New Car Shopping Time

[HeliDriver]

The Civic will be eleven years old this spring, and even though it's still in great shape, I think I'm about ready to move on.

So, here's the criteria:

Most importantly, the car must be fun to drive. It doesn't need to be an outright sports car, but it does need to be an eager and willing partner when driven at seven or eight tenths down a twisty mountain road.

It must have a proper manual transmission; hatchback or wagon practicality for the dog is a huge plus; RWD or AWD strongly preferred: I really don't want another FWD car, but I won't completely rule it out (I'm tempted to look at the 5-door VW GTI).

Lastly, after ten years with the Civic and its basic, plastic interior, I'd like something a little more luxurious. Call me shallow, but I'm a sucker for wood on the dash.

In no particular order, here are the top contenders for now:

BMW 328i xDrive Touring: AWD in a BMW wouldn't be my first choice, but that's what I'm stuck with if I want the wagon. Still, I think this is the only car on the list that does everything I want.

Subaru WRX 265: I don't want a sunroof or cheap leather seats, so the base 265 is ideal. On paper, this should be a no brainer: it's got all the practicality bases covered, it's still sporty and fun to drive, and it's cheap! I just wish it wasn't so homely.

Subaru WRX STI: The only reason I'd even consider paying extra for this car is the looks. And even then, it's not that I'm crazy about it, it's just that it's slightly less ugly than the regular WRX. And maybe the upgraded seats will help me get over the econobox interior.

BMW 128i: This one is kind of the wild card. It gets none of the practicality points of the other cars, but covers all the other bases nicely. I'd happily option it with nothing more than the sport package, so even the price is appealing.

I haven't driven anything as of yet, but will be in the city this week, so will try to book some test drives. We'll see how the list changes after that.

[carcrazy]

2010 Outback, although they call it SUV/CUV/truck these days.
2010 Audi A4 Avant.
2010 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro
2010 Volvo V70.

[HeliDriver]

Outback is too tall, not sporty enough. I'd consider a Legacy GT wagon if they still sold one here.

I'd consider both Audis, but neither comes in AWD with a real manual transmission. That's a deal breaker.

V70 doesn't seem sporty enough and I don't think it comes with a manual. I'll probably look at the V50 AWD, though.

Thanks for the suggestions. 

[rsxca]

2010 GTI is nice looking and really nice to drive.  I wanted a RWD or AWD car before I bought my 2008.  I can say that it is really fun to drive and probably can out handle a base WRX but not the 265.  If you read some car mags they always pick the GTI over similar cars with more HP or AWD.  It's the best of both worlds, part lux part sports and very practical.  Drive one and I'm sure you will change your mind about FWD cars.

[safristi]

 How's aboot the 5 door GOLF WAGON........even available in "Smokin format ...aka Diesel make the folks in the neighbourhood tawk...when U brags on S'MILEAGE...... ...and it aint NO dawg...ask yer pooch (UP...UP and away wi ya PIKTAR)

[HeliDriver]

The Golf wagon is a very appealing car. If I was still commuting to the city, the diesel would be very tempting. Right now, though, I have about a five-minute commute to work: probably not even enough time to get the diesel warmed up.

Too bad they don't put the 2.0T in the wagon, but I guess that would be too similar to the 5-door GTI.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Too bad they don't put the 2.0T in the wagon

Only in the US-of-A can you get one. I don't know about JSW 2.0T availability in 2010MY, but you could order it in 2009MY.

At least try the GTI. Test drives are fun, and I'd like to see how you compare it to the others on your list.

[rrocket]

What about Genesis Coupe?

[HeliDriver]

Initially, the main justification for replacing the Civic was to get a wagon/hatch for practicality. (Yes, I know the 128i is on the list, but it probably shouldn't be.  )

Aside from the practicality issue, I have a bit of an image problem with most sports coupes. I want something that's sporty and fun to drive, but doesn't scream "mid-life crisis", if you know what I mean.

