Easy: you don't have a lot of choices and forget the MPG thing aside from the 2007 Civic SI sedan.

Get a 2006 RX-8 with like 500-1000 miles for about 20 000$.

The thousands of $$$ you'll save will make up for the gas mileage difference you pay at the pump.

It's the car that will give you the same ''S2000 feeling'', if it's shifting, steering, braking or taking corners at very high speeds. It's even more composed past 70 MPH than the S2000 on the highway. It's a very stable car.

Another option would be a used E36 M3 sedan. It won't handle like the RX-8 and the shifter is crap but the engine is excellent and it's about 1 second faster to 60 than the RX-8. Still a very good handling car with great brakes and steering.

So my choices are:

1-RX-8
2-E36 M3 sedan
3-Civic SI sedan (great all-round car for $ 20K, but for the same price you can get a 2006 RX8 with less than 1000 miles.)


Another obvious choice would be a Lancer EVO but the only thing that reminds me of the S2000 in that car is the rally-car steering quickness and turn in. It has tremendous steering response, just like an AP1 S2000. But other than that it still feels like a sedan on steroids carrying speed through corners.

RWD>AWD for me in terms of driving pleasure and handling ''feel''.

But I still the EVO

 

When it comes to family you cannot beat the Honda Odyssey.

Safety 10 Solid as a rock,air bags everywhere
Comfort 10
Room 10 (Can you make that go to 11?)
Gas Milage 7 ( we average 20 not great but it carries 8 people and luggage)
Looks ? Its a mini van who cares!
Price 10 EX with leather 27k (Just add a DVD player and Garmin for 600)
Fun Factor 10 if you factor in happy kids that love the space and won't make you commit murder on your journey.

We've tried to replace ours ( we're on our 3rd Odyssey) but ever other vehicle we look at pales in comparison when it comes to Utility.
For sport we have the s2k and 335i but nothing beats the Odyssey on a 500 mile trip or shopping at Sam's Club.

 

I looked up the fuel economy rating on the Mazdaspeed 3, and it's the same as the STi and Evo.

Have you considered a used Cadillac CTS-V? They can be had for under $30,000 now. It's not going to handle as well as an STi or an Evo, and it's going to get slightly worse fuel economy. But it's a lot of fun to drive, and it's a LOT of car for the money - Leather, moonroof, fancy stereo, HUGE brakes, navigation, and a reliable 400HP Corvette drivetrain. Classy, fast, and unique it's all packaged in a nicely sized car for the family.

Andrew

 

I had a Cadillac CTS-V before I got my 335i. I had it bought back under the lemon law. YMMV

(the rear diffs on them are junk)

 

The Mercedes dealer used them as courtesy vehicles. I was sitting in the back and thinking, "Wow, I could get used to sitting back here."

Now I have to have kids old enough to chauffeur me around and I'll be set.

If kids were driving, I'd buy an Odyssey or an LS460 and hang out in the back with my wife all day.

 

Evo for you.

as aforementioned after you tuned the ECU (leaning out the AFR a bit for more power) if you stay off boost you can get great MPG.

for me i've gotten as high as 26mpg mixed driving...not bad for a car making 320whp.

 

The TL is a great car. It handles very well and and doesn't show it's a FWD until you really push it. Gets mid twenty's mixed driving and 30-31 on the freeway. It is fast but it does lack some low end torque. You are already used to that.

It, however, will not make you forget the S2000 driving experience.

 

[QUOTE=archtop,Jun 11 2007, 02:21 PM] When it comes to family you cannot beat the Honda Odyssey.

 

if you just want a small car non luxury the mazda 3 is my favorite, want more power then go with the speed 3. for luxury i love the g35 sedan.