Ok, I tried something Swedish and wasn't impressed. I think it's time to go back to Japanese.
I'm doing away with my RWD or AWD criteria. It's just too hard to find a nice practical car that gets good gas mileage, isn't overpriced, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to repair with those attributes.
I've determined what I NEED... and what I want. Those lists overlap a bit... I drive A LOT, so I need something that I actually like. That means some of the things that seem a little less important hold a little more weight.
So, things I absolutely NEED:
Good gas mileage: 25mpg minimum. Preferably about 28mpg combined (like my CB7)
Reliability. I put 9000 miles on my CB7 since last October, and that was working part time. I'm getting heavier into this work now, and I need something that will withstand that beating!
Affordability. I can't break the bank buying my next car. I went a bit overbudget with the wife's car, and though I'm making decent money, bills are kicking my ass. $3000 is probably my ceiling.
Easy/Cheap to repair. I can't go shelling out a million bucks for every little part that breaks! I also don't want the car to be down for 3 weeks while I try to figure out what's wrong. Finally, if I need to take it to a shop, I don't want to pay outrageous prices for labor (Volvo shops charge like $100 an hour... My stepfather's Chrysler dealership, on the other hand, charges about 2/3 that!)
Comfortable. With me sitting in that car for up to 10 hours and 320 miles a day, I can't tolerate something uncomfortable!
Things I want:
Manual transmission. Better on gas, usually, and often more reliable. Replacing a clutch is easier than working on an auto as well. Plus, its more fun to drive!
Responsive handling. My CB7 is nice. It handles well. However, I'd like something different. Something with a little more zip to it.
Power. Ok, I'm spoiled. I have a 200+hp engine in my 2800lb car. Something with considerably less power per pound (like my 114hp, 3000lb Volvo) just won't do. I don't need a racecar... just something that can get out of it's own way!
Looks. Ok, I'm vain. I can't drive a shitbox. My CB7 doesn't look amazing, but I don't look at it and shudder either (well, right now, with 2 steelies and a coating of salt... I do... but not because the car itself is ugly!)
Aftermarket support. I don't really plan on modding my second car... but I can't say I won't. It's in my blood now.
Build quality. I'm a snob. I drive an Accord, which is considered a real luxury car in many countries. I just can't enjoy a Civic, or anything in the same class. I know those little cars are better on gas, but I just can't...
I'm stuck... I know what fits just about every criterion there, and it's driving me nuts. I KNOW the CB7 is quite possibly the BEST car for my needs... and I DO love the model. I just want something different, if I can find it! I might pick up a 5 speed CB9... that MIGHT be different enough. Same handling characteristics though (but better brakes )
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