Quote:
Originally posted by LeeH
OK Kurt... let us know when you get around to a test drive. Is it a pocket rocket or the gutless wonder?
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Thought I would let you guys know what I ended up buying.
I test drove the Mazda 3s, 6s, Passat, BMW325 and the Nissan Altima.
First to answer Lee's question, the 3s with the manual is definitely a pocket rocket. No WRX, but in my opinion a lot of fun for not much money. The sedan version looks almost like a 3 series BMW. Unfortunately, this car is a bit too small for two adults and a child to use for road trips.
I next drove the Mazda 6s with a 6 speed automatic. Good size, lots of trunk room, very nice leather. Unfortunately the V6 engine seemed a bit lacking in power and the automatic could never decide what gear it wanted to be in. It had a tiptronic shifter (or whatever Mazda calls it) but if I am getting a cruising car I tend to want to just let the auto do the work. Fit and finish was above average. Body style was a bit to blah for me.
I loved the Passat and almost pulled the trigger without test driving any other cars. Only thing that stopped me was the price, ouch! That and the problems they have had with quality control.
Drove the 325, also with an automatic and it too seemed overpriced. Cool looking car, seats felt the best out of the bunch, could use more power.
Last car turned out to be the best. Altima 3.5 SE. 250 hp, 5 speed auto, with a sport suspension and leather interior. I wasn't in it for 5 minutes before I concluded it was just what I was looking for. Excellent build quality, ran great through the twistys and was rock steady at 120mph. Big enough to handle 4 adults and their luggage for a week long trip if need. 20 mpg around town and 30 mpg on the highway. And $10K cheaper than the VW and the BMW! I bought it!