So I'm looking to upgrade, move to something more practical and a bit more serious. Except I like driving manuals (and they're a dying breed) and I'm also looking for something RWD or AWD (and those apparently only come on more expensive models).
And apparently impossible to find a good combination that have both - unless you move up to something like a BMW. Which I don't want to do both for cost, cost of service, and reliability long-term.
Any suggestions or ideas?
Newer cars and their traction control systems can do a good job, although in my girlfriends MK7 Golf it’s still something noticeable. In manual cars (my ‘07 Civic Type R) it was much more obvious.
Traction control systems have come really far, I can think of one bit of road I always drive through that is just terrible and in wet weather in every FWD car I’ve been in they spin on that small incline. It’s just dependant on road conditions, however RWD and AWD cars pretty much negate these issues due to their nature (not as front biased, or ability to send power to rear wheels).
Chewie, if you are getting wheel spin you are hooning. At least in a FWD you go straight. I don't miss fish tailing when stuffing up in a RWD as a P plater.
If you want to accelerate fast in the wet get tires that handle water better. If you hate traction control turn it off. If you can't turn it off and you don't like it then you are probably in the wrong car.
I had an R33 skyline for 10 years. Great car, if it's been looked after.
Subaru Forester would come close on priced if slightly used or demo, and they appear to still come in manual. Very practical.
Get yourself a wrx/sti in that price range. I currently have a 2016 sti. Great combination. Manual, awd and enough grunt.
There are no new RWD sedans from Japan or Korea in that price range.(up to $35k) Subaru is the only player in AWD sedan, so if you're looking for anew car you only have the WRX.
In terms of older cars, here's the list. Classics and vintage cars have been excluded.
Lexus/Toyota (RWD)
- IS200 slow so forget about this one, I had one for 5 years. Toyota Altezza (RS200) is definitely the pick of the 2 (it's an import).
- IS250 is bullet proof reliable and there's a few manuals out there, drives like a luxo-barge.
other toyota options (all imports)
- Chaser
- Mark II
Subaru (AWD)
- Impreza
- Liberty
Nissan (RWD)
- Skyline (import)
Mitsubishi (AWD)
- Lancer, EVO VI Tommi Makinen would be my pick of the lot(it's older. It might not be the greatest daily driver, Lancer's interior are quite harsh and the suspension is more for rally than Aussie roads.
Don't laugh but not many people know Mitsubishi had an AWD Magna. There is one with 119,000k on it on Carsales.com for under $9,000
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/mitsubishi/magna/awd-badge/
The awd models were never matched to a manual box though. I owned a 2005 Verada awd for a few years. Handling and grip were so effective that it made the car seem slow.
Daewoo Lanos
Nissan Xtrail
Petrol Prado… So much power… So much fuel consumption… That's why they have an 180l tank… Should be able to get a 2007-2009 for less than 20k
Love my Subaru outback manual… Drive in the rain sticks to the road.
Mitsubishi Evo 8, 8 MR (Jap Import), 9, a used Subaru WRX (the newer shape) in manual, these are my picks. Toyota Chaser if you prefer RWD and something cheaper.
These are all pretty practical picks, as much as you’re gonna get anyway (I’m tossing up between these cars for next year).
Try Subaru Liberty GT.. It's no eye candy but with 195 kw, a robust engine and enough room to fit 5 people comfortably, it may last you till after you have kids ;-)
2016 Q50 S
Edit: auto so no good for you. Great value for money though,
I've got a Subaru liberty h6. Really nice drive. Mate has the 2014 impreza. Unfortunately just not of the same quality or drive standards. Though I like his petrol consumption. 7~ vs 12~ litres per 100k D:
Test drive one. Even the newer liberties I find good on 4 cylinders. Each to their own but I also like jap cars. Cheap and reliable
WRX. Ticks all the boxes. You can find some great deals on used 2015 and 2016 models.
Camry
With tiptronic for the sports appeal.
@Chewiebacca: could traction control deal with such situations with FWD cars?