So I’m looking to get a new car. Right now the top contenders are the Subaru Impreza WRX Sport Wagon (with the Limited Package option), the Mazda MX5-Miata, and the Pontiac Solstice (with about all the options that come standard in the MX5). All are 2006 models (well, the Solstice only comes in a 2006 model). I don’t really want used because I like the features they’ve added to the 2006 models, and since I want a manual transmission, finding recent model used cars with manual transmissions in the Chicago area is hard to do. So I’m willing to eat some extra depreciation costs by buying new.
Other cars I am considering but aren’t really in the running are a Mini-Cooper and a Honda Accord.
I’m probably leaning toward the Subaru for the most part. First of all, it has decent cargo space, something the roadsters lack. It also is AWD which is fairly nice for when Chicago gets its blizzards. The rear-while drive roadsters are at a disavantage here as well. (Although, the Miata does come with an option for limited-slip rear differential, traction control, and stability control. The Solstice comes only with the limited-slip differential option.) The Subaru also has a better engine, though, since it weighs more, the overall performance is probably pretty equal. The roadsters edge out the Subaru just slightly in gas mileage. The roadsters have more visual appeal to me as well.
Granted, I’ve yet to test drive any of them, and really, it’s the feel of the car and the type of deals I get that are going to weigh heaviest in my decsion, but I’m curious as to what others think?