If you were looking for an additional daily driver that is a fun car to drive, but also comfortable and fits a family of 4 (2 young children) and will work in NE winters, for in the $27k range or less, what would you choose?
To be certain, I am a chevy guy at heart (owning a c6 vert and tahoe) but we need something else and I would rather look at a used foreign speedster that I can enjoy driving when my wife needs the truck so, here is what I have considered:
2007-2008 Lexus IS350
2007 WRX STI
2007-2008 Infiniti G35 sedan
2007-08 Acura TL s-type
They all seem to be reasonably good performers at a reasonable price. If you have any insight I would appreciate it. It needs to be decent in heavy winter weather and we already have a GTI - I like it, but don't want another. It also would be better to be automatic (I know this kills the STI - my fav) as my wife can't drive a manual (hence my M6). It appears that the Lexus is the quickest auto, but thats not the end all and be all in a car like this. That said, I enjoy our GTI as a small quick car. Doesn't have the torque or power of our C6, but still fun.
Let's hear it.
One more thing to complicate things worse, I am a big guy, so space helps. That said, I am completely comfortable in the C6 and GTI.
I have to say...BMW 330i or 530i. My wife has a 530i and it's a blast to drive! It's very comfortable, plenty of room, has all the bells and whistles and still very sporty! You can put in auto and enjoy the ride, or change the gears, run up the rpm's and still pack a crap of stuff in the trunk. She had a few lexus', which were nice, but the BMW is still a great "driving machine", yet very comfortable as well. A used, low mileage 530i can be had for under 30K and still have plenty of warrantee with no maintance cost. Drive one, you will see.
[quote=moog5050;1573444497]If you were looking for an additional daily driver that is a fun car to drive, but also comfortable and fits a family of 4 (2 young children) and will work in NE winters, for in the $27k range or less, what would you choose?
To be certain, I am a chevy guy at heart (owning a c6 vert and tahoe) but we need something else and I would rather look at a used foreign speedster that I can enjoy driving when my wife needs the truck so, here is what I have considered:
2007-2008 Lexus IS350
2007 WRX STI
2007-2008 Infiniti G35 sedan
2007-08 Acura TL s-type
They all seem to be reasonably good performers at a reasonable price. If you have any insight I would appreciate it. It needs to be decent in heavy winter weather and we already have a GTI - I like it, but don't want another. It also would be better to be automatic (I know this kills the STI - my fav) as my wife can't drive a manual (hence my M6). It appears that the Lexus is the quickest auto, but thats not the end all and be all in a car like this. That said, I enjoy our GTI as a small quick car. Doesn't have the torque or power of our C6, but still fun.
Let's hear it.
One more thing to complicate things worse, I am a big guy, so space helps. That said, I am completely comfortable in the C6 and GTI.[/QUOTE
Used pontiac G8 Gt or the 6 cyl version or how about Camaro new one 6 cyl version.All the above are lame except the Infinity.
z51vett
If I was in your shoes I'd go with a mid-sized SUV or CUV. You can't beat them for comfort, versatility, and northeast winter dependability. We were recently in the same situation (moved from California to SW Washington state, I needed a daily driver and we needed something for when my wife's Mazda 3 wasn't big enough; no kids but still had the other needs.) I bought a brand new Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD and couldn't be happier with it. With AWD, heated leather, moonroof, everything except navigation and rear seat entertainment I paid $27K. The thing has been unstoppable on snow and ice. To top it all off, it's even fun to drive. Go figure.
Not sure why this was moved, but I suspect I will get limited or no response now. A bit disappointing since I try to contribute to the C6 forum when possible.
Yes it will. Drop a couple hundred pounds in there, buy Blizzaks.
My DD here in Michigan is a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata. I have a hardtop and Dunlop Graspix winter tires on steel rims for the winter. It has been a great winter DD, thanks to Dunlops and a limited slip diff!
Enjoy,
akriggm
Don't buy a 2007 STi. That is generally considered to be by FAR the most problematic year. I own a modded 2004 STi so I know a bit about this. Do some research on IWSTI or NASIOC. The 2005, 2006 or current gen would be your best option. The 08's may also be an issue but I haven't kept up with it closely so I am not 100% sure regarding that year. The 2004 is also desirable but getting a bit older (and cheaper, if that is a priority) and is more stripped down compared with the newer cars.
