• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

YACT: Sporty wagons/hatches in the 20k range

vi edit

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
I'm in the market for a 5 door wagon or hatch in the 20k-22k range.

I've looked at some vehicles, and still have to look at some more.

So far I've test drove the Mazda 6 5 door, Mazda 3 5 door, and the Malibu Maxx.

I'm also entertaining a used IS300 SportCross and the WRX wagon. I haven't test drove either of these yet though.

My requirements are -

- Comfort
- Reliability
- Saftey
- Economy (fuel consumption, insurance rates, repair costs)

Drive train layout isn't a huge factor (FWD, RWD, AWD), nor is transmission type. I'll be in Phoenix so snow is a non-issue as far as which wheels are powering the car, and I can drive any type as transmission assuming the clutch & shifter don't suck.

From a purely practical standpoint the Malibu Maxx is winner. I can get a completely decked out one for around $19,000. Which is about $7000 off of sticker price. Besides the Mazda 3 it has the best fuel economy and doesn't require premium, which is a plus in the high gas priced southwest. It was comfortable, well appointed as far as features, and dirt cheap. Downfall is that it wasn't fun to drive at all, resale will be terrible, and it's downright fugly.

The Mazda 6 5 door/wagon were OK. The I4 is totally underpowered in the 5 door hatch, even with the stick and I didn't like the seats much at all. The Wagon version is a "win" as far as storage and ability to haul stuff. It looks pretty good as well. Reasonably priced too depending on the promotions the dealers are running.

The Mazda 3 was a blast to drive. Better seats and seating position than the 6, and lots of cool options that can be added. Downside is that it's small and pretty close to the "6" variants in price.

The IS300 is the dark horse of the deal. I can get into a super low milage 2002 model year (20k or less miles) for around $21,000-$22,000. I love the looks, love the options that it comes with, and from what I've read in reviews it's a pleasure to drive. I still need to try and find at least a sedan in the area and take that for a spin and see what I think. The fact that Lexus has top notch reliability and their service is one of the best out there is a major plus. And depening on the miles, the warranty on a used one could actually work out to be longer than the warranty on one of the new cars I'm looking at.

WRX is a perenial favorite of many people. Great value for the money. Only downside is that it doesn't have half the features of the other cars I'm looking at, it's small, and it's AWD wouldn't be much more than a hinderence in AZ. I have yet to test drive one as well.

Are there any cars that I'm missing that I should look at that are similar in price, power, and options as these cars?
 
impreza wagon

for new, of course. the wrx is a bit more

could look at a legacy wagon too
 
Originally posted by: ElFenix
impreza wagon

for new, of course. the wrx is a bit more

could look at a legacy wagon too
Click to expand...

I love the new legacy wagons. The GT turbo wagon that they'll be rolling out is at the top of my list of "cool" cars to buy. But my timeline is such that I can't wait till this fall for them to roll out.
 
5-Door SVT Focus. You can probably find a used one or even a new one left over for cheap.

Keep in mind you'll pay a premium on insurance for the Lexus. Its definately the nicest of the group and would be my pick if it were up to me.

Even with the V6, the 6 never really blew me away. Its a nice looking car, but I'll leave it at that. Oh, and the 3? Its pretty much the same feeling as the 6. I think Mazda makes great roadsters (RX-8, Miata) but their passenger cars bore me.

I've never actually driven a WRX, I've driven 2.5s on many occasions, but never a WRX. On the occasions that I've ridden in them, they were nice cars for the most part. Have you looked for a used Outback?
 
Hrmmm...local Subaru dealer has a brand new '04 WRX wagon in blue that they are selling for $20,500.

That's about $2,000 under invoice.
 
Sadly, I think my mind has really settled already on the Lexus because of it's uniqueness and the lexus badging (quality, reliability, ect). But my wallet is telling me that there are better choices.

I'll have to look at the SVT Focus. I forgot about those, good call. Do they take premium?
 
Originally posted by: Excelsior
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Hrmmm...local Subaru dealer has a brand new '04 WRX wagon in blue that they are selling for $20,500.

That's about $2,000 under invoice.
Click to expand...

SICK.
Click to expand...

Good sick, or bad sick? 😕
 
that sounds like a good deal to me..last i looked at the wrx, the best i was getting was a bit above invoice.

is there some dealer cashback promo going on or something..? if they had the sedan at that price, coupled with 0% apr, i'd find a way to get in on it...somehow... 🙂
 
The Mazda 3 has the comfort, fun, and fuel economy you want yet you are still looking?

As a bonus it is made in japan with 80%+ japanese made components
 
Remember, Certified Lexus come with 100k warranty I believe.

You get roadside assistance too... not too sure how much longer tho.
It covers you from getting stranded anywhere, and if you get stranded from a certain distance from home, Lexus will even pay for your hotel bill for upto a week I believe.

I had them reimburse me over winter, when my car got stuck on the turnpike and they couldn't send a AAA truck.

Receiving the reimbursement check was as simple as writing a claims number and mailing it to their office in michigan. Total turnaround time was about 1 week.
 
I went and looked at the 20,500 WRX wagon today. It had 15 miles on the odo. Here's the deal with it -

It was "bought" by the dealership from Subaru USA. I guess there was some sort of fire or something in the receiving area and some of the cars coming off the boat had their paint covered in soot(sp?) and ash. Subaru won't provide any paint protection on the cars, but otherwise the standard B2B warranty is still in effect. The cars I looked at were in good shape paint wise with the exception of a small scratch on the passenger side of one of them. It's not really super noticeable unless I point it out.

