My <girl> friend has roughly $12,500 to spend on a car (used/new)

Keeping in mind that car prices in Canada are lower (we're from Canada), here are the cars we've narrowed down:

Civic Coupe Si
Ford Focus ZX3
Used VW GTI
Used VW Jetta
Nissan Sentra SE-R
Subaru RS used

I dont know anything else in the market. She wants something nimble, quick, and decent on fuel econ.

Suggestions?

jake

jetta or civic.

theyre the ones that will cost you less in the long run.

rico

Ever considered 2 or 3 Lada's? J/K:D

But I would get a mint MR2 Supercharged and mod it, but this is probably not what you had in mind.

So, I'm going to say VW GTI or Jetta (if she is in town, I would recommend the Diesel, as it has tons of torque, very useful around town. But I have heard tales of high maintenance costs...)

Go with the civic. Its the most likely to last up in the great white north. btw Nimble and quick are pretty subjective, but the civic at least "feels" quick for a small car. The good gas milage is a given.

My mom got a 1 year old Grand Am SE V6 with solid value package (16 inch wheels, ~140 watt stereo), with 11000km, for just under 20 grand Canadian. It has a few problems, though:(

civic si .... :evillaugh
vtec all the way home baby............

I have the 2002 ZX3 and very happy with it. If you can, get it with a 5 speed manual and the premium package. That one has larger rims, better tires, and a little stiffer suspension. Hardly a racer, but fun to drive.

the zx3 and the se-r are good choices too.. but i still like the civic

I vote the 2.5 RS it's pretty quick and should handle the best out of those cars I'm pretty biased though because I absolutely love Suby's. Oh and I agree with the MR2 SC idea I would really enjoy to have one of those bad boys.

yeah, i'd personally go with the rs out of those, but the mr2 idea is the best if she's willing to look at those.

get a used si.. 99 or 00
the new ones are just fugly..