kick in, yo?). I'm fairly enamored of the Mazdaspeed3, but so far I haven't seen any in my price range. E36 might work, though I'm a bit skittish about the electronics in german cars of that vintage.

So... all input appreciated and thanks in advance.

Mad Machine got me stuck on a 302 Volvo. You've already got the 302. And you might want to research those SVT Contours. I've heard bad things.

If you like Mazda, why not go with a used Mazda 3 wagon (uh...hatch) for the lower end of the price spectrum. Even a nice Protege 5 if you can find one. For the new car route, Mazda 2.

I'm shopping for similar criteria now, and the '08+ Mini Cooper is landing very high on my list.

Can't go wrong with the Mazda 3 in either hatch n/a or boosted formula. I know for a fact a kid seat fits. Got a Recaro baby seat in the back of mine right now.

Not Ford or Mazda, but I think it ticks all the other boxes.

Though I've heard that the Sportcross may never have come with a manual, so you might have to go with a sedan. I think they're cool.

WRX? For 14k you can pick up some fairly recent ones. Might be fun.

ReverendDexter wrote: ...Wagon or hatch would be ideal, and Ford and Mazda are my preferred brands. Budget is anything under ~ $4500, or anything that putting $4k down + trade-in on my '96 Bronco (est $2k) . I've been keeping my eyes open for ...SVT Contour... I'm fairly enamored of the Mazdaspeed3, but so far I haven't seen any in my price range. ...So... all input appreciated and thanks in advance.

Why the Contour? I would think a Focus SVT would be a better fit. Considering you're willing to put $4K down and sell your truck (~$2K), the combined $6K will get you in the hunt for a very nice Focus SVT and still no car payment. Gets your hatchback req., manual (6-speed!) req., fun out of the box but not full race car, likely double your current MPG's, etc. Search for one with the EAP package and you get Recaros (nice for your 2-hour road trips), heated seats, etc. If you want easier kid doting, 4-door hatch SVT's exist as well. Plus it falls in your comfort zone (Ford product).

I'd at least add it to your list. Seems to check all the boxes.

Since it will inevitably be mentioned (seems to be a theme as of late) - let me suggest:

Excellent freeway manners, available in manual trans, sporty enough to be entertaining, well within your budget, and much more economical than the Bronco. Saab 9-5 wagon.

IS300 sportcross is auto-only

SVT Focus is on the list, though it was hidden as a ZX5. Don't see 'em very often, in the past year or so, there was one at a stealership for $6k, but it was pretty beat. It's definitely on my short list, though.

SVT Contour: I know about the oil starvation issue, but I wasn't aware of any other big problems. By the checklist they don't really tick my typical boxes, but there's just been something I've liked about 'em. Mind you, I've never so much as sat in one, just nursed low-grade lust from afar.

Sperlo - no motor swaps! This is just supposed to be a jump-in-it-and-go car. Besides that 302 is 6 hours away, has scored bearings, and I already have plans are to build it into a TF-top ended 331/347 and stuff it in the 5.0 (Err, you were talking about my spare motor right?)

All-in-all it sounds like you guys are right in the same ballpark I am, so looks like it's just down to actually finding something and buying it.

Thanks again

Xflowgolf: That second 4 door focus svt is sweet. Almost a wagon , but not quite.

I just picked up a 99 318ti. So far it's great and meets all your criteria. I had very similar criteria when I was searching. A 2000+ Toyota celica was also on the list.

In reply to ReverendDexter:

Keep in mind the SVT Focus is an interference engine. I'd prefer a Zx5 simply for that. Tune it all you want.

I believe the SVT Contour may have had the Probe (or similar) head gasket.

2006-7 WRX

meets all your criteria

E28 535i

I used to rock that one... it was a swiss army knife of sporty family transport and bullet train to the office.

You should have $2000 to $3500 left over for a rainy day and it ticks every one of your boxes. (it will actually cruise at 120 all day but to get 25mpg you will have to keep it under 90). The safety issue - it died when I got T-Boned by a Santa Fe doing 55. I backed in to a parking lot and shut it off- she left in an ambulance amid a sea of oil, coolant, and air bag smoke. It is a berkeleying tank.

WRX meets the criteria. (You didn't say anything about it not being ugly!) Personally I'd go E36 if I was feeling mechanically adventurous and fun to drive was key.

WRX back seat is not the best for car seats. Especially if you need more than one seat.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: E28 535i I used to rock that one... it was a swiss army knife of sporty family transport and bullet train to the office. You should have $2000 to $3500 left over for a rainy day and it ticks every one of your boxes. (it will actually cruise at 120 all day but to get 25mpg you will have to keep it under 90). The safety issue - it died when I got T-Boned by a Santa Fe doing 55. I backed in to a parking lot and shut it off- she left in an ambulance amid a sea of oil, coolant, and air bag smoke. It is a berkeleying tank.

When you brag about how little your car was affected by an accident, in many cases you are actually bragging about how much collision energy was transferred to its occupant(s). Let's try that 55mph t-bone again on the other side of that 535 :). Putting myself in the OP's shoes, I might be OK with this If I was going to be the only passenger, but if I were putting kids in it...

Because I'm absolutely certain nobody else will say it:

You can get this:

With this:

It meets your requirements, (including better than 12MPG economy) so long as sport means:

1993 and possibly 1994 Grand Cherokees were available with a five-speed manual transmission. I found a clean one once with steelies, and cladding delete - it's really a nice package.

The Protege5 is really nice, and I think it's a great pick.

Josh wrote: Let's try that 55mph t-bone again on the other side of that 535 :).

You mean the passenger side Mr. Smarty Pants? Because I got hit in the driver's door right between the door seam and the front wheel. I saw it coming and screamed like a little girl. It drove the car 30ft down the road. The car was totaled - it still rolled under it's own power but it was bent to hell. The only injury I got was a bruise on my hand and a little bump on the noggin' - from where - I really have no idea.