In the market for a new car.

[pureaudio]

Replacing my 2002 Chevy Trailblazer with a new family car that my wife will mostly be driving. So far the choices are Honda Accord, Subaru 2.5 Impreza, Nissan Ultima and possibly Mazda 6 but the nearest Mazda dealership is 2.5 hours away. I haven't test drove the Ultima yet but according to the website, it looks like you can't get a manual tranny? Standard transmission is kind of a requirement for me. Almost sold on the Accord but anyone have any more suggestions or own any of these cars and have advice?

Requirements are that it is new (most everyone is offering 1.9 financing right now), low 20's list price, 4 door (sedan or 5 door) and low maintainence.

[trackjunkie21]

Replacing my 2002 Chevy Trailblazer with a new family car that my wife will mostly be driving. So far the choices are Honda Accord, Subaru 2.5 Impreza, Nissan Ultima and possibly Mazda 6 but the nearest Mazda dealership is 2.5 hours away. I haven't test drove the Ultima yet but according to the website, it looks like you can't get a manual tranny? Standard transmission is kind of a requirement for me. Almost sold on the Accord but anyone have any more suggestions or own any of these cars and have advice?

Requirements are that it is new (most everyone is offering 1.9 financing right now), low 20's list price, 4 door (sedan or 5 door) and low maintainence.

Toyota camry

[StereoInstaller1]

Kia

[pbr87]

I'd say Mazda 6. If you're willing to upsize a bit, the new Maxima is PHENOMENAL!

[pureaudio]

I'd say Mazda 6. If you're willing to upsize a bit, the new Maxima is PHENOMENAL!

Maxima is a cool car but not what we need right now, not so much as out of the budget as it is not what we want to budget for...if that makes any sense. I really want the Mazda 6 but the dealership being 2.5 hours away is a major PITA. I also don't know anyone with a 2010 6 that I could drive so I don't have to make the trip just to drive it around.

I don't like Camry's so that is out and none of the Korean car makers have anything that does it for me yet.

[pbr87]

Maxima is a cool car but not what we need right now, not so much as out of the budget as it is not what we want to budget for...if that makes any sense. I really want the Mazda 6 but the dealership being 2.5 hours away is a major PITA. I also don't know anyone with a 2010 6 that I could drive so I don't have to make the trip just to drive it around.

I don't like Camry's so that is out and none of the Korean car makers have anything that does it for me yet.

The Mazda 6 is a great car for sure. My dad owns a 626 5spd (predecessor to the 6). Great handling, reliable, etc.
Mazda is almost always a solid choice.

[westyat7000]

I just test drove the Impreza and the Mazda 3 last week. (I know your looking at the 6 not 3)

Impreza Pro-nice price and all wheel drive higher clearance (we live in the mountains)
Impreza Con- My wife and I thought he car felt cheap

Mazda pro - more fun to drive than the Impreza, better mpg, we prefered the styling of it to the impreza.
Mazda con - The FUCKING sales people. We went there with cash ready to buy it, and the sales people were slippery fucking liars so we left and are still driving our Volvo.

If your thinking about the Mazda, it might be worth the trip to the dealer, although, I do know from experience, that living that far from a dealer is a pain in the ass when you need them.

EDIT Both cars were 5 door hatches.

[e30s52]

I have an outback right now and it has been a great car for the last year and a half that I have had it.

[decay]

impreza wagon is a great little car, loved my WRX.

as e30s52 said, also check the legacy/outback, they are quite a bit larger on the inside, and the interior looks/feels much nicer for not a lot more price.

[joshh]

83 VW GTi.

[brandondan1]

The Mazda 6 gets my vote on the 'fun to drive' factor. My dad drives his 06' like a madman everyday, and it has yet to give him any issues (80k miles, and hasn't replaced a thing).

[kylekrueger]

mazdaspeed 3. cheap, fast, great handling, good trunk space, four door, not bad styling.

[VacMan]

I know you said "Ultima" but I'm sure meant the Altima. I had one for a rental in Seattle last week. My wife was initially pleased with it but after a week she called it a POS and couldn't wait to give it back. It doesn't do anything well and just screams CHEAP.

I agree with Farbin, I'd look at Kia or Hyundai. I have Hyundais for rentals often and they've made huge strides. I'd rock a new Sonata in a heartbeat. http://www.hyundaiusa.com/sonata/ Hyundai is doing to the Japanese brands what the Japanese did to the domestics 30 years ago. More car for less money.

[hugh jass]

you can't go wrong with a 5 speed 4 cylinder accord. lots of room, reliable as the day is long. maybe not exciting, but who cares. you want something safe and secure for your family. we'll probably have a japanese car in our family.

[b*saint]

83 VW GTi.

Yes

Or a Camry.