Manga_Spawn

Lots of good suggestions. The volt is meh to me. I feel like if I did anything semi electric I should just wait and try to get the Tesla model 3. Anything else I feel like will be a disappointment and will dive in value once the model 3 comes out.

Anything VW worries me right now. Long term cost to own is a concern as well with the price of parts. I have looked at the german cars outside of the Mini and feel like they aren't doable.

I like the mustang because of the ecoboost engine. I don't think the camaro offers anything like that and like how the mustang looks more.

Mazda 3 is one that crossed my mind but I haven't looked into so I will.

New civic just seems to bland. I would want an SI and thats a manual so its out.

Is the IS350 sub $30k? I will look into it. A lexus would be a very nice upgrade.

Honestly the more I look into the Abarth the better it sounds. The wife likes it and people have had them for a good while now with decent miles without major issues from what I am seeing. The major complaints seem to be the interior isn't as nice as the mini, the ride is a bit harsh (but the fit is lowered on wheels so I doubt the Fiat is worse) and that seems to be it. Car and driver had one of the lower models for 17k miles with no issues and on the fiat forums people have 40k+ without anything major. Super long term I could see it being more pricey but for the price and the finance deal it seems hard to loose money on it. I will keep looking at other options.

SamySnead

I'd take a Mazda 3 or BRZ over the Abarth/Cooper any day. I don't know enough about the new Rustangs to comment, other than they seem to be everywhere! It was hard for me to consider the Abarth fun to drive when it felt like I was sitting up really high in an SUV. I definitely couldn't see myself driving 100k miles in the thing.

windhund116

Ford Focus RS?

Jdrum1

I didn't recommend replacing an '07 Fit with an '07 Fit. While it is the same class and nameplate, the current generation is a highly improved car (as it should be after 8 years of R&D). While it's not going to be confused for a luxury car, the interior fit and finish has has a much better feel than the 1st and 2nd gen's. The new model gen feels a little less cheap (not knocking the old one's). I think Honda has pretty well improved it in every way (CVT being debatable).

You gave great reasons for it being on the list ("it has been a trooper. Zero Major issues. Cheap as hell to maintain and run").

Sincerely,
Unpaid car advice internet stranger

Mr.E.G.

No freaking way? Those cars have a BACK seat? I would have never guessed.

Mr.E.G.

Those cars are still super expensive. I've looked at some used ones and they're pricey. At least they are in my area.

sillyboybmxer

Corolla S

rob-2

We picked up a lightly used one for 23$k.

Manga_Spawn

The used car market here in Seattle is stupid. Unless you are looking for a beater clean couple year old used cars often cost so close to new it doesn't make sense. Factor in the better financing deals for new, warranty etc new makes sense depending on the car.

Ford Focus RS I wish. They are $40k+ manual only and just doesn't make sense. Would be really fun though.

No to the Corolla and no to the bed. If the bed was even remotely an option I would force her to drive a stick and buy a low miles 06+ap2. That has been shut down though.

I'll have to test drive the abarth but it's more what she will be comfortable in and not me.

Manga_Spawn

So looked at the Mazda 3 and it seems kinda bland. In the same realm as the Civic, Non ST Focus, Carolla etc and it is more expensive than the Abarth which would be more fun and has a lot more personality. We need to test drive the Abarth and see if it something we like. If it isn't we will consider some of these other options but they do seem less fun albeit more practical.