[iodillalm]

I can't believe I forgot to mention the Legacy... doh.

Yes, a Legacy 2.5 GT is far less apt to have been messed with, and I've seen mid 2000's models for well around your price range.

I was actually looking for one as well before I bought my WRX, but they were all 4EAT's... I have to have a manual, so no go.

[education]

You started off saying you were looking at a Sentra, TSX, Malibu, Fusion, etc, now you're "highly" considering a 350z?

I'll get a more performance oriented car down the line when I can afford it.

I'm somewhat heavily considering a 350Z in the mix now too...

[zdoppiklonikaa]

me id get the ford focus they dint take the government bail out.and there a decent car

That covers Mazda too then, since Mazda are Ford [yes]

[iodillalm]

That covers Mazda too then, since Mazda are Ford [yes]

Not anymore they're not. Ford sold their controlling state 2 years ago. What used to be 40% is now around 13%. Hence why the Mazda 2 is coming out in this country even though it's underpinnings are the same as the Fiesta's.

This is probably the coolest website ever, it depicts exactly how convoluted the brands are and how much of each brand owns who and by what amount.

http://www.toomanycars.info/CarRelat...el-Image2.html

[Trotoleterm]

How are snow crews at clearing the roads in the UK? Where I am, they're really pretty quick and cover all the main roads in a pretty good amount of time.

Pretty fast on the busy used roads, usually come out quite quick to put the grit out. But where am at, it's more out back roads, and they usually late cleaning roads. Usually the roads just stay bad in most parts until weather takes it's course in clearing it here.

Just looked up some info on the Legacy GT, and it does look quite nice, I think I'd go with that over the WRX, it's cheaper, and personally I like the looks better, looks a little less like a "toy" and more "professional" to me, if that makes any sense.

As far as cost goes, it looks like the cost to own between that, and a 350Z is about the same. 350Z has a little more power, but the Legacy has AWD, I'm guessing may handle better, and I guess you could make up the power if you really wanted to.
.

My Legacy is 15 years old now, but it's still got great handling, better then newer BMW's I've driven, really sticks to the ground, with very good traction. I don't race it or anything but sometimes you get boy racers in there tuned up cars at the lights. They look down on you like what you driving? As my car is pretty old, silver and don't look to fast as it's an estate to, plus not many know what a proper Legacy is capable of here. Soon as lights go put your foot down and you leave pretty much any car people drive over here. It's just nice knowing you have the power, handling and traction underneath you if you ever need it.

It's an estate though as need it for my dogs, but maintenance has been low .I've had to replace some stuff recently but that's because I've been a bit lazy getting it serviced last couple years and it's a pretty old car now. I know newer versions will handle even better, never tried a newer version but looks wise they better, and am sure they will drive like a dream.

If I get a new car in future it will most likely be a newer model of the legacy.

[letmelogin]

You started off saying you were looking at a Sentra, TSX, Malibu, Fusion, etc, now you're "highly" considering a 350z?

I said I was heavily considering them in the mix, meaning throwing them under consideration with the other vehicles, not like I was 80% sure I wanted to get one, I also never said I was considering a Malibu, other people suggested it.

I didn't realize they could be had as cheap as they can, pretty much the same exact range as all the others for a decent used one... Found a 2005 with < 35k miles asking $16k, and could maybe come down a bit... Really not much of a different class car than the Evo and WRX/Sti I had included in the list...

Top picks right now are probably a Legacy GT, 350Z, Acura TL, Civic Si, Fit, Accord Coupe, Fusion, or base Impreza all based on their own merits and pros/cons...I've been reading more on the Focus, and have likely decided against it, I'd probably get a used Fusion before a new Focus even though the Focus can be had brand new cheaper than any others.

I'm thinking the Legacy GT is probably the best overall package of everything I want: I like the way they look, they have AWD, they have enough power to have a little fun with, safety features, decent mileage considering their power, more room than a coupe, and *hopefully* good reliability... I've found browsing consumer reports, car forums, and edmunds, you can find terrible reviews on pretty much every vehicle out there, and things breaking that shouldn't given the mileage on the vehicle. The one major complaint I've heard about the Legacy GT 2005-2006 (or whenever they revised) was the seat comfort... A number of people said the seats are very uncomfortable... I guess I'll know if I sit in one, heh.

[Trotoleterm]

Yeah it's best if you can go and sit in the seat your self and see if it suits you. It's very personal really.,The leather seats in mine feel good to me and are fine for quite long journeys, never had complaints from family or friends.

