[frozen]

Really having difficulty coming up with the car that best suits what I described in the title. I would say the reliability is the most important factor, with practicality and fun factor being about equal. While manual would be great, I'd settle with auto given limited choices...

Practical = ideally seats 4-5 people. I love hatchbacks for its practicality, but sedan is fine (coupe least desired).

Reliable = prefer Japanese cars due to their reliability, which mean they are relatively cheap to maintain

I'm really struggling to come up with the candidates that fit these criteria, but thought about the following:

Civic Si Sedan (2006-2011)
Toyota Matrix XRS (2003-2006)
Acura TSX (2004-2008)

Thought about Mazdaspeed but I'd prefer to stay NA.

Would appreciate if you guys know any other vehicles that fit the bill, or can point out any major flaws (such as reliability) with the cars I listed. My list is pretty short as I'm not very familiar with Mitsubishi or Subaru reliability.

[BrokenEuro]

Between the Si and TSX, the TSX feels more refined but also a bit boatier around corners. It weighs a bit more and the suspension makes it not as nimble as the si.

Another good choice is a manual transmission TL if you want more power.

[supafamous]

I just picked up a 2008 Mazda 3 GT for $7K and figured I'd spend another $3K on "fun" (suspension, better brakes, maybe wheels etc). With any used car I figured I should budget for repairs/upgrades and I'm likely going to end up spending $10-11K. Clean Mazda 3s with manuals can be a bit hard to find - people treat them like shit b/c they're dailies - I just spent 8 hours cleaning up mine and there's still dirt in nooks and crannies.

I also have a 2007 TSX with an auto and while I love it I don't think it's what you'll want - you'll need to spend some money upgrading the suspension and brakes to make it fun enough. It is, however, 100% reliable - zero troubles so far and I'd expect nothing for years to come.

I prefer slow cars that are a blast versus fast cars that aren't thus something like a Mazda 3 works just fine for me. A big honking V6 wouldn't have made me happier in the long run.

If you can find a Saab 9-2x I'd recommend it - a bit nicer than its sister car and super rare. They go for around 8-10K. Maybe also the Volvo S40 or C30.

[Suprarz666]

WRX?(both the sedan and wagon)

[hirevtuner]

if you want a brand new car check out a Mitsubishi Mirage at around $12k with 10 year warranty which isn't a bad deal

[frozen]

I just picked up a 2008 Mazda 3 GT for $7K and figured I'd spend another $3K on "fun" (suspension, better brakes, maybe wheels etc). With any used car I figured I should budget for repairs/upgrades and I'm likely going to end up spending $10-11K. Clean Mazda 3s with manuals can be a bit hard to find - people treat them like shit b/c they're dailies - I just spent 8 hours cleaning up mine and there's still dirt in nooks and crannies.

I also have a 2007 TSX with an auto and while I love it I don't think it's what you'll want - you'll need to spend some money upgrading the suspension and brakes to make it fun enough. It is, however, 100% reliable - zero troubles so far and I'd expect nothing for years to come.

I prefer slow cars that are a blast versus fast cars that aren't thus something like a Mazda 3 works just fine for me. A big honking V6 wouldn't have made me happier in the long run.

If you can find a Saab 9-2x I'd recommend it - a bit nicer than its sister car and super rare. They go for around 8-10K. Maybe also the Volvo S40 or C30.

Thanks. I'm similar to you in that I don't care much for huge hp and prefer more nimble cars, although it can't be too weak. Civic Si is my top choice atm but it is quite hard to find a clean one. Saab or Volvo would be a significant leap of faith for me as I know absolutely nothing about these cars. Also, a quick search on Volvo it appears those two models are hard to come by as well, at least clean ones.

[tegra7]

A new Mitsubishi Mirage is not a "fun" car. :lawl:

[whitev70r]

Not exactly known for reliability but I'd go for something like this, may not be this one but something like it
08 (or 09) Audi A4, S-line, quattro
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/ctd/6104629271.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00r0r_jZu2dXXralG_600x450.jpg

[supafamous]

Thanks. I'm similar to you in that I don't care much for huge hp and prefer more nimble cars, although it can't be too weak. Civic Si is my top choice atm but it is quite hard to find a clean one. Saab or Volvo would be a significant leap of faith for me as I know absolutely nothing about these cars. Also, a quick search on Volvo it appears those two models are hard to come by as well, at least clean ones.

