I think I will be buying a new vehicle around this time next year. Currently my 1997 Mustang GT serves as my daily driver and has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Only problem is that it is getting old, it's slow, and has terrible MPGs. My brother is being stationed in Afghanistan for a year so I get a free truck for a year.

I'm in a serious relationship but am still probably a couple years away from having kids. I want something practical yet fun. I know that my choices are kinda all over the place but these are the three that I am seriously considering.

2011+ Mustang V6 I love the new "base" Mustang. Even though I'd prefer a 5.0 the fact is the V6 is much more affordable and gets great MPG numbers. The biggest negative aspect is RWD in the snow. I'm used to driving my Mustang in the snow but after this year I have gotten sick of dealing with it. Those who own the new Mustang are they any better in the snow compared to older models? Also, what kind of real MPG numbers do you get?

2010+ Honda Accord coupe V6 Once again I find this car attractive... first Honda I have liked in a long time. The MPG numbers and the decent power are pros along with a fairly roomy interior and it has FWD to cope with the snow.

2011+ Subaru WRX a great fun car to drive, probably the best performer of the bunch but also the most thirsty.... and it requires premium fuel. On the other hand it does have AWD for the winter, 4 doors and a usable trunk.

I think If I sell the GT this Spring and save up some extra cash during the next year I should have a decent down payment for any one of these come next year, any suggestions?

 

If you're "still few years away from having kids" I would stay away from coupes. The last thing you wanna is to buy a new car and then have to sell it within a year or two because of no space.

I'm kinda in a same situation you're, except no kids anytime soon. I would love to continue to drive my F-150, but with 12 mpg and gas being close to $4.00/gallon again I simply can't afford it. My top 2 choices are 2012 Focus sedan and 2011+ Hyundai Elantra. I like Focus more well because it's a Ford, but it's hard to beat Hyundai's price, fuel economy and warranty.

 

I had a 2010 Accord V6 coupe. Dumped it after just a few months. Loved the car, HATED the automatic transmission. Also had quite a few squeaks and creaks.

 

Wait for the Ford Focus...? =]

 

Mecury milan's are kinda nice. As long as you get the v-6 in there

 

I agree, but I would stay away from the first generation (2006-2009) of Fusion/Milan and especially from 2.3L and 5-speed auto. Personal experience with my Fusion. No reliability issues, but 2.3L engine is very noisy and 5-speed auto takes forever to shift in lower gears.

 

Between those cars, I would choose a Mustang. But, I drive a 2011 Toyota Sienna, and will add the Mustang to the family once it arrives. I know you are a couple of years from kids, but I only have (soon 2), and my wife still loves the minivan. We could easily fit in a small car, but the space of the Sienna is nice. The V6 does have a decent amount of power for a minivan, and the handling really is not bad either. The room does come in handy when family or friends come to town. It also hauls things almost as well as a pickup truck. I really do like the small car/big car combo. It really is useful.

 

What kind of mpgs did you get with it? How did you like the overall performance? I'm surprised with the squeaks and creaks that sounds more like the Mustangs I have owned.

Deep down whatever car I can get the best deal on may determine what I get and so far the Accord may be the best equipped model for the price while the WRX has such a high demand that I probably wont get much of a deal on one.

 

That is a possible choice too since I got the time to wait. I hope we get an SVT or RS model for a reasonable price in the USA.

I don't think Ford will offer the new focus in a coupe though

 

I kinda have that figured out my girl will be getting an SUV for her next vehicle. We are leaning towards the new explorer XLT. Once again she is also about a year away from making the purchase so we have time to save and compare.

 

My sister has a loaded 09 Fusion, I like it but I've always had trucks and sport coupes I really can't get used to a sedan unless it is something sporty like a WRX even then I wish they would make a 2 door version.

 

From what uve posted id say th WRX (or a used EVO :P) ive always had a soft spot for those two cars....


To each his own

 

Honestly I do not even remember the MPGs, I didn't have it long enough. The creaks were in the rear deck, and manifested within the first 500 miles. Other noises came from the dashboard, especially when cold. The build quality of Honda and Acura has really dropped in the past few years. My Mustang is quieter and has less gaps in the interior panels.

Overall performance was awful with the automatic. It was sluggish to shift, and did not shift at points that felt natural. I'm told that the 6 speed manual is a COMPLETELY different animal. But most people don't care about the performance of their daily driver, so you will probably be happy with it.

I traded it in on a TL SH-AWD with the 6 speed manual, and although the ride on that car was very tightly sprung, it was extremely fast and very fun to drive.

 

i'd go with the 5-door wrx.
looks best in my opinion, and you don't get shorthanded on space for having a trunk.
you won't need to trade it in once you have a baby (unless you have triplets!)
great on snow, dirt, etc.
and i bet it is fun to drive as well.

 

Take the Stang.

 

'10 SHO. Awesome power, great on gas, plenty of room.

 

Maybe I'm wrong here, but I don't think Accord V6 is offered with a manual transmission. I think manual transmission is offered only on a Accord 4-cyl.

 

Not sure if they ever did have a v6 manual sedan but they've had a manual v6 coupe since '04 when they decided to offer a "sportier" coupe. Came with larger wheels, sportier tires, badging, think the interior was slightly different.

My mom has a 2003 Accord Coupe, its been a good car though I think she wishes she kept her '99. For some reason though people don't see the car or its cursed b/c its been hit on almost every panel at least once. I've noticed most of them within the same model range have body damage here and there.

I would agree though that its got squeaks and rattles that were there not long after she had it. Also some crappy material around the windows that didn't last long either - maybe they've fixed that though in the new model.

 

5 door WRX. I have a 2011 Subaru Outback and love this wagon. I am a Subaru fan for life.

 

I'd say wait for the new Focus with the Titanium trim/handling package since you are considering the WRX 5-door. Won't be as quick, but probably cost less to insure, won't be as thirsty, and still should offer a decent blend of sporting driving and practicality. Oh, and it's a Ford.