The '07 is well known for early engine failures, even in stock cars, as a result of emissions related tune changes that Subaru made. The tune makes the engine more likely to knock, which can cause the most common engine issue in the turbo subarus... the dreaded ringland failure. This is an expensive repair. You can switch from the stock hypereutectic pistons to forged but this is not the most fantastic option for a daily driver for a variety of reasons.
Bottom line, if you want a pretty stock STi, I would personally stick to 05-06 and probably 09+. You could also consider an 09 WRX which offers similar straight line performance to an STi but nixes some of the other nice hardware you get on the STi. If you want a highly modded STi than the 07 is a pretty good option since they changed the gearing a bit in 07. People who prefer the old body style and want the improved gearing may choose the 07 but you should plan on CAREFULLY inspecting the car (compression leak down test and a few other easier tests) and immediately getting a top quality professional tune. There *are* some who have theorized that Subaru changed their piston supplier at some point as well and that the earlier year cars have notably less fragile pistons. The 04-06 models tend to be comparatively stout.
If you are considering the STi, I would also suggest you look at the Evo. It handles better than the STi and they used to come with both the low and high wings. The low wing makes the car FAR more low key as a daily driver vs. the STi. I have a WRX trunk on my car for this very reason. Keep in mind that the older EVOs have no side airbags, if safety is a factor. The Impreza also does MUCH better in the IIHS crash tests than the Lancer.
In any event, just keep in mind that the STi is kind of the odd-ball of the group you listed. This is *NOT* a luxury car. The other cars are more luxury oriented and a significant step down in overall performance (and potential). There is also a massive aftermarket for Subaru, far more, I am sure, than for the other cars you listed.
I have a 2007 Acura TL Type S..... its a great car for all around. It is comfortable, quiet, has every concievable creature comfort and for a 4 door sedan it handles extrememly well, acceleration is pretty good and the brakes are unbelievable (Brembos). I have not had any issues with my car in nearly 3 years since purchasing it new, I have also owned 3 other Acuras previous to this car and the customer service from Acura has been second to none. With that being said I really like the IS350 but its just a little bit tight inside.... back seat is a too small for adults.... as others stated: With a set of winter tires you would be simply shocked at how good a RWD car will do in the snow..... I run winter tires on my TL-S and its pretty much unstoppable in the snow.
Another car you may want to look at is a used Audi S4, you could probably grab a 2005-2006 in your price range.
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2002 Electron Blue Z06 Mods: LG Longtubes, Donaldson Blackwing, Speed Inc. Dyno Tuning, 19" CCW 505A Wheels Best ET (Drag radial) 11.661@118.86 1.70 60' Best ET (stock tires): 11.79@117.9 1.81 60' (best trap MPH: 118.82)
Best stock ET: 12.07@114.1 1.80 60' (best trap MPH 116.28)
SOLD 1996 Grandsport Coupe #775:
12.27@115.68(Motor)....10.995@127.44MPH (Nitrous)
Location: Member: Double Yellow Dirt Bags San Diego, CA
I have to agree with Moog, after having lived and driven in huge snow storms for years. Front wheel drive will trump rear wheel drive, given the same types of tires. That being the case, you have many choices. I have read more than a couple of times that the Mazda 6 is a great car, but if you have to have an upscale name, the Acura is my choice.
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2001 Mag-Red Coupe 6-Speed, 1SC, Z51, Born: May 17, 2001, delivered June 7th, 2001
315.9 RWHP 337.7 RWTQ (Dynojet) 6/8/02 (no mods)
328.8 RWHP 352.2 RWTQ (Dynojet) 5/22/04 (mods listed below)
Quad Round Borla Stingers 9/6/03
Halltech Stinger-R intake system 4/17/04
Cold-air scoop mod 5/20/04
TPS Z06 shifter (replaced BPP on 12/26/11)
Intake install, oil trap, and CAI mod: http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm
Don't let RWD scare you OP. I guaran-damn-tee you that if you buy snow tires and put weight in the back of your car, you will have but not one problem.
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