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...sucks. What I want and what I can afford don't see eye-to-eye.

I currently have a '97 Pontiac Grand Prix, with 190,000 miles, no air conditioning, in the desert.

I want something practical, yet fun. Been looking at Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Honda Civic, etc, in a hatchback where possible, preferably manual (which the wife hates).

What do you drive? Why? Do you love it or are you currently stuck in a clunker like me?

I just got out of a clunker. I have a Chevy Sonic hatchback that is perfect for me. I have a wife and kid and yesterday I was able to take both of them and a huge 2x15 cab in the car at the same time. It's small and smooth and fun to drive. And it has automatic or manual so you'd both be happy.

Clunker. 94 nissan little truck.

I am shopping for a van though. The Mrs nannies and I am always looking to move drums and amps. I don't have a freaking clue how to figure out good deals vs bad or how much I have to spend to get something that will last.

Anything against Toyotas or Kias or Hyundais? I know they aren't the most desirable but you can get a small hatchback that last forever and are usually on the cheaper side.

Of the 3 you listed, you really can't go wrong with any, you'd probably be able to find the best deal on the civic or focus.

I drive a RAV4. Not exactly the sexiest beast on the road but it lets be transport my bikes and kayaks easily, big enough for the family and a lot of room inside to move gear back and forth.

neonblack wrote: And it has automatic or manual so you'd both be happy.

Yeah, but I'm guessing it's clutch less whither the +/- button on the shifter? Her Malibu is like that, but it just isn't the same. I want an actual 5 or 6 speed, mostly because I never have owned one, but they're fun to drive. But wifey automatically equates manual to not-a-family-car and refuses to learn, even if it has four doors and even though we don't have kids yet. I mean, if money were no object, there's a new WRX at the dealer down the road, but buuuut it's about double let what I can swing. Plus insurance and premium gas would kill me.

untilshewokeme wrote:Anything against Toyotas or Kias or Hyundais?

Toyota and Hyundai, no, I actually was looking at the Corola S and the Veloster. Kia...I'm skeptical, but mostly because I don't know much about them and I'm fairly certain the company is younger than me (28).

Not really loyal or against any make, which is interesting because I come from a family that all worked for GM. The whole American/foreign argument falls on deaf ears for me. I want what is best for me, what I like. And I love classic muscle, and cruisers. Had a 1973 Olds 98 in college...it was great. But 9mpg isn't feasible as a daily. I drive way too much to get less than 25mpg.

Was going to throw in for Subaru (ooooo, WRX - drool). We just bought our second (Forester). It's manual as well. Our first Subi was a Legacy wagon - it was also our first family mobile. It's going on 13 this year, and it still kicks ass. We just got rid of a Mazda 5. Some people like them, but for me.. I hated it from day one. BEAUTIFULLY designed... cheaply built. It was like driving tupperware. And ZERO traction... even with "traction" "control". Pffft. Good riddance. Took us a while to find a manual Forester, but I'm glad we waited. There's just something about driving manual. Anyway... Subaru!! Yay!

Good luck with your hunt

Foresters are the shit son.

I recently got a Mazda CX-5. Thing is the absolute best.

According to my friend you can fit quite a bit inside the Hyundai Veloster, although your YMMV.

I think I'd go Legacy over Forrester...that seems too big, to SUV-y, which is totally cool, just not my thing.

The new Forresters are awful. Mine's a 2002?

Just aesthetically, or functionality?

If you are like me, and do your own car maintenance, be careful of some Subarus. About 10 years ago (don't know if they still do it) they had been getting all fancy and putting the spark plugs on the underside of the engine. Something you could usually DIY if they needed changing, but with shit like that you gotta take it be a mechanic because they literally need to lift the engine up to change them, costing you around $400.

That's dumb. I can wrench, I worked in the university autos autoshop in college, maintaining the fleet of grounds vehicles and equipment, as well as public safety and hvac vehicles. But...I'm really leaning towards going through a dealership, so I don't have to. The wife's car is a lease, and while I'm looking to buy, having a dealership warranty and free oil changes is mighty apealing.

I personally wouldn't trust Subaru's, they have absolutely dreadful ratings from JD Power. My sister got a new Subaru recently, and within a week it had an oil leak. And this was a one owner vehicle.