Just got smashed in a hit and run!

[Just Bob]

I'm so glad my wife likes to drive manual, I can compromise on many things but not the gearbox when it comes to buying something sporty.

Is your Mits manual?  I don't rememberl when I peeked in the interior...

Yea..Import Queen had a hard time finding her IS...because she wanted a manual.

No.  I am not talking about the Outlander, I mean when I can finally buy something sporty.  Over time both of our cars will be manual, the Outlander is just filler.

[rrocket]

Get the A3.. they are dirt cheap used.

Something not on your list.. Saab 9-3 or 9-5 wagon.. also dirt cheap used.

Must be a reason for it..suspect reliability perhaps??


Good suggesting Saab...but I'd go the Saabaru route and get a 9-2X Aero (turbo, awd..what's not to love??)

[quadzilla]

Good suggesting Saab...but I'd go the Saabaru route and get a 9-2X Aero (turbo, awd..what's not to love??)

That engine strapped to a 4 speed slushbox?

[rrocket]

Good suggesting Saab...but I'd go the Saabaru route and get a 9-2X Aero (turbo, awd..what's not to love??)

That engine strapped to a 4 speed slushbox?

I agree...but a Cobb tune makes an HUGE difference with the slushbox....

[quadzilla]

Good suggesting Saab...but I'd go the Saabaru route and get a 9-2X Aero (turbo, awd..what's not to love??)

That engine strapped to a 4 speed slushbox?

I agree...but a Cobb tune makes an HUGE difference with the slushbox....

If that is the case then keep it on the list. Did the Saabaru come with the 2.0T or 2.5T engine? I've heard that the 2.5T spools up quicker.

[rrocket]

2.0 turbo engine.

[Loudpedal]

Get the A3.. they are dirt cheap used.

Something not on your list.. Saab 9-3 or 9-5 wagon.. also dirt cheap used.

Must be a reason for it..suspect reliability perhaps??


Good suggesting Saab...but I'd go the Saabaru route and get a 9-2X Aero (turbo, awd..what's not to love??)

I like the 9-2X Aero, but with an auto, not so much.   My brother has an auto WRX, and off boost, it's a bit of a dog, and the boost comes on like a light switch. 

[rrocket]

Get the A3.. they are dirt cheap used.

Something not on your list.. Saab 9-3 or 9-5 wagon.. also dirt cheap used.

Must be a reason for it..suspect reliability perhaps??


Good suggesting Saab...but I'd go the Saabaru route and get a 9-2X Aero (turbo, awd..what's not to love??)

I like the 9-2X Aero, but with an auto, not so much.   My brother has an auto WRX, and off boost, it's a bit of a dog, and the boost comes on like a light switch. 

Tuning, tuning, tuning!!  It's amazing what it does.  Go read up on http://saab92x.com/  Or toss on a VF34 turbo and own STis!! 

[Careener]

Get the A3.. they are dirt cheap used.

Something not on your list.. Saab 9-3 or 9-5 wagon.. also dirt cheap used.

Must be a reason for it..suspect reliability perhaps??


Good suggesting Saab...but I'd go the Saabaru route and get a 9-2X Aero (turbo, awd..what's not to love??)

9-5 is more reliable than the 9-3.

Sample pricing
Year: 2005
Make: SAAB
Model: 9-5  
Stock Number: 5-23798 Mileage: 53,500
Warranty : Available Engine : 4-Cyl. 2.3L Turbo
Body : Sedan Transmission : Automatic
Drive : FWD Interior Color : Grey
Exterior Color : Blue
$13,900

[Loudpedal]

At this point, I hope the car gets written off,

From your description of the damage it seems like a sure thing.

What are you thinking on?; new or used?

Likely used.  I've purchased both new and used, and IMO the value equation of a few year old excellent condition used vehicle is too much to pass up, especially with the great CPO programs out there.   

Either I'm a cheap b@stard or I simply prefer the sight of a growing investment portfolio to the olfactory pleasure of new car smell.   

If the G gets fixed, it'll likely be a drive into the ground machine.

If the G gets written off, below are the current top 6, in my pref order, (wifes pref in brackets):

Audi A3 (5)
Mk5 VW GTI (6)
Infiniti G35x (4)
Acura RDX (1)
Acura TL (3)
Acura TSX (2)


 

Based on my positive impressions of my 2010 Mazda 3 rental car, I may add that to the shopping list, albeit in a higer trim level with the 2.5 litre.   Too bad the MS3 does not have a DSG...

[dr_spock]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

[rrocket]

No.  I am not talking about the Outlander, I mean when I can finally buy something sporty.  Over time both of our cars will be manual, the Outlander is just filler.

Can be Mits even be had in stick??

[Loudpedal]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

She has as much interest in learning manual as most men have in learning scrapbooking techniques...<shudder>

Just checking, but an RX-8 in auto would be automotive blasphemy right? 

[rrocket]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

She has as much interest in learning manual as most men have in learning scrapbooking techniques...<shudder>

Just checking, but an RX-8 in auto would be automotive blasphemy right? 

Only if you think it is.  Buy what you like....who gives a flying you-know-what if someone doesn't like it.

[airbalancer]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

She has as much interest in learning manual as most men have in learning scrapbooking techniques...<shudder>

Just checking, but an RX-8 in auto would be automotive blasphemy right? 

Only if you think it is.  Buy what you like....who gives a flying you-know-what if someone doesn't like it.

 

[Railton]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

She has as much interest in learning manual as most men have in learning scrapbooking techniques...<shudder>

Just checking, but an RX-8 in auto would be automotive blasphemy right? 

You have my blessings.
Railton

[ovr50]

Agree with those above who say buy what you and your spouse like, ignore the rest of the chatter. Nothing wrong with an RX-8/Auto combo.

[tortoise]

My only concern would the reliability of the transmission. I haven't looked into it, but Mazda aren't know for bullet proof autos, let alone one attached to an engine that winds up to 9000 rpm.

[Railton]

My only concern would the reliability of the transmission. I haven't looked into it, but Mazda aren't know for bullet proof autos, let alone one attached to an engine that winds up to 9000 rpm.

The auto equipped 8's are limited to 7500RPM.
Railton

[quadzilla]

My only concern would the reliability of the transmission. I haven't looked into it, but Mazda aren't know for bullet proof autos, let alone one attached to an engine that winds up to 9000 rpm.

The auto only does 7K or something like that so you don't even get the full enjoyment of the rotary engine IMO. I think the early versions has only a 4 speed but then they later moved to a 6 speed. Personally the 6 speed would have to be mandatory as 4 widely spaced gears might not match up very well with that engine.

EDIT: Railton beat me to it.