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Best new car, stick, (20k

69.37.213.6

Posted on May 22, 2007 at 18:12:50
Trmbn8
Audiophile

Posts: 89
Location: Connecticut
Joined: December 15, 2003
Performance, reliability, comfort.

The VW jetta has an issue with its center console and my particular build such that my leg rubs up against the shifter console when I'm using the gas.

Mazda3 is awesome, and what I'm currently leaning towards.

Chevy Cobalt SS is ok, but my insurance company hates it.

Altima I haven't test-driven yet, that's on the cards for tomorrow.

Sentra SE-R Spec V. Absolutely phenomenal car. Smooth accelerating, poweful, fun. For a smaller car, has a nice driver compartment

Don't like the styling of civic/corolla, Fusion comes way too close to my expected price range and looks bland, and I just don't like the focus (close though it may be to the Mazda 3, I don't like the styling nearly as well).

Am I missing anything that I should be looking at a bit more closely? Subarus come too close to the top of my price-range for me to try to negotiate down a bit more, and it has to be new or very close thereto.

Any input would be helpful

 

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RE: Best new car, stick, (20k, posted on June 8, 2007 at 20:01:43
gymwear5@hotmail.com
Manufacturer

Posts: 3475
Joined: April 10, 2002
How about the Mitsubishi Lancer. Very close to the Mazda3 - a bit worse gas mileage - maybe a little better handling since the chassis is built up for the next EVO. Definately a good looking car - and a great warranty. Shifter felt a little better than the Mazda's to me and I have a problem with the wide center console of the three - no probs with the Lancer. And if you want to a performance "goodies" later I'm sure they will abound in the "rice mobile" marketplace.

 

RE: Best new car, stick, (20k, posted on August 7, 2007 at 10:45:17
gymwear5@hotmail.com
Manufacturer

Posts: 3475
Joined: April 10, 2002
Mistu Lancer I like better than the Mazda 3 which also has a center console a little too wide for my right calf. It's a bit more solid and the ride is nice in the mid level trim. Altima ia a good choice if a bit bigger will suit. BYW I like the looks non-wagon Mazda 3 better and I like to shift my cars.

 

RE: Best new car, stick, (20k, posted on August 8, 2007 at 15:16:47
beken
Audiophile

Posts: 260
Location: BC
Joined: May 14, 2001
I have a MINI.
Like good audio, I wouldn't go by specs and test report numbers alone.

The Mazda3 GT was on my list until I drove a MINI and I also found the MINI dealer easier to do business with than the Mazda dealer.

 

Mazda 3, posted on December 21, 2007 at 19:44:12
schlagelk
Audiophile

Posts: 85
Location: Midwest
Joined: December 22, 2003
So what did you end up with? I have had a Mazda 3s hatch 5 speed for about two years now, have had zero problems and it is really a blast to drive; the shifter and clutch are very smooth and the car is pretty quick. It handles like a sports car; you can take corners at way over posted speeds with no problem and it is exhilarating.

I drove the Speed3 a few months ago and was tempted to move up, but the Speed3 gets worse gas mileage and requires premium fuel (those are the only negatives). For about $23K it was very tempting and I've gone back and forth on it a few times but I am extremely happy with the car I've got.

 

RE: Best new car, stick, (20k, posted on September 12, 2008 at 15:32:54
Fstein02


 
In Ct. you should look at the base Subarus

 

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