[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by dragonsi

My only comment on Impreza's is that unless something has changed, the 2.5L NA engines are usually due for a headgasket replacement around 100-120k miles.

I think the current versions run 2.0s.

[WHL102]

If she doesn't drive much I'd lease a new/lightly used civic, CRV, Rav4, Cruze, etc...

Not sure about the CRV or Rav 4, but I know the Cruze/Civic leases for well under $200 a month. Beats spending $10k outright on a beater, no?

Much less chance of her getting stranded because of a breakdown I would think. Also, safety has probably improved significantly in the past 5-6 years.

[jmg]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I ended up buying her a CPO Civic. It's been good to her for a year and looks like it will last her for quite a while through grad school and beyond.

Now I am looking for my own DD. I was thinking a E30 325is. Thoughts? Under 10k. Fun to drive, and easy to maintain.

[PoorLurker]

What does your commute look like?

I am not much into Miatas, but they seem like they would be fun to drive even with city driving by taking turns a little more aggressively than normal. Manual transmission is a must for fun to drive. Adds some connection to the drive. Large aftermarket so parts are inexpensive and plenty. Get some cheap suspension bits and some good tires and you're good to go.

If you are commuting with traffic - throw that manual transmission idea out of the window, haha.

I hear that Mazda3 speeds are fun cars to drive. From what I remember they had a very high Slalom speed.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by PoorLurker

What does your commute look like?

I am not much into Miatas, but they seem like they would be fun to drive even with city driving by taking turns a little more aggressively than normal. Manual transmission is a must for fun to drive. Adds some connection to the drive. Large aftermarket so parts are inexpensive and plenty. Get some cheap suspension bits and some good tires and you're good to go.

If you are commuting with traffic - throw that manual transmission idea out of the window, haha.

I hear that Mazda3 speeds are fun cars to drive. From what I remember they had a very high Slalom speed.

80 miles round trip in LA traffic. It's a blast! /s

[PoorLurker]

Originally Posted by jmg

80 miles round trip in LA traffic. It's a blast! /s

That 5 drive is killer.

Or the 605..

Or the 10..

Or 210...

Pass!

I remember having to drive from Irvine to Cerritos on the 5 - North from 3-5ish once a week for a month... I couldn't imagine people having to do that everyday.

Mazda3 Speed hatch

[jmg]

Originally Posted by PoorLurker

That 5 drive is killer.

Or the 605..

Or the 10..

Or 210...

Pass!

I remember having to drive from Irvine to Cerritos on the 5 - North from 3-5ish once a week for a month... I couldn't imagine people having to do that everyday.

Mazda3 Speed hatch

I use all those freeways!!!

[stevenc]

Little late to this thread. My work car is 2013 Hyundai accent. It was the first year of the new redesign model.

I could not be happier with the car. Drives great, good power and it has never been to the dealership. It has 70,000 miles and has only had oil changes at jiffy lubes...

Work always give my cheap work cars and this is by far the best work car i have ever had! Strongly recommend a 2013 or newer Hyundai accent.