Im making myself neurotic trying to choose between several cars: Subaru WRX, Mazda 3, Toyota gr86, and Elantra N.
Main caveat: I want a fun(primary objective) and reliable(secondary but still important) daily driver that’s manual in the 30-40k range. We are coming down to the last days of manual cars; even the track cars I listed are selling more in automatic. I want to have a fun commuter. Wife already has a Honda pilot so I can buy something “less mature”.
I know the wrx and Elantra N are pretty different than the Mazda, but I drove 3 out of the 4 cars(Still need to drive the elantra).
Mazda 3 manual: I really liked it. More of a refined near-luxury cruiser than a track car but it was still fun to drive even though it was fairly slow. I would say it’s the most reliable listed, but lacks the rawness of the other 3. Hands down the best interior and cabin feel to me. Interior(red leather trim) is something I’ve only seen in cars that are double the price.
WRX: Very fun to drive. Quick. AWD. Good handling. Maybe just average or mediocre reliability wise, the boxer engine with the turbo has me a bit concerned. I’ve heard it has issues with oil consumption and requires more strict maintenance. Very mediocre interior and I don’t care much for its infotainment system.
Gr86: Also very fun to drive. Not as quick as WRX, but quicker than the Mazda. RWD, has the most fun handling in a car I think Ive ever felt…..but I live in New York and RWD may be an issue in the winter. Probably better reliability wise than the WRX, but it has the boxer engine from Subaru and not a Toyota engine. Also very mediocre interior.
Elantra N: Didn’t drive, but I’m not crazy about Hyundai. I’ve known people who have had serious issues with 2010’s models(like serious powertrain issues). I heard it’s very fun to drive, has a 100k mile warranty, but I plan on keeping whatever car I buy for a long time. Well past 100k miles. I don’t know if I trust its longevity.
I’m turning myself in knots trying to decide. Could someone with experience lay down a better overview of these cars or suggest something else? Thanks.