Find me a practical car that doesn't suck

[BlueSkyJaunte]

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.

[gprsh924]

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.

[TerryBPP]

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.

[BRPORSCHE]

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

[Tim Walsh]

Evo, STi?

[vash]

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

[BlueSkyJaunte]

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.

[Z-man]

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.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

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!

[dd74]

What's your price range?

[BlueSkyJaunte]

More than a Hyundai, less than a Maybach.

[dd74]

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.

[vwbobd]

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=QX3|1

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by dd74

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

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.

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.

[jtkkz]

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

[m21sniper]

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

[Jim Richards]

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

1963 Amphicar/Schwimmwagen

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

[porsche4life]

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

[BlueSkyJaunte]

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.

[m21sniper]

Glad i could help.