My lease is coming due soon and I've decided to let Mazda have it back, but the problem is what to get next?

I've been thinking about this alot lately.

Here's what I'm looking for:

A handling car.
At least 220 hp
4 seats ( 4 doors prefered but not required)
available in manual
rear wheel drive.

There is a very short list. The solstice/sky, 350, s200 are out because of seating. mustangs and chargers are out due to handling. I hate the way the evo's/sti's look. lexus IS is only auto. Not alot left.

BMW 3 series or G35, but pricey for a toy ( I would only use it as a summer/weekend car)

Which all comes down to....nothing. There is nothing out there that fits what I'm looking for, so if I settle (which is unlikely) I could look at some front wheel cars:

Mazdaspeed 3, RSX -S (discontinued), Cobalt SS. No honda civic in my future.

Or some awd cars:

Legacy Gt or mazdaspeed 6. I hate the way the WRX looks.

again it looks like nothing but some nice cars coming in the next 2-3 years. Gm's got a new generation of RWD cars coming out. The commodore is suppose to have 50/50 weight and over 300hp, and Nissan is dropping the 3.5 liter into almost everything thier making. Now if they could make a new 240 I would be interested. Should be interesting, but for now, there is nothing that excites me...

I doubt I would ever get another RX...but if mazda decides to drop thier 2.3 turbo into an MX8, I would most likely get one of those...

 

are you sure you cant get a Lexus IS with a MT? I thought you could. I hear the legacy gt is really nice, if you like the looks of it.

 

^ yup on the Legacy GT. Plust the next two model years are supposed to be getting some serious option upgrades - interior & powertrain.

 

the IS250 comes in MT, but not the 350 or the 250 AWD

 

Mazdaspeed 3! Maybe the new VW R32 coming out?

 

The only place to go after the RX is to a PORSCHE. 2 door, 4 seat, over 220hp great handling. And they hold value fairly well if you get a couple year old one.

 

Amen! I drove an '06 Legacy GT and damn near bought it instead of the RX8.

Subaru is bringing out (it may be on the floor now) an upgraded Legacy GT called the SpecB. It has handling upgrades and a six-speed coupled to the 250hp engine.

If they'd had it available when I bought my 8 I might have done it, but it wasn't there, yet. And - I'd have hated myself whenever I looked out the window at the driveway.

Pilgrim

 

I vote Legacy GT if you have the money to buy one as a toy. But then again it's a car you could have as a daily driver and a toy.

But I also really like the VW suggestion.
________
VAPEZILLA GLASS WHIP

 

My vote is the Mazdaspeed6. I almost went that route vs. my '8. Although I'm pleased with my ultimate decision, it would seem to well fit your criteria.

 

How about Audi A4??

 

u beat me to that..

 

Infiniti G35 Coupe is nice or the all new sedan. If you don't mind used you have several options, S4, M3. A new Legacy GT Spec B isn't bad although a tad plain looking. Currently not a whole lot out there in 4 door or 2+2 that I'd want right now. A couple of years from now that will change.

 

Yup, another good choice, although I would prefer the S4.

 

Sounds like you secretly want another rx8. Quit lying to yourself man!

 

If you don't mind 306 HP, you described the Lexus IS 350. It is a sweet sedan and when I saw it at the autoshow, they told me it only comes in stick.

 

I think a used Porsche 911 would be cool. You say its only going to be a summer car so why does it have to be so new? You'd have it for only 2-3 months anyway.

 

-Lexus IS 250 offers manual
-BMW 325 w/ sport package

 

cought rx8 cought.....

 

Try a test drive in the CX-7. It's not a car, but you can get one new for 20k (front wheel drive, base model), they handle pretty nice for a SUV.

I thought about it, but don't want another vehicle that gets crap for mileage.

 

Thanks all

I have to admit I've been thinking about a mazdaspeed 6 lately, but I shoudl also look into a legacy GT if I go that route.

yes rglbegl, a porsche would be the thing. Funny I sold a porsche to get the 8.

Zoned, I love the 8, there is no other car out there that compares to it, I just have no faith in the rotary. I wish mazda offered the rotary as an optional engine on thier cars. I'm sure the mx5 crews would love a rotary. I would prefer the 2.3 turbo.

dukes, Is350's only come in auto. The Is 250 is manual with a roaring 205hp.

mysql, I already have a family car and don't want something so heavy. Our second car is a trailblazer.

Audi's are nice and I love the way the A4's look, but I hear lots of mechanical/electrical issues with them.

I'd love a 911. will see what they go for in my price range, but probably leaning toward the MS6. The legacy is probably the better car, but am looking for something fun and not necessarily a practical family car.

The MS3 might be a thought but with only 5000 units made, dealers will asking far over MSRP.

surprised no one mentioned the....crossfire