I have driven a few fiesta rent cars and I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Don't try to make and sell sense out of the situation, when dangerous econoboxes are reigning. After all, this is a Mercedes-Benz website.

He said he wanted a real gearbox, not a autotragic.

Perhaps the Ford econobox(es) have come a long ways since I rented a complete POS econobox Ford at the Amarillo, Texas airport for the day my last trip flying in to work for the day. But I wasn't expecting much out of it either. I was not disappointed - what a disgusting car. It bore NO semblance to my 300SD's driving characteristics - nor should it have.

The Fiesta is basically a Ford/Mazda hybrid design, and is also sold in Europe -- which has a much lower tolerance for crappy econoboxes.

As soon as mercedes imports their econoboxes, you know the little b class with the 5 speed and 4 cyl diesel, that gets 40+mpg on the highway I will be the first in line. Until then I am limited to what I posted in the poll......

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86 300SDL. 250,xxx on #14 Head. One eye always on temp gauge.. Cruising towards 300K

Having some experience with the jetta tdis and many earlier volkswagon diesels. I would not be inclined to buy a volkswagon tdi newer than 2003. Plus a low milage example at that only. So it would be a hunt.

The car since 2003 is both a heavier fuel consumer and can have more serious issues. The more recent versions may be more powerful but in general from my perspective volkswagon tdi is continuing going backwards in some ways. This is not the first time either. The only real improvement to me in the more current time period was their suspension modifications. They were needed.

The best indirect diesels of theirs where produced 85-86 same basic car until it was phased out eventually. Still every year was worse than the last after that until they were phased out in my opinion. It almost appears they have learnt very little from their past. At the current time as in the past stay away from their automatics.

If the recent past is any indication - I'm afraid you're going to have a very loong wait.......if Mercedes-Benz DID import their diesel-econoboxes, they likely would not fit (your VW budget).

Wonder if one could be brought in via Mexico (you'd have to register it as something else/VIN-swap to satisfy the NHTSA pigs).

Very true unfortunately

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86 300SDL. 250,xxx on #14 Head. One eye always on temp gauge.. Cruising towards 300K

Hmmm... Up for criminal activity are ya'?

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Buy a BMW 3 series.

If your stuck in the past with a stick your pretty much not going to be able to buy any Japanese car except for the most basic econo boxes. No one buys sticks anymore. My local BMW dealer can't give them away and always has to run a special to dump one.

I'd look for a 335D or an E320CDI. Your budget puts you squarely into slightly used E class and 3 series territory.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I love my GTI. I return 32-35mpg on the highway easily while still being able to hoon on the back roads and haul 5 people with cargo, throw my bike in the back, etc. Also, the DSGs are nowhere near as bad as they used to be 10 years ago. Many of the VW tuner guys are pushing 350hp into the DSG with minimal issues. My vote is definitely for gas VW, but make it a fun one. The 2.5 is also extremely reliable but not extraordinarily powerful or economical (sort of a compromise) but very stout. I've put on 16k on my 2011 GTI (pretty hard miles too, admittedly) with only one problem - recirc door was stuck, fixed under warantee.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

I guess I need to get cozy with your dealer, if a vehicle doesn't have a stick, I have zero interest in it.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

If driving a stick makes me stuck in the past, SCREW THE FUTURE. Autotragics are for fat American wusses with bad knees, teenage girls who like to yakk on their cell phones while texting on their iPad, and limp-wristed ladyboys. The lack of choice in new cars in this country makes me want to take the average American driver and kick them in the yarbles till they squeal.

Speaking of Japanese: would the RWD Subaru/Scion thing fit the bill in any way?