Daily drive suggestion...
10-13-2012, 05:12 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Daily drive suggestion...
So, after 3yrs of having ONLY my 997 as daily, I am thinking of needing a larger and more comfortable car for daily, carrying stuff around, and winter.
Here are some of my needs...
- SUV/Wagon/Hatchback (for extra storage)
- Under $30K (used)
- German or Japanese (or maybe English to include Range rover)
- Better fuel economy helps but not critical
- Good handling
- Good in snow
- Not too large (so no Expedition, Q7, etc)
- Basic comfort amenities
- More on luxury side than basic
I actually like smaller SUV/cross-overs more (no kids to drive around), BUT the problem is that those ones usually are newer (over 30K), or have crappy handling/materials... so more options are around older Cayenne's, Range Rovers, Touareg.
Personally, I think Cayenne is over-priced for being on VW platform, BUT, I am not sure if Touareg handles as well. Does it have any suspension settings like PASM for make it handle better? What about Range Rover Sport? How does that handle/work? I've heard horror stories on reliability, so a bit on the fence on this. X5? Personally do not like X5 too much, but let me know if you're happy with your X5.
Looks like the best option for me is a Wagon though... you can even get higher end sport sedans with the capabilities of SUV. Problem is that they are very hard to find (low sales in NA).
Ok, so let me know what you think? Open to any suggestions.
Here are some of my needs...
- SUV/Wagon/Hatchback (for extra storage)
- Under $30K (used)
- German or Japanese (or maybe English to include Range rover)
- Better fuel economy helps but not critical
- Good handling
- Good in snow
- Not too large (so no Expedition, Q7, etc)
- Basic comfort amenities
- More on luxury side than basic
I actually like smaller SUV/cross-overs more (no kids to drive around), BUT the problem is that those ones usually are newer (over 30K), or have crappy handling/materials... so more options are around older Cayenne's, Range Rovers, Touareg.
Personally, I think Cayenne is over-priced for being on VW platform, BUT, I am not sure if Touareg handles as well. Does it have any suspension settings like PASM for make it handle better? What about Range Rover Sport? How does that handle/work? I've heard horror stories on reliability, so a bit on the fence on this. X5? Personally do not like X5 too much, but let me know if you're happy with your X5.
Looks like the best option for me is a Wagon though... you can even get higher end sport sedans with the capabilities of SUV. Problem is that they are very hard to find (low sales in NA).
Ok, so let me know what you think? Open to any suggestions.
10-13-2012, 05:26 PM
#2
3 Series Sportwagon. I have a 2003 325 XIT all wheel drive wagon and it is fun to drive, easy on gas, and carries tons of gear. It has been very reliable and never needed anything other than routine oil changes/maintenance. i custom ordered it from the factory and it cost me $36K back in 2003. Used ones will cost way less and you could even get a newer 3 series wagon for under $30K.
10-13-2012, 05:32 PM
#3
Audi A3. Fits your criteria well. I have 100,000 miles on mine and will probably buy another one.
10-13-2012, 05:36 PM
#4
Audi Q5. Incredible all-r
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10-13-2012, 06:26 PM
#9
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Rennlist Member
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Lexus GS 300awd
10-13-2012, 08:35 PM
#11
i was in a similar boat as you as i was looking at used 07 model cars, i narrowed it down to an A3, A4 wagon and 328 sportwagon. The problem with the A3 is that if your going used, the price difference is negligible between it and A4. Also you cant get certain combinations of the A3 with AWD. I also did not want to deal with a timing belt as the pre 09 A3 and A4s have this in the 2.0 unless you decide to go with TDI. Ended up selling my VW Touareg and going with the 328xi as i liked the handling and road feel better in the BMW, as the 997 spoiled me. If you want the handling of a car, then pass up on SUVS, and go with a wagon. The Subaru Impreza is another option but you can get a lot more car in the Audi and BMW if your going the used route.
10-13-2012, 09:01 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
That's what I'm leaning towards. A3, A4 Wagon, 328 Wagon, and Subaru. The WRX would have been the one, but it looks like it only comes in manual so kinda defeats the purpose of a car to take in traffic.
i was in a similar boat as you as i was looking at used 07 model cars, i narrowed it down to an A3, A4 wagon and 328 sportwagon. The problem with the A3 is that if your going used, the price difference is negligible between it and A4. Also you cant get certain combinations of the A3 with AWD. I also did not want to deal with a timing belt as the pre 09 A3 and A4s have this in the 2.0 unless you decide to go with TDI. Ended up selling my VW Touareg and going with the 328xi as i liked the handling and road feel better in the BMW, as the 997 spoiled me. If you want the handling of a car, then pass up on SUVS, and go with a wagon. The Subaru Impreza is another option but you can get a lot more car in the Audi and BMW if your going the used route.
10-13-2012, 10:20 PM
#13
The land rover vehicles were updated for the 2010 model year with much improved interiors and more power. The LR4 is the big hauler, the Range Rover Sport is the same platform with a smaller body and more luxury gizmos. You can find an LR4 for around 35k, Range Rover Sport is still over 40k unless you go older than 2010. Our Sport has been back to the dealer several times for small fixes but nothing major. We love the design of the Land Rovers an wouldn't buy anything else if shopping for that class of vehicle.
I've tried the GLK / X3 and they are ok, but really just boosted small hatchbacks and not particularly exciting. An A4 Avant is a sensible choice if you can find one in your neck of the woods.
I've tried the GLK / X3 and they are ok, but really just boosted small hatchbacks and not particularly exciting. An A4 Avant is a sensible choice if you can find one in your neck of the woods.
10-13-2012, 11:26 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
2007-2008 Audi S4 avant. Hard to find but a fun car. Only downside is poor gas mileage with the V8.
Here is one for sale. Guy on quattroworld just traded it in for an X3. No affiliation.
http://www.cosbmw.com/VehicleDetails...-CO/1849572213
Here is one for sale. Guy on quattroworld just traded it in for an X3. No affiliation.
http://www.cosbmw.com/VehicleDetails...-CO/1849572213