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

[FriskyDingo]

The WRX and STI are fun toy cars, but they are just too unrefined, cheap, and ragged for enjoyable daily drivers, imo. That's what turned me off from them.

[mwh2009]

Originally Posted by FriskyDingo

The WRX and STI are fun toy cars, but they are just too unrefined, cheap, and ragged for enjoyable daily drivers, imo. That's what turned me off from them.

Less refined for sure. I think I may have been different than the average F80 buyer in that I only appreciate so much luxury in the first place.

Only got the exec pkg for the HUD and because my wife would kill me if it didn't have heated seats. Fancy leathers don't mean much to me.

I think the thing I'll miss most other than the engine is the ergonomics of the M3 - everything is just perfectly placed. Not so on other cars.

The mini as one example is just a comedy of bad ergonomics - love the driving dynamics but whoever thought of putting the handbrake directly underneath the armrest along with the MMI controls should get fired. And I'm 6'2" and I can barely reach the rear view mirror to adjust it!? How is that even possible?

The WRX is very rough around the edges. It's sort of acceptable at a $20k price point, but the WRX limiteds are $35+. Golf R sounds great on paper, but I can't find one within 50 miles even to test drive. And the GTI has a terrible reliability reputation (I've no idea if that's well deserved or not).

Tough decisions ...

[mwh2009]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

It's getting $10k off already. Check out the other post on these forums where it is being discussed.

I saw one in grey that looked like a paint to specification m3 grey. Looked great.

But even $42k I think wouldn't be great for OP situation and the change in badge of primary from M3 to Kia would be tough

Right - Stinger is not the car for me at any price really, but I think they're progressing impressively nowadays.

I remember when Toyota and Lexus and Nissan/Infiniti did this in the 80's/90's. I think Kia and Hyundai are doing it again.

[rosenbergendo]

M240.

[FriskyDingo]

Originally Posted by mwh2009

Less refined for sure. I think I may have been different than the average F80 buyer in that I only appreciate so much luxury in the first place.

Only got the exec pkg for the HUD and because my wife would kill me if it didn't have heated seats. Fancy leathers don't mean much to me.

I think the thing I'll miss most other than the engine is the ergonomics of the M3 - everything is just perfectly placed. Not so on other cars.

The mini as one example is just a comedy of bad ergonomics - love the driving dynamics but whoever thought of putting the handbrake directly underneath the armrest along with the MMI controls should get fired. And I'm 6'2" and I can barely reach the rear view mirror to adjust it!? How is that even possible?

The WRX is very rough around the edges. It's sort of acceptable at a $20k price point, but the WRX limiteds are $35+. Golf R sounds great on paper, but I can't find one within 50 miles even to test drive. And the GTI has a terrible reliability reputation (I've no idea if that's well deserved or not).

Tough decisions ...

2 years and 22K miles in, my GTI has been rock solid, as have friends'. Seems like early build 15 cars can have turbo issues, but nothing major and/or really common with them beyond that. No reason why it should be any less reliable than the R, seeing as in how many components they share. Statistically, the Mexico-built cars have had fewer problems per car than the Wolfsburg ones.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by rosenbergendo

M240.

So close in price to used 2015 m3 and new m2 I foresee a huge dose of buyer's remorse with that approach

[cwhands]

I have an Audi A3 Hatch and an F80. Obviously there's a big power difference and FWD vs RWD, but the car is still fun for me and I still look back when I park it.

You'll have plenty of "affordable" fun in a GTI. The motors have been around for a long time and therefore you'll know what to watch out for based on research.

Mine is an 06 with FSI motor. Been tuned for ~70k miles, 112k on the odometer. It's fun, practical, and M tax does not apply to 4 cylinder VAG platform, meaning you can make any changes you want without burning a hole in your pocket. If you could find a used Audi A3 hatch in stick you'd be much happier with the Fit/Finish vs the GTI, although they may as well be the same car.

I enjoy both cars, obviously one blends in better than the other, but who cares?

It would be hard for me to go from the Audi (which I've had for 12 years) to a (much) newer VW. Either way, I really think you'll be happy if you go this route. There has never been a time in my Audi where I was thinking to myself "Damn, I really wish I was driving the BMW instead."

[nicknaz]

^ I don't know about the A3.

I rented on a while back to do a DE when I visited family in Toronto and it wasn't fun because fwd. understeer all day every day and open front diff. No thanks. maybe the awd ones are better? Or I guess for street only commuter it's a fine choice.

[cwhands]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

^ I don't know about the A3.

I rented on a while back to do a DE when I visited family in Toronto and it wasn't fun because fwd. understeer all day every day and open front diff. No thanks. maybe the awd ones are better? Or I guess for street only commuter it's a fine choice.

You've got to figure that understeer is a problem even on the AWD ones. There was talk about this even with the new RS3. Figure the GTI will have the same issue as the A3 and it are nearly the same. I was just trying to point out the fit/finish of Audi is closer to what he had in his BMW versus a VW.

