New or Used: Corolla Owner Seeks Outright Fun

Sajeev and Steve,

Everyday for the past 6 months I’ve been reading TTAC, usually on my phone between actual “work” at work. I find it very informative and enjoy it immensely. In the next 2-6 months I will be looking to “upgrade” my current car (Corolla S) to something a bit more sporty and fun to drive (which compared to a corolla leaves a lot of options out there) but, as usual, I am having difficulty deciding what to consider. The possibility of buying a outright fun car and keeping the Corolla is a possibility. I should also mention that I travel quite a bit (400 miles/week) with 75% highway use.

I would like to purchase a new car, unless I can find a very nice CPO Japanese car. For the most part I am open to many vehicles, but I am strictly looking for something in regards to (in no particular order): sporty suspension, good gas milage (30+ highway), excellent fit & finish (leather is not necessary an issue, but some soft touch plastics would be nice), and decent passing acceleration on the highway. Beyond all that I am really into 4-door hatchbacks, but open to a nice sport sedan.

I’ve driven both the VW GTI and Acura TSX, while I feel more confident that the later would be more reliable, I enjoyed the GTI’s handling, trim, and the simple fact that it’s not commonly seen on the road and is just not a boring car to drive or have parked in your driveway. I haven’t test drove a Mazda 3 5-door (waiting for the upgraded engine, revised front grill) or the new Lexus CT-200. Due to the milage I also considered the VW Golf TDI – but diesel scares the crap out of me (reliability, cost, availability, etc.) maybe you can convince me otherwise that diesel is a viable option.Suggestions and comments are greatly appreciated.

Steve Answers:

As Ed mentioned in an earlier post, this is not the best time in the world to buy a new car. The Japanese automakers are already experiencing severe supply issues and many of the parts needed to assemble your car are simply not there.

1) Honda CR-Z EX 6-Speed

The CR-Z is absolutely perfect on the highway. For everyday driving it offers plenty of sportiness and the real world fuel economy can easily surpass 40 mpg. I spent a few hours with the CT-200h as well. If you have the money and desire to spend $30k, that’s worth a look too. It along with the Mini Cooper would be my top three. The new Mini is a fantastic machine.

Sajeev Answers:

Sometimes this column hinges on a gut reaction. After further reflection, I’m having a hard time finding an equivalent to the GTI. There’s the MINI Cooper S, if you like the styling and cutesy owner culture. Maybe the Nissan Juke, but the interior is a little (a lot?) on the Tupperware side. Or a Subaru WRX, but the interior design, lack of a hatchback and lousy mileage leaves me flat. Maybe a Hyundai Genesis coupe, but you need a 4-door. You, my friend, are made for a GTI.

And with any luck, the Mark VI version of this famous VW nameplate isn’t the flaming pile of garbage that was the Mark V Golf. Too early to know, and if you’re terrified of the post-warranty ownership experience of a VW, consider the Mazda 3. Or wait for the 2012 Ford Focus to hit the showroom floor.

I would do that “buying a outright fun car and keeping the Corolla” possibility you mentioned: a pristine Corvette C5 Z06. Same or better fuel economy, way more performance, fairly reliable and cheap to fix and absolutely no excuses or compromises. Because, no matter what you look at, the LS6 is always FTW.

Need help with a car buying conundrum? Email your particulars to mehta@ttac.com, and let TTAC’s collective wisdom make the decision easier… or possibly much, much harder. In a rush? Don’t be shy about asking to cut in line.