I need some 'new car' help from my [FJ] family, please...

[YNOT]

As many of you know I owned a customized ZX3 (which I loved) and 2 years ago I sold it to purchase something a bit larger and more practical for us...a 2006 Mercury Mariner. I like the Mariner, but once again, I'm feeling the need for a vehicle I can customize and have some fun with.

I've been really liking the new Scion xB's and so I set out to test drive an automatic and a 5 speed. Both were fairly peppy and I absolutely love the look of them. My overall opinion though...the xB's just feel 'cheap' to me...it feels 'gimmicky' if that makes sense. I'm afraid that I'll love the car for a couple years until the 'coolness' wears off and then I'll be stuck with something I'm unhappy with.

So, I also drove an 09 Fusion 'Sport' edition (I4 automatic) and was very impressed. It feels like a solid car and after seeing the FocusSport fusion a year ago or so, I loved it as well as several others I've seen that have been customized. Are there many customizing options for these Fusions??

The xB was stickered at 19xxx and this Fusion was 23xxx. The best part...I get an A-plan discount on Fords so I'm feeling that the Fusion is much more car for not much more money with the rebate and A-plan discount I'd get.

I guess what I'm wondering is...are there any other cars I should consider for right at...or under 20K?? I want something new...with a nice warranty, that'll do well on gas and 'preferably' can seat 4 people comfortably.

I like the VW Jettas and GTI's and also the Honda Civics and especially the Si's but I'm just not sure what I really want. Truthfully, I'd like one of each, but that's not an option...so...please, help me decide what other cars I should consider. My wife likes the Chargers but that's a car that will likely be too expensive and also a gas guzzler.

Oh...and I'm not considering a 'used' car and I really don't think I want another 'Focus' although I do like the looks of the new ones.

Any suggestions?? What car is going to offer me the most customizing options?

The other downside to this is that I still owe 13K on the Mariner so if the dealers aren't willing to give me around 13K for it, I may be forced to wait another year until I've paid it down some more. The good thing is that for an '06 I've maintained it so well that it looks 'cleaner' than the day I took delivery on it.

Sorry for the lengthy message and all the questions...I've been pondering this for a while and I want to make sure I get the most car for my money that'll still allow me plenty of customizing options that I'll be happy with for a long time.

Thanks for any and all help you guys and gals can offer me.

[Ataru]

Well, the FS Fusion is for sale.......

http://www.405media.com/esclassified...sio n_SE.html

$19,000

Yes, it is "used", but it's a nice platform for you to work off of.

[kipp]

have you checked out the lancers. you can get an es for around 17k. decent handling and power, close to 30 mpg and pretty reliable. and of course there are a ton of aftermarket parts for it. if yu can still find one the have some rebates for the 08's too. only bad part is it's kinda hard to find them as a manual

[focaljet-1]

If you get the xB you could put graphics on it to advertise your business and take a large portion of the running expenses off on your taxes.

[Duder]

^^Always thinking.

I've never been one to accept the xB, but they are growing on me as the family get larger. I just want one with a sweet set of rims, drop, tint, and a nice little spoiler.

[rejectZX3]

Have you thought about the Chevrolet HHR's? They have the full panel version a half panel version ... and the SS is available now with the turno in it from the Solstice and Sky.

[YNOT]

Originally Posted by rejectZX3

Have you thought about the Chevrolet HHR's? They have the full panel version a half panel version ... and the SS is available now with the turno in it from the Solstice and Sky.

yeah...not a fan of the HHR's. I do like the SS Cobalts though.

[2focusd]

Becky and I adore the new xB and will more than likely own one in a couple of years once we're able to financially afford it. It's a good value with tons of room inside, a reliable engine, a good warranty, good dealer network, unique styling, and a massive aftermarket

-Brian

[CTZX3]

Honda Element?

[rejectZX3]

^ forgot about that .... I love the newer element SC versions.

[Maxximtl]

2009 Mazda 6?

[YNOT]

Never been a big fan of the Mazdas. I had a V6 MX-3 when they first came out. It was a sporty little powerhouse but I've never had a desire for any mazdas again...not too fond of the styling.

VW has 0% financing right now (on 08's) which seems nice. I need time to go and test drive a jetta and a civic.

I really wish GM wouldn't have ruined the new small trucks. There's no nice looking 'smaller' truck anymore.

[zetecgt]

I think that the XB vs. the Fusion is a hard toss up.

I like them both.....even though they are worlds apart.

Such a hard choice.

Perhaps you should just buy a Lamborghini......

No contest there atleast...

dave.