Help with thoughts on a new car, and stuff

You are not going to go wrong with the Mazda's. They are not that unique blend of awesome the integra/civics were in the late 90's (i am a bit of fanboy for Hondas of this period-not so much for the current ones). I also think you will be just fine with the Subaru BRZ (or scion FR-S, almost the exact same car) and I would expect about the same reliability and cost of ownership out of them. The subaru/scion is going to handle better, way better than the mazda and somewhat better than your integra. It does not have an abundance of power but it isn't slow either. Some other cars to look at-Nissan Juke (I was in the market with almost exactly your criteria about a year and half ago). It looks kinda...different and a lot of people don't like it but no one claims it is boring or milquetoast. It has a decent amount of room for how small and light the car is in reality and it fits nicely in your price range with all the options you want and it has a usuable rear seat (unlike the BRZ). I also looked at the Huyndai Veloster (the turbo is the one you want) and now I would really seriously look at the Subaru XV Crostrek. You also might be able to get a WRX for that money. Ford is coming out with a Focus ST that is supposed to be really awesome and in your price range. As for great used car in this price range I would look at a cherry 350z (a real step up from the integra) if you can get by with two seats. If not the g35 is great choice. My experience with anything from Germany is they have outstanding performance and comfort and do really feel different driving than any other nations cars, especially when it comes time to pay the repair bills (and it is always time to pay them for german cars). Some people have great luck with them. I have not. (a mix of volkswagens and a BMW). OH and the location assembly of cars is mattering a whole lot less than they used to. Every honda accord sold in Japan is made in Ohio I believe. And every BMW suv is made in south carolina. All honda Fits sold in the US (a metafilter favorite) is assembled in Mexico. Most fords are assembled in mexico these days as well I think. It don't matter.

At least check out the Scion xb. Best car I've ever owned.

I have a 2013 Mazda3 Grand Touring hatchback. It is a SHITLOAD of fun. I love it to pieces. It has heated seats, a sunroof, nice speakers, Pandora integration, good gas mileage, Tomtom navigation, etc. God, I love it. By the way- I put $5000 down and am leasing it for $249 a month for 3 years. I wanted to stay under $300 a month and while I have always been wary of leasing, it ended up being the right price for me. You won't regret it!

My thoughts on buying new - the only advantage (and it's often a big advantage) is custom designing it yourself from the factory - specifying the trim you want, which fabrics in the interior, colors, sound system, the exact combination of factory options that you want. All the other advantages of buying new (everything from the warranty to the lower financing rates to the smell to the latest tech features) you can often get from buying a car from the manufacturer that was used for a year or so, and reconditioned by them for sale. So my opinion is that if you're planning on finding a dealership that has a car you like and buying one of theirs from them, that's just a waste - either get a car built to your spec from the factory, or buy gently-used and skip those break-in miles and save a heap of money. As for negotiating, can you indulge me in being Captain Obvious for a moment? My biggest lesson is one you already know, but it makes such a difference to the experience: If you are negotiating for a car that you'd buy if the price was great, but would have no regrets walking away from if the price isn't right, then you'll quite possibly enjoy the process. Indulge your curiosity as to what you can finangle into the bargain, what creative compromises you can find. You can't lose, and it's an education in negotiation. But let your heart get set on a particular vehicle before you own it, and negotiation is going to be a miserable harrowing experience, (and you'll likely get taken to the cleaners as well.)

I think mazdas are good cars and sporty and fun! It sounds like you've done your research, and after a while you just have to go with your gut and heart. Getting the car in May and having your trip in June is plenty of time to get it broken in and get the plates for your car. Mazdas might be different, but when I purchased my first new car (a VW), they told me that the car kind of calibrates to your driving style in the first 800-1000 miles to adjust to your driving style, which gives you better driving performance and better gas mileage. So, try to drive it around your normal route and local roads as much as you can before your beach trip, where the roads and your driving style might be a little different. This is not a huge deal at all, but something to consider. I also think it is a good economy to buy a new car if you can budget for it. Because people are saving money/not buying new cars as much, the price of used cars has gone up in general, and the price of new cars has relatively gone down a bit and include a warranty. And, if you pay off the car in 3 years, you likely won't be making payments and have repair costs at the same time. And, it sounds like you are really going to love and take care of this car. I'd recommend getting a good vacuum and cleaning job after your beach trip just to make you feel better about not having sand in the interior/carpet, or salt on the exterior from the sea air. Again, not a huge deal, but it will probably help you feel better about the car and help keep it feeling new for a longer time. Best of luck to you! Enjoy your new car!

joan_holloway, is yours the i or the s? (Skyactive 2.0 or 2.5L?) anonymisc, I would probably have to order it from the factory if I went with the Mazda. A search of local dealers did not yield any in the model I want with a MT. Also, any idea on lead times if I order one? Does it take days or weeks to arrive?

Mine is the i (2.0). I have read various places that the s model is not worth it at all because the gas mileage STINKS in comparison to the i model. I live in Washington and the color I wanted (blue) wasn't available in state so the dealer had someone drive one up from another dealership three states away. Aside from the drive over to here, it had never been driven before. I got it within 5 days. Maybe see if an option like that is available when you go to the dealer?

Also, any idea on lead times if I order one? Does it take days or weeks to arrive? I think it depends on whether there is a backlog of orders. I would assume weeks, but possibly months. They should be able to tell you though.

Ok, one more for anyone in the know: I was just told by a friend to look into the 2014 Mazda3's. Since there is a rumor that they will have the option for the new 2.5L Skyactive motor from the Mazda6. Since a release day has not even been announced yet, is their any chance they would come out within my target time frame? Also, its rumored the Mazda3's will no longer be assembled in Japan, but instead in Mexico. Am I better off getting the current one sooner, knowing that that production line has been in operation for a long time and they have the kinks worked out. Or take a chance on a 2014 design coming from a new production facility?