Sporty mid-size manual, reliable

ansafer

Hi everyone.

I've got that dilemma of what to choose, I fell in love with manual transmission, and don't want to comeback to boring automatic.
I own Honda Civic 2012 currently, which I love a lot. Most of the time I drive highways and really want to shift into 6th while on highway but it simply doesn't have the gear nor the power doing 120kmh with 3200rpm.
It's tough to look at other cars' interior after Civic, the alternative to the design is luxury. I really liked test-driving used VW GTI, Audi A4, BMW 328, and despite my love for German cars' handling I don't want to buy a constantly breaking expensive money pit.
It seems hard to find Honda Accord or Acura TL with manual and in decent condition, or for a fair price. They are great cars and that simply few people sell them.
Has anyone got an idea what other reliable, relatively powerful options are out there?

Thank you :)

Priorities: Reliability & durability / Interior styling / Powertrain performance

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Hatch / Coupe / Sedan

Car Needs: Long trips / Daily commuter

Primary Driver(s): Tall driver

Need minimum of 2 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 80000
Maximum age: 5 years

Maximum price: C $ 18000

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So what about the SI version of the Civic? Everything you like about Civic but with more power!

You could also look for Mazda 3 with 2.5 and manual. Both of these are in you price range used

If you want to go larger look for a Honda Accord with V6 and manual - not sure if you can get this in a sedan but you can in a coupe

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I am assuming since you are looking for a midsize car that you want something bigger than a Civic that has a manual transmission. About the only games in town are the Accord, the Ford Fusion, or the Mazda 6. All of them are good cars but the only one I've had any experience with is the Mazda, which I think is a very fun car to drive. I don't really think you can go wrong with any of them though.

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You mentioned more utlity with a manual. I'd look at a Subaru Forester. Autotrader has 2013 models in manual in your price range. Another option would be a VW Jetta Sportwagon, with a manual. They have good torque and really more reliable than you think. You can find them with manuals and the interiors are pretty nice at that level.

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If you are driving highway allot you don't want the interior noise of the econobox costing $18,000. Step up to a 2013 ATS 2.0T witH 6-speed manual. Or go AWD with the Automatic.

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