Now that we own a Pilot...need a decent Sedan.

[revolutn]

I could use a few opinions on a non Pilot vehicle.

I currently have an '06 Si Coupe ( totally stock, not a drifter / road racer here, just like the pep in it to dominate my fellow commuters off the line/ out of the toll gates etc ) and I totally love everything about it since the day I drove it off the lot, and I really love having no car payment as it's been since Paid in Full.

But...I really think I'm going to need to ditch the Coupe for a Sedan on account of having a 13 mo old. It's been O.K. so far with the rear facing carrier style car seat....but now she'll be moving to the upright seated position, rear facing car seat style....so unless I'm wiling to literally climb into the back seat on the drivers side in order to strap her into the RFUR car seat bolted into the rear passenger side.....it's time for a change.

Although I'm sure it would be well meaning, suggesting a Front Facing car seat is not a viable option.

I would almost consider trading the Si coupe for the Si sedan, except that I think the arse end of the late model Si Sedans is butt ugly pun semi-intended.

The '12 Sedan looks a bit better imho, but man is the '12 getting panned in mainstream car reviews and by Si enthusiasts alike, and frankly if I have to pony up like $25k to get into a new car, then I really want some extra niceties / options for the cost.

So without further ado here's my list of 'requirements' and hoping you all have some thoughts about a make / model that fits.

Sedan / 4 DR
Manual Transmission. So called paddle shift / shiftronic is no substitute.
Prefer FWD or AWD not RWD
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Factory Nav head unit

So far it seems only a BMW 3 series may meet all these requirements...but not sure I want to go there....

Been scouring web sites trying to figure out a make model that will fill all these.

I'm open to late model / used or '12 but I doubt one could go too many yrs back and still get some of these options.

Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions / input.

Rev

[onu2002]

I believe the Altima SE used to be available with a MT, but I don't know if they still are. The new Regal might be available with MT.

[sblvro]

I would go to the mitsubishi evolution X, GSR which comes with manual transmission. The MR is the one with the TSST paddle shifter. The 2011 models have rebates because of the coming out of the 2012 which is basically the same except for some visual aids. It is AWD, 300 hp, 2.0Li turbo. try to go evolutionm.net for more info and I'm a super over there.

[rocky]

Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT
All except heated steering wheel.....

[iggibar]

If I were in the market for a manual sedan(or something with 4 doors), I would look at the(in the order from what I would prefer first) Acura TSX, VW GTI, VW GLI, a used Infiniti G35S/37S, or the new Impreza hatchback. The lancer is a baby killer in terms of ride comfort. Subaru is nice. My cousin just leased a new 2011 legacy a couple months ago. It's a nice car.

[onu2002]

I just looked: The new Altima is only available with CVT, and the new Regal is available with MT only with turbo engine. Good luck with the search!

[revolutn]

Originally Posted by rocky

Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT
All except heated steering wheel.....

Hmm interesting.

I can honestly say I've not considered the Subaru Legacy prior to now.

Thanks for the suggestion....I'll do some research on it.

Do you own one?
How's the performance of it if so?

Rev

[revolutn]

Originally Posted by onu2002

I just looked: The new Altima is only available with CVT, and the new Regal is available with MT only with turbo engine. Good luck with the search!

Yea, I'd researched the Altima before, but not the Regal.
I'm not opposed to turbo perse', although it is an additional mechanical maintenance expense...I'm not sure I'm old enough to be seen driving a Buick though!

Thanks,
Rev

[revolutn]

Originally Posted by sblvro

I would go to the mitsubishi evolution X, GSR which comes with manual transmission. The MR is the one with the TSST paddle shifter. The 2011 models have rebates because of the coming out of the 2012 which is basically the same except for some visual aids. It is AWD, 300 hp, 2.0Li turbo. try to go evolutionm.net for more info and I'm a super over there.

My biggest beef with the Evolution has always been it's ridonkulous looking spoiler.

I'm not a ricer modifier street racer drift high school teenager wanna be, and that's what I see when I see an EVO driving on the street near me.

That said, I have liked some of the Mitsu's in the past so maybe I'll take a closer look, esp if there's a more modest looking spoiler available either stock or after market...I'll com over & check out the forum there if it's a viable option after checking Mitsu web site for some of the option specs.

Thanks for the reply,
Rev

[revolutn]

Originally Posted by iggibar

If I were in the market for a manual sedan(or something with 4 doors), I would look at the(in the order from what I would prefer first) Acura TSX, VW GTI, VW GLI, a used Infiniti G35S/37S, or the new Impreza hatchback. The lancer is a baby killer in terms of ride comfort. Subaru is nice. My cousin just leased a new 2011 legacy a couple months ago. It's a nice car.

Acura T series are on my short list of possibilities at this point as is are Infiniti G3x's.

Also contenders are Audio A4, S4, A5, S5.

Not sure about the VW's but I'll take another look and see if they appeal at all.

Thanks for the reply,
Rev

[dj5]

2008 Acura TL-S with manual transmission has everything you are looking for except the heated steering wheel. They can be had for $23-26k.

[rafael73]

Originally Posted by dj5

2008 Acura TL-S with manual transmission has everything you are looking for except the heated steering wheel. They can be had for $23-26k.

^+1!

Also try 2006-2007 Accord 6-6 Sedan. You can find one in decent condition for $15K (That's what I have )

[revolutn]

Originally Posted by dj5

2008 Acura TL-S with manual transmission has everything you are looking for except the heated steering wheel. They can be had for $23-26k.

Thx.

It'd have to be a '06 - '08 for sure, because Acura really screwed the pooch on the 09-12 front grill . Fugly isn't a strong enough word.

[Cementups]

I'm wondering why at 13 months your kid is still rear facing? Both my kids were forward facing at 10 months. If you r kid is strong enough to hold their own head up then they should be facing forward.

That being said, if you are only going to have one kid then by all means keep the coupe and no payments. But if you are looking at making your family bigger then get a bigger car. And why leave the Honda family. Buy an Accord.

[sambub]

We have a 98' Pathfinder that I want to get rid of so I have similar wish list of my own for a new sedan. If money were no object, I'd go out tomorrow and buy a 2012 Acura TL. Of course it does not have the heated sw, but it fits the bill otherwise, aside from price of course. I'm still going to try to get it, but I'll be waiting a year or so until Pilot note is paid off.

Have you checked out the new Passat? It's getting lots of good press, especially the version with the 6M and diesel. It's 26k new. For that yo get a huge sedan, FWD, handles and rides well (just read the reviews). It's a bit stripped, but you still get ac, heated seats, and a great engine that's good for 31 city, 43 HWY.