Starting the Search for a Second Reliable Car

[thewalrus]

We just moved into a new condo. Still renting - but the terms are much more favorable for us - saving something like $500 a month, with no penalty for leaving the lease early. This has resulted in us (a) having some freed up cash each month, and (b) being further from work, gyms, trails, etc. With Shaughnessy starting full time work in 10 months or so - and traveling more, the reality is that we could probably use a second car. So I'm starting to poke around. Likely won't get into anything until the Fall, at the earliest. But the search is 90% of the fun.

Not sure if I'm going to buy or lease. Go used or new. All I know is it has to be fun to drive, come with a manual transmission, and be practical enough to haul gear to rivers, lakes, campsites, etc. Including my folding kayak - which is not exactly small, even collapsed - a couple bikes, camping stuff, cameras and who knows what else. For at least a weekend.

Kind of thinking along the lines of a Mini Clubman or Countryman, a VW sportwagon - probably with a TDI, a post FSI Audi A3 or 4, a new Mazda 3 5 door, a Fiesta / Focus ST (which seem like fantastic cars, or the usual Subaru Impreza / Forester. I don't know, I'm all over the map, like usual. Still thinking Jeep Wrangler too - though that's a completely emotional choice since it's neither as practical, nor as efficient, nor as fun to drive as something car based. And the new Toyota Tacoma looks good too - just with they has a short box on the new ones.

And, naturally, the new generation Miata - which meets exactly none of my needs - is always tempting in a 'screw it you only live once' sort of way.

[Arthur Dent]

What about a 70s MG B maybe in red?

[thewalrus]

[ryguy79]

[Arthur Dent]

[1300zuk]

I think I would go with some thing like a grand Cherokee. I don't know how you survive in canada without an all weather adventure car

[thewalrus]

[Swerve]

I suspect WRX wagon (insert year you like the look of most) would be the most fulfilling option for your criteria. Or since you seem to have had an ok run with VAG, one of their AWD 5 door manuals could be just about the perfect all-rounder. Anything from S3 to RS6 if you're going to flip it in a year anyway.