Need Help Deciding on a New Car.

[KansasKid]

Ok, so I'm going to be getting rid of my Kia here in the next month or so. I'm looking for some suggestions and advice on what I should replace it with. Unfortunately, I have pretty particular tastes in what I'm looking for in my new car This is going to be my daily driver that I want to enjoy and drive, hopefully, forever. Resale value means very little to me.

Search Criteria include (in order of importance):

1. Manual Transmission
2. Purchase Cost (<$13K US, I would prefer to NOT get another car loan since my Kizashi still isn't paid off, but if I must I'd prefer it to be < $5K US)
3. Greater than or equal to 4 doors (wife's request as we're having a baby soon)
4. Lack of commonality (I like knowing that I'm doing/driving something different than the mindless drones that settle for sameness.)
5. Forced Induction
6. Top Trim (Mostly just bluetooth, sun roof, back up camera/sensor, and heated seats/wheel. I really want something with heated seats )
7. Mileage (gunning for <80K miles)

So far, my list of candidates includes (NOT in order of importance; drawbacks in parenthesis):

• 2011+ Suzuki Kizashi SLS (duh ; No turbo, manuals are hard to find)
• Subaru Impreza WRX/STi (pricey, common-ish, usually high mileage)
• Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 (pricey, not as many features as other models)
• Kia Forte5 SX (manuals hard to find )
• Volkswagen Golf R/32 (pricey, usually high mileage, did I mention pricey)

Obviously there a lot of excellent and highly regarded vehicles that fit the above criteria that I'm not really pursuing, such as the incredibly well regarded VW Golf GTI. But, I see a lot of them driving around; the GTI is just a little too popular for my liking.

Another Kizashi does sit at the top of my list. Even though they don't (usually) come turbo charged, they are undeniably the best cost/features ratio. Even the GTS model Kizashies have more premium features than most other cars that cost twice as much. I've also driven a manual Kizashi, so I have a good idea what it's going to be like.

The Forte5 SX's are the most comparable car I've found to the Kizashi as far as cost/features ratio. Lots of premium options for fairly low cost. Also like the Kizashi, they're hard to find with the 6MT. Unlike the Kizashi, 2013+ SX models come with a turbo, which is a little on the slow side according to Car and Driver magazine.

WRX's and the Golf R series are awesome because they're both sporty little AWD cars. Unfortunately, they are both incredibly pricey and usually high mileage. Subaru and VW both make vehicles that people like to drive the absolute piss out of before they turn them in, and they both retain their resell value well, driving up cost.

That leaves the Mazdaspeed3. This is actually the strongest contender besides a certain forum member's former almost-turbocharged Kizashi that I found in Florida. I found a stupidly cheap Mazdaspeed3 online, but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger as soon as I get the money from my tax return. 95% of the reviews online are stupendously positive 5-star ratings. But I'm concerned about the ride quality in the Mazdaspeed3 and the feel of the shifter. Low average gas mileage and the demand for premium fuel only are also concerning. Gas prices are low now, but that doesn't mean they'll always be like that.

So I'm kind of wanting to open the floor and try and get some opinions from around the Kizashi forums. If you have any experience driving any of the cars I mentioned above (besides the Kizsahi, I have lots of access to info about that car already), please feel free to let me know about your experience. Or if you feel like there's another car you think I should be considering but may have overlooked, I'm curious about what you have.

[paininthenuts]

Ok, so I'm going to be getting rid of my Kia here in the next month or so. I'm looking for some suggestions and advice on what I should replace it with. Unfortunately, I have pretty particular tastes in what I'm looking for in my new car This is going to be my daily driver that I want to enjoy and drive, hopefully, forever. Resale value means very little to me.

