Alright, haven't posted on this board in a long time, but I'm starting to get the new car itch. The GT is about 4.5 years old now and it might be time to put her out to pasture. Mind you, it only has about 53k on it and I haven't had ANY unscheduled maintenance or repairs on this car in my time of ownership (well done Ford)...and I've driven it year round, including a few roadtrips north through borderline blizzards. My thinking is, I'll probably drive it again through this winter and aim for a new car delivery in March or so.
New car criteria: I had been lusting after 335i sedans over the last couple of years, especially the LCI facelifted 2009 models. I even went so far as to locate a guy selling a nearly brand new, black on black 2009 sedan with sport package that was only 3 months old (long story...but great price, he may still be on autotrader for those interested)...but I just couldn't pull the trigger. With the purchase of a house this past year, and an upcoming wedding next year, the 335i is just too much $$$.
So I'm looking for something more economical, but still sporty. I'd like more practicality than I currently have with the stang (with the new house and all), and yet something more compact: 4-door hatchbacks! 3 obvious contenders have risen to the top of the heap:
MAJOR CAVEAT: I haven't test driven any of the cars. I'm away for the first 2 weeks of October, and will begin the test drives/negotiations when I return.
The Front Runner: 2010 GTI
I really like the new styling, I've only read great things about the driving dynamics, and it has far and away the most luxurious, high quality interior. I have some reservations about VW quality: The 2.0T TSI powerplant seems to be fairly solid, mostly just the German electrical glitches, etc. Also, it's underpowered compared to the other 2, but a stage 1 APR tune can change all that
Likely Options: Black paint, Leather package, 18 inch wheels
The 'Other' FWD Contender: 2010 MS3
Again, I've only read great things about the driving dynamics of this car. It comes totally loaded (including navi...although i don't value navi that much) and the interior is 'nice', although a little weird to me with the faux red carbon fiber...stuff. Styling is a little odd on the exterior, but in black, the smile would at least be toned down. Overall, it might be a little too wild in terms of styling and the amount of power driving those front wheels, but a test drive is certainly in order. Price is pretty much exactly the same as the GTI I optioned above.
The AWD Wildcard: 2010 WRX265
I spent a lot of time looking at the subie, and it is a great package in this class. AWD is obviously a huge addition, although it will certainly suck more gas and I really don't do much driving outside of town. The performance is likely to be huge out of this thing, no doubt. However, I really don't like the exterior much and the interior really looks to be the worst of the bunch (by a fair margin). Also, it costs more. But subie's have typically been of high quality..and hey, it's AWD! I'd probably consider the Limited edition for those leather seats.
So those are the options, have your say! Obviously, you can tell I'm leaning towards the GTI. Mostly my reasoning is, after 5 years (by the time I make the switch) in the stang, I think I'd like a little more luxury/refinement over pure, gas-guzzling performance. Also, 'from what i've read', the power from the 2.0T seems to come on much lower in the RPM band than either the MS3 or WRX, and I'm not much for revving the hell out of my car during 99% of my driving. On a track would be a different story...but I'm never on a track.
Obviously, test drives are in order.
In terms of the purchase, I'd likely be looking at a 36 or 48 mo financing depending on the rates available. Ideally, I'd be able to trade the stang in and save the hassle of selling privately AND save the tax difference on the new car. But a low milage GT can collect decent money privately (especially with the BORLA!!!
), so i may have no choice.
Have at it.
