Helping my dad decide on a new car. Thoughts from you smart people requested!
 

Hey guys. My dad's 2007 Hyundai Accent is just about done. He has been looking at replacing it for a little while now. He loves driving, and I want to see him get something that he will really enjoy because he deserves it.

Requirements:

4-banger (diesel, turbo, doesn't really matter- this is a requirement)

Good on gas

Sporty ride

Very reliable (Newer the better)

Up to about $20,000



His current thought was a 2011 Kia Optima SX, 200hp variety...


I think you guys have other ideas! ;)


My thoughts:

2009-2010 VW GTI / GLI
2008 BMW 128i
2008-10 Civic Si
2008ish Audi A3

Off that list I like the Civic Si best, but that's just me.

Civic Si
Mazda(speed) 3

If my budget was a concern I'd go with the Civic.

Id got with a GTI, i see 10 Civic SI's a day...

Fun little cars, good looking and you won't get stuck in the Honda jokes.

Audi A3 - OK but not great. A4 is much better and has the same engine and AWD.
VW GLI - Drove this car, hated it.
VW GTI - Never driven but I've heard good things.
BMW 128i - Nice car, but it's a 6cyl and maintenance on this and all the above would undoubtedly be higher than a Japanese car.
Civic Si - sporty but lots of torque steer.

What about a Mazda MX-5? Light, balanced, efficient, cheap to maintain and it's a drop-top!

For the extra money he'd spend on fuel and upkeep with some of these cars on top of a monthly payment, he could likely finance an FR-S. Or he could lease an FR-S depending on how much he drives... something to think about.

imho those all seem like cars that you or I would want, not something I would put my dad into. The optima is the good choice on looks alone. altho if you wanted looks, reliability, and sportiness - I've been playing with the idea of getting my own dad the 2013 Accord sedan.

Mazda(speed) 3. Hyundai still is not great quality. His is only 5 years old and dying. My friends is a year old and the interior is falling apart already.

I would have said Mazda 3, as it ticks all of his boxes, but he *HATES* the smile on the front end (and I can't blame him!).

Good point about these maybe being aimed more at a younger audience. I'll look into the A4 as well.

The 2013 Accord looks great, but it is also 50% more than his budget.

I mentioned the FR-S, and he thought it looked great- after tax though it is close to $30,000 up here in Canada.

Any more thoughts?

(oh, p.s. the mx-5 is too small unfortunately).

2008 Acura TSX, last year of the first gen they are very reliable, sporty, and comfortable. Perfect daily and they handle really well for a fwd car.

http://media.caranddriver.com/images...-s-429x262.jpg

4th gen Legacy GT! Fits all the traits your father is looking for. Although I must admit I'm unsure about reliability.

For Under $20k used Subaru WRX / Mini Cooper S come to mind for Fun/Sporty that wasn't mentioned to consider, my .02 cents :)

Just lie to him and say the WRX isn't turbocharged ;)

Mercedes SLS!! :happyanim:

You could say its two 4 cylinder engines combined into one!