[diskreet]

It's time to replace this old Honda Accord that I drive every day with something a bit better. Hey, it was free, and at 190,000 miles it still runs great. Not a bad deal, and it allows me to own a Lotus.

I'll keep it simple. I want something relatively small, efficient, manual transmission, cheap to insure, safe, and good in snow. My wife is a nurse and has to work regardless of weather, and here in PA we get plenty of snow. I'd also like to keep this car for as long as possible (10+ years would be awesome) so relaible and low miles is a must.


I'm 90% there to ordering a 2012 Subaru Impreza Premium hatch. AWD, over 30 mpg highway. Test drove it and thought it was a great combo of space, comfort and still a bit fun to drive. Not exactly a luxury car, but it's definitely grown up a lot for 2012. I'm sure we'll have kids in the coming years, and the hatch provides plenty of space for a family.


Any other serious recommendations in the $23k or less range? I've thought about a Civic, 500, Mazda 2/3, Fiesta, Focus, just about everything.

[JonA85]

For me it would be Subaru. AWD and fuel economy would be enough to sell me.

[HarveyMushman]

From a purely utilitarian standpoint, civic or focus. It covers all your bases and both have solid resale values.

[slord]

Subi. Second goes to the 500 in that group. Everything else is too plain for me.

[KT]

McLaren.

[ECB]

10 years,..thats 2022 man..in automotive terms like an eternity

[slord]

Valid point KT.

[diskreet]

Lol, I would love a McLaren, but I don't make that much... yet.

The new Focus and Civics are a little less than an Impreza, and get slightly better fuel economy, but I struggle to find any other reason to switch my mind. Nothing about them particularly excites me.

As far as the Impreza, I was surprised by the drive. The clutch and shifter have enough feel to actually be fun to drive. In the other cars I've driven the clutch and shifter are just... dead.
The electric steering gave little feel but was precise.
Noise was very low, even over bumps and on the highway. Ride was on the softer side of firm, well damped. Comfortable over rough roads, especially for a compact, but still felt tight enough to be fun.
The interior is a huge step up from the previous generation, but boring compared to it's competition. That also means it's easier to use and not distracting. Visibility is excellent all around.

[Kai@EliteMotorsports]

Fiat 500! I almost got one as a daily but I like having 550+ HP at my disposal at all times.

[POWERHOUSE]

Subaru. The rest of those choices are blahh and bring nothing to the table.