Reliability wise a newer Legacy should be very solid, and you should not have any issue's, as generally they are very reliable cars. It's hard as you say to read all the reviews online,a s there's always good and bad for every car pretty much based on people's personal experience and opinions.

I use to service mine regularly and never had an issue, but due to money and other commitments (And being a bit lazy to get it done) I've not been able to keep it serviced as much as it should do, thus it suffered a bit and had to replace a couple of things. But I think with a 15 year old car that's pretty normal, and am able to keep it serviced consistently in the future now, so should not have any issue's again.

Again, good luck in your decision.

[htDgExh8]

I might be picking up a Lancia Delta HPE as a second car these days
Pretty fun to drive

[Trotoleterm]

I might be picking up a Lancia Delta HPE as a second car these days
Pretty fun to drive

Would rather have a Integrale HF, just bit hard to find parts, and think expensive to get to!

[htDgExh8]

Would rather have a Integrale HF, just bit hard to find parts, and think expensive to get to!

Me 2, but the wife wants a rather "economic" car
lol [rofl]

[letmelogin]

This is about the best Legacy GT I've found in my area in my price range:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1753718253.html

[LkEHaduy]

Not anymore they're not. Ford sold their controlling state 2 years ago. What used to be 40% is now around 13%. Hence why the Mazda 2 is coming out in this country even though it's underpinnings are the same as the Fiesta's.

This is probably the coolest website ever, it depicts exactly how convoluted the brands are and how much of each brand owns who and by what amount.

http://www.toomanycars.info/CarRelat...el-Image2.html

Ford owns a stake in the U.F.O.P? Aka The United Federation of Planets, aka, Starfleet, aka, Startrek. Click on the ford logo and look near the Toyota logo.

[iodillalm]

Ford owns a stake in the U.F.O.P? Aka The United Federation of Planets, aka, Starfleet, aka, Startrek. Click on the ford logo and look near the Toyota logo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang'an_Motors

[letmelogin]

No, I haven't bought a car yet, or even come to a decision, really... Just been doing more browsing and research.

I found a 2006 Legacy GT with ~45k miles on it from a dealer asking $13,600 for it... They are however waiting on a strut, and said once it's installed they'll send me pictures of it. They also emailed me a scanned AUTOCHECK (haven't looked at it yet), and are going to get a CARFAX emailed to me.

That *may* be the best overall deal I've found......

However, I have been doing more research, and the Mazda 3 5-door/hatchback does appeal to me... It has the practicality of the Fit, and IMO looks much better, and has a stronger engine... The Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3 is probably the best looking hatchback I've seen.

The Mazdaspeed 3 would be awesome if I could find a decent one that fits my budget.
Here's one I've found, but the asking price is a bit too much for me, if they could come down to ~$15k that would be a pretty good deal:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/1831805111.html

I also found a 2007 asking $11,500, however it has 104k miles on it... They did say that it was 95% freeway miles, so I don't know... $11.5k does seem like a great deal, even if the miles are fairly high.

[cliceperperIa]

I want a VW scirocco. Really like the shape!

[Trotoleterm]

The Mazdaspeed 3 would be awesome if I could find a decent one that fits my budget.
Here's one I've found, but the asking price is a bit too much for me, if they could come down to ~$15k that would be a pretty good deal:

.

Looks like a good deal, not sure about the other one with over 100K, would get the 15k one out of the two personally.

I would still pick a Legacy personally as can't live without 4x4 and love the cars, but this is your choice and the Mazda looks like a nice car and deal.

[fkjghfg]

I would go for the 350Z...
It's georgeous car and very fun to drive... And a sportscar is a spotrscar... Can't really compare it to the others you have considered


It's the one car you will regret not buying later on if you decide to go for something more sensible...




When and if I decide to sell my 200SX I will most likely get a 350Z to replace it

[Morageort]

I would go for the 350Z...
It's georgeous car and very fun to drive... And a sportscar is a spotrscar... Can't really compare it to the others you have considered


It's the one car you will regret not buying later on if you decide to go for something more sensible...




When and if I decide to sell my 200SX I will most likely get a 350Z to replace it

if your a hair dresser

[fkjghfg]

if your a hair dresser

Hmmm... Maybe it can look a bit gay...

No! Now you ruined it, I can't ever buy one [cursing]

Maybe I will just stick with my SX... Nothing gay about that piece of s**t

[Morageort]

Hmmm... Maybe it can look a bit gay...

No! Now you ruined it, I can't ever buy one [cursing]

Maybe I will just stick with my SX... Nothing gay about that piece of s**t

nope sx is perfectly manly [yes]

all you need to do is spray it pink and find a bird with a massive forehead and your all set

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/...2378ed65af.jpg