My First "What Car" Thread

Hey Guys,

Long time member/lurker posting up my first "what car" thread as I am bit stumped. 

I am in super savings mode lately, but my wife would prefer I drive something a bit more reliable, safer, comfortable. Currently in an 05 Focus ST (Duratec) with about 230K miles. I put around $1400 worth of suspension, wheel bearings, etc work this year and it still needs tires and some brake work....so I think maybe shes right. In addition, my 12 mile daily commute is about to become 40 miles. Still pretty short, but a worthwhile mention.

I have a history of driving garbage, never had a car payment, never paid more than 6k for a car. I like it that way, but I don't think I can achieve these goals while getting the car that fits these requirements:

-Newer than 2005

-Around 100K miles

-Fun/engaging to drive

-Unusual or neat in some way (This is a big one)

-It'd be great if a bicycle would fit inside, seats fold down, etc.

-7k Cash Budget, 13K Financed Budget (Must be 2016+)

-Pref Manual

-Modification potential would be nice (Although being a cheap bastard, it's unlikely I'll do anything)

Some things I've considered

-Mazdaspeed3 (First Gen)

-PPV Caprice (All autos I know)

-MK6 GTI

-Fiesta ST

-Cobalt SS Turbo

-8th Gen Si (Tough to find with low miles)

-BRZ

Below is some of my car history, to give you an idea of what I like

-944, 2 miatas, Audi 80, Audi C4 S4, 5 E30s, MX6 GT, 626 GT, Taurus SHO, 86 Trans Am, 1971 Capri

Anyways, am I missing anything? Any unique recommendations?

Appreciate the help!

-John

I like the cars you have owned, my kind of cars.

I have been shopping this range in the past. That looks like a pretty complete list.

I'd add a Saturn Ion Redline, maybe, as I don't know a ton about them.

I'd also look at a second gen 2 Mazda 3 with the 2.5, and a Mazda 2 (slow, but fun to drive). Tho, it sounds like you want something more neat or unusual. 

Edit: One outlier I can think of is an RX-8. I know they have their issues, but they check a lot of your boxes. 

Mazda 3 6spd 2.5 hatch is nothing to sleep on. Not as quick as an on-boost MS3, but a better daily. My mom's at 135k on hers with only preventative maintenance.

Mk6 GTI is a hell of a car too. Would be a bit quicker than the Mazda3, but I'm a little wary of owning a VW.

I just thought of two others I have shopped in this range: EP3 Civic Si and Matrix XRS.

EP3 Si: Much more realistic in that price range compared to an 8th gen as the EP3 was hated when it came out. I have heard with the right mods they are fun. Plus, you get that weird shifter, how's that for unique?

XRS: 2zz, so tons of revs, and also has a weird shifter. Could likely fit a bike in the back. 

2017-18 Elantra Sport would be worth a look.  

Thanks for the responses so far! Heading down the Mazda 2 rabbit hole for the past hour.

-John

You're looking at a lot of good options. 
 

I answered that question with an 8th generation civic coupe with the 1.8 and a five speed. It's my daily, added some used parts: koni sport shocks, a 24 mm rear sway bar, then new rotors and Carbotech brake pads and added a performance alignment. I've got a set of RPF1 wheels with RE71rs tires for autocross and track. It's way better than it should be on an autocross course. 
 

Best tank mileage was 36, always at least 30 mpg, except for the day I did 53 laps at the Firm. That was 13 mpg. 

As a former MK6 GTI I would say go for the Civic. Don't get me wrong, I really liked my GTI but once it had over 100k on the clock it had a lot of VW issues. 
Another thought, what about a Crown Vic ex police interceptor? Check this one out: Link