Need New DD...~15k

[Murlo26]

So, I am like 99% keeping the evo, its still for sale for the right price but i like having my "fun" car paid off totally, so not looking to go into debt on a car that can break at any time.

Anyway, prolly going to take out a small loan on a half way decent car. Sick of driving around my $1000 shitbox honda. It has gotten the job done but too much is wrong with it and I don't want to spend any money on it.

My brother just bought a used mazda 3 with the 2.3L and its actually a really nice car, spent maybe 14-15k. I am debating just copying him and doing that as well.

What are my other options out there for solid reliable cars? I am debating a civic as well. I thought about leasing the new camry but I put too many miles on my car (60+ miles a day) to lease.

I'd love a turbo AWD car but not sure if its really reliable, like maybe an auto wrx or legacy...i have looked at evo 8's but at 15k they are kinda beat up.

Thoughts? Good gas mileage is a plus but not necessary. I'd trade gas mileage for fun obviously :)

[Kracka]

Subaru Impreza base...nothing fancy, but AWD and decent MPG. Otherwise, if MPG is a bigger concern go Korean (Hyundai/Kia) and get a warranty for the next decade.

[Super Bleeder!!]

I too am looking at 15k dailys and i think i'm pretty set on an 05/06 acura RL. They are waaaay nice inside and have awd.

[rose0529]

Shamless plug for Whitebear Mitsu in 3..

I recently test drove a TDI for fun, and was very impressed, 40+mpg, 240tq, and deisel longevity. I will definitly be looking into them when I purchase another car. not sure what is in the 15k range they seem to hold their value really well but alot have higher miles as they are bought to drive, here is a quick one I pulled of CL
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/3241217549.html

[Murlo26]

^I prefer something with under 50k miles though.

On something reliable, aka honda type where 100k+ isn't a big deal, I'd be "ok" with 80k but I'd really prefer something in the 0-50k range.

[Murlo26]

Shamless plug for Whitebear Mitsu in 3..

I'm ok with that if he has anything worth while there for 15k lol.

I would love a small suv, but suv's are kinda pricey. Like the new mitsu suv's are solid looking but too pricey i think.

[Halon]

^^ Ha

For 15k you have a ton of options, hard to narrow it down without knowing what is most important to you.

Me personally, I'd focus on gas mileage as gas prices don't seem to be going down. I really like the new compact stuff like the Fiesta and Mazda 2. Golf or Jetta TDI. That's just me though.

[A//// Guy]

You can find lots of nice econo cars/suvs for 15k, newer Elantra, Civic, Accord, CRV.

Or something with a bit more miles and nicer. TL, G35, etc

[rose0529]

I'd just go to a bunch of dealers on a sat and test drive .. everything! I like test driving, and it would be a good way to see what you like, with size, mpg, fuel type, make, and so on. Pick out some econo's, luxury, tdi, suv, w/e .. might find a dealer with some of each.

[Murlo26]

Luxury, not really important to me. I'd take less miles over leather etc. Smaller car is fine too as I don't have kids or anything to haul.

I am looking at base impreza's and there are quite a few for 15k. Liking that idea now.