The Genesis, RX-8, G37, or even 3-Series coupe are all great cars, but somehow seem a bit flashy for my taste. And yes, the STI probably qualifies as "flashy", but somehow the hatchback practicality tones it down a notch. Well, in my mind, anyway. 

[safristi]

.... ..............

[rrocket]

Initially, the main justification for replacing the Civic was to get a wagon/hatch for practicality. (Yes, I know the 128i is on the list, but it probably shouldn't be.  )

Aside from the practicality issue, I have a bit of an image problem with most sports coupes. I want something that's sporty and fun to drive, but doesn't scream "mid-life crisis", if you know what I mean.

The Genesis, RX-8, G37, or even 3-Series coupe are all great cars, but somehow seem a bit flashy for my taste. And yes, the STI probably qualifies as "flashy", but somehow the hatchback practicality tones it down a notch. Well, in my mind, anyway. 

Well you CAN get the Genesis without a Track Pak and the RX-8 with the R3 package etc.. to keep flashiness down.  Colour plays a role in flashiness too..

[johngenx]

Have you driven the WRX?  The 2010 is the best WRX, EVER.  No need to go STi unless it's for looks, or whatever.  Driving-wise, no need for the extra dough.

[dorin]

I saw a 2010 Outback today.  It's hideous compared to a Legacy wagon.  It's too tall and the rear end is fugly.  The worst detail though are the roof rails.  They are really tall and encased in this horrible plastic cladding.

[KRS]

 

  I'd suggest looking at the Lancer Ralliart sportback till you mentioned wanting a more luxurious interior. Not really its strong point. Perhaps have a look at the Volvo lineup. Maybe the C30 or V70 would meet your requirements. In any case Happy test driving 

[Flinter]

I think all 4 cars on your list would be nice to own. All 4 on on my shopping list too.

I recently test drove a 2010 WRX (base) and I was very impressed with the improvements made compared to my 08 model. Downside of the WRX will be the interior as it probably won't stand out compared to your Civic. That said, I think the WRX is the best performance value on the market and it is a fun car all 12 months of the year.

I'm also thinking about the STI (base). Sure it's 6K more than a WRX (base). It is probably not worth the extra money when it comes to the drive. However when you look at the extra you get (Front/Rear LSD, Controllable center diff, SI drive, 6 speed manual, 18 inch wheels with 245 rubber, Upgraded brakes, Wide body profile, Alcantara/leather seats). I can see how it might be worth spending the extra $.

I really liked the BMW 328 when I test drove it back in 2008. It was the car I most wanted to own but just couldn't justify the premium pricing.

The BMW 128 is also very appealing to me. If you keep the options down, it is a much less expensive way to get yourself into a BMW and that sweet inline 6. Definitely not a good choice if you regularly need to carry more that 1 passenger. It is also a bummer that AWD is not an option here. I wish BMW would offer a 128 xDrive hatch.

The Mitsubishi Evo GSR is also on my list and worth a look. It's more expensive than the STI but from what I read, the handing is a little more buttoned down.

[HeliDriver]

Ahh, the Evo. If it came in a hatchback, I think it would bump the Subaru twins right off my list.

Anyway, test drives have been booked: BMW is Thursday at noon, 2 p.m. for Subaru. It will be my first time ever behind the wheel of a Subaru, and the first time in probably 15 years for a BMW. (Geez, I gotta get out more.  )

[Careener]

There's a Ralliart hatch in case you want to give that a try.

[mmorriso]

mini clubman?

[tortoise]

It's a shame you can't get the Infinit EX 35 in a manual.   Despite being a little tall, they're supposed to be fun to drive.

I agree with the Mini Clubman.  Sure it's FWD, but the handling ability should outweight the wrong wheel drive.

Can you wait for the TSX wagon that's supposed to be coming.

Or just get the BMW.

[toolatecrew]

There's a Ralliart hatch in case you want to give that a try.

No proper manual though which is a requirment. Automated transmission only in the Ralliart.