The Saab 9-2x is just a WRX dressed up a nicer car - I drove one last year and thought it was pretty nice but it wasn't my thing. If you're a wagon nerd then I'd search far and wide for a Volvo V50 wagon with the turbo 5 cylinder. It's no Japanese car in terms of reliability but better than the Germans, the bones are shared with the Mazda3/Ford Focus.

Clean Civic Si are hard to find as you've noted unless you are ok with a coupe (which it sounds like you aren't).

If you want to take a chance though: https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/6114118912.html - low mileage, fast, just a Swedish GM car so parts are not hard to find. (I've always wanted to own a Saab, you should see the boner I'll have when a SportCombi with AWD and a manual shows up for sale)

[fliptuner]

I just picked up a 2008 Mazda 3 GT for $7K and figured I'd spend another $3K on "fun" (suspension, better brakes, maybe wheels etc). With any used car I figured I should budget for repairs/upgrades and I'm likely going to end up spending $10-11K. Clean Mazda 3s with manuals can be a bit hard to find - people treat them like shit b/c they're dailies - I just spent 8 hours cleaning up mine and there's still dirt in nooks and crannies.

I also have a 2007 TSX with an auto and while I love it I don't think it's what you'll want - you'll need to spend some money upgrading the suspension and brakes to make it fun enough. It is, however, 100% reliable - zero troubles so far and I'd expect nothing for years to come.

I prefer slow cars that are a blast versus fast cars that aren't thus something like a Mazda 3 works just fine for me. A big honking V6 wouldn't have made me happier in the long run.

If you can find a Saab 9-2x I'd recommend it - a bit nicer than its sister car and super rare. They go for around 8-10K. Maybe also the Volvo S40 or C30.
MZ3 should suit the OP. 2nd gens are slightly larger and within his budget.

BTW, I have F/R Hotchkiss swaybars, KW coilovers and MS3 exhaust I'm parting. Also, since yours is manual, make sure the PCV has been replaced.

[StanleyR]

If you want to take a chance though: https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/6114118912.html - low mileage, fast, just a Swedish GM car so parts are not hard to find.

:heckno:

What comparable vehicle from GM has a turbo v6 2.8?

Despite what people will have you believe, parts are not that easy to find...and as they age, are becoming increasingly difficult to source.

[dustyco]

I feel like there are a good number of options at 10k. Definitely look into Subaru, especially if you are ok with a JDM import, but it doesn't have to be. The imports are usually in really good shape, low mileage, and often sportier versions than the Canadian ones.

There's a Mazdaspeeed 6 (https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/6101327566.html) up for sale that looks decent.

I know you'd prefer the JDM stuff for cost, but there are always lots of Volkswagens around, a GTI would be a fine choice in my opinion. Or maybe a Mini? Either of those would be sporty and a ton of fun compared to something like a Matrix.

[Jmac]

Consumer Reports - Best Used Cars By Price (May 18, 2017)
Price is USD, so obviously the newer model years may be over $10k CAD.
Under $10,000
Subcompact
Honda Fit 2007-2011
The Fit is roomier on the inside than you might expect, with an interior that is unusually versatile and flexible. The 2011 model year has stability control.

Compact
Pontiac Vibe 2007-2010
Toyota Matrix 2007-2008, 2010
The Pontiac Vibe and its corporate twin, the Toyota Matrix, are reliable and spacious compact hatchbacks. Both have fairly nimble handling, with rides that are borderline jittery. AWD was available as an option.

Other good choices:
Toyota Corolla 2007-2011
Toyota Prius 2007-2009

[whitev70r]

What about a Subaru Legacy GT? 250 hp, awd sedan. There are others on CL that are manual, newer, but slightly more than $10K

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/ctd/6136343847.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00s0s_iM3v0cpqFxA_600x450.jpg

[teggy604]

Ford Focus SVT hatch, or CSX Type S

[tegra7]

FA5 Civic Si fits your criteria.

