Needin' a new DD

[Overdrive]

I share Johnny's recommendation, but I'll add don't be afraid to go for a WRX as opposed to a WRX STi.

Since you're looking for a car to get you through the winter and other unfair weather, I figure you'll want something that will handle the snow well. And I have to say your list of considerations will handle the snow halfway decently, at best, unless you're planning on having a set of snow tires ready to go for the winter. The 'Speed3 is a great car, but I think it might be a bit out of its element in the winter.

FWD is definitely better than RWD when it comes to snow, but I'd say go for AWD if you can, which kind of leaves you with things like Subarus and Audis.

Audi A3?: Details of Used 2007 Audi A3, JEFFERSON, NY - Yahoo! Autos

It's pretty much a luxed-up (4dr) Golf/GTI with AWD.

EDIT: Not that I think you'd do this, but I'll say it anyways: if you're going to go for a Mk V GTI, stay away from the DSG models.

[Topless]

Allow me to throw another possibility into the mix: Lexus RX330
2004 Lexus RX 330 Summary

My wife has been driving one of these RX variants since 1999. She put 240K on the RX300 and we now have 90K on the RX330. It should not be confused with a sporty Boxster, Mazdaspeed3 or GTI but it is a very capable winter DD/Grocery getter/dog hauler with build quality second to none and a lot of elegance and creature comfort. It would nicely round out your fleet with some all-weather capability. You could probably find one for $15-18k and they hold their value well.

[laphan]

Civic si 6speed manual has issue with gear popping out. It is expensive to fix. I used to have a housemate who owns a 08 subaru wrx. It was fun in the snow. Great awd system and you still get that boxer engine note. The turbo whine is also quite addicting.