I'm getting a new job soon, which will require me to have a car. Right now we're a one car family, since I can take the subway to work. I figure I'll have about $480CDN a month to spend (lease or finance, don't really care).

Requirement:
Manual transmission
Heated seats (I like my buns toasted)
At least an AUX jack, but preference for iPod and Bluetooth integration

Preference:
Hatchback
More subdued styling
Higher tech audio is fun.

I'm looking at new and used cars still covered at least in part by factory warranty if possible.

Here is my current list (feel free to suggest others that aren't a Cobalt):
New:
VW Golf and Golf Wagon Confortline trim
Ford Fiesta SES
2012 Ford Focus SEL or Titanium
Subaru Impreza 2.5i
Subaru Forrester SportTech
Volvo C30
Nissan Versa SL

Used:
2007 or 2008 VW GTI
2007 or 2008 Mazdaspeed3

As you can see, there's a bit of variety in the list.

Any thoughts? Any OH HELL NOs? Any OH HELL YESs? What else should I consider?

My driving style does tend a little towards the more aggressive, and I like to have fun with the car. Also, I'm 6'4", so interior space is good.

(I like the new Cruze, but the lack of a manual on its higher end models knocked it out of contention).

Also, when looking at a recent used car, how many km is considered a "high mileage" usage?

Vw or subaru theyre the most fun in that list

I've driven an Outback recently, and it was a lot of fun.

Most of those cars I've never driven before, so the list will be refined a bit once I have.

if you go with a volkswagen try and go with a TSI instead of an FSI

... which is what for the acronym challenged? (and how do I know which is which)

2008+ they revised the engine and changed quite a few things TSI is the newer model 2.0t

Gotcha. So skip 2007 and earlier.

The biggest differences are a chain instead of timing belt. Balance shafts in the center of the block in either side.Fuel pump driven off a 4 lobe exhaust cam, new engine management and a few other things.

Which I take it is a good thing?
(I am really cartarded)

Audi A4 Quattro Turbo (2003-2005) - enjoy Quattro in Ontario winter


Out of curiousity why a manual tranny when driving in Toronto? Speaking from experience, depending which area of Toronto you will be traversing... you may regret a stick shift

When I drive for work, I'll be on the highway mostly. Won't likely be doing too much city driving overall (and even then, I don't mind).

Plus, it is just the principle of the thing.

Posted by Nismo The biggest differences are a chain instead of timing belt.

Posted by yokes Which I take it is a good thing?

Oh hell yes! Timing chains are a beautiful thing. I used to have a Datsun that went over 500,000 miles on the original timing chain. You have to change timing belts pretty often.

timing belt every 100-120 000km, timing chain is a *life time* part. its the tensioners that usually go not the chain.

I also loath 2003-2005 Audis, theyre underpowered and have some retarded issues

safetey and affordability only 1 word CVPI

'08 GTI... I want one so freaking badly. Such a blast to drive, and we don't get them in for major repairs (and you KNOW these things are getting thrashed)

Even the VW 2.5 inline 5 cyl engine is nice (Which would come in the Golf or Golf Wagon), VERY gutsy, and sounds beautiful. It's basically half of a Lamborghini V10.

edit: most newer VW stuff has nice iPod integration AND aux jacks, too.

Posted by nostra-YOUPPI! safetey and affordability only 1 word CVPI

Requirement:
Manual transmission
Nope.
Heated seats
Nope
At least an AUX jack, but preference for iPod and Bluetooth integration
AM/FM?

Preference:
Hatchback
Nope.
More subdued styling
Kinda looks like a police car...
Higher tech audio is fun.
I'm sure it has a Balance/Fader control on the stock unit!

Subaru.
end of discussion.

Im not one to suggest cars when people are looking, but Subaru and Audi A4 keep screaming "BUY ME" in my head.

I think in your case, Yokes, go with the Subaru.