[jasonturbo]

FA5 Civic Si fits your criteria.

This or a MK6/7 VW GTI.

[Zedbra]

Fun and practical - I love my 05 VW TDI that has been modified with a larger turbo and a custom tune. 156hp and 267lbs of torque - you can pull out in front of anything you need with 25lbs of boost. Stick with the 04-05 models with the BEW motor, they are proving to be very reliable and cheap to modify (no need for larger injectors or fuel pump).

Motors go forever, parts are cheap as they sold 14 million in North America. My car is at 394k now, plan on driving it to 500k.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/6111806440.html

Lots in the budget left over for suspension, wheels, turbo, and tuning. Lots of aftermarket support as well.

[frozen]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll expand my search a bit to include some of the suggested vehicles. Ideally I would still prefer to avoid certain euro cars (the reliability on some just downright scares me). Also, hoping to keep the car stock because I certainly won't have time to do any modifications. Sorry should've mentioned this in the OP.

[TouringTeg]

We have had an 09 Matrix and 05 Mazda 3 GT

Matrix is not sporty at all. Would not buy one again.

Mazda 3 was fun to drive and reliable. I would definitely recommend the 3 GT (not sedan)

[ijaz_97]

Infiniti G35x. A lot of car for the money, you can get them for relatively cheap now.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/6112681604.html

[tiger_handheld]

Infiniti G35x. A lot of car for the money, you can get them for relatively cheap now.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/6112681604.html

what's premium gas these days... 1.54/L??

[ijaz_97]

what's premium gas these days... 1.54/L??

Yup! I have one and that's the only downside. It's a gas pig.

[Traum]

This or a MK6/7 VW GTI.
Unfortunately, the GTI wouldn't meet the reliability requirement the OP has, esp at the price point the OP is considering. For ~$10k, you are really only looking at the MkV cars. And at that age, they will need a lot of maintenance.

With the FA5 Civic Si, I'd caution the OP from mentally committing to that before you give the car a thorough test drive. The FA5 is both reliable and capable. The engine in particular is entertaining, but the combination of high cowl, mile-long dash, the 2-tier instrumentation makes it really awkward for me to drive the car. When driving the car, I feel like my sightlines are poor, and I have no idea where my 2 front corners (of the car) are. I didn't like that at all.

[hud 91gt]

My TSX is far from fun.

From your options civic is #1

[swfk]

I had a 6MT TSX and it was quite heavy. 8th gen Si is your best bet in that price range. Just watch out for 3rd gear pop.

[S1 S2]

I'd suggest:

Csx Type S
8th gen SI
04-08 Tsx
04-06 TL 6MT LSD

[jaretron]

https://victoria.craigslist.ca/cto/6145026761.html

[whitev70r]

https://victoria.craigslist.ca/cto/6145026761.html

Here's are some other Civic SI sedans in Vancouver. That 2012 looks like a good buy if it checks out.

2008 Civic SI, 202K kms, $7600
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/6075796903.html

2008 Civic SI, dealer, Surrey Honda, 167K kms, $8901
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/ctd/6143470387.html

2012 Civic SI, 52K kms, $10,900
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/6144641349.html

[Traum]

^^ Bear in mind that the 2012 car is officially an 9th gen Civic, while the 2008 cars are 8th gen. While the 2 gens share a lot of similarities between them, the biggest differences are:

- K20 vs K24
- interior differences (and I think the early 9th gen cars, which the 2012 should be, is crappier)
- handling differences -- I think the 8th gen wins here too

[frozen]

Thanks for all the good suggestions. I'm definitely leaning towards civic si but it's proving to be difficult to find a clean one that's relatively low mileage. That Victoria one is great... just a little inconvenient it's in the island. Also keeping my eyes on several other cars recommended here.

[The_AK]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and pitch this, always had a soft spot for Mark 2 and Mark 4 Golf GTIs:

https://images.craigslist.org/00707_iETl6OqiXFu_600x450.jpg

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/6094139887.html
2002 Golf GTI With 24V VR6 engine so plenty of NA power without the worries of a turbo
Leather interior, manual, hatchback, and imo more presence and character than a Civic, TSX or Matrix. Or consider importing an R32 from the states

I'll let this video convince you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWFzmH4vwGo

[whitev70r]

One more to consider, SI dressed up in a tux - 08 CSX type S, 162K kms, $9500 obo
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/6095115641.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00j0j_cO3W8sydHvz_600x450.jpg

[frozen]

The AK, that VW sounds amazing. I know absolutely nothing about VW though, and the stories I've heard on reliability scares me a bit.

