My poor Subaru Outback has given up the ghost. Repairs cost more than I’m willing to put into a 10 year old car.
Here’s what I would like:
Late model used
Wagon or crossover
$25,000 or less
Prefer manual transmission
Any suggestions? What do you have? What do you love?
Well, I think this data has some interesting tidbits.
One is that if the data’s right, you can’t do any better than a used Prius. Most reliable, it’s done depreciating, and lowest cost of fuel (except for a pure EV).
But you don’t want an automatic eco-box. Well it better be a Scion, Toyota, or Honda, again, per the data.
And it should be about 6 years old so you don’t pay depreciation.
So you want an SUV from one of those automakers, then, with a manual transmission. Edmunds likes the Honda CR-V. But it doesn’t have a manual transmission. Maybe another Subaru? It’s still in the top 5 in reliability.
Any reason you wouldn’t consider a Subaru Cross Trek or a Forester? You could likely get one new at that price point depending on the trim level you want.
how about something like a Mazda 3 5-door? It’s wagon-ish and available with a manual trans.
I am looking at the Crosstrek. My mom has a Forrester and I just don’t think I can be twinsies with her. Main reason for asking is that I figured I should a least consider other makes. In case there’s a great car out there I didn’t think about. I’ll probably stick with late model used if I can find one. I’d really like to spend as little as I can but still get a quality vehicle. I’d hoped to keep driving my Outback for a lot longer.
Thanks! I had not realized Mazda was doing manuals. It’s not a make that’s on my radar. I don’t know anyone who has one.
I should probably add that I need to be able to get a large dog crate in the back, which is my main reason for looking at wagons/crossovers. I don’t really need an SUV.
I was going to suggest the Mazda 5, their small SUV (before reading the above line). I have/had a couple of Mazda’s & have a friend that has a manual 5.
I will check it out. I don’t need an SUV, but a small one would work. I’m just not looking for big traditional SUVs.
The BMW crossovers are a lot of fun and very zippy! You could probably get a gently used/lease return with several years’ warranty at or under your budget. I have an X3 (which is a bit bigger) and drove an X1 dealer loaner car for a few days.
BMWs have a “manumission,” which gives the option to shift when in Sport mode (the X Series has seven gears). It’s a clutchless shift so you don’t get the whole experience of a pure manual tranny. Sometimes real manuals are difficult to find in Bimmers.
I’ve had a few Suzuki SUVs and loved them. They were extremely dependable and budget friendly; all three of mine were manuals.
Mazda has really upped their game with the CX series SUVs. The smallest is the CX-3. I have the mid-sized CX-5 (2016) and like it a whole bunch.
There aren’t too many wagons or crossovers left that have manuals anymore.
In addition to the Crosstek, there’s the Mini Clubman, VW Golf Alltrek, Mazda 5 Wagon, the Outback, The Forester…and if you can find a good used example, the Cadillac CTS-V wagon (if you want to go really, REALLY fast and don’t care about gas mileage).
I had a Mazda 3 w/manual – good gas mileage, fun to drive and quite a bit of room, especially with the rear seat(s) folded down.
I have a CX-5 now with an automatic/“sport” transmission. I would’ve much preferred a manual but it only came with the smaller(2.0) engine. The “sport” mode is good for hilly/winding roads but is a poor substitute for a manual transmission. I like my CX-5 for the extra room and a little nicer ride (great road trip vehicle!) but it’s not as fun to drive as the Mazda 3.
You should get a Honda, because every single person who starts a “What car should I buy?” thread ends up buying a Honda. 
Actually now that you mention it, the Honda HR-V is available with a manual.
Honda Fit. The only thing I don’t like about mine is the low headlights are misadjusted too low. I have a stick, and it is a bit temperamental but then so am I.
I fully intend to drive nothing but Fits forever.
Of course I also have a full size American pickup but I don’t take him into town.
Since we’ve drifted to Honda and the OP mentioned wagons, I really like our Acura TSX wagon, but they stopped making them in 2014. We bought a used 2012 about three years ago and have been pretty happy with it. It’s a comfortable yet responsive drive with all the convenience you’d expect from a station wagon.
When we bought it I definitely wanted a wagon (i.e. something that drives like a sedan but puts that block of space at the back on the inside where it’s more useful). It came down to this or a slightly used BMW 3 series. In the end I got more car (newer, less miles) with the Acura compared to BMW, although the BMW did have a sportier ride.
I was thinking 3 series wagon would fit the bill vehicle wise , but might be stretching the budget. A Volvo V40/60 wagon would be worth a look as well.
You can get more stuff into a Honda Fit than any sedan on the market. More than the majority of wagons. If you want maneuverability, gas mileage, high resale, trouble-free, and enormous carrying capacity, you want a Fit. Excellent dog car.
If you have kids, get a minivan.
Find a nice BMW e30. Great cars. I’ll buy every (good) one I can find.
Look at a wide variety of cars in a price range you are willing to pay. Buy the one you fall in love with.
I’ve driven several Mazda 3’s as rentals and when we were looking for a second car. While they were automatics and we ultimately didn’t buy one, they were the most fun by far of all the cars I’ve driven the last few years.