Search Criteria include (in order of importance):

1. Manual Transmission
2. Purchase Cost (<$13K US, I would prefer to NOT get another car loan since my Kizashi still isn't paid off, but if I must I'd prefer it to be < $5K US)
3. Greater than or equal to 4 doors (wife's request as we're having a baby soon)
4. Lack of commonality (I like knowing that I'm doing/driving something different than the mindless drones that settle for sameness.)
5. Forced Induction
6. Top Trim (Mostly just bluetooth, sun roof, back up camera/sensor, and heated seats/wheel. I really want something with heated seats )
7. Mileage (gunning for <80K miles)

So far, my list of candidates includes (NOT in order of importance; drawbacks in parenthesis):

• 2011+ Suzuki Kizashi SLS (duh ; No turbo, manuals are hard to find)
• Subaru Impreza WRX/STi (pricey, common-ish, usually high mileage)
• Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 (pricey, not as many features as other models)
• Kia Forte5 SX (manuals hard to find )
• Volkswagen Golf R/32 (pricey, usually high mileage, did I mention pricey)

Obviously there a lot of excellent and highly regarded vehicles that fit the above criteria that I'm not really pursuing, such as the incredibly well regarded VW Golf GTI. But, I see a lot of them driving around; the GTI is just a little too popular for my liking.

Another Kizashi does sit at the top of my list. Even though they don't (usually) come turbo charged, they are undeniably the best cost/features ratio. Even the GTS model Kizashies have more premium features than most other cars that cost twice as much. I've also driven a manual Kizashi, so I have a good idea what it's going to be like.

The Forte5 SX's are the most comparable car I've found to the Kizashi as far as cost/features ratio. Lots of premium options for fairly low cost. Also like the Kizashi, they're hard to find with the 6MT. Unlike the Kizashi, 2013+ SX models come with a turbo, which is a little on the slow side according to Car and Driver magazine.

WRX's and the Golf R series are awesome because they're both sporty little AWD cars. Unfortunately, they are both incredibly pricey and usually high mileage. Subaru and VW both make vehicles that people like to drive the absolute piss out of before they turn them in, and they both retain their resell value well, driving up cost.

That leaves the Mazdaspeed3. This is actually the strongest contender besides a certain forum member's former almost-turbocharged Kizashi that I found in Florida. I found a stupidly cheap Mazdaspeed3 online, but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger as soon as I get the money from my tax return. 95% of the reviews online are stupendously positive 5-star ratings. But I'm concerned about the ride quality in the Mazdaspeed3 and the feel of the shifter. Low average gas mileage and the demand for premium fuel only are also concerning. Gas prices are low now, but that doesn't mean they'll always be like that.

So I'm kind of wanting to open the floor and try and get some opinions from around the Kizashi forums. If you have any experience driving any of the cars I mentioned above (besides the Kizsahi, I have lots of access to info about that car already), please feel free to let me know about your experience. Or if you feel like there's another car you think I should be considering but may have overlooked, I'm curious about what you have.

A Bentley Turbo is nice, but may be a little over your budget. Get another Kiziz mate, you know it makes sense

[KuroNekko]

If you're considering WRX/STI and GTI/Golf R, then you need to put the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution on your list. It's the most raw car out of the pack but it's also said to be the most aggressive. I actually like the looks quite a bit. Part of me really wants an Evo but I also don't want my spine shattered from the daily commute.

To me, I think you're going to get the best deal on a Mazdaspeed3. It fits your requirements rather well. Though I've never driven one, most reviews praise its handling, power, and value. Cons are trim quality and torque-steer.
Having owned a Mazda3 S with a 2.3 N/A engine mated to a 5 speed manual, I can tell you this is a driver's car. The shifter is excellent and far better than the Kizashi's, but the clutch was more firm.
However, it's not as versatile or durable as a Subaru, but Subarus then to be overpriced and they're stylistically-challenged.
The MS3 is also not too common and is only a 5 door making it rather practical for everyday use and a growing family.

Another car I'd consider is the Ford Focus ST. Much like the MS3, it's a FWD turbo available in a 6 speed manual. It's critically acclaimed and many reviews say it's better than a GTI overall.
I'd also look into it's baby brother, the Ford Fiesta ST. Again, FWD turbo 6 spd. It may be a little small, but I've read it's a blast to drive. Given you have the more spacious and super-safe Kizashi as the family car, it may not be a bad idea to go with a small hot-hatch. I also rarely see Fiesta STs despite I think they look very appealing. In fact, the Focus ST is not too common either.
The Fords have the Ecoboost engines which can be problematic but browsing their forums should give you a good idea of what to expect.

