These Are The Cars Our Readers Wish They Could Still Buy New

Some of us come to terms with it later than others, but one of the most important lessons a child can learn is that you can't always get what you want. We are not the center of the universe, and sometimes things just don't go our way. As a kid, that often meant not being able to eat as much ice cream as you wanted or having to go to bed before the movie was over, but the same lesson applies as an adult, especially if you're a car enthusiast. For some reason, the automotive world doesn't revolve around a tiny group of folks who are still happy to shift their own gears.

That doesn't mean we can't complain about not being able to get what we want among other like-minded enthusiasts. On Tuesday, we asked you what canceled cars you wished you could still buy new. We got a lot of different answers, so let's take a look at the cars all of you chose.

Honda S2000

Styling still works, the F20C revved to 9k with one of the slickest shifting 6 speeds out there. It even had a digital dash. Just update with a screen for Carplay / Android Auto and you're good to go.

Suggested by: BRJ1243

The third-generation Mazda3.

For a brief few model years (I want to say...2016 through 2018), you could basically configure it any way you wanted – every trim was available in automatic or manual, choice of sedan or hatchback, could choose either the 2.0 or 2.5 engine on the mid-tier and top trims, you got a proper multilink rear suspension, it had indirect TPMS, colors weren't limited to specific combinations, and the kit you got at any price was a bargain – MSRPs ran $18K to about $26K.

The fourth generation car is nicer to sit in but nowhere near the same value, driving experience, or customizable in the spec. The stick is relegated to one $31K+ trim without the AWD or turbo (and moved some kit that was standard on the $26K top trim from the previous generation to an additional option package), and the change to a torsion beam rear end was immediately noticeable on the test drive with much poorer compliance and confidence on imperfect streets.

I'm real glad I got my third gen when I did. Top trim hatchback, 2.5 6MT...9 years and 120K in with just basic maintenance, I'm not letting it go until it dies. Best car I've ever owned, bar none.

Suggested by: Turbolence1988 Loves Magic Turn Circles

Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec – I think the W221 is the most stylish modern S-Class, and I love the idea of one that can get 30+ mpg. However they're prohibitively expensive to keep up with, and I wasn't in any position to even dream of a car like this when they were new in 2013. There's only one very particular situation where I'd be able to own such a car; if I bought it new with extended warranty coverage.

The closest equivalent is perhaps an S580e, the hybrid S-Class, but it doesn't hit the same as a "modern diesel Mercedes."

Suggested by: Aldairion

It seems we're on a theme so as much as I hate to recycle my answer: a Ford Focus ST. I'm in the market for a used hot hatch and everything is either beat beyond belief or asking ridiculous sums because it isn't. If a new Focus ST could be found I think I'd likely bite the bullet and just buy new.

If we're entering more wishful thinking, I'd go with a stripped-down (without all the electronics that make them impossible to maintain yourself) BMW wagon with an inline 6 and a 6 speed manual. That would also make me bite the new-car-bullet.

Suggested by: SantaCruzin6

The Last Gen Viper. Ugh I adored this car, just the raw nature only America could do and maybe TVR. A V10, over 600 horses, manual, not to mention almost posting a time into the 6s at 'The Ring' for a manual car, it was such a forbidden fruit. Did it sell well? eh I think they sold every one it produced, but for a base of 90K$ you could at least think about affording one. now they are near unobtainable you Ba$#%&ds!

Suggested by: darthspartan117

Mazda B2000 Longbed Pickup Truck.

I know, weird choice. I had one for about 9 years until it was stolen (recovered abandoned, missing the engine and transmission and all the interior knobs!). It was a wonderfully useful and reliable vehicle. The only changes I'd make would be a more fuel-efficient and powerful engine. Even 165 hp would be a great upgrade (it was, I think, a whopping 107 hp!). I don't need or want a super-long, four-door longbed monstrosity and shortbeds are for people who don't use their trucks as trucks!

Suggested by: NotLewisHamilton

The last Saab 9-3 SportCombi. Always wanted a Saab, but the high mileage, general state of disrepair, and lack of parts always made me hesitate. IIRC you could get it with a 6 speed manual and a 2.8L turbo V6 with 280 HP. They were just so damn weird and I loved them.

Suggested by: MrMcGeein3D

Hand down, the Honda Fit. It's enough car for 90% of drivers, immensely practical, Honda reliable, inexpensive, and spacious enough that a family of giants can sit in it no problem. It's a real loss that the Fit isn't sold anymore.

Otherwise, the VW Golf Sportwagen/Alltrack. These were great wagons and the 1.8L engine was also superb. Plus they came in green.

Suggested by: OnceInAMillenia

I still miss the Mazda5, a veritable Tardis of a car that still drove almost as well as the Mazda3 it was based on. When ours was totaled we had to settle for a CX-5. It does drive well but it's so inefficiently packaged. I'd love a Skyactiv powered 5 with a little more ground clearance

Suggested by: Slow Joe Crow

Subaru Baja, especially the turbo model with a manual transmission.

These things command way more dollars than they have any right to for a vehicle that was criticized at the time for being a terrible truck. I really wish Subaru would jump back into the truck market with a Ford Maverick competitor.

Suggested by: Fluffy6079

Though I agree on the MK7.5, the only car I'd put above it, especially if new...

an original IS300.

Suggested by: Barada_nikto_byotch

Jeep Cherokee XJ

Suggested by: OutForARip

Subaru Forester XT, the 2008 WRX with a Forester body, THE car if you're into traveling in the Arctic in the winter

Suggested by: RallyRoadie

Hear me out here, not beautiful, not sporty, but I think the Honda Element puts the U back in SUV. It was a great stripped down SUV that you can almost spray clean the interior with a hose. It was versatile for families and as work van hauler.

Suggested by: Chris Otto