I'm going to be in the market for another car in the next year or so and I wanted some ideas on particular makes or models to research. I'm looking for something with four doors, or even a wagon, that accelerates slowly, but can be made to turn and stop on a dime.
I'd like a hatch back, as I'm planning on lugging a bunch of stuff around pretty regularly, but I don't know if insurance is significantly higher on those than it is on 4 doors of the same model. I don't want anything that would draw any unwarranted attention from the popo. If it can be made to be clean and green, and offer reasonable performance I'm down. I wouldn't object to a diesel, as I'd like to make it run off biofuel for a fun mechanical project, but I can't think of any that really suit my preference. Nothing American. Nothing personal of course, but I already know where that road leads.
Ideally we're talking about something from the used car market as well.
Ideas so far;
Mazda Protege5 (looks awesome, sounds good, handles better)
Mercedes 240d (still holds the record in Motor Trend as the slowest car ever tested, it actually covers the quarter mile faster than it gets to 60. Although the steering is light, and the chassis feels solid)
VW Passat Wagon