For those who are familiar with civic si, is there anything I should particularly look out for when viewing the car? Any common issues, model years to avoid, etc.

[zetazeta]

Coming from an NB Miata and AP2 S2k I was very surprised at how fun the Civic SI Sedan (FA5) was. It's obviously no s2k but after 2 yrs of ownership I have absolutely no complaints about the car.
Highly recommend it: as reliable as they come, practical with the 5 seats, pretty decent audio system, huge trunk (I can fit 4 fully loaded golf bags in the trunk and still have space) and a pleasure to drive. Do note that some of the earlier 06-08 SI's had transmission issues or something and there was a TSB with affected VIN's listed. I don't have the file anymore but you can find out the list of affected Canadian VIN's

Oh and it is 2007-2011 for the FA5. Don't think they had the SI Sedan in 2006.

Feel free to msg me if you have any other questions!

[zetazeta]

Here's are some other Civic SI sedans in Vancouver. That 2012 looks like a good buy if it checks out.

2012 Civic SI, 52K kms, $10,900
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/6144641349.html

That 2012 one has been on CL for a longass time now. I haven't checked it out yet but seems like one of those too good to be true deals.

[whitev70r]

2008 Fiji Blue, 130K kms, $9500 with some mods ... fits OP's bill

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/6146663098.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00W0W_5JmmwohPwXz_600x450.jpg

Mods list (All mods are from previous owner):

-T1R carbon fibre intake
-T1R Power Header
-T1R Test Pipe
-T1R 70R Dolphin Exhaust System
-T1R BMAX Coilovers
-T1R adjustable rear arms (rear camber kit)
-17 " Volk Racing RE30 Magnesium Blue in great condition (no scrub on rims)

-6000k light bulbs for headlights
-Mugen (authentic) window visors
-Mugen RR style rear lip with working 3rd brake light (fog lamp)
-Mugen RR style side skirts

[frozen]

^Contacted the person. No reply. As for that 2012 one, it's a rebuilt. Called the seller who sounded sketchy. Flagged since it's a blatant lie and he's wasting people's time marketing it as clean. I guess his definition of "clean" was that the car looks clean.

[Presto]

Necro-bump.

I'm replacing my Prius. It died a premature death when it got effed in the 'a' by a distracted driver. There's good suggestions in this thread, and I would appreciate more cars that fit the thread title.

[twitchyzero]

the good buys thread?
the earlier 86 is approaching low teen's (coming up on year 8)

[BIC_BAWS]

MS3/MS6 would be a good fit, but be aware of the concerns of "zoom-zoom-boom". It suffers a similar catastrophe death to the STIs.

See thread: https://www.revscene.net/forums/711852-buying-mazdaspeed-6-help.html

[mb_]

Necro-bump.

I'm replacing my Prius. It died a premature death when it got effed in the 'a' by a distracted driver. There's good suggestions in this thread, and I would appreciate more cars that fit the thread title.

CSX Type S, Civic Si, Mazdaspeed 3 comes to mind

[bcrdukes]

I think you'd have to be careful with the Mazdaspeed 3 - They are practical, reliable, and fun, but only if stock. I'm sure a few exist out in the wild, but for the most part, they are modified.

[Hcoreposer]

IS300 / IS250

[UnknownJinX]

Honda Accord 7th Gen. They even have stick shift if that's your thing. Very reliable.

Get a V6 if you want more power. The J30 makes about 240ish horses stock.

Get a Coupe if you like the looks more.

[Gerbs]

CSX Type S

Reliable, decently quick, and has seats than can fold down. The interior is also a lot better than an 8th gen civic si.

[TouringTeg]

Just popped up a few mins ago. 07 MS3 150kms 12k

https://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/2007-MazdaSpeed3_32353979.lite

I would say these are more on the fun car side as it will require 91 octane and use more fuel.

