The Tiidas interior looks SOOOoooo cheap and ugly

WHy not a diesel Folksvagen

I am a bit confused....

Do you want a beater or just a more efficient/reliable car?

First things first, you have previously mentioned that if you don't sell the X you won't have funds for the next car. So I would guess the first order of business is to make the sale so you know what your actual budget will be. Also, I think that since you are wanting to get close to KBB for your X, it may take a little while to find a buyer, which means you'll most likely have time to find your replacement while the X is on the market.

As for the CR-Z vs Versa question, it goes back to my prior question (better car vs. beater/cheap mobile). In my opinion, the CR-Z is a better car is every way except for cheapness to run, longterm maintenance (hybrid batteries etc), and initial cost. I know you mentioned auction results, but just looking on Autotrader (nationwide) there are 3 CR-Zs at or below 10k. One in Kentucky and two wrecked ones. Meanwhile you have your choice of what seems like 85% of all Versa's ever made.

On the Versa, it seems to always be high on the list of "cheapest cars to own" along with the Honda Fit so that would be a good one for saving as much as possible.

Personally, I am skeptical of the CR-Z as I don't feel it is that sporty of a car and is more expensive than a Civic and a lot of good Acuras. I know you've gotten a lot of good suggestions, but here is the top 5 (+1) I'd be looking at if I was given your 10k budget and wanted a somewhat sporty DD in New England (excluding MINIs)

1.) Mazda Speed3 (Cars for Sale: 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Sport in Naugatuck, CT 06770: Hatchback Details - 351542217 - AutoTrader.com)

2.) Acura RSX (Cars for Sale: 2005 Acura RSX Type-S in Stamford, CT 06901: Hatchback Details - 346982585 - AutoTrader.com)

3.) Toyota Celica (Cars for Sale: 2003 Toyota Celica GT-S in Taunton, MA 02780: Hatchback Details - 349122846 - AutoTrader.com)

4.) Honda Civic SI (Cars for Sale: 2007 Honda Civic Si in Kingston, NH 03848: Coupe Details - 329702742 - AutoTrader.com)

5.) Scion tC (Cars for Sale: 2006 Scion tC in ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631: Coupe Details - 348094542 - AutoTrader.com)

Honorable Mention Ford Mustang GT (Cars for Sale: 2005 Ford Mustang GT Deluxe in Canisteo, NY 14823: Coupe Details - 349403618 - AutoTrader.com)

Ahhh, I see. Yeah, some gimmicks hidden in there.

именно так!

Between your poll choices I'd go with the CRZ... based on looks first, and also a friend of mine was telling me at Bimmerfest that he was very surprised and enjoyed driving one (when he went for a test drive).

vanilla?
I hate the engine bay.
and only brand new and cheap price.
i test drove honda and its waaaay to small. weird how it shuts off on stops, reminded me of the porsche.

I'm with AeroJammin, above...I have followed this thread, posted a few opins, and still don't quite get the angle: 'beater' or econo car?

Very different type of cars, imo, and having had a few beaters, neither of the poll options are what I would put in the beater range.

Maybe it's just a case of different definitions and terms...

NEway, good luck on what the OP decides on.
BR, mD

I'm sorry for the mix up motordavid and aerojammin.
From wanting a crappy cheap beater, I've also considered buying a crappy cheap new car. The biggest factor being the MPG and overall performance.

From all the research, It looks like Mazda will roll out some promising cars like the 2014 mazda 3. The interior is very similar to the bmw with the navi and controls in the center console.

So for now I've decieded to sell my X5 for 2k under kbb excellent value.. and proceed on getting a real beater off the auction to drive for a bit more and resell when I'm ready for the Mazda 3 if plans don't change.

thank you for all the help in this tough decision.
Purchasing a Bike plans haven't changed yet ;)

I actually wanted both a beater and newer car...most car problems are due to wear on them. The X5 should get sold this week.
The Crz I test drove and really did not like, the idea of car shuts off at stops and turns back on (that laggg) turned me away from the car and the battery replacements.
The honda fit is actually #1 in top resale value. So I will keep an eye out for them on the auctions..
From your list.. speed 3 is nice, but newer is more promising. RSX and Celica, Civic SI will get any young adult pulled over, ricer club. TC is more of a girl's car around here. The mustang is very cheap, my friend has one. The metal is soft and hard to fix frame damage. Was told to stay away from mustangs.