Sold the M3 this week. I'll be back (one day?). Need new less expensive ride

[mwh2009]

Wife got downsized at her job. Having belt-tightening conversations about budget over morning coffee and then jumping into my $70k sports car to go to work was just too surreal.

So I sold my bucket list car. Been having a non-stop funeral in my head over it. I know it's just a car, but it was more than that to me. *sigh*

Anyway, I hope to be back some day. My daughter goes off to college in 2 years, so it might not be for a while.

In the meantime, I'm looking for suggestions for a sensible fun DD car. Here are my criteria:

• Under $35k
• 4 door (prolly sedan or hatchback)
• AWD (preferably, FWD if not, and RWD only if it's truly a steal)
• Manual Transmission (non-negotiable)
• At least 220hp, and similar torque or better
• Lightly used (CPO-ish) is OK

My list so far is:

• Golf GTI or Golf R
• WRX or STI
• Hardtop 4dr Cooper S
• Chevy SS (really hard to find in a manual)

OK - let'er rip - open to other suggestions or thoughts on the list above.

[Super Spartan]

Golf GTI gets my vote if it's not the car you're planning to keep for a long time but just a nice daily driver until things get back on track.

[joeyb26]

might be able to find a nice 6 speed CPO 335i for 35K

[Jaymax85]

Golf r

[sandjam]

GOLF GTI! I have my M4 and a Golf. I just bought the Golf as a winter car so The M4 could stay in the garage. But I love driving that car, its quick and nimble and it is super versatile. With the seats down you can carry so many things because of the way they designed it. The high roof and wide body with no wheel wells in the interior give tons of cargo space. I have hauled a Gas Grill, Dining Table, just big things I thought I'd have to rent a truck for. It never occurred to me when I bought it how versatile it was. Stay away from Coopers, I had a Cooper S. Although fun to drive had 3 things I hated. Ride was too hard. Windshield was too steep of an angle. At a stop light you can't see the light unless you stop way before the light. Replaced 2 windshields because stones hit it direct on because its so steep.

[48Laws]

E9X M. Good luck!

[aerostar]

Kia Stinger

[TurboSid]

Focus RS with a little higher budget

[JuanK20]

Civic Type R

[ando]

2018 Honda Accord the redesigned one with 6MT of course. New car with a warranty potentially reduces your repair budget and it's supposed to be a great ride.

[///M-Furby]

After watching the first episode of Dirty Money I will never buy a VW.

What about the Mitsu Evo?

At under 35k, you could also look at an e9x m3. Those v8s are fun. Out of warranty, but still, under 35k.

I also 2nd the Civic Type R. Sucker landed fast lap on nurburgring for front wheel

[minn19]

Out of that group a Golf R.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by ///M-Furby

After watching the first episode of Dirty Money I will never buy a VW.

What about the Mitsu Evo?

At under 35k, you could also look at an e9x m3. Those v8s are fun. Out of warranty, but still, under 35k.

I also 2nd the Civic Type R. Sucker landed fast lap on nurburgring for front wheel

BMW may not be so clean as there is a developing story regarding collusion and emissions with them. Plus plenty we don't know about I'm guessing.

[aerostar]

I wouldn't get a Mitsu Evo.

Car's been discontinued and getting parts may be a hassle.

[hatepotholez]

sorry about losing the M and the wife's job, at the end of the day it's a car and not worth the financial stress right now. There will always be fun cars out there!

I wouldn't suggest an out of warranty M they have high maintenance bills, this will hurt the wallet. A new lease might be the most cost effective, if your going to get back into an M later on. I believe a golf r can he be had in the 500's. My buddy got an sti for around $540 a month(lease), nice little car.

[uniqueMR]

Golf GTI or Cooper S

[alex2364]

Why AWD when you had a RWD M3? I would get a slightly used RWD 330i/340i.

[ferrarifast]

Originally Posted by aerostar

Kia Stinger

Just No... There is no sensible reason to buy a Kia Stinger, no matter the circumstances

[Golfster]

Originally Posted by ///M-Furby

After watching the first episode of Dirty Money I will never buy a VW.

What about the Mitsu Evo?

At under 35k, you could also look at an e9x m3. Those v8s are fun. Out of warranty, but still, under 35k.

I also 2nd the Civic Type R. Sucker landed fast lap on nurburgring for front wheel

If a fuel/EPA scandal is bothersome, you may not want to read about BMW’s Günther Quandt.

Of the OP’s list, I’d go with the GTI.

[FriedPiston]

Get a used car under $10k. Sacrifice your "wants" for a few years until the household income situation stabilizes. You shouldn't get back into a $35k or higher car until you can live off comfortably on one salary for 5+ years.

[NicoleLusts4BMW]

Sounds like you probably couldn't afford the bucket list car ever. If a down sizing of a job made you sell you were not financially capable of owning a $75K vehicle. GL.

[JibSTir13]

I would get a new car or a CPO one with an extended warranty what with college tuition and change in your current economic situation to avoid spending $ on fixing the car if something breaks.

Golf R or STi would be at the top of my list.