Vehicle recommendation (4 seat, sporty, manual, reliable)

[kehyler]

Hi Guys,

I've got an older Prius that I'm creating a list of replacements for when the time comes (it's not urgent).

Here's my current desires, I'm not brand loyal.

Soft requirements:

• Prefer manual, though not a dealbreaker
• Somewhat sporty, want something fun to drive on my daily commute with a long section of highway

Hard requirements:

• 4 seats with enough room for 2 carseats
• 4 doors
• Reputation for maintainability (parts availability) and general reliability. I like to buy common cars, or ones with a big after market enthusiast market
• Not RWD, needs to be FWD or AWD

Any ideas?

-kehyler

 

[burbguy82]

Not RWD, FWD or AWD

Well, that really takes a bunch of option out of the deal. What other drive types are there to choose from?

 

[6.7 CTD]

Hi Guys,

I've got an older Prius that I'm creating a list of replacements for when the time comes (it's not urgent).

Here's my current desires, I'm not brand loyal.

Soft requirements:

• Prefer manual, though not a dealbreaker
• Somewhat sporty, want something fun to drive on my daily commute with a long section of highway

Hard requirements:

• 4 seats with enough room for 2 carseats
• 4 doors
• Reputation for maintainability (parts availability) and general reliability. I like to buy common cars, or ones with a big after market enthusiast market
• Not RWD, FWD or AWD

Any ideas?

-kehyler

Civic si? 200hp 4cyl, 6 spd, 27/37 mpg, 4 door, 5 star overall nhtsa rating. Only downside is likely fuel dilution.

 

[kehyler]

Well, that really takes a bunch of option out of the deal. What other drive types are there to choose from?

Yeah, that was a bad bullet point. Edited for clarity.

 

[skyactiv]

New or used? Regarding manual transmissions, there are fewer choice today than a few years ago.

A late model Corolla SE with a stick would be a good peppy little car-- 2.0L and 169HP. A Jetta GLI or a late model Accord 2.0 with a stick are larger.

 

[factorytuned2012]

Kia k5 Gt

 

[skyactiv]

Here is another good choice if looking at late model used. Camry Nightshade in blue. Old pic, car is pre dealer prep and still in plastic.

 

[RooflessVW]

GTI/GLI

 

[John105]

I actually think the criteria isn't reasonable and I don't see any good suggestions listed as a result.

Manual and sporty. Able to take 2 carseats. Not RWD.

That's why the only good suggestion is Camry. It's 4 doors. Carseats are ok. It's not RWD. but it's not a manual and in no way shape nor form is it remotely sporty. It also meets the reputation criteria, although once you own a Toyota, you will find parts to cost multiples of BMW on some. I kinda think that takes folks by surprise, I know it took me by surprise.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Are you looking for new or used? I'm assuming it doesn't have to be brand new, right?

The obvious answer is the Matrix/Vibe. If something newer is desired, there's the Corolla hatchback, which was available with manual until 2022

I see a surprising amount of 2-door Civics with car seats in the back, so the 4-door Civic should be good for you.

The Fit and HR-V are also good choices. The HRV was available with manual until 2019, and the Fit was available with manual another year after that.

 

[factorytuned2012]

there’s plenty of choices out there

 

[Delta]

Here is another good choice if looking at late model used. Camry Nightshade in blue. Old pic, car is pre dealer prep and still in plastic.

That takes the sporty and manual out of the equation. Plenty of room and reliable though. After having a '23 for a bit it is pretty boring to drive though.

 

[joekingcorvette]

I would go with a 2023 or newer Prius, Civic, or Corolla. The 2023 and newer Prius would be an awesome vehicle. I would probably go with a hybrid since you must love the mileage of the current Prius you are now driving. I really like our Rav4 hybrid AWD and that might work for you too. I see certified 2023 Prius cars selling for around $27,000 in my area with about 30,000 miles.

 

[snarl]

What is your price point?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Sporty. But 4 doors FWD and room for 2 car seats. Oh and reliable with long term parts availability.

Pretty sure all those never existed in one car.

 

[Astro14]

I’ll just leave this right here.

300HP AWD
Manual
Room for car seats
4 doors
Reliable

Also - room for cargo and gear
Big brake package (4 piston Brembos on all corners)

Mechanical parts are still widely available.
Trim parts less so

 

[NibbanaBanana]

The only thing new that's going to cover all that is the Honda Civic sport hatchback. One of the remaining few that is manual.

 

[Dave Hess]

Mazda 3

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I’ll just leave this right here.

300HP AWD
Manual
Room for car seats
4 doors
Reliable

Also - room for cargo and gear
Big brake package (4 piston Brembos on all corners)

Mechanical parts are still widely available.
Trim parts less so

View attachment 269566

I'm not sure that jealous emoji really fits. I think it needs more like an admiration, respect, impressed, love type thing.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Mazda 3

This is what came to my mind as well, as soon as I read OP's post.

Car seats will fit, as long as they don't have to be rear-facing ones.