I know this is an odd request. Right now my Z is fine and dandy, but in the future, I want something obviously more practical. Things it will need to have:

1) Space for a mountain bike w/little or no problem (dont want to have to use a rack in case it rains)

2) Get decent gas mileage and decent performance in a straight line

3) Look pretty good (not an ugly car)

Anything new and used under 25k.


Ideas I've had so far:

New:
Nissan Frontier (270hp) - around 21k
Nissan Xterra (270hp) - around 23k
Mazda 3 Hatch
Subaru WRX Wagon ('05 and below)

Used:
Land Rover Defender 90 (my dream SUV, but still holding pricey value)

No ones got an opinion? Some more cars I came up w/

Audi Allroad (saw one for under 20k)
HHR (new for around 17.9)
Trailblazer SS (damn they're hot, but gas mileage will suck and they are like 30k)
CR-V (1st gen ownz me...simple and it's a Honda)
Protege5
Cooper S (w/seats down, I heard there's enough room for a bike w/o it's front wheel...could be the best of all 3 worlds; performance, space, gas mileage)
FJ Cruiser (saw one in person and fell in love...still high in price around 30k)
Land Cruiser (almost any generation owns me, minus the V8's)

id rock the frontier or the audi.

I like the Mazda3 Hatch...my old manager has one and they look real nice and are very comfy inside, but they're not fast at all.

What about a Jeep liberty diesel?

It should have the space
You will get great gas mileage...performance will hurt ummm alot
and I think it looks decent...

forget about the cooper s for bikes.

Scoob (if you can live with the looks)

Scoob (if you can live with the looks)

Never thought they were ugly and w/some wheels...they look sharp

http://www.pdxtuning.com/featured_cars/jarrad_files/WRX_Wagon_small%5B1%5D.JPG

What about a Jeep liberty diesel?

It should have the space
You will get great gas mileage...performance will hurt ummm alot
and I think it looks decent...

Dont like the Liberty looks and I'm sure the interior is nothing to rave over either. Not particularly keen on American cars since most of them have a cheapness and poor build quality