I don't even attempt to drive the A3 like I drive my M3, it just wouldn't work. As you said, street only, commuting, etc.. it's perfect for that. I think something along those lines would be fitting for OP.

[FriskyDingo]

Originally Posted by cwhands

You've got to figure that understeer is a problem even on the AWD ones. There was talk about this even with the new RS3. Figure the GTI will have the same issue as the A3 and it are nearly the same. I was just trying to point out the fit/finish of Audi is closer to what he had in his BMW versus a VW.

I don't even attempt to drive the A3 like I drive my M3, it just wouldn't work. As you said, street only, commuting, etc.. it's perfect for that. I think something along those lines would be fitting for OP.

Mk7 GTI drives leagues better than the last gen A3. From a dynamic standpoint. And I honestly don't think it gives up anything from an interior standpoint, either.

[cwhands]

Originally Posted by FriskyDingo

Mk7 GTI drives leagues better than the last gen A3. From a dynamic standpoint. And I honestly don't think it gives up anything from an interior standpoint, either.

I suppose this is all subjective. I may have misinterpreted the OP, just throwing out similar options to what he posted with price flexibility to get him by until his next M.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

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.

Me too - it's a great little package, and you get a lot for 30K.

[Damage Inc]

Personally I'd rather have some exciting a few years old, then a newer economy box.

E90 M3 sedan. Manual. Easily fit into your budget. Set aside $2k for the rod bearings.

M240i manual.

Stretch the budget for a higher mileage 2016 M2 manual.

Good luck.

[AlterZgo]

Originally Posted by mwh2009

Would you recommend the Accord 2.0T over the Civic Si?

I 2nd and 3rd those who are recommending a 2018 Honda Accord sport 6MT. I’m beginning to see them on the road and they look sharp as hell. Also, Honda makes some of the best shifting manual transmissions. I would say get the Accord over the Civic which I think looks way overwrought bordering on ridiculous. Accord gets you more space to carry the family and likely better ride quality and refinement. The Hondata flash recently released should kick ass. It would be very similar to your Legacy GT except roomier and more refined and quicker.

[TTony]

E9x M3. Then come back and talk about how much better it sounds, lol.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Personally I'd rather have some exciting a few years old, then a newer economy box.

E90 M3 sedan. Manual. Easily fit into your budget. Set aside $2k for the rod bearings.

M240i manual.

Stretch the budget for a higher mileage 2016 M2 manual.

Good luck.

Problem with used cars is that you don’t have the best idea of how they were treated or serviced, unless you’re buying from a known entity. And they typically have a smaller warranty than a newer car too.

And the GTI, for example, isn’t an economy car. It’s a great little package of fun, luxury, and dependability 6 years/72k mile warranty) all wrapped into one. If I had to downsize a bit on the car front, it’s absolutely the car I would choose.

[TTony]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Problem with used cars is that you don’t have the best idea of how they were treated or serviced, unless you’re buying from a known entity. And they typically have a smaller warranty than a newer car too.

And the GTI, for example, isn’t an economy car. It’s a great little package of fun, luxury, and dependability 6 years/72k mile warranty) all wrapped into one. If I had to downsize a bit on the car front, it’s absolutely the car I would choose.

You can do the CarMax warranty mod... 6 yrs from date of purchase and up to 125k total miles. Even better warranty than available new.

[swifty]

^ya but do they pay out?

Use VW authorized shops or only select shops of their choosing.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by swifty

^ya but do they pay out?

Use VW authorized shops or only select shops of their choosing.

I think you have to go back to carmax for the work (based on a colleague who got an elantra from them). Anyone have first hand experience?

I'm surprised no one here was brought up the Chevy Bolt. Running costs on the electrics is a lot lower and the quietness is amazing

The best deals are on the lightly used ~80 miles range class of EV

[Ian1973]

Except you can't get the manual in the upper level trims. Better off with a Mazda 3 or 6.

[asuh1991]

This is so odd to me. I keep reading news articles and blogs online saying most people buy cars that they really shouldn't, even though they technically could "afford" it. But I have yet to meet anyone in the flesh who fits that profile.

All of my friends who drive an M4 level of car and beyond probably have net worths of 10 mil+ and they most definitely wouldn't have to sell it for any reason even under hard times.

I mean even my dad lost a few million dollars in a bad business venture and it didn't impact his lifestyle whatsoever.

Anyways, if I had to buy a car under 35k I'd probably get a STI.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by asuh1991

This is so odd to me.

But I have yet to meet anyone in the flesh who fits that profile.

All of my friends who drive an M4 level of car and beyond probably have net worths of 10 mil+

I mean even my dad lost a few million dollars in a bad business venture and it didn't impact his lifestyle whatsoever.

Good for you that you were born into a wealthy family and have wealthy friends