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

[FriskyDingo]

New GTI hands down. Way less to purchase than an R, and more fun to drive.


I cross-shopped w/ literally everything on your short list and then some for my last daily. Wasn't even really a contest. The only other car that was even a maybe was the Golf R.

The manual SS is brilliant, but a practical unicorn.

[MR_M2]

2018 golf gti S. Comes with 6 years 72k miles warranty.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by ///M-Furby

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

Driven by Honda with a multitude of modifications. Bogus time.

[aerostar]

Originally Posted by shahrez

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

Uh, it fits all the categories that he's looking for.

For the price there's not many other RWD saloons you can buy.

[nicknaz]

Hi Op, sorry to hear about the job loss and props for doing the right thing financially.

In your shoes, i would go with old/modified cars like e36 m3 sedan if you wanted to stay with BMW. At least you'd have the raw old school feeling to draw on

It would have a hard time with a 335 after an m3 since they are so similar in day to day driving.

As for the golf r and similar cars, those could work well. My vote is type r for that hot hatch group.

[BIGW0RM]

Sti Hands Down. Golf Over A Sti? Really? Lmfao. STI all the way for the 35K max.

[///M4ster Yoda]

e9x ///M with winter tires. Done and Done

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

e9x ///M with winter tires. Done and Done

Not very economical when you factor in fuel and maintenance costs vs like a new Golf but I agree the best choice if you want fun!

[einscot]

nissan xterra pro-4x. you can't go wrong. it's got 4 doors and cargo space. definitely available with MT, and has the engine performance you desire. and gets better or equal mpg as your old M3.

i know because it was my daily for 5 years before my M. and it was glorious!

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Not very economical when you factor in fuel and maintenance costs vs like a new Golf but I agree the best choice if you want fun!

Agreed. I figured the OP is getting rid of his bucket list car and making a big concession why not add some fun into the mix.

It's not as much of a downgrade as all the other choices. Some would say it's an upgrade with that big ass V8.

OP could also go e92 335/335is with the N54. I loved my tuned 335is.

I guess I would go Golf R/GTI from the initial list if those were my only choices.

[aerostar]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Sti Hands Down. Golf Over A Sti? Really? Lmfao. STI all the way for the 35K max.

Agreed.

A WRX or STI would definitely be a lot more fun than the Golf.

Also has a bit more legroom for the rear if you need it.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by aerostar

Agreed.

A WRX or STI would definitely be a lot more fun than the Golf.

Also has a bit more legroom for the rear if you need it.

Here the problem

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

Agreed. I figured the OP is getting rid of his bucket list car and making a big concession why not add some fun into the mix.

It's not as much of a downgrade as all the other choices. Some would say it's an upgrade with that big ass V8.

OP could also go e92 335/335is with the N54. I loved my tuned 335is.

I guess I would go Golf R/GTI from the initial list if those were my only choices.

I had an FBO 6MT M4 and now FBO DCT E92. 0-60 I notice no difference due to the transmission and traction.

Now on a roll kick its very obvious im missing gobs of power. But on the flip side it sounds really really good.

Its a great choice I obviously agree . I got my 2011 zcp fully loaded with 22k miles for 37k shipped across the country. Cant find many cars better for the price IMO.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I had an FBO 6MT M4 and now FBO DCT E92. 0-60 I notice no difference due to the transmission and traction.

Now on a 60 kick its very obvious im missing gobs of power. But on the flip side ir sounds really really good.

Its a great choice I obviously agree . I got my 2011 with 22k miles for 37k shipped across the country. Cant find many cars better for the price IMO.

I think I read one of your posts about going back to the e9x ///M. Was it the S55 shit can sound that you wanted to get away from?

[aerostar]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

Here the problem

I agree.

I wish the STI didn't come w/ such a big wing. The old limited versions looked good.

I miss my WRX sometimes. It was a fun little car and was damn reliable.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

I think I read one of your posts about going back to the e9x ///M. Was it the S55 shit can sound that you wanted to get away from?

Yeah in the end the car cost too much for me to have such a big flaw(sound). I tried everything to like it but I just never did. I miss parts of it for sure. The S55 is a great motor sans sound.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by aerostar

I agree.

I wish the STI didn't come w/ such a big wing. The old limited versions looked good.

I miss my WRX sometimes. It was a fun little car and was damn reliable.

Yeah I considered an STI as well but at 38 I dont want to be driving up to my office with that wing.

[48Laws]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Sti Hands Down. Golf Over A Sti? Really? Lmfao. STI all the way for the 35K max.

The STI ship has left port. I’ve owned two at the height of the Suby/Mitsu rivalry. That car has an image issue in ‘18. Aggressive styling yet 300 horses. Still! At least the GTI isn’t having an identity crisis.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Yeah in the end the car cost too much for me to have such a big flaw(sound). I tried everything to like it but I just never did. I miss parts of it for sure. The S55 is a great motor sans sound.

I agree. I like everything about my M4 but the sound. It's a lease so I really don't want to deal with putting an exhaust etc etc... just to remove and sell at lease end.

Sounds like you did all that and it still didn't fix the fart can sound.

My 335is DCT sounded better then this car :

That car did have a "special" sport exhaust to be fair

[JibSTir13]

Totally agree that the STi is way past its prime.

I had an '05 STi with 300 HP (stock). Now, 13 years later, the STi has 305 HP. Completely unacceptable for a performance sedan to get a mere 5 HP increase in over a decade.

But out of the choices OP listed, I would still consider the STi.

[itrocks4u]

I respect you

[mwh2009]

Originally Posted by nars3000

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.

I hate you. And I kind of agree. Nothing brings retroactive clarity like the unexpected loss of income. We can live on one salary (and have for many years), but we let our eyes get bigger than our wallets occasionally and here we are.