Lastly, I just want to say there's the Fiat 500 Abarth. Again, FWD turbo with a manual. I've read quite a few very positive reviews on this car though Fiat quality worries me. I'm also not a huge fan of the styling on the Abarth and think the tame ones look better.

Personally, if it was me, I'd try get a WRX. I'm a Subaru-lover and always wanted one. It's also quite durable and has AWD for superior traction and all season use. It's not as hardcore as the STI, EVO, and Golf R/R32 either. I personally think the new ones look great, but I know not everyone thinks so.
However, given your requirements, I think something like the MS3 or Focus ST would be a good fit.

If you don't really need forced induction, then your options also open. You'll get cars that don't necessarily need Premium fuel and are also more reliable. The one that comes to mind is the Honda Civic Si.

[KansasKid]

From what I hear, EVO's are great and all, but I've always leaned more towards the Subaru products though. Just kind of a preference thing. They also tend to be pricier than similar WRX's and STI's as well. Not by much, but still pricey. I have never given EVO's any serious consideration, but I also completely ignored the Kizashi until my dad nagged me into finally looking at it in person. And look where I am now.

I'm hesitant to go with a Focus ST, partially because there's a bright orange one sitting a couple parking spots down from my Kizashi, and they're pretty popular around where I live. A lot of people have them. I'd kinda rather have a Fiesta ST than a Focus. Now if I could get one of the new Focus RS models coming out, that would be awesome. I haven't seen a lot of info about them yet, but Australia has had them for a while, and I'd like to get my hands on one.

Fiats 500's are too small for my taste and I too am not a fan of how they look, Abarth or otherwise. The instrument cluster is weird in them too if I recall. From the same conglomerate - I looked into Dodge Darts a little bit, but they're kind of ugly, especially compared to the Kizashi, and tend skimp on the options.

Coincidentally enough, the MS3 that I'm looking at is up in moto's neck of the woods. I'm going to go test drive a local MS3 later this evening, and see what I think. And I also realized that I could get a one-way plane ticket to Florida for $81 US. That put the Kizashi I was looking at down there way back up on the list.

I'm right there with you on the Subaru thing KuroNekko. In a perfect world, where I had double the budget for a new car than I currently have, I'd probably try to pick up a WRX STI.

[WIKizashi]

A couple more you might want to research that at least meet the turbo and manual desires are the VW CC and Dodge Dart. I've never been a huge fan of Dodge vehicles but I test drove a Dart before buying my Kizashi and liked it.

[Knightstruth]

Except the Dart last time I checked popped up on list of being unreliable.

[KuroNekko]

Except the Dart last time I checked popped up on list of being unreliable.

Add the VW CC to that list. In fact, just about any VW.

[Moto]

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart meets most of your specs and would cost a lot less than an evo.

2010 had a ralliart sportback as well.

The cars mentioned above will not be anywhere near as nice as a kizashi inside, and Misubishi is not really expected to stay in the united states as their sales suck almost as bad as Suzuki.

[KuroNekko]

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart meets most of your specs and would cost a lot less than an evo.

2010 had a ralliart sportback as well.

The cars mentioned above will not be anywhere near as nice as a kizashi inside, and Misubishi is not really expected to stay in the united states as their sales suck almost as bad as Suzuki.

However, I think these don't come in manual. I remember once looking at them and found they only come with the DCT. The normal Lancers and the Lan Evo come with the 5 speed MT, but my research tells me the Ralliart only comes in the auto.

I still think the Ralliart is a good car for the money, but I think the WRX is the better car for a number of reasons.

Mitsubishi is struggling, but they are actually doing better than before. They actually saw a rise in sales last year. They also released concepts for nearly all their SUVs and CUVs so redesigns should be on their way soon. I personally see Mitsubishi in a similar light as Suzuki: Decent cars, horrible management.

[Moto]

A manual mode dual clutch transmission would probably be just about as fun as a manual.

I remember I seriously looked at a 2010 sportback Ralliart. They would be really rare as they were only offered in 2010.