Get an Audi Allroad Wagon. My wife won't let me get one. I can live vicariously through your driving pleasure.

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"A society is defined not only by what it creates, but by what it refuses to destroy."
John Sawhill

Motor Trend car of the year for $22K

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I'll be what I am
A solitary man

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Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.

Better than that Pontiac Vibe.

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Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.

Hah! We are in the same friggin' boat! I have an '01 Xterra that I am thoroughly sick of. Underpowered, shitty ride, and it handles like a dump truck. Plus it gets shitty mileage (best I can hope for is about 17.5 around town).

My next ride is in all liklihood going to be Subaru station wagon. They get good mileage, have all wheel drive, you can lay a bike down in the back without taking off any wheels, they drive pretty decent (sports car like compared to the Xterra), and they also have some decent power. You can get a brand new one for around $30K.

Spot

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Taco cat spelled backwards is....taco cat.

My wife used to have a Ford Escape and we took it to Wildflower last year with both bikes standing up in the back, all our camping gear, coolers, wetsuits, and clothes.

Not a sexy car but functional.

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"A society is defined not only by what it creates, but by what it refuses to destroy."
John Sawhill

We bought a used SAAB 9-5 wagon, they are reasonably priced. Get the AERO and that will match the BMW for speed and handling. We get about 25.5 MPG. Go to saabnet.com for some good advise.

Steve

Any kind of wagon......the perfect Triathlete vehicle...car handling and tons 'o storage..

[reply]Yes, you may be right. That convertible just might indeed have adequate room for it's owner's interests and hobbies.[/reply]

Funny, I dont remember the owner stating what his requirements were for the car, his wife has an element, that can take the bike anywhere he wants.
I think he said "i want a car ... something fun to drive ..." NOT I want a small SUV to haul my bike in.

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Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.

your post screams of a Nissan Maxima, aka The poor-man's BMW.

I had one once. It was nice. Catching sports-car wannabe's at the stoplights was like riding an old vitus (the bike, not the poster) and dropping the hammer on a pee-three poser.

My A3 is doing okay not as much space inside as the Mercedes (presuming folks in the back seat). I have some new tires on order (Pilot XGTZ4) that should be here next week - I hope that makes the car a bit sportier handling.

With all the options I paid just over $35, but you can get one for allot less. I get about 35mpg... I really do like the glass roof option too...very nice.

Oh, and dont let comparisons to the GTI confuse anyone...side by side, they happen to have the same eingine...that is about all they share

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

This is what I want

http://www.mazdausa.com/...N&x=121&y=10

I have the sedan now (the wagon was not out yet) and love it.

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This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time. - Fight Club
Industry Brat.

Acura TSX

Pontiac GTO. 400HP! MSRP is over $30K, but it is going to be discontinued so you might find a deal.

So....fun and practical? and under 30k?

Do you need? or have a preference for 2 door vs. 4 door?

I personally, would NEVER buy a 2 door car....with the dog, passengers...even loading and unloading is easier with 4...but I know some people just prefer the look of 2...to each their own!

I've never driven an Xterra, but if the ride is how you say it is....then any CAR is going to likely be more fun! :-) (and somewhat less practical)

It all depends on any other requirements...(bear in mind I haven't driven any of these cars....but read TONS, and MY driving impression of one car vs. how you like it....would be different anyway)

There have been a variety of really good reviews for the new Honda Fit - and it gets great gas mpg.

Toyota has their Yaris in the same category, but I just refuse to get a car with all the instrumentation in the CENTER :-/ Same goes for the Scions.

If you looking more sporty....

Check out the new GTI and Mazda3 or Mazda6 (the mazda3speed or is it mazdaspeed3 is coming out shortly too).

I hate to correct Record10...but the GTI and A3 ARE very similar....it goes beyond the engine. Though the A3 is tuned/geared for more luxury and therefore a smoother ride and more "stuff" inside and the GTI is more for sport.

I believe the mazdas are tuned for sport as well....so the Mazdas and GTI are likely to be a bit more firm when driving them.

You can look at the Matrix, and the people who I know who have them, love them for their versatility....but, like many Toyotas....you are likely to feel disconnected from the road - which if that's what you want/like....it'll be great (I prefer more feedback)

Subarus....they seem to hold up well and provide good space. My only real "issue" with Subarus...is gas mileage. Coming from an Xterra, this won't be a big deal...but for me I would prefer to have a car that got better mileage. I went thru a stage where I thought I NEEDED AWD or 4WD....come to find out...good snow tires work 80% to 90% as well as regular tires + AWD. So for ME, I'd rather get the better gas mileage of 2 wheel drive and just buy snow tires if I ever need them again (I live in San Diego now, so snow isn't a seasonal problem for me anymore :-)

So...I hope that helped.

:-)

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The world is full of pricks who can only criticize. Are you one of them?

Your time and energy are limited. Are you wasting them by talking shit on the forums? -Dave Tate

This looks like a pretty sweet ride to me:

<IMG src="http://yamahagolfcarsofca.com/columbia_parcar_dealers_california.jpg">

i bought a 2006 honda civic ex (coupe) in november and i love it. i think the si is a great option (i couldn't afford the extra cost, gas (premium), and insurance).

it's fun to drive, gets great mileage, and has a distinct look from most other cars out there.

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mckenzie

Acura RSX Type-S. Very practical, reliable, and a boatload of fun, for well under $30K. Also a little more refined than the new Civic Si. I like mine anyway. If you already have the Element in the family, do you really need a wagon or a sedan? If you are picking up the kids / dog all the time, then maybe.

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Swimming Workout of the Day:

Favourite Swim Sets:

2020 National Masters Champion - M50-54 - 50m Butterfly

I'm on my third Saab. Most recent one is '06 9-3. It's a great car (check out all reviews) and is in your price range. Here's the kicker - go to Sweden to get it. They've got a great overseas delivery pgm. Detail on their website but, basically, you buy the car for "employee pricing" (price is set - you'll see it on the site) and then they give you $2,000 to cover travel expenses. Go to Sweden, stay at a cool little B&B near Saab factory (on Saab), Dinner/bfast (on Saab), tour Saab museum, pick-up car, drive around Sweden/Europe for up to six months.

I just got back from Sweden and had a great time. Makes buying a car fun and memorable instead of a pain.