# What car should I get? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 21, 2017, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259 "2017-11-21T07:23:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/1 "2017-11-21T07:23:22Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![SamuelA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c77e96/32.png) [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/2 "2017-11-21T07:33:58Z")
Well, I think [this data](http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a23877/car-maintenance-costs-mileage/) 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. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/3 "2017-11-21T15:22:55Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/4 "2017-11-21T15:43:09Z")
how about something like a Mazda 3 5-door? It’s wagon-ish and available with a manual trans. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/5 "2017-11-21T16:24:29Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > 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. 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. > [@jz78817](#): > > how about something like a Mazda 3 5-door? It’s wagon-ish and available with a manual trans. 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. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/6 "2017-11-21T16:46:51Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > how about something like a Mazda 3 5-door? It’s wagon-ish and available with a manual trans. > [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > 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. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/7 "2017-11-21T16:51:16Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > 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. ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/8 "2017-11-21T16:53:05Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/9 "2017-11-21T16:58:10Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/10 "2017-11-21T16:58:54Z")
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). ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/11 "2017-11-21T17:15:49Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/12 "2017-11-21T19:22:51Z")
You should get a Honda, because every single person who starts a “What car should I buy?” thread ends up buying a Honda. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/13 "2017-11-21T19:28:14Z")
> [@Rocketeer](#): > > 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. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/14 "2017-11-21T19:37:13Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Driver8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5a626/32.png) [@Driver8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Driver8)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/15 "2017-11-21T20:07:13Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/16 "2017-11-21T23:11:13Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2017, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/17 "2017-11-21T23:46:33Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2017, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/18 "2017-11-22T04:12:50Z")
Find a nice BMW e30. Great cars. I’ll buy every (good) one I can find. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2017, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/19 "2017-11-22T07:22:23Z")
Look at a wide variety of cars in a price range you are willing to pay. Buy the one you fall in love with. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2017, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259/20 "2017-11-22T08:32:28Z")
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. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-car-should-i-get/802259.md?page=2)