Buying a new car soon, opinions?(LGT, MS3, 9-2X)

[Ratt]

Love my Mazdaspeed. If all-wheel-drive suits your fancy try to find a low-mile mazdaspeed6 and drive it to see if you like it. Almost 300 hp, AWD, 6 speed manual, they're nice. The Mazdaspeed3 fits me perfectly, but I'm 5' 7" and 135 lbs.

[jnobles06]

Well my 20 year old Lexus finally broke down on me on the way home from work on Thursday. It's not anything major, but its time for me to get into something that isn't almost as old as I am.

Im looking to spend around $15-18k, and require a manual transmission. I am really digging the 05-09 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, but they are pretty rare this far south. You can find them by the hundreds up in the NE, but I would prefer a car that hasn't seen harsh winters.

Anyone have anything good(or bad) to say about the Legacy? The WRXs are cool as well from a driver's standpoint, but it seems like a lot of douchebag ricer types in that scene. The Legacy has very similar specs, but with a less douchy vibe.

Of course I have to mention the Mazdaspeed 3 in this price range as its the king of the bang for the buck, but I really don't know all that much about them. Are they reliable?


Any other suggestions in the 15-18k range would be appreciated. I dig the shit out of the Saab 9-2X(rebadged WRX wagon), but their availability down here make the Legacy look plentiful.

What do y'all think?

I'm looking for a car too. for that price range I'd probably try and pick up a jag s-type r (its an auto but i have a mustang to drive when i want to drive a stick) or and 05+mustang gt. I opted to go cheaper than you so I can pay it of quickly and I am currently on the look out for an 03+ Lincoln ls v8. I have always like the look of them. might eventually put and sts turbo on it.

[ozzeran]

The HHR is an abomination.

TDIs look good on paper, but I refuse to buy ANY VW/Audi product. Based on the experiences of family and friends with those cars, they are giant pieces of shit. Electrical problems, drivetrain, suspension, endless issues. The motors seem to be well built, but everything around them tends to be problematic. Great cars to own in warranty, money pits to pick up on the used market.

The bimmer wouldn't be half bad, though... but parts costs scare me.

What year range are you talking about with the VW's?

[1995RedGT]

Love my Mazdaspeed. If all-wheel-drive suits your fancy try to find a low-mile mazdaspeed6 and drive it to see if you like it. Almost 300 hp, AWD, 6 speed manual, they're nice. The Mazdaspeed3 fits me perfectly, but I'm 5' 7" and 135 lbs.

I second the speed6. Buddy of mine has one, car moves pretty damn well.
overall i like the car. Might be worth looking into.