[underscore]

If you want lots of reliability and practicality while still being sporty I'll always suggest the 1st gen (03-08) Matrix. They're effectively a 7th gen Celica but with a 5 door hatch body on it while only being 50lbs heavier. Motor Trend fit more cargo in that back than they could in a Subaru Impreza wagon, the rear seats and the passenger front seat fold totally flat, the rear has cargo tiedown rails, and the hatch glass opens. The drivetrain is solid, parts are cheap since Toyota used that drivetrain in everything, and it's fun to chuck around on twisty roads.

The one thing to watch for is that for some reason lots of them were sold with manual windows, so if you want power (who doesn't?) try to look for handles in the ad pictures before going to see it.

the good buys thread?
the earlier 86 is approaching low teen's (coming up on year 8)

When I was looking at those all the low teens ones were rebuilts with high mileage.

[Great68]

I think you'd have to be careful with the Mazdaspeed 3 - They are practical, reliable, and fun, but only if stock. I'm sure a few exist out in the wild, but for the most part, they are modified.

Yeah I think if you put serious mods on anything (Intake & Exhaust don't count), especially a factory turbo car you can throw reliability out the window.

That's why I kept my car stock. I'm at 10 years now since new, just crossed the 100,000kms mark a couple months ago. Only repairs to date have been clutch slave cylinder and primary O2 sensor. And I've driven the car hard (but not beat on, there's a difference) it's been north of 200 many times in its life, and it'll do it with ease. It still has the ability to put a grin on my face.
Thinking of selling it though, now that my office moved and I walk to work I hardly drive it. Drove it once this whole week. Haven't made up my mind yet.

[snowfarmer]

Look for the XRS trim level, 8,000 rpm redline, better brakes, alloy wheels, just generally a higher trim level.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Matrix#XRS_(2003%E2%80%932006)

This is on the higher end of pricing considering it's an '03 but it looks pretty clean and it's rare to find these cars with reasonable km on them as so many people DD them. On the flip side, it's a good indicator on their reliability that there are many ~300km examples for sale.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/d/2003-matrix-xrs-low-mileage/6700596678.html

If you want lots of reliability and practicality while still being sporty I'll always suggest the 1st gen (03-08) Matrix. They're effectively a 7th gen Celica but with a 5 door hatch body on it while only being 50lbs heavier. Motor Trend fit more cargo in that back than they could in a Subaru Impreza wagon, the rear seats and the passenger front seat fold totally flat, the rear has cargo tiedown rails, and the hatch glass opens. The drivetrain is solid, parts are cheap since Toyota used that drivetrain in everything, and it's fun to chuck around on twisty roads.

The one thing to watch for is that for some reason lots of them were sold with manual windows, so if you want power (who doesn't?) try to look for handles in the ad pictures before going to see it.



When I was looking at those all the low teens ones were rebuilts with high mileage.

[CorneringArtist]

Look for the XRS trim level, 8,000 rpm redline, better brakes, alloy wheels, just generally a higher trim level.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Matrix#XRS_(2003%E2%80%932006)

This is on the higher end of pricing considering it's an '03 but it looks pretty clean and it's rare to find these cars with reasonable km on them as so many people DD them. On the flip side, it's a good indicator on their reliability that there are many ~300km examples for sale.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/d/2003-matrix-xrs-low-mileage/6700596678.html

If you wanted to slide under the radar even more, the Pontiac Vibe GT in that same generation is essentially the same car.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/ctd/d/2003-pontiac-vibe-gt-aka/6700568798.html

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/ctd/d/2003-pontiac-vibe-gt/6680054815.html

[68style]

Weird that’s the same Pontiac Vibe being sold from both a Chrysler dealer in Richmond and a place in New West? Same mileage... same passenger side rear door with really bad colour match on the paint... what gives???

[fliptuner]

Tala auto may have bought it from the dealership

[underscore]

One other important thing about the Matrix is they fell under the Takata airbag recall, so if you get one call a dealer with the VIN and make sure the passenger airbag was replaced.

Look for the XRS trim level, 8,000 rpm redline, better brakes, alloy wheels, just generally a higher trim level.


