Please recommend a used car, $13-15k - Page 2

I don't think OP can get a GTI for 13-15K, can he? Unless it's in terrible condition or really high mileage..

They are around. Here was one I found quickly

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/2638154111.html

My mom's golf is a 1999.5 (they switched models halfway through the year) and its still kicking. Its not high mileage but almost all of its miles are city driving.

Really, unless you get a lemon, they are aren't bad about service unless you don't keep up with preventative maintenance. If you skip oil changes and X0,000 mile services, stuff can start to get nasty. It will never be as cheap to service as an american car or a honda...but it also will never feel as cheap inside.

I don't see why tires have to be expensive...they ship with some pretty high-spec tires IIRC, but unless you are driving it at its limits, I would just go to costco and throw on some good high-mileage tires.

I believe the recommendation you were looking for is an E30 M3.

Not sold in the USA.

Subaru Outback. AWD. Wagon. More ground clearance than WRX. Roof rack. Rear seating isn't the most comfortable for tall people though, or so my friends say.

Salvage title is a bit iffy. A quick eBay search showed the GTIs closer to 18-20k.

Great. I am in somewhat similar shoes as the OP except I won't be getting anything for another six months. And I am in CA so don't need AWD. Looking for something more fun than a Civic, which is the obvious / smart choice. 4 door ideally.

OP,

How about a Subaru Legacy GT? You get the turbo and AWD of the WRX, but it looks a lot more grown up. With a simple stage I flash you can hit around 300hp.

Mine's been a rock and is pretty fun. Engine/transmission have been around forever and are solid. The overall build quality of the interior/etc are just so-so though.

When I bought mine, it was 2.5 years old / 30k miles and I paid $15.5k for it with the premium trim ( turbo, leather, moonroof, premium sound, etc )