Looking for a used car

[Apok]

Hey guys,

I sold my old 98' VW Golf in the spring and since have had a lend of my Dad's 09' Ford Ranger. His MX-5 is due in storage anytime now and so I'll need to purchase a new car. However, I'd like to get something a little less "beater" like than my old Golf. My price limit is 11,000.

What I've been looking at;

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
2005 Golf GL

Most of the cars here are domestic models and 99% are automatics. I'd love to get a VR6 or 1.8T Golf/Jetta but they simply don't exist around here. An older BMW would be perfect but there's been no dealership here for many years. I'm going to go test drive the MK4 Golf tonight since I've never been in one but the Lancer seems like a fun ride. But I loved the way my old Golf drove and the practicality of a hatchback. I can't stand Corolla's and I've never really liked Civics.

How does Mitsubishi reliability stack up? Compared to VW at least. I'm looking for something relatively fun to drive, and good on the highway.

[mmorriso]

mazda3 sport, mazda 6 sport

[tortoise]

What he said.  Hatchback + fun to drive = Mazda3 or Mazda6 sport.

[Ontariodriver]

How does Mitsubishi reliability stack up? Compared to VW at least. I'm looking for something relatively fun to drive, and good on the highway.

Extremely good. Almost as good as Toyota in fact. Certainly much better than VW. 

[toolatecrew]

Hey guys,

I sold my old 98' VW Golf in the spring and since have had a lend of my Dad's 09' Ford Ranger. His MX-5 is due in storage anytime now and so I'll need to purchase a new car. However, I'd like to get something a little less "beater" like than my old Golf. My price limit is 11,000.

What I've been looking at;

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
2005 Golf GL

Most of the cars here are domestic models and 99% are automatics. I'd love to get a VR6 or 1.8T Golf/Jetta but they simply don't exist around here. An older BMW would be perfect but there's been no dealership here for many years. I'm going to go test drive the MK4 Golf tonight since I've never been in one but the Lancer seems like a fun ride. But I loved the way my old Golf drove and the practicality of a hatchback. I can't stand Corolla's and I've never really liked Civics.

How does Mitsubishi reliability stack up? Compared to VW at least. I'm looking for something relatively fun to drive, and good on the highway.

Subaru Impreza. Should be fair amount around St. John's. Good suspension for the bad roads. AWD for the snow. Reliability is mostly good. I think they are pretty fun.

[Apok]

Impreza was also on my list but again, very tough to find one either A) Free of rust or B) with a standard transmission

[Flinter]

Impreza was also on my list but again, very tough to find one either A) Free of rust or B) with a standard transmission

Based on your comments, I agree with the others here that a used Mazda3 hatchback would be a good car for you to take a look at. However, there has been some reports of premature rust/corrosion problems so take a close look at any candidates. Check out the following thread:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,57886.0.html

I grew up in NL so I understand the challenge with rust back there. It is worth your while to get anything you buy sprayed every year with Krown. If not, the arse will be rusted out of 'er in no time. 

[mmorriso]

mazda3 sport, mazda 6 sport

or go with a new bare bones sub-compact accent/yaris/fit/versa