No need to lose 5k on trade. Sell it outright. Gas is high, it will sell very quickly for a good price.

Buy your next car private party. AZ has no sales tax on private party auto sales.

 

Nobody does an MT like Honda... I've only had one that came close, and strangely it was a gmc pickup - the shifter was straight into the tranny, no linkage or such, and it felt great. The one in the Element was ok, but not up to what I expect from Honda.

As far as Hyundai and Kia. The cars' quality is head and shoulders above what it was even a few years back. When CR is willing to give them a "recommended," theyre worth a look. I've met more than a few people who jumped from Japanese brands and are on their second now.