No M3 vs. EVO in this thread, sorry guys.

Will be moving to the East Coast (Fairfield Cty, CT) in the next month, and looking for a new ride while I'm out there. The move is long-term temporary (12-18 mos?) and I will most likely NOT bring the S2000, as I don't want to bother with bringing a Summer car out to a place where I can't drive it for 4 months a year.

So I need something new (used). These are the requirements as set forth by me... in some kind of order of priority:

-Used, <$16k or so. Looking for something I don't care about or worry about
-4 doors
-Easily holds a bicycle, preferably inside although I'll settle for "doesn't look goofy with a roof rack"
-Reliable enough to drive across the country and have no "surprises" for 2 years
-Manual transmission is a +
-Decent gas mileage

Honestly, I don't need the car to be fast or have a ton of power. So no 370z suggestions, thx kevzee. Just something to get to/from work, and go exploring in all kinds of weather in. A hatch would be nice. Resale value would be nice, but considering I'd only like to buy used, that pretty much takes care of itself.

Alright. I promise I will purchase the car mentioned most in this thread*. GO!

*not an actual promise

 

There is no other choice but a Ford Transit. After all, you have to move a bicycle.




Driving on the Hutch and the Saw Mill are very close to the Nurburgring. Who can forget the Top Gear Episode of The Transit at the ring. And the other other thing is, you can earn a few bucks moving wedding cakes on the weekend with it!! Truthfully, there is no other choice.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KiC0...-shows&list=SL

 

 

Fit is Go!

 

mazda3 hatch or mazdaspeed3. i've owned both before and was totally happy with them. can definitely be had at reasonable prices used. make decent winter cars, have plenty of cargo room, both come in manual, and are reliable.

 

I'd go for a Subaru of some sort - Outback wagon, maybe? The AWD will allow you to go just about anywhere, anytime and it'll fit a bike inside and you can get them with a manual transmission as well. Reliable enough for what you need and resale shouldn't be much worse in two years.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...21800792&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...28849597&Log=0

Just a few examples of Outbacks well under your price with moderate mileage.

 

Honda Civic Si or Fit

 

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Definitely Fit and Mazda(speed) 3 on my short list. I think if I was going to Subaru it up, it'd probably be an Impreza, as the Outback and Legacy are just a bit too... PacNW for my taste (personally).

Civic Si coupe is too small, and if I'm gonna have a 4dr I'd rather get a hatch.

I know the Transit was a joke, but I was toying with the possibility of an Element as well for general adventure purposes.

Keep 'em coming!

 

Golf? I've never driven one but I like the interior.

 

i say subaru. may be forester xt in manual with turbo upgrade? cheap and easy to maintain.