The Contour is nearing the end of its useful life to me. It works now, but I've already paid many thousands in repairs and there are more "quirks" that are slowly developing into serious problems now (e.g., tranny clunks, and a loud grinding whine if the car plays in the rain). I was hoping to keep the car through this academic year and once settled into a decent job post graduation buy myself a brand new car, but that's not looking likely to happen. My parents have offered an early graduation present and help out with a newish vehicle, and I'm strongly considering it. I commute to campus, on top of everything, so I absolutely can't have my car in the shop for weeks at a time anymore while they try and figure out what's wrong.
I love almost everything about my Contour, so a used Mazda6 is a very strong consideration (my top choice) due to its similarities and good looks. Mazda3 is second choice, although both are on the upper end of this budget even used. My parents are pushing Subaru AWD hard and I rather like driving my dad's first-generation Forester (assuming the five-speed would be any quicker than the auto). My mom's 2002 Legacy has uncomfortable seats and is very slow with the auto, but otherwise a decent vehicle; handling is almost on par with my car. I've been looking at almost anything that offers a manual - even older Accords, Camrys, Corollas, Elantras, etc. Haven't driven anything yet.
Must have a standard transmission, four doors (or five with hatch), power locks and windows, and decent winter handling. Can't be a Ford or Mercury (other FoMoCo byproducts are okay, such as Mazda or Volvo). I'd really like leather and/or a sunroof but they'e not absolutely necessary. Above all, must be decently reliable, or have a good warranty.
So .. what daily driver would you buy with that rough budget and those constraints?
