DD recommendation (1 Viewer)

[Schaefo]

I have 2 cars. My DD is a 2009 Lexus GS. I love it. It is rock solid and low miles and 100% paid for. The only problem with it is that my other car is a 1978 Toyota FJ40. It's the best toy I've ever had. I learned to drive manual on it just 5 months ago when I bought it and now I suddenly find myself searching for a reliable, fun, manual DD to replace the GS. I am just bored driving automatic and completely in love with manual. I have 2 young kids so I need a decent backseat. I am not a speed freak, I don't need a rocket ship but I am looking for a fun, exciting driver. I don't commute much. I am totally spoiled by the reliability of the Lexus and all my free time is now spent on the FJ40 so I have no tolerance for anything that is going to need work. I can get somewhere from $18000 - 20,000 for the GS so my budget is about $25k for a replacement. It certainly does not have to be new.

So far the best candidate seems to be older Lexus IS300s. What are your suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Cruiserdrew]

New Honda Accord Sport.


Editing my post for reality:
I missed the paid for part. If a new ride means payments of any type, then no. Stay with what you have.

But, the list of cars with a manual transmission is dwindling fast, so if you want a decent new car, and a manual transmission is the priority, then the my recommendation above is hard to beat. But all cars depreciate fast, so don't generate debt for a new one.

 

[greenbeast]

100 series, 2006 had one and absolutely loved it. Pretty fancy and safe

 

[Tigerstripe40]

100 series, 2006 had one and absolutely loved it. Pretty fancy and safe

The 100 series with manual transmissions aren't yet 25 years old, and therefore cannot legally be imported to the US.
I myself would **love** an HDJ-105 but I need to wait at least another 7 years...

 

[greenbeast]

The 100 series with manual transmissions aren't yet 25 years old, and therefore cannot legally be imported to the US.
I myself would **love** an HDJ-105 but I need to wait at least another 7 years...

My bad, missed the manual part in your post. Good luck

 

[Jeremy9A]

If the kids are small enough...... 4th Gen Supra all the way!