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Drove an XSE M/T yesterday. They're limited availability around here, fewer than 10 within 100 miles but worth finding one to demo. The M/T transforms the car. Finally, redline on demand! And the engine was smoother and sounded better than most Toyota 4-bangers that normally can't approach Honda refinement.
It was also about $1,600 less than the XSE CVT since the XSE Preferred Package isn't available on the M/T, a real letdown. That package has useful tech at a fair price.
Corolla Hatch would make my short list except there was one nagging issue now that I've driven them: 5-door hatchbacks are everywhere! I never noticed them before and so many look similar that it was like being on The Truman Show.
There's something to be said for anonymity unless it's soul-crushing and considering that a new leftover '17 86 GT can be had for nearly the same as a Corolla Hatch XSE, I'd be willing to make compromises in convenience and mpg to drive something exciting every day but I normally only have one passenger, the dog.
I called my insurance company and surprisingly learned that an 86 GT is only $100/year more to overinsure than the Corolla Hatch.
Food for thought. Go drive an M/T, it's worth an hour to see what Toyota can produce when Akio cracks the whip.
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