High mileage RSX, or RSX-S. You're familiar with them. I think the prices on earlier model are down. I think they are good on gas. Reliability - Honda, winter driveable, not high on the stolen list.

1st or 2nd gen CR-V. GREAT fookin' reliability...find a 5 spd-manual and they are sort of fun to drive. They are TOTALLY practical; ugly as I don't know what, but they are definitely not an Aztec.

 

Still think RSX's (even non-s) are out of my range.

Anyone know anything about the Subaru Impreza 2.5rs?
http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/cto/1255812940.html

Seems like a good price and I hear subaru's have excellent reliability, but they seem hard to work on and if I blew an engine or something, a new one would probably be expensive.

A replacement engine for a crv is $750 from hmotors.

 

I know it's my favorite version of the Impreza.

You should buy my grandpa's car. You could even lift it and put 22" chrome wheels like so many idiots do these days. Plus, it's RWD!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/1253482883.html

 

Uhm that 2.5RS is smokin' hot. GC8 FTW!!!!!

 

The 2.5 RS impreza has been one of my favorite cars... I've always wanted a black one with gold wheels. I say get it. It's hella cheap and it's not a Ford.

 

Acura CL FTW!!!