Find me a practical car that doesn't suck
 

For various reasons the 2006 VW Jetta TDI is going bye-bye. It is NOT for reliability reasons or due to VW as a company. The car has performed admirably for the 3 years I've owned it since new (bought as a leftover). If you're interested in finding out why I'm selling it (or trading it in) feel free to PM me.

I'm looking for:

1) Fun to drive (daily)
2) Manual transmission (no DSG, "auto stick", or any of that BS)
3) seats 4 comfortably--especially since I have two child car seats to manage now
4) No BMWs, Government Motors, Mustangs, Panameras, or Chryslers (though I love the looks of the Dodge Challenger).
5) Decent gas mileage (25 highway)

If I could get an Audi S5 in a diesel V8 I'd be on it in a heartbeat. Perhaps even sooner. However I'm not sure I can get past the fuel consumption (I know, I know, $60k on a car and I'm worried about mpg). The S4 is kinda cool too but the V6 doesn't appeal much despite the increase in mpg.

There's a lot out there that leaves me cold. The whole M-B line is a snooze-fest. Lexus/Toyota are having beaucoup reliability issues, victims of their own success and fast growth. Though the IS-F is kinda neat (is there a manual trans available?). Infinitis hold their value after use only slightly better than condoms do.

It seems like I have a plethora of choices, but none very exciting. :(

You said no BMWs but you want an E90 4dr M3. Probably doesn't quite meet you mpg standards but it is close. I think it will be tough to find a car big enough to seat 4 comfortably with a V8 that returns 25 mpg.

You consider a Audi over a BMW? Coming from a guy that sells both, BMW reliability is miles better than Audi. If I was you I'd go with 3 series sedan.

Garrett you stold the words right out of my mouth. That is currently the only sports car I want.

Evo, STi?

jetta wagon TDi? my friends STi gets something like 16mpg. brutal

Have you seen the Jetta wagon? Looks like it fell outta the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Yikes.

Guys, a BMW is not gonna happen. "The boss" has spoken on this and it is non-negotiable.

Even though M-B's are off your list, I think the E-class deserves a quick look, IMHO.

Have you considered a Subaru Legacy Sedan? I had a 1995 Legacy for 13 years - dead reliable, and fun to drive, especially in inclement weather. AWD and decent gas mileage too.

Acura's TSX and TL's are quite under-rated - worth looking into as well.

You said that Mustangs are out, but what about a Ford Fusion -- it has gotten high praises lately.

-Z-man.

I'm actually in a 2010 Legacy loaner car right now. Overall not a bad car but this thing has the 170hp 4 in it and the CVT. It has so badly biased me against this thing that I doubt I'll ever want to sit in another Legacy for the next decade! I'm mildly amused that a single perceived flaw in a car can cause me to completely despise it.

I'll have to take a look at the E-class. If they're available with a manual transmission!

What's your price range?

More than a Hyundai, less than a Maybach. :D

Hauling kids is some serious stuff -- think of all the gear that goes along with it.

My suggestion: a six-speed wagon. Now where you'd find that in this land of one leg drivers is beyond me.

2010 Suzuki SX4 - Kelley Blue Book


http://www.kia.com/#/forte/build/?page=step3


I know this isn't a stick but if you drive one you will buy one......I did for the wifey and it is a blast with the 3.5L

http://www.nissanusa.com/configurator/en?service=external/SelectTransmission&mo=2010:alt&bs=alt&tr=_TE_35SR& ec=QX3&us=20|44&se=10|20|3|32|44|8&pv=16|17|18|19| 20|21|22|42|43|44&pc=44&psel=10|18|3|32|44|8&ps=QX 3|1

Oh, I know. My wife drives a Pontiac Vibe and it has served her well so far. When we replace it (hopefully soon, I hate that clown car), SHE gets the minivan. Not me. :D

Now that my oldest has outgrown the full-on child seat we have him in a booster and it's not a big deal. The 5-month-old in the carrier is the real challenge.

I really should have never even sat in the S5. It's starting to haunt my dreams.

My previous car was a WRX wagon. Not bad, but not worth the cost of the 91 octane one is required to feed it. IMHO. I traded it in on the TDI when I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. :eek:

depending on price range, an '97-'98 E36 M3 sedan 5 speed is a really fun car to drive....

Subaru WRX? Mitsu Lancer EVO? New 365hp Taurus SHO?

Practical? Heck yeah! Who's going to be slowed down the next time it floods in AZ? Not you! :)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1264630896.jpg


Believed to be the only Schwimmwagen in the USA! Runs drives, swims and floats with excellent performance and reputation.

