For those reading this thread and the comments. As a general rule in my opinion hyudia product prices are not stable when new. Between factory driven promotions etc the prices are all over the place.

In Canada at least and I have to assume simular in the states but do not know.

I'd vote for a Mazda 3.

They are not overpriced in the used car market like the Civic, they're sporty and handle great, drop dead reliable, and get good fuel economy.

My wife had a '94 Mazda Protege - the LX model with the 1.8 liter DOHC Miata engine, and it was the best car we ever owned. Drove it to about 60,000 miles, and she put another 100,000 miles on it with no problems at all.

Save up a bit more for a new Focus or Cruze, banging little cars.

If I had 10K to buy a car, I would use 6950.00 to buy a 2002 clk 320 that one of the coolest guys ever to exist " myself" use to own. And then I would buy a 1989 300E with the rest of the money. :eek::D:D:D

I agree about the Mazda 3, I had one for a week as a rental and was impressed with the build quality, handling and ergonomics. The only thing I was a little disappointed by was the fuel economy, not the best in this segment but a great car otherwise.

My gf has a '05 focus hatch, it is a fun car to drive but I don't think the interior quality is nearly as good as the Mazda and honesty for some reason the gas mileage on her car is also pretty poor.

How about a Pontiac Vibe if you want a domestic marque?

Sixto
87 300D