The gradual removal of the "average/family" enthusiast choice

[Polyal]

Pretext: I do have a small personal agenda here as I am on the look out for a new daily in Feb and thought this may be an interesting discussion

Looking to get some perspective on something I have noticed of late after making a decision to relocate. With the price of fuel going through a spike, and lets face it I cant see it going to "lower" levels any time soon I have been researching a new daily that is good on fuel but is also a manual..not so easy.

As much as I would like a Falcon I have had my share before, they are great, but to thirsty for a daily (for me). Also after a manual as the kids are getting to the stage were I want to teach them the skill.

If at all possible I am looking for the following;

• Seats 5 min
• Manual
• Ideally less than 100,000 - the lower the better
• RWD (could be swayed)
• Ideally less than 100,000 - the lower the better
• Nothing older than 2000
• <$30k
• lower fuel consumption the better..around 8-9 combined L/100

So, finding anything >2013 in this spec is nearly impossible. Slightly open to bending on some criteria but unless you want a hatch back its slim pickings these days.

Some options I have found so far;

Honda Accord Euro R

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-7380015/?Cr=0

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...19424491/?Cr=0

Yeah its an import bit most of the bits are normal Accord or DC5 Type R so it shouldnt be an issue. Like the looks, the powertrain, but its FWD so no skids.


Toyota Altezza RS200

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-7380960/?Cr=0

Seems pretty good, should be reliable, RWD is good, bit gutless but hey its a daily so does it matter? Runs a 200HP "beams" engine which looks like fun.

BMW 1 Series (hatch)

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...20345210/?Cr=0

I love the look of the coupe but its only 4 seats, need to go to the hatch for 5. RWD and can get the 3.0L and manual so that's a win.


The other option is to say stuff it, just get some TDi thing and save some cash for another side toy but I'm trying to keep the full rego count <=2 in the family.

Anyway, thought it was interesting as it seems these days the only way to get a manual is via high performance or a small hatch.