The Amphicar by IWK was the model imported to the USA; the Schwimmwagen by DWM was exclusively for the European and Asia markets and they were not known to be imported to the USA. This "Rare" and unique find was professionally restored and given a re-birth approximately 5 years ago by an individual in California. It has had many updates and modifications for excellent performance and service well into the next several years, as well as recent service to all brakes, wheel bearing and running gear. The entire car was also re-wired and changed to negative ground. The graphics were all hand painted by a local artist.

A real "EYE Catcher" and "Crowd Pleaser" at shows, rallies and get togethers, as well as driving down the street and lake hopping. It's time for this little Shark to swim on to new waters and experience new friends and conversations.

A "Good Buy" at $ 59,000.00 (reduced!)
You won't find another Swimmwagen anywhere.

PLEASE, Serious inquires only!
smeister1@comcast.net or call Steve @ 612-210-3356

I know where there is a very practical Corrado for sale for 4k....

Have owned two WRXs to date. Probably won't bother with a 3rd (especially since they got rid of the cool bubble headlights).

The EVO isn't a bad thought, though...will give that a look-see.

Glad i could help. :)

Or... if that's not practical enough, how 'bout this? :D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-cars-sale/487384-95-race-ready-m3.html

also consider the Nissan Q-thing

does an EVO have enuff back seat room?

or.... hey - what about an RX-8?? surprising room in the rear and suicide doors...

EVO's are sedans. The back seat is reasonably sized.

Mazdaspeed 6 with the manual. AWD and 260 hp from a 2.3L I4. Room for 5.

Speedy:)

Friend of mine has one of those. He hates it.

I am actually going to go out on a limb and suggest the new taurus SHO. And I hate Ford's...blimey!

i like the mini cooper s.
they are coming out with a 4 door all wheel drive model.
i don't want to sit in the back though.

Hyundai budget, I assume $20k? If so, new SHO or Lexus IS-F aint gonna happen. By no BMW you've ruled out your best fun options. That money will buy you a very nice M5 or 540i, both with a 6 speed. The 540i even gets better than 25 MPG and has great interior space. MB has some great options, like an E55 AMG but its auto only. Same goes for a Jaguar XJR. Cadillac CTS-V is stick only, that's a fun car. If you like the Audi you can get a V8 S4 but its not very big, A6 comes in a stick depending on motor, or you could get an S6 wagon but auto only. VW Passat or GTi 5-door are other interesting options with a stick. The suggested Japanese options are good as well, like the Mazdaspeed 3 or 6, Evo, and WRX. Maxima is another sporty-ish option that comes with a stick.

Of course, if your budget is $40k you have a LOT more options.

Im sold on the Subaru drive train, I would go with something like this. Practical and if you want some GO just buy the turbo version

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1264636626.jpg

Have you ever driven a Mitsu EVO? :D

Have you considered the Volvo V50 T5 AWD R-Design? I've just ordered one with 6-speed manual, 230hp 5-cylinder engine that makes for some fun - plenty of room inside for both cargo and passengers. Price, with selected options, came in at $32k.

What about the Jetta TDI cup edition that is coming out soon?

Don't know about the practicality, though. Bad mpg, low torque. Sure, it revs to 9,000 RPM and kicks most anything's butt around a race course, which says a lot about the car's true application. The back seats are bucket seats, too. I'm not sure baby's seat will fit there.

All true. Very large inside, and the boot is fairly large too. Trouble is, finding a 6-speed is next to impossible. They have to be specially ordered, AFAIK.

The auto CTS is no slouch, but really, the car accelerates, turns and stops so well, a stick should be axiomatic.

DD can you read? He just said that the CTS-V is a STICK only.

If you could read, you'd understand I'm talking about the CTS. I know about the CTS-V; it gets fairly bad mileage (14 mpg) -- not very practical, which if you could read, you might comprehend to be one of Blue's criteria on the subject.

Now if you read into his description, you might understand he's fairly done with VW products, which is why your suggestion of a TDI Cup is, well, not enlightened.

Carry on throwing stones in your glass house...SmileWavy

Bruce: let us know how that volvo works for you , I've been looking at that one too

He didn't say he was done with VW... just that one.... He is looking at an Audi which is just a pretty VW... So obviously VW isn't off the table... And quite honestly I don't find the M3s that have been suggested practical.... Thats a hard combo.... Practical and fun

Are you feeling ok?! You just recommended a turbocharged 4 cylinder car over a V8 one!

Except for the MPG a CTS-V is just as practical as a regular CTS, just more fun. I was actually referring to the previous generation, I don't know if the new one is in our car shopper's budget. Perhaps if he were slightly more specific than a $250k spread we could be more helpful? But while we're on the topic, the new CTS wagon is a particularly good choice.