What car should I buy? Ballpark 30K - fun and sporty required - we already have an economy SUV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love my Mini Cooper Clubman five speed turbo manual. The Clubman is a bit bigger in the backseat and storage than the regular Mini. It feels sporty and fun, but is big enough to take the kids in when necessary and throw a few groceries in the back.

New poster here -- how the reliability been? I love Mini Coopers but worry about that.

[Anonymous]

When we were in the market last yr I test drove a 2012 honda civic and loved it. Sporty and fun to drive but we opted for a toyota camry due to the value and roominess.

We currently have a 2004 Passat and it's high maintetance. I will not buy another one again because of it, it outweighs all the benefits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When we were in the market last yr I test drove a 2012 honda civic and loved it. Sporty and fun to drive but we opted for a toyota camry due to the value and roominess.

We currently have a 2004 Passat and it's high maintetance. I will not buy another one again because of it, it outweighs all the benefits.

Agreed, we have a VW TDI and while initially it seemed great, maintenance costs are astronomical. Just wait until DSG fluids need changed, it's a pricy operation!

[Anonymous]

Used E55

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love my Mini Cooper Clubman five speed turbo manual. The Clubman is a bit bigger in the backseat and storage than the regular Mini. It feels sporty and fun, but is big enough to take the kids in when necessary and throw a few groceries in the back.

New poster here -- how the reliability been? I love Mini Coopers but worry about that.

DONOT buy a MNI out of warranty! A Toyota with MINI problems is called a LEMON.

Go on NAM and read! The justa is ok, but the S burns oil, carbon build, fuel pump, and on and on. Fun lil car though, and pricey.

FWIW I have a MY09 S http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues-188/ I also own pcars, and a could AMGs, and none of them is PIA as the MINI, but wifey loves it, and a happy wife = happy life..lol

[Anonymous]

This is PP who has the Mini Clubman. So far the reliability has been great and because of the Mini warranty I have not spent a dime on repairs on this car yet. Having said that, I am a very low mileage driver on this car so have less than 20K on it (after over 4 years, so you can tell I am a DC driver). So, I can't really offer any advice on what happens down the road if you drive this car for a long time/lots of mileage.

[Anonymous]

I hear the VWs can be a bit maintenance intensive.

DH got a Kia Optima earlier this year and loves it. It works for the kids, 2 carseats in the back, but the sporty model has some zip to it with a fair amount of space inside. I think his top of the line model was around 29k or so.

[Anonymous]

Ugh, don't buy the Passat, it will be a money sinkhole. Trust me!

Take a look at the Mazda 6. It's nice and zippy, and I think it looks good, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Chevy Volt = underpowered, underpowered, and underpowered. You can do better, especially with what you've budgeted!

And it might catch on fire!

[Anonymous]

Get a used BMW 335i. 6 speed manual - twin turbo engine SO MUCH FUN.

[Anonymous]

I opted for the Nissan Juke. I think it was 27K for the automatic out the door with tax, tags, and title and that was for the trim line with leather, sun roof, and navigation. There is also a manual version.

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Nissan_Juke/

[Anonymous]

I vote for Juke..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, don't buy the Passat, it will be a money sinkhole. Trust me!

Take a look at the Mazda 6. It's nice and zippy, and I think it looks good, too.

Worst. Car. Ever.

[Anonymous]

Acura TSX

[Anonymous]

My dil has a 6 and has not yet killed it bu she curses it daily.