Audi S5 14+, Golf R, m240i... Need a new DD

[Geronimo]

Thinking about a new daily next year when I give my son my R53 JCW. My Guilia lease is done so I will need a fun daily.

The JCW is the most fun car I've had in a long time, even over my 911. I would like a manual, but am willing to look at the DSG cars.

I have always had an Audi itch, but have been weary over upkeep costs. The S5 seems to be pretty durable for a performance Audi, same goes for the b58 BMW.

The Golf R is just plain good at everything it seems.

Thought about the ATS-V, but I don't trust the Cadi V6

An STi would be great, but part of me, (a very small part) wants something slightly more grown up.

Or I keep the R53 and get the kid a different R53.... and enjoy no payments.

[rwest]

I say let the kid get his own car.

[onewhippedpuppy]

What’s your price range?

[Geronimo]

500.00 a month.. lol. Probably under $35K

The only upside to a payment free R53 is lots of extra money per month for the Porsche.

[upsscott]

A friend just brought over his brand new Golf R just last night. Pretty sweet.

[onewhippedpuppy]

You can get a lot in a CPO C63 AMG for $35k.

[ZOO]

The S5 is a handsome car . . .

I don't have much to offer other than my M2 is fantastic as a toy. I think an M240 would be terrific (that B58 is a beast). They have useful space inside, but a small gas tank which can be a pain in the butt. I also love my GTI, and decided that the R wasn't worth the premium as a daily driver. The GTIs with the LSD (not sure what trims in the US have it) are really neutral and balanced. Certainly worth a look.

If you are looking for a one car solution, it would be hard to beat the R (though it is slightly smaller inside than a FWD GTI). The four door hatch versatility of the Golf platform really is useful. Indeed it has been 90 percent as useful for us as our former F150 Supercrew, with a few obvious exceptions.

[Geronimo]

I think, knowing myself that I might tire of a big automatic AMG type car. My Guilia while not powerful was a great car but within a year I bought the JWC and never drove the Alfa again.

The Golf R has amazing power potential as well as an AWD system that can put it down unlike the GTI (had a MK6 GTI) just not sure how "fun" the FWD bias of their AWD system really is.

I think the M240i would be the most "fun" car of the bunch, and is no slouch when tuned a bit.

The S5 was a last minute look for me, having always love the aesthetics of Audi's but in fear of the flaws. It does seem that the 2013+ S5 has a pretty solid record so far.

[ZOO]

Is the Audi AWD different than the VW AWD?

I love BMW's X drive. That's a terrific system. Around here, M240X drives are more common.

[Geronimo]

I think the S5 uses a different system compared to the Golf R. I'll have to do some research, but I thought I remember something about it being RWD biased... but I might be wrong.

I think my current order without driving them first is:

S5
M240i
R

But that could flip after some seat time.

[Alan A]

I started with you aren't getting a new S5 for 35k.
Then I saw 14+

So - as an ex-Audi owner - my advice is don't get one that's not CPO.
Your wallet will thank you.

[aschen]

I would by a brand spanking new wrx over a used sti in most instances these days, they don't look TOO childish without the sti treatment.

You seem to like light and toss-able cars so you might damn the torpedos and get a brz or miata FRC

I think the right spec 2 series would probably be more fun to drive than an s5 or golf R.

[RedBaron]

Almost 80K on my m235i. Not a single issue. Not sure about the B58 but its tough to beat the n55 engine.

[Geronimo]

Alan, that's what has kept me from Audi for years... great initial build quality, but overall pretty poor quality where it matters.

I would get an STi just for the trans and rear diff.

I think the M235/240 are a top contender, in RWD and ill just get good snows for winter The N55 is amazing, and I am seeing very good things about the B58.

The Golf R i'll have to drive, my MK6 GTi was great but so refined the fun got sucked out... my much crappier Abarth was a much more fun (rear childish) car.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I drove a new WRX last year and was very underwhelmed. Felt very cheap inside, lots of body roll, lots of turbo lag by modern standards. Oh yeah and pretty expensive for what you get. I would buy a GTi or Civic Si over one of those all day long.

[Geronimo]

Yea, Subaru has fell back on its rear for a while now IMO, the 02 WRX was a leap forward in that segment, bu they have done little to improve since then. If it wasn't for winter i'd import a EVO V in a couple years.... I mean it's the king of raw JDM performance.

I don't want FWD, I miss the winter fun in my old rear wheel bias Subaru's

I can't get my head around the Civic styling... just hurts my eyes.

[Ziggythecat]

VW R w/Manual would be my choice.
Can't beat the performance and the utility of a hatch.
I had a 2004 that I sold two years ago and still miss.

Plus it's a VW...not worth fretting over every little scratch.

I have a 2012 A3 hatch with 54K that has required nothing but a few light bulbs, and tires.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Golf R is an appealing package, but my challenge would be that you’re basically into CPO Audi RS3 territory. Audi = VW so reliability is a wash at that point, and the RS3 seems like so much more special of a package. No stick though, that’s a bummer. You could also consider an S4, lots of options in your price range for one of those.

I’ll toss out an oddball, what about a Performance Package equipped Mustang? You could get pretty close to a brand new PP2 Mustang for $35k, basically the GT350 underpinnings without the Voodoo V8.

[Geronimo]

I know, I was really considering the Camaro/Mustang option.... I like the Mustang a lot, but showing up to work in a Mustang might get me unwanted attention... (I work at/for GM) Euro stuff seems to get a nod for some reason.

I like the S5 best for its design and performance, but fear I might get a problematic car... the community seems to be hit or miss on reliability.

The M240 is a little odd to look at, feels like it had a big meal, I think it has an edge in reliability and I think it might be more fun to drive.

I fear the Golf R might be very very good, but antiseptic to drive, most reviews seems to portray it as clinical.

To bad the Quadrafolio isn't offered in a manual, why not go out in a blaze of reliability glory. lol

[Tobra]

You fear the Audi reliability, but do not seem to fear the VW, curious.

Get the Subaru and take the wing off it, you will feel like more of an adult.