Well, since my nightmare with Ford is just about done, I'll have a paid off loan and about a 13-14k check coming my way. Some of that is going towards bills, but obviously need to get a new car. Unless I get a good deal, I will most likely lease due to the lower down/monthly payment and I don't drive very far to work, less than 6 miles each way and in 3 years, Astylla and I will be in much better financial situation and hopefully own a home by then.
I am looking at either mid size sedan's, or possibly a crossover/small SUV. The only thing is it won't be american. I've bought 4 cars in my life. An 86 civic hatchback that ran great till an idiot mechanic fucked me and I got rid of it, a 99 Cavalier that was a steaming pile of shit, an 08 Civic that was great, but was a little cramped for long drives (we typically drive to Disneyland 2-3 times a year, so 6-7 hours in it was a little rough), and a 13 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which you can find my opinion of in the random fail thread.
We test drove a 16 Sonata tonight, which drove really nice. Took a quick look at a 15 Passat, and was way too cramped and the layout of the audio/navigation controls blew, so that's out the window. The 15 Honda CRV looked really nice, but didn't get a chance to test drive as it was getting late. Corollas unless they redesigned the 15 & 16's are out as well as the steering column sits way too low even at it's highest setting.
Essentially, what's going to get me solid gas mileage in a non hybrid? I would like something that can get an average of 25-30mpg. I'm currently renting a Chrystler 300 on Ford's dime and i'm ever so grateful that Ford is picking up the gas tab, cause the mileage fucking blows unless you are cruising at 75-80 for long stretches. I'm just under 6'3 and about 250lb so I need something that's a bit on the roomy end. I don't need AWD/4WD as we don't go anywhere that can have snow issues as we only typically drive to Reno during spring/summer. Bay area is typically pretty mild for weather.