I'm kinda hesitant, but the car is prisine otherwise, and for 4k under invoice it seems like a hot deal.

Not sure if I should hop on it or not :\
 
how bout the Matrix and Civic SI?
Matrix has excellent fuel economy, but i fear its poor handling will turn you off.



Originally posted by: Gunbuster
The Mazda 3 has the comfort, fun, and fuel economy you want yet you are still looking?

As a bonus it is made in japan with 80%+ japanese made components
Click to expand...


well compare to the Malibu MAXX the Maz3 is down right tiny... kinda like comparing an Explorer to an Insight.
 
I'd go the IS Sportcross if you are getting a good deal on it... the trim level and fit/finish are just that much better on a nice Toyota.
The WRX Wagon is very nice as well... much faster than the IS but the interior in the IS is just that much better. I guess you'd need to drive both... personally I LOVE how the IS sedan drives. More than the WRX despite turbo... wonderful turbo.
 
My main beef with the WRX was that I didn't care a whole lot for the clutch & gear box. The gearbox was a bit rubbery and the clutch was very difficult to shift smooth. If you dumped the clutch and gearbox in the Mazda 3 in the WRX you'd have a winner. But alas, you can't have everything you want in a car.

In all honestly, I'd almost prefer an auto tranny as I'll be driving for the most part in town and like an auto better in that environment. That's a plus for the SportX.
 
Originally posted by: vi_edit
My main beef with the WRX was that I didn't care a whole lot for the clutch & gear box. The gearbox was a bit rubbery and the clutch was very difficult to shift smooth. If you dumped the clutch and gearbox in the Mazda 3 in the WRX you'd have a winner. But alas, you can't have everything you want in a car.

In all honestly, I'd almost prefer an auto tranny as I'll be driving for the most part in town and like an auto better in that environment. That's a plus for the SportX.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be dumping the clutch in a WRX anyways, theres a reason they call them the "glass transmissions". They supposedly fixed whatever issue they were having with the early models, but I still don't trust them. I wouldn't mind a WRX, but the first thing I would do to it would be a tranny rebuild (cause I know I wouldn't be able to resist beating the snot out of it at least once 😉)

Ford recommends 93 in the SVTs. You can get away with 89 though 😉 😛 You aren't going to lose nearly as much as you would with the IS300.

For the price, thats a damn good deal on the WRX... but I'd still go with the IS300 myself. Its just that much nicer 🙂

Oh and if you're getting an auto I'd forget the Mazda 3/6... autos in those are crap IMO.
 
Originally posted by: vi_edit
I went and looked at the 20,500 WRX wagon today. It had 15 miles on the odo. Here's the deal with it -

It was "bought" by the dealership from Subaru USA. I guess there was some sort of fire or something in the receiving area and some of the cars coming off the boat had their paint covered in soot(sp?) and ash. Subaru won't provide any paint protection on the cars, but otherwise the standard B2B warranty is still in effect. The cars I looked at were in good shape paint wise with the exception of a small scratch on the passenger side of one of them. It's not really super noticeable unless I point it out.

I'm kinda hesitant, but the car is prisine otherwise, and for 4k under invoice it seems like a hot deal.

Not sure if I should hop on it or not :\
Click to expand...

Considering Subaru's paint job is not exactly the best in the world to begin with and $4k will get a pretty good one if needed, I think it's a pretty good deal. btw, link to discussion on the paint damaged subbies link
 
Originally posted by: kami333
Considering Subaru's paint job is not exactly the best in the world to begin with and $4k will get a pretty good one if needed, I think it's a pretty good deal. btw, link to discussion on the paint damaged subbies link
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, helps add a bit of validity to the dealers claims. They suggested that I just spend $400 and get a second clear coat added, which is what several of the guys in that thread suggest as well.
 
My wallet is telling me to go with the Mazda 3. Dealer in town has basically my "perfect configuration" of one. 5 door, the blue color I want, 5 speed, cloth interior, Xeon headlamps, moonroof, abs & side airbags, and 6 disk changer.

I could probably walk out the door with it for $18,000 flat after the $500 college grad from my wife, and also probably get $3,000 trade in on my old camry. They also have 60 month financing for 3.9%.

My payments would be like $275 a month. Considering work will be reimbursing me close to $400 a month for a car, it seems like the way to go.

It has the best gas milage, doesn't take premium, lowest insurance, good B2B warranty, great options for the price, and is comfortable and fun to drive.

The WRX is a great car, and price that I could get it for was great, but the bolstering was a little too close for comfort and the interior was just too low rent for my likes. Also wasn't near as easy to drive. Milage was worse, took premium, and insurance would be higher too.

The Lexus had a great interior, but the costs were even more than the WRX in all regards.

Tomorrow I may be the owner of a brand new Mazda 3 :beer:
 
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Originally posted by: ElFenix
impreza wagon

for new, of course. the wrx is a bit more

could look at a legacy wagon too
Click to expand...

I love the new legacy wagons. The GT turbo wagon that they'll be rolling out is at the top of my list of "cool" cars to buy. But my timeline is such that I can't wait till this fall for them to roll out.
Click to expand...

i'm talking about the current one...
 
i'm talking about the current one...
Click to expand...

Don't fit in them. I can't drive the forester or the legacy/legacy outback comfortably. The steering wheel doesn't tilt high enough and I can't get my legs under it comfortably enough. And my knee hits the little cruise control stick whenever I turn the wheel.

Oddly enough the redesigned impreza's have more room under the wheel than the larger foresters and legacy's.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top