Automobile Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

I drive around 25-30k miles per year. And I'm a car-nut which sucks because I tend to get bored with my cars quite quickly and I've taken depreciation hits over the years when I trade or sell my cars on an annual basis.  

Most of my experience is with VW, BMW, and Subaru.  I like the styling of VW, but hate the dealers and the depreciation.  I love the driving of the BMW, but don't care for the maintenance and depreciation.  And Subarus are in a rut of building chincy cars.  I've been looking for a new/used car and quite frankly I'm sick of trying to find that perfect vehicle.

Here is what I am looking for.  Can I get some input on the cars to consider?

Captivating - so i don't get bored and wish for something more interesting.
Efficiency - So I don't spend a ton of $ on gas every day.
Utility - I have 2 kids in car seats and haul a lot of skis and gear in the winter.
Fun to drive - I don't want some numb driving toyotaesqe type of car.
Residual - I want something that will hold it's value if I wish to part with it in a couple years.

Thanks for your input.  I look forward to what "auto enthusiasts" suggest.  

Try the new 2010 Subaru Legacy. It's much, much nicer than the last Legacy and not too expensive.  

The 2010 Ford Flex seems like a car you might want to try. With the EcoBoos system now installed, you can get performance and power without hurting your fuel efficiency. This will go great with your need to haul, fuel efficiency, and space for your kids and ski gear. With the SYNC system and edgy interior you'll have plenty to look at and show off. Though it's only the 2nd year it's been out not sure about the residual but I'm sure it's not going to drop dramatically.  
Life....it's not about how hard you can hit but how hard you can get hit and keep pushing forward, how much you can take and keep pushing forward! - Rocky Balboa

I agree, the FORD FLEX is a looker and nicely done.  get the turbo engine  -- if its available...you might have to go to the lincoln mkt to get the turbo engine...buy american...yeah  ...support your own.  

Don't buy a Honda.  They had transmission problems from 1999-2003 and now that customers are coming back to Honda, they simply turn them away or offer minimal settlements on repairs that cost $5,200.  There's something wrong with a company that knows it has a serious transmission problem affecting multiple models and running for multiple years.