Help me pick my 2nd car
 

I'mn looking for a car for my wife. Its got to be cool looking, have 4 seats a reasonable amount of cargo room, get great mileage, fun to drive, affordable and reliable.

So far the list is as follows:

-Mini Clubman
-Ford Focus hatch
-Mazda 3
-Mazda 5

Advice on models is welcome:D

Check out the focus ST... ;)

+1, Focus ST

Or wait for the Fiesta ST. I've read a couple of reviews that said the preferred the Fiesta ST over the Focus ST.

GTI is a can't miss choice as well.

Honda Fit with a MT

As long as its under warranty!

On paper the Focus is pretty impressive, I'd like to drive one.

I was very impressed in the drive. Nicely done interior too.

I vote GTI. I owned an 08. Had 1 recall for a component of the DSG trans and a bad speaker. Other than that it was trouble free. Got a new TDI Golf a few months ago, but I miss the GTI.

I love VWs, but I'd have to drive the ST back to back with the GTI to make the call. It's that good

Been hearing good things about the new Mazda6... reliability is most likely going to be very good, and I'm sure it'll score high on fun-to-drive. Are these mileage numbers good enough?

2014 Mazda 6 - MidSize Cars - Specs & Features | Mazda USA

If so, take her to drive one and see how she likes it.

I'm sure you'd enjoy some reading material on this. :)

Lots of info here that could help you think about the myriad of things one must consider when buying a car in today's world of...well, you know... "complexity - how much do you want?"

2013 Ford Fusion vs 2014 Mazda6 : Car Reviews

Please note, the Focus is made by Ford.

Just bought a 2012 Jetta Sportwagen TDI, excellent mileage and drives/handles nice.

Whats this supposed to mean?

I know I bash ford plenty, but the newer fords are very nicely done.

Wife has a 2012 Mini Clubman S, very happy with it!

Mazdaspeed 3 for the win

I like the way a lot of the new Fords look and reports on how fun they are to drive.


But how long will they last? If you are OK with a car that runs great for 90K miles... then falls apart... you should be fine. (that has been my experience)

As said... they look good on paper...

Interesting, because in the past my experience was that they lasted a long time but were generally mediocre. If they can make a good car that lasts then they'll be in good shape, because their current lineup is pretty darn good. Except for a transmission leak our 2012 F150 has been very good over the first 25k.