I'm in the bargaining process on a new 2006 Civic Si. But before I firm up the deal with a down payment, I thought I'd ask for suggestions on a vehicle just in case I forgot something that might fit the following needs:

1) Fun to drive
2) Good gas mileage
3) No more than $25k(clean used car is ok)
4) It has get around in the snow ok(traction control, FWD, AWD, etc)
5) Back seat is mandatory for a child seat
6) Something I can autoX with would definitely be a plus

Thanks gang!

Mark

***edited to add #6***

 

TSX??

 

I like it, but I'm looking for something I can take to the track too. Guess I better add that to the list

 

As long as you are open to used cars, I would look for a Sti.

AWD, handles well, good power, back seat (plus four doors!!). A very trackable car, plus a very practial one as well.

Don't get me wrong, I like the new Si....but for 22-23K that is probably not what I would look at.

 

My first suggestion would be an airbag disable switch for the car seat and some snow tires. That's my outfit and it's the best of all worlds.
Other than that, a search of cars.com yields some '03 Infinity G35 coupes in the Chicago area for well under $25K. I'm not a fan of the sedan but I'd be in the G35 coupe if I couldn't shut off my airbag.

 

dude...WRX or STi all the way...no question about it

 

I thought about that Angel....but I just don't care for the looks. It's an awesome car skinned in so so sheet metal

Now, the G35 coupe on the other hand... But that's a little out of the price range for what I want to spend me thinks