My thoughts:

Golf R - great cars but do you really want to own one out of warranty?
STi - I haven’t driven the STi but did drive a new WRX and was totally underwhelmed. Cheap interior, really top heavy handling but still rough ride, and the engine made good power but felt very coarse and unsophisticated. No comment on the old ones but good luck finding a stock one that hasn’t been hacked up.

A few to consider:

Civic Si - drove one and was really impressed. Decent power with a gem of an engine, fantastic handling with an LSD up front, nice and very usable interior, active dampers. I may end up with one at some point as a DD. You could get a brand new one.

Veloster N - in my short list to drive, some reviews say it’s as fun as the Type R for $10k less.

Mustang GT - totally different option, but you could get a lightly used Performance Pack GT for your budget.

Cayman - your budget buys a really nice Cayman S.

C63 or E63 - another left field option, but damn good cars. I’ve had a C63 and my wife daily drives an E63.

Lexus IS-F - think reliable M3.

Lancer Evolution - if you are considering an STi, might as well consider its arch nemesis.

C5 Z06 - another goofy suggestion but I’m considering getting one to replace my Boxster.

I've also never had an issue with my '17 Focus RS. Only 32k miles on it though. I was nervous of the headgasket issue as well, so I purposely bought a late 2017 build, with the current revision one installed.


(it's for sale, PM me if you're interested in talking more about it.)

Can any of the RS folks share their feedback on using one as a daily driver? I had an ST that I liked but didn’t love, but am intrigued by the RS.

My husband drives his 2016 RS everyday. We ordered new from the factory, replacing our ST (which our son now drives and has 200K miles with no issues). Currently he has 140K on it. We did get the head gasket and head replaced with a recall. He has done a tune. We have not had a single problem with this car. He loves it. He says this is his last daily driver. If needed, down the road we will do an engine rebuild and maintenance. It has great pick up and the cornering on that car is special.

Civic Si - I would have to stab my eyes out... they are that ugly, and FWD :(

Veloster N - Slightly less ugly slightly less capable Type R Also FWD :(

Mustang GT - I could get a 1LE as well.

Cayman - I want back seats, and deal lord would you want a Porsche out of warrenty. :O

C63 or E63 - I think I would need a manual.

Lexus IS-F - The only car that makes a Type R less ugly

Lancer Evolution - AMAZING CAR, but would only want an EVO IV, and would hate to winter that car.

C5 Z06 - Ageing very poorly, horrible interior, could get into a C7 for that budget, but back seats, and Detroit Winters.

Well it sounds like you have your mind made up. Not sure why you made a thread asking for suggestions since you don’t seem to want any suggestions. Btw the Golf R is based on a FWD car and FWD biased. Most reviews say that it feels like a FWD car when pushed. Since you seem to have a bit of a hang up on that topic. And having owned and wrenched on a number of used VAG and Porsche products, I’d take a used Porsche out of warranty all day long.

Didn’t Geronimo ID his new driver in the random transportation thread?

Edit: wrong Geronimo ��

The m235/240 was a user suggestion, sorry I just didn't like any of your suggestions.... geeez guy get thicker skin.

I agree on the Golf R, which is why I was considering the STi, I know it's driving dynamic, though it also pushes it's still RWD biased.

I do think that from what I have read/watched that the R is very composed and good at what it does. The tuning potential is pretty amazing as well. But I am not sure it is "fun" like some cars are. Sometimes less is more, my Abarth 500 and JCW are some of the most fun cars I have owned.

But it seems that most reviewers love the M240 in every way. I will have to drive a few cars to see what fits best. But I do like what I am seeing of the M240.

I have a 2018 Golf R manual. I love love love this little car. 6 year 72k warranty. I havent modded it yet, but for not a whole lot of money you can get a 400 foot pound monster. (Probably need a clutch with that)

Yup, that was me :)
Picking it up today.

Without driving any of them yet, I am leaning toward the M240, just based on the reaction of pretty much anyone who has reviewed it. It also suffers from the same amazing tune potential of the R. 90HP gains for nearly nothing. ;)

I'll have to drive a few to see what really fits me.