Suggest me a car with these criteria...

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Bradystraps
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Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by Bradystraps » Sun Sep 10, 2017 8:26 am

OK, my wife says I'm having my mid-life crisis. I disagree. I mean, heck... I'm only 28................. in my mind, that is. :lol:

I want some thing fun to drive, yet practical.

Criteria

1. Four doors. Can't do a two door coupe. Yet.
2. Fun to drive and quick. Looking for at least 200+ HP.
3. FWD or AWD.
4. Good average MPG of at least 25.
5. Safe. Most cars these days are safe so this should be easy.
6. Reliable. Need something that has good ratings.

Looking at 2014/15 models to get maximum value. I am considering the Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Si at this time. Not sure I can pull off the hood scoop of the Subaru WRX or Mazdaspeed 3. My absolute fave is the M3 but I will need to get my kids through college before I take that plunge.

Fire away, petrol heads. :salute:

:cheers:
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hoppyjr
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Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by hoppyjr » Sun Sep 10, 2017 8:32 am

Edit: I just noticed you were looking 2014/2015, but the below still applies. Stretch a bit and do this, you'll appreciate it each day you drive.


Buy a certified pre-owned BMW 3-Series or Audi A4. You'll spend about Honda Civic Si money, but you'll have a car much closer to your dream car. CPO cars from Audi and BMW have a total of 6 years/100k miles warranty coverage, so look for a 2016 to get the best bang for your buck.

Mercedes Benz also does CPO and gives unlimited mileage, even allowing you to buy up to 7 years coverage (from original sale date).

My ex had her Beetle TDI recalled and was shopping the Mazda 3 and Civic Touring. She picked up a 6-month old Audi A3, very nicely equipped, for less than the cost of the Mazda or Honda.

It's a no-brainer.

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Bradystraps
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by Bradystraps » Sun Sep 10, 2017 8:38 am

hoppyjr wrote:
Sun Sep 10, 2017 8:32 am
Edit: I just noticed you were looking 2014/2015, but the below still applies. Stretch a bit and do this, you'll appreciate it each day you drive.


Buy a certified pre-owned BMW 3-Series or Audi A4. You'll spend about Honda Civic Si money, but you'll have a car much closer to your dream car. CPO cars from Audi and BMW have a total of 6 years/100k miles warranty coverage, so look for a 2016 to get the best bang for your buck.

Mercedes Benz also does CPO and gives unlimited mileage, even allowing you to buy up to 7 years coverage (from original sale date).

My ex had her Beetle TDI recalled and was shopping the Mazda 3 and Civic Touring. She picked up a 6-month old Audi A3, very nicely equipped, for less than the cost of the Mazda or Honda.

It's a no-brainer.

Done both already, Ed. I've had CPO 330i and A4. Great while under CPO, awful once it's gone. Too much $$$ to fix shit once you hit 120K+.
Looking to buy something with low miles that's been kept up perfectly that has a bit of a sports car feel. Both the 330 and A4 were too "sedany" to me.
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streetracer101
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by streetracer101 » Sun Sep 10, 2017 8:58 am

Heres a few:
Subaru WRX/STI -You won't see 25mpg in a Subaru rex/sti. STI will be closer to 18, maybe 20 if you drive like a granny. The new styling is ugly(er) and the power-train is dated.
Ford Focus RS - killer machine if you can afford it and like the styling...but it is a bit boy racer. Hatch will happily fit your crap.
VW Golf R - again hatch, but great option.
BMW X1 xdrive35i is a incognito beast with 300hp, but polarizing styling.
Infiniti q50 hybrid - it's another sleeper beast dressed in 4 doors.
BMW Alpina B7 - big ass 4 door with over 500hp. Can be found for under $40k used (about 5 yrs old), which is a steal since they cost $120k+ new.

I second what Hoppy says about CPO..get it if you can find what you're looking for. As for a 3 series - meh unless you're buying the one of the bigger engine turbo versions. The 320i is gutless and is more oriented toward the person that wants a BMW badge, but doesn't care as much about performance. If I was going that route, it'd be 340i, but they are expensive.

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CGSshorty
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by CGSshorty » Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:01 am

VW GTI with an APR tune.
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by TSD » Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:09 am

CGSshorty wrote:
Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:01 am
VW GTI with an APR tune.
You read my mind. Had a chipped VR6 in school law school. Total sleeper rocket.

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CGSshorty
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by CGSshorty » Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:29 am

I've had an A4 1.8T with extensive upgrades by APR and a VW R32. I'm thinking of going back to a GTI or an R when I get rid of my pickup.
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JDC222
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by JDC222 » Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:33 am

Bradystraps wrote:OK, my wife says I'm having my mid-life crisis. I disagree. I mean, heck... I'm only 28................. in my mind, that is. :lol:

I want some thing fun to drive, yet practical.

Criteria

1. Four doors. Can't do a two door coupe. Yet.
2. Fun to drive and quick. Looking for at least 200+ HP.
3. FWD or AWD.
4. Good average MPG of at least 25.
5. Safe. Most cars these days are safe so this should be easy.
6. Reliable. Need something that has good ratings.

Looking at 2014/15 models to get maximum value. I am considering the Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Si at this time. Not sure I can pull off the hood scoop of the Subaru WRX or Mazdaspeed 3. My absolute fave is the M3 but I will need to get my kids through college before I take that plunge.

