Fix it or buy something? If buy then what?

[Empty V]

So I just hit 250,000 miles on the Baja beast. I just got my very first oil leak and it's pretty bad. I've got 2 trans leaks through revolution sensors that have to be replaced which requires dropping the trans or pulling the center console and cutting a hole through the body. I just replaced the lower control arm, trailing arm, front/rear sway bar and panhard rod bushings with poly ones and also replaced the steering rack and front sway bar links.

I'm averaging about 12mpg and spending at least $600/month in gas. Do I keep repairing this thing and keep it as a DD or park it(because it's not worth selling) and spring for a new DD with better MPG?

My budget is probably around $25k and I'd love an FX but haven't checked MPG. I really want a 370z but think it's way out of my budget. How about VW or Volvo? I've driven SUV's my whole life and if I do buy something it'll be a second ride so a smaller car would be a nice addition. Any advice is much appreciated!

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

Mazda
Speed
Three

[MinisterofDOOM]

Unless you need money from the sale of the QX to fund the new car, I'd say keep the QX. If you get a new DD, you'll be able to take care of the QX's repairs when you can, rather than being forced to now. And you'll still have an offroad toy.

[Empty V]

Unless you need money from the sale of the QX to fund the new car, I'd say keep the QX. If you get a new DD, you'll be able to take care of the QX's repairs when you can, rather than being forced to now. And you'll still have an offroad toy.

I do need the money but I'll never get what it's worth so it's not for sale.

[Empty V]

Mazda
Speed
Three

Those look pretty sweet but the MPG seems kind of low for what I'm looking for. Regardless it's better than the Q.

[bigbadberry3]

How many miles do you drive a month?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Mazda
Speed
Three

Those look pretty sweet but the MPG seems kind of low for what I'm looking for. Regardless it's better than the Q.

Get a regular 3, then. Even the base 2.0 is a ton of fun. But I'd go for a 2.3.

[Empty V]

How many miles do you drive a month?

Between 1500 and 2000.

[Empty V]

Get a regular 3, then. Even the base 2.0 is a ton of fun. But I'd go for a 2.3.

My girlfriend has a 2011 Mazda 3 and it's cool but I see them everywhere. It is fun to drive though. I had an Eclipse as a rental a few weeks ago fr a business trip and that was a lot of fun.

[MinisterofDOOM]

but I see them everywhere.

You're not going to find anything economical that you DON'T see everywhere. And anyhow, who gives a damn? Are you buying the car for you or for everyone else?
I see QX4s everywhere, too. Doesn't make it a bad truck.

[Jesda]

Skyactiv 3 will have super-awesome mpgs.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

f*** it, just get a 1st gen Insight if all you care about is efficiency.

[Empty V]

I'm not only concerned with MPG but that is a primary factor. I also want something fun to drive, I'm sick of slow a** SUV's .

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

Well from what I've read and what I've experienced at a dealership, the MS3 is pretty much the best car for the money in regards to fun factor and efficiency money can by. 18/25 is liveable for what it offers. Other likely candidates, for my money, are the new Focus ST and Fiat Abarth.

[zacmil]

I'm not only concerned with MPG but that is a primary factor. I also want something fun to drive, I'm sick of slow a** SUV's .

If you want this ^^

I had an Eclipse as a rental a few weeks ago fr a business trip and that was a lot of fun.

Then you don't want this ^^

Seriously, if you want fun and cheap, buy a Mazda 3. Another good choice would be a Mini S; it's like driving a go-kart. The only problem is that a new one may a bit outside your price range.

[Bubba1]

12mpg is probably not an ideal commuter vehicle, but it seems the way you set it up in not really for commuting. Since it's fully depreciated,has a quarter million miles on it and you won't be able to recoup what you've invested, you might as well fix and keep it as a spare or fun vehicle and get something a bit more appropriate for commuting.

But if you're looking for good mpg, reliable, cheap to keep, fun to drive, I'm surprised no one mentioned a Miata. (assuming you can fit in it).