Topic: RWD/AWD and a Manual Tranny

[evil_twin]

Been discussing this topic with Vmango off the board, but would like to hear some ideas/opinions. He's looking at getting a new car in the next few months and I'm more likely a year away.

What options are there with AWD or RWD and a Manual Tranny in the sub-$50k range???  Essentially we're looking at the options that are cheaper than a 135i.  Ignore practicality, just keep it simple: AWD or RWD, Manual Tranny, and sub-$50k out the door price.

All we can come up with are:

- Subaru/Mitsubishi (WRX, etc)
- Muscle Cars (Stang, Camaro, etc)
....and well...that's it.

Doesn't this seem crazy???  Neither one of us wants a muscle car.  So is it really WRX or stepping up to a 135i?? 

Audi is going to finally offer the A3 2.0T with quattro...but only if you get the DSG tranny.  Bastards.

Maybe Volvo will wisen up and offer the C30 T5 with AWD (but i can't imagine what they'd charge for it.)


Why are there no other options???  Is this really the price of living in North America??

[ovr50]

BMW 135i would seem to fit the order....why exclude it?

[Vmango]

Because it costs more than 50K out the door....

[ovr50]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/thenews/2008/09/10/bmw-tops-in-consumer-reports-testing.htm

Check this out - from Canadian Driver's own news.

Can't be much over $50k if the option boxes are held in check a bit.

[Arthur Dent]

Infiniti G37 just sneaks in under that 50k I believe.

[Allen]

Infiniti G37 just sneaks in under that 50k I believe.

not out the door with taxes and everything..

[Vmango]

I should probably clarify that this thread is more along the lines of a discussion of why there aren't more AWD/RWD + manual options between 35K and 45K. We know the 135 is close, as are some other cars such as the G37. But to purchase those cars with any of the options an enthusiast would want, they vault over 50K.

OVR, the 135 with a decent deal and essentially only the sport package is over 50K - no pun intended.

[Silent Lucidity]

2009 Legacy 2.5GT spec.B Sedan is $41,995.00

Would a 128i be on par with a A3 2.0 and C30 T5?

[DoubleClutch]

OVR, the 135 with a decent deal and essentially only the sport package is over 50K - no pun intended.

How about a 128 then ... do you really need 300 hp?

There's also the Rx8, IS250 and lots of used options out there. But I know what you mean, not many choices out there if new.

[rrocket]

G8 and CTS both can be had with sticks...and under $50K

IS250 comes well under $50K, and available with stick ($31K). Even with the top-of-the-line Sport Package it would still be under $50K.

[dorin]

Currently available:
Mazda Miata
Mazda RX-8
Nissan 350Z
Subaru Impreza WRX (STI?)
Subaru Legacy B-spec
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (EVO?)
Infiniti G35
Infiniti G37
Ford Mustang
Pontiac Solstice
Saturn Sky
BMW 1-series
(BMW 3-series?)
(Mercedes C-class?)

Coming soon:
Hyundai Genesis (sedan and coupe)
Chevy Camaro
Pontiac G8
Pontiac Solstice coupe
Dodge Challenger

Possibly coming in a couple of years:
Mazda RX-7
Nissan 240
Toyota/Subaru RWD coupe

[rrocket]

^^He said $50K OUT THE DOOR.  Half of those on your list don't qualify...

[Farscaper]

Here's my list...

Infiniti G35 Sedan w/ 6 Speed manual. RWD.
The base model comes fairly well equipped.
$46,500 not including dealer incentives

Mazda RX-8 - 6 Speed - RWD
Mid-grade about $45K

Mazda MX-5 (miata) - 6 Speed RWD
About $35K.

Nissan 350Z - 6 Speed - RWD
About $51K for base but there are a lot of dealer incentives.

Cadillac CTS - 6 Speed Manual - RWD
Under $50K - Probably some good incentives.

Lexus IS 250 RWD - 6 Speed Manual
Under $36k if you don't get crazy with options.

Mercedes C300 - RWD - 6 Speed Manual
$40-$50K depending on options

Pontiac G8 - RWD

Suzuki SX4 - AWD - 5 Speed Manual.
Probably get 2 for less then $50K

Volvo S40 - RWD and AWD with a 6 Speed Manual even the AWD turbo model.
All under $50K depending on options.

That was fun.
Cheers

[rrocket]

The "one worth waiting for" would be the Hyundai Genesis.  Particularly with the 4 banger turbo engine.  Essentially the same engine used in the EVO.  Will be great bang for the buck.

[ktm525]

You can dress up a CTS for under $50k.  Wait and buy a used CTS V 1 year old for $50K? That is what I would wait for.

[Farscaper]

You can dress up a CTS for under $50k.  Wait and buy a used CTS V 1 year old for $50K? That is what I would wait for.

Plus $5-10K per year for tires

[dorin]

^^He said $50K OUT THE DOOR.  Half of those on your list don't qualify...

  Which half?  The ones in brackets with question marks might be over $50k (which is why I put a question mark there), but which of the other ones are too expensive in your opinion?

[Snowman]

WRX265

[rrocket]

^^He said $50K OUT THE DOOR.  Half of those on your list don't qualify...

  Which half?  The ones in brackets with question marks might be over $50k (which is why I put a question mark there), but which of the other ones are too expensive in your opinion?

350Z ($49K base)
G37 ($47K base)
G35 ($46.5 base)

Just to name a few....etc......Don't forget there is freight on top of those prices, +GST + PST.  Easily over $50K. ....

[TopGun]

Well Evil, I know there is only one more '07 RX-8 at Erin Mills...there may be a couple more around for the vman...

$33 out the door...and it sings like an SOB!!