Looking for ideas on fun, small, eco-ish car

[halik]

Since no one said M3 yet, M3?

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Isn't that going to exceed his MPG requirements?

Eh it's worth it :whiste:

 

[JCH13]

Isn't that going to exceed his MPG requirements?

Only definitely.

 

[Spicedaddy]

Audi A3 2.0T Quattro

Started in 2009 I think, before that you could only get Quattro with the 3.2 V6. If you don't care about AWD too much then get a GTI.

 

[SketchMaster]

The new 2012 Subarus just don't look good to me at all, the inside is kinda nice but doesn't make up for the body. Also, the new motors are yet to be proven in the long term. I still need to go look at one and take it for a drive, but if I buy a subi it will most likely be a 10/11 year. A WRX would be a hoot, but 25MPG on premium fuel is kinda hard to ignore with rising gas prices.

Foresters? Not my style, and I would have a hard time finding my car in a parking lot since every other soccer mom drives one.

There are some pretty nice Audi A4s 2.0T that look slick in black, those are going on the list even though they are a bit more money; but getting just under 30MPG with some nice style won me over enough to give a closer look.

Volvo's are nice, but never really inspired much for me; too much of a family car. That being said, the new models are actually pretty easy on the eyes; I'm glad that they are getting away from that funky flat back end (or, at least, they are trying to). There are a few 2011/2012 C30s sprinkled around Colorado, while the S60 is hard to find in anything newer than a 08; and those are in the < 50k mile range. The C70 Convertible caught my eye, with its hardtop I wouldn't freeze my balls off in the winter and would have a bit more protection in a roll (assuming it was up). The downside is, the more I look at it, the more it strikes me as something you would see a 60 year old woman driving. It also seems to handle about as well as it looks; good, but nothing to get excited about.

Mazda 3 (and the speed) is still a strong contender, 2011/2012 with low miles all over Colorado (bad sign?); but, if I got a new year model, I would most likely replace the front fender with something less... Grinning?

VW GTI has always been a fave of mine but they are such a gamble with longevity. One year will be perfect, the next year will have electrical problems, and some years will pretty much have you replace the whole engine. Looking around, I can get a fully loaded 2011 with 15K miles for 26K (could prob talk them down to 24, less if I catch them on a good day) and they can get 33MPG; that's scratching at the Mini's economy with better interior space and finish.

There is a 2012 Ford Focus Titanium Hatch (+ winter package) for sale in my area that has less than 2k on it, they are asking just under $27k (Can you say, Audi?). The two things that are making me keep my eye on it, is all the delicious tech in there (I've always liked Sync) and the insane MPG the thing gets while still giving enough sportiness to make the morning commute not so boring. It's been sitting there for a while, and if it's still there by the time January rolls around I'll make a low-ball offer on it and see what kind of deal they will work for me; if I'm paying 27K for a car, I'd rather buy something that I can look classy getting out of with a suit on.

 

[soccerballtux]

fun and eco don't go together.

 

[JCH13]

Late model used Volvos are very difficult to find in CO. My parents were looking for them for a few months before finding ones they liked.