Fire away, petrol heads. :salute:

:cheers:
It sounds like you are just looking for another family car!?

Mid-life crisis cars do not have any criteria or restrictions.

Pick up a used 328i X-Drive or a 3 Series Merc.

These are "mid-life crisis" vehicles...lol

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dnslater
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by dnslater » Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:53 am

CGSshorty wrote:
Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:01 am
VW GTI with an APR tune.
Yep, more mature design than the alternatives from Ford and Subaru and has a terrific interior. I spent $300 on a light Neuspeed tune and have 250 hp and 320 lb ft torque at the wheels while easily getting 35 mpg highway. My preteen kids fit in the back seat easily. I have snow tires for winter.

Should be able to easily find a CPO 2015 for around $20k.
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goaliechris
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by goaliechris » Sun Sep 10, 2017 10:01 am

The GTI is a ball. Highly recommended.


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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by HapaHapa » Sun Sep 10, 2017 10:16 am

How about Acura TSX V6? I think you'll meet your wants with extra hp. It's not boy-racer and Acura uses really comfy seats.

As a side note I think I've made it over the sport car hump and could buy a lower hp car option. There's so many bumps and dips and so much traffic here in So Ca that there's little fun in it.
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by jimyritz » Sun Sep 10, 2017 10:26 am

HapaHapa wrote:
Sun Sep 10, 2017 10:16 am
How about Acura TSX V6? I think you'll meet your wants with extra hp. It's not boy-racer and Acura uses really comfy seats.

As a side note I think I've made it over the sport car hump and could buy a lower hp car option. There's so many bumps and dips and so much traffic here in So Ca that there's little fun in it.
I was thinking Acura as well...

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gonzomantis
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by gonzomantis » Sun Sep 10, 2017 11:12 am

I have an '06 Acura TL with manual transmission, and love it. I bought it in '08, and don't plan to replace it any time soon.

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CGSshorty
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by CGSshorty » Sun Sep 10, 2017 11:45 am

gonzomantis wrote:I have an '06 Acura TL with manual transmission, and love it. I bought it in '08, and don't plan to replace it any time soon.
I had an 04, which was the first year of that model. That was the best road trip car I ever had. Comfortable, fast enough, and stealthy in dark grey.
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r.palace
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by r.palace » Sun Sep 10, 2017 12:21 pm

'07-'08 Acura TL-S

My favorite Acura ever produced
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HapaHapa
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by HapaHapa » Sun Sep 10, 2017 2:55 pm

Acura choice definitely depends on what size you want though that TL-S is more beast than can be found in TSX.
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HapaHapa
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by HapaHapa » Sun Sep 10, 2017 3:48 pm

Not sure if that's available in USA but probably a bit higher echelon in pricing than Focus or Civic.
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by HapaHapa » Sun Sep 10, 2017 3:54 pm

Looks like the Audi A3 hatchback can be had in the US. Also looks like a sweet ride.
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dnslater
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by dnslater » Sun Sep 10, 2017 5:36 pm

HapaHapa wrote:
Sun Sep 10, 2017 3:54 pm
Looks like the Audi A3 hatchback can be had in the US. Also looks like a sweet ride.
Only A3 hatchback sold in the US currently is the electric version. You can get gas or diesel versions from a few years ago. Share the drivetrain and chassis with the Golf/GTI, only with Quattro.

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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by four20 » Sun Sep 10, 2017 5:55 pm

Another vote for a GTI. I miss the hell outta my mk4 but i needed space (read: 3rd row) and dependability (I put 205k it). Can't exactly do this with a hot hatch-Image

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Bradystraps
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by Bradystraps » Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:20 am

Definitely want a standard as well. As much as the GTI ticks off buttons, I cannot come around to the boring exterior styling of the car. I find it very boxy and ho-hum. Also feel the wheels on the 15/16 versions are about the ugliest things I've ever seen. Yes, I know I can swap them out but just one more thing to do and spend on.

Looking into the Acuras. I would like this car to have a little growl as well from the stock exhaust system. The Focus ST sounds great and Iooking for that sporty sound.

The Audi is really sharp but... as things go, it will be very $$$ to keep up.

Thank you all for your input. Keep it coming. :cheers:
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zepp21
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by zepp21 » Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:38 am

You want a 4cyl to "growl"? If you want the growl sound, in my opinion, you need a v8.

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streetracer101
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by streetracer101 » Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:52 am

zepp21 wrote:You want a 4cyl to "growl"? If you want the growl sound, in my opinion, you need a v8.

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I disagree. There's nothing quite like the growl of a tuned boxer engine. I can here a Subbie blocks away and identity it without visual. Unfortunately, the new models are ugly as sin.

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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by Sidheguitarist » Mon Sep 11, 2017 9:16 am

JDC222 wrote:
Sun Sep 10, 2017 9:33 am

.

These are "mid-life crisis" vehicles...lol
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Bradystraps
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Re: Suggest me a car with these criteria...

Post by Bradystraps » Mon Sep 11, 2017 10:05 am

streetracer101 wrote:
Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:52 am
zepp21 wrote:You want a 4cyl to "growl"? If you want the growl sound, in my opinion, you need a v8.

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I disagree. There's nothing quite like the growl of a tuned boxer engine. I can here a Subbie blocks away and identity it without visual. Unfortunately, the new models are ugly as sin.

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This ^^^

Take a listen to the Focus ST. Sounds great.
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