The XRS gets a 6 speed instead of the 5 speed the others got as well. Which to get depends a bit on how you drive, base/XR with the 1ZZ has the power come in sooner so for around town stuff it feels quicker, XRS with the 2ZZ has more peak power so if you want to blast down a backroad it'll be more fun. I've only driven our XR but the best way I can describe it is "eager", it won't win many drag races but it seems to encourage you to drive it quickly and keep your momentum.

Speaking of trim levels watch out for anything called a TRD, there was no TRD edition but it looks like if you bought any TRD accessory (spoiler, exhaust tip, etc) they took the badge off and put a TRD badge on.

This is on the higher end of pricing considering it's an '03 but it looks pretty clean and it's rare to find these cars with reasonable km on them as so many people DD them. On the flip side, it's a good indicator on their reliability that there are many ~300km examples for sale.

We've had ours for 3.5 years and put on ~40k km, it's close to 200k now and all that it's needed was oil changes. One thing that made deciding to buy one easy was that since the drivetrain is solid and used all over there's a lot of supply but little demand from the crashed ones in junkyards. From memory a low mileage engine goes for something like $600 and a trans was $500. So even if you somehow manage to blow up the engine or trans (and by most accounts you've got to really be trying to pull that off) it's not going to cost you much.

Intake manifold and throttle body gasket leaks are common but they cost next to nothing and are super easy to change since the intake is on the front side of the engine. On a side note the early (I wanna say 03-04?) ones were cable throttle and the later ones are DBW if that matters to you.

[whitev70r]

Forget the Matrix XRS, you can't get XRS with AWD (to my knowledge). Here's an all in one:

2007 WRX Wagon, 130K kms, $9000
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/d/wrx-wagon-2007/6702560663.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00I0I_a8Wc1BLWK7B_600x450.jpg

[AstulzerRZD]

I'm going to give a +1 for the Acura TL Manual.

It's a 4 door with enough room for everyone, no known issues except for 3rd gear popout which can be fixed with tranny fluid, and a powerful NA.

In terms of being fun, the 6MT version of 3G TL comes with Brembos and an LSD standard. Plenty of power, and good feeling handling when you want it.

Compared to the 6MT TSX, you get far more power, better brakes, and much less risk of axle issues (1G TSX famous for axle failure, ~900 a side from the dealer part's only)

[twitchyzero]

TL is a bit of a boat compared to some of the other stuff here...
I think CSX-S is the best suggestion so far if you don't need a hatch
it will feel slightly more modern than an old Prius, and you get leather/"tech" next to a near-identical Si (fair bit more exclusive/rare too)
unfortunately it also has 3rd gear pop-out like most sporty manual Hondas of the 2000s...goddamn just buy another Prius lol

[underscore]

Forget the Matrix XRS, you can't get XRS with AWD (to my knowledge).

AWD was available with the 1ZZ (base/XR) and auto only. Though if someone wants a manual, AWD Toyota wagon/hatch just import a Caldina. They're available boosted but the N/A BEAMS 3SGE models will scoot you around just fine.

[Gerbs]

TL is a bit of a boat compared to some of the other stuff here...
I think CSX-S is the best suggestion so far if you don't need a hatch
it will feel slightly more modern than an old Prius, and you get leather/"tech" next to a near-identical Si (fair bit more exclusive/rare too)
unfortunately it also has 3rd gear pop-out like most sporty manual Hondas of the 2000s...goddamn just buy another Prius lol

Mine never had the pop-out per say. But it definitely had an occasional notchiness into third. I used amsoil and it fixed it magically somehow :shrug:

[forcedot]

A new Mitsubishi Mirage is not a "fun" car. :lawl:

Had one for a week while the Evo X was at the shop.

Never would have given it much thought either, but this car has to be the best commuter car for your wallet.

It's light and has a tiny 3 cylinder engine that barely uses gas, Mitsubishi gives you a nice 10 year powertain warranty that nobody else does, and you will not find a cheaper and newer model year vehicle than the mirage.



That being said, the most fun thing about this car is its body roll and trying to keep it from ending up on its roof.

https://mirageforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1763&d=1414008361