Yesterday began the start of my new car shopping. I went down to one place last night (I went late so I knew I couldn't start test driving a bunch of stuff), to get some brochures. This place has Dodge, Ford, Subaru, Mazda and Toyota cars. For Dodge, I looked at the Magnum. It's pretty nice, available with a Hemi... but will not have an AWD option until Fall. Too late for me, since Fall is not this month.

Then I saw the sales guy I have spoken with before over at the Subaru/Mazda section. I've spoken with him before, and my dad got a (used) Outback from him. He also knows he can't BS me about cars, and that I use Edmunds TMV for what I expect to pay for a car. I took brochures for the Mazda-3, Mazda-6, Mazda Tribute, Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy. They didn't have the one for the '05 WRX, but I know enough about it that I didn't really need it now.

Suzy doesn't really want to look at any autos with no AWD/4WD. Makes sense, and I mainly agree. At least, no more RWD cars!! Not with the snow that's up here. That basically cuts out the Mazda-3 and Mazda-6. I'll still drive them, though, to check them out. The 3 only has 160HP, but is light and geared for getting off the line. The 6 can come with 220HP, which is more respectable. But, no AWD. I've driven the Tribute before (which is 4WD) and liked it. It's an option if I decide on a truck and not a car. It's a V6, so won't suck on gas like the V8 Durango I have.

There is a new Outback options this year. The 3.0R which is a V6 with 250HP. This is compared to the 168HP of the other models (up 3HP this year). The interior has changed, and is even nicer. The Outback really is, and has been, a nice car. I took one (not the 3.0R) out for a quick drive, and was very comy and nice. I need to drive the 3.0R though.

The Legacy also comes with a turbo, and seems pretty zippy as well. Will need to drive it.

And, the Impreza WRX. The cost of the Imprezza is actually lower this year. The WRX is roughly the same, but not bad at all. Unfortunately, I won't drive a standard and there are no autos on the lot right now. And, no wagons on the lot. I think I'd prefer a wagon, because I do like the space.

These aren't the only cars I'll be looking at, but was a start for last night. Sometime over the next week I'll go in and drive all these cars.

So, prices. I like to use Edmonds.com as my main price-checking place. They give a True Market Value price, which I have always used as a guide when getting a car. Here are the prices I got from them after adding some options to cars (you'll need to go to Edmunds to see what the "Popular Equipment Groups" are):

Subaru Impreza WRX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
Total with Options
MSRP: $26,937
Invoice: $24,709
TMV: $25,800

Optionals: Popular Equipment Group 2A, Turbo Boost Gauge, Popular Equip. Group 3, Acrylic Hood Protector, All Weather Mats, Wheel Locks.

Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Total with Options
MSRP: $32,705
Invoice: $29,714
TMV: $31,213

Options: Outdoor Rec Group 2, Popular Equip Group 1, Security System Upgrade, Air Filtration System, All Weather Mats, Wheel Locks.

Subaru Legacy 2.5i AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Total with Options
MSRP: $25,114
Invoice: $22,761
TMV: $23,998

Options: Outdoor Recreation Group 2, Fog Lamps, Popular Equipment Group 1, Air Filtration System All Weather Mats, Rear Cargo Net, Wheel Locks.

Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
MSRP: $23,665
Invoice: $21,599
TMV: $23,112

Let me first say the Mazda 3 has a base price of $16,895. Which, at first, you go "Wow!!", then you see that a lot of things you want are options... suddenly $23k... which isn't much less than the AWD/Turbo WRX.

Options: DVD Navigation System (Ok, so I probably don't need this.. but the DVD itself would be nice to have), 4-Speed Sport A/T, ABS/SAB/SAC Package, Xenon & TPMS Package, Appearance Package 1, In-Dash 6-Disk CD Changer, Electrochromatic Rearview Mirror w/Homelink, Interior Trim Package, Electrochromatic Rearview Mirror (oops, that one is also above, so can subtract $218 from the TMV price), All Weather Mats, Moonroof Deflector, Cargo Net, Wheel Locks.

Mazda 6 s 4dr Sport Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
MSRP: $27,980
Invoice: $25,277
TMV: $26,080

Options: 5-Speed Sport AT, Sport Package, Power Moonroof, Bose Audio Package, In-Dash 6-Disc CD, Side Air Bags and Side Curtains, Rear Roof Spoiler, Compass/AutoDim Mirror with Homelink, Fog Lights, Cargo Tray and Organizer (Probably don't need this.. -$132), ULEV Emissions Equip, All Weather Mats, Alarm Shock Sensor Upgrade, Cargo Net, Moonroof Wind Deflector, Wheel Locks.

I believe, all the '05 Subarus now have side curtain bags standard... at least the Outback does now. But, so far, add/remove a few options here and there and the WRX seems like the best buy thus far (Turbo, cost, safety, modability).

What other cars/trucks do people think I should look at? I'm keeping away from BMW (never liked them, aside the 7-series), Benz (don't need another car I'm afraid to get dirty once in a while) and Lexus (bad in snow, RWD). I still like Audi, though. I thought of maybe a Grand Cherokee.. but I have read some reviews where people seem to have problems with it.

I have about 3 weeks to shop around before I want to get something, and need to plan out where to go for some test drives.