She was rear-ended earlier today. Car is totalled; she had an Acura Intergra coupe.

So, we've been looking at some cars on-line. She has a few "requirements":

--Manual tranny,
--Leather seats,
--Agile handling,
--Relatively low mileage (for the quality and reliability of the car),
--Relatively newer model,
--Between $15-18k.

--And not really a requirement, but a coupe is preferred.


So far, her top choice is an Acura RSX.

She was looking into Lexus, but with little manual tranny options, it's proven to be diffucult to find an SC300 or IS300 with low mileage in her price range.

She is also considering a Mini Cooper, but questions the reliability.


Any suggestions? Recommendations?

I've seen a few IS300 around here with what i'd consider low miles. (below 50,000)

Only a couple MT's though

Anything lexus is an improvement over an integra coupe..

Cooper is a great choice too, not so sure about the turbo though.

Civic coupe?
Maybe no leather available though...

I would think a new gen GTI would also fit the bill, a little nicer overall package than the RSX in my opinion.

Scion tC, but no factory leather...

Subaru WRX, but not a coupe...

We're selling our Mini S but its 3-4 above her range

S2000? or maybe an MR2?

MR2 = not so reliable

unfortunately i automatically thought of either the integra (just get a newer one) or the RSX

either the IS300 or SC300 is definitely going to be nicer than either of the acuras ... is she opposed to going a little further distance to pick up the car?

Only cars I can think about is the S2000, RSX,TSX, SC300, and IS300.

Lets not forget, the Honda Civic Si, the 06's can be had for less than 18k. they have a 6 speed, digital gauges, great seats, moonroof's and are just a blast to drive.

Yes they are, but according to the criteria she wants leather seats. Although the Si's sport seats are very nice themselves.

She'll want a tsx, trust me. With the new 09's out you should be able to find a good deal on a used model.

Its a smart value car that a lot of women go for. Lots of luxury features at a minimal price. If you can find a deal, thats heads and shoulders above any rsx or civic.

Reliability is your main concern and $$, then definitely go with Honda/Acura/Toyota !! Mazda is coming up strong as well.

Are we talking about NEW cars or used cars ?

maybe you are thinking of the older MR2?

newer (2000-2005) MR2/MR-S is pretty decent in reliability isnt it?

i think she can find lower mileage MT RSX easier than the same thing in IS300

My friend got hit in her Solara and ended up with an Acura CL-S, (early 2000 and had 100k on it, fully serviced with all records), has everything but a 6 speed trans, when buying used you have to accept you will never find certain things, my other friend who got hit drove his parents car for a year before he found what he wanted.

Since the new one is awful, the old ones may go up in price.