I appreciate the suggestions. Here is a short list of needs:
1: hatch for dog crate and other bulky items
2: 30+ mpg
3: seating for 4-5 comfortably.
4: cheap
The vehicle I am replacing my STi with will never "replace" my STi. It is meant to be a DD/Commuter car. A simple reliable car to get from a-b. This concept is foreign to me, I have always had a car/truck/jeep that was extremely purpose built wether it be for offroading, mudding, or autocross. I am not comfortable with buying a boring car just for transportation. However, when I think about the amount of financial stress it will releive for me and my wife and the amount of new places I will be able to mountain bike it really seems promising. I may or may not auto cross this new car. Initially I wanted a pickup truck, but fuel economy is a huge factor in this decision. The Ford ecoboost f-150 is what I really want, but price is too high. I still really like the mini cooper s but it is just not practical to have 2 minis in one household. I regularly drive family and friends around Dallas. Trust me guys I am not excited about this transition in my life and do not look forward to seeing my Sti go, but I have to a man about this and do whats best for me and my wife. What kind of man would drive a Ford Fiesta? LOL.
Just so you all know, I am writing all of this to justify to you all as well as myself why I am doing this. I constantly have to remind myself of why I am doing this. Also in case any of you were wondering this WAS NOT my wife's idea. I came up with this and my wife has told me everytime I talk about it (constantly) that I do not have to sell my car.
/rant