All of the recent car threads have me wondering what people would buy in current production for a fun daily driver. Not stupid fast or hard on gas, but not as soul crushing as driving a Prius everyday either (for those Prius drivers among us, I apologize. If it makes you feel better, your car is still faster than my current daily S-10). Something you would be comfortable driving to a supermarket parking lot without a panic attack over door dings, has relatively inexpensive insurance and is sub $30k. Good daily comforts (radio, comfy seats, a/c). Ain't gotta be fast, but good handling would be nice. I like to run 55 for the whole road, not just the strait parts.
I spent 11 years driving my last truck(lowered, stiff springs, larger sway bars f/r, Bilsteins, 235 tires, 5spd, 30mpg). I find its replacement kind of depressing. And the radio is shit.

A used Mustang or Camaro?

If you want something that handles well for a base car, my vote would be for a Mazda 3. I have had two Mazda products for over ten years each and they are fun to run and cheap to keep. If you need a truck....not my thing.

^ Like this weeks avatar.
The pony cars would probably be OK about 6 months out of the year, but snow and ice make them less than practical here. They also don't really hit the mark for economy or insurance rates and will likely draw more attention than I am comfortable with. There were 4 very similar trucks to my last one locally when I was drvinig it. Same color, body style, bed, rims. No "saw your truck at so & so's". I like that.

quote:

Originally posted by timetogo:
If you want something that handles well for a base car, my vote would be for a Mazda 3. I have had two Mazda products for over ten years each and they are fun to run and cheap to keep. If you need a truck....not my thing.

I agree.
I currently have two Mazdas; both drive and handle beautifully.
I'll buy another Mazda product when I need another car.

I'm having fun driving my2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo . Handles curvy back roads very well. Only 201HP, but connected to the 6 speed, gets along quickly. 80mph round trip of 200 miles @27.8 mpg. Very comfortable front seats., excellent stereo system.

Subaru BRZ or the Toyota 86

350/370Z

Subaru WRX STI.

If you are talking new I would look at Nissan's and Mazada. I might throw in Sabaru also. I think you maybe able to get one in the low $20k's. Maybe even a bit cheaper on Nissan?
A a new Honda civic in that range easily.

If you want a 4wd pick up to replace the s10. Maybe a base Nissan truck could be had for $30k
Not sure though.

Another vote for the BRZ or 86.

If I don't get a BMW next, it will be the BRZ.

Mazda 3 with a 6 speed.

Take a look at the Toyota 86. I saw one this morning when I had my FJ in for service. It is a really sharp looking ride. If I didn't already have a new daily driver, I would have been calling up Mrs Highlander to come meet me for a test drive.

quote:

Originally posted by wolfe 21:
^ Like this weeks avatar.
The pony cars would probably be OK about 6 months out of the year, but snow and ice make them less than practical here. They also don't really hit the mark for economy or insurance rates and will likely draw more attention than I am comfortable with. There were 4 very similar trucks to my last one locally when I was drvinig it. Same color, body style, bed, rims. No "saw your truck at so & so's". I like that.

The v6 mustangs have over 300HP, get 30 MPG and are relatively cheap to insure.

VW GTI? Subaru WRX?

Cadillac ATS. You can find them barely used for under 30 grand all day.

Focus RS. 350 HP, 6-speed and AWD. A rally car off the showroom floor with a warranty. What's not to like?

I have a Golf R that's a ball to drive, and pretty stealth to boot. May be out of budget but a GTI is almost as fun and cheaper.

V6 Honda Accord.

Since you're in a lowered compact, how about a used Toyota X-Runner? I just took a super quick glance at carfax.com and saw some for $8k to $25k. A decent one would be less than $20k and Tacomas will have aftermarket support if you want to mod one further.