What Are You Driving ?

[OakleyFrankFMJ]

I need recommendations in case I'm missing something.

I think I might change vehicles before the end of Fall. Looking for a somewhat newer vehicle (certified pre owned preferred) with AWD, manual, somewhat sporty. Before people say Subaru WRX/STi or VW Golf R they're both off the list - The Golf's seats are terrible for me, and the Subaru's roof is too low to get in the car without whacking my head. And I don't want a full-out SUV or truck.

The current front runner, though lacking in power, is the Mini Paceman. I do really like my Mini, I just am getting tired of winters with FWD and low ground clearance. If Mini made models with 250-300hp this wouldn't be a conversation, but they don't so I'm trying to see what else is out there.

If AWD wasn't needed I'd probably be looking hard at a 135i.

Unfortunately two vehicles is not an option currently.

I'm thinking a used 335i is too much?

 

[Rustpot]

I'm thinking a used 335i is too much?

There's a 2012 335xi coupe nearby at $32k. I was hoping to stay under $30, but c'est la vie, right?

M Sport package, 30k miles, nicely optioned. I prefer the 4-door for this generation for style.

 

[OakleyFrankFMJ]

There's a 2012 335xi coupe nearby at $32k. I was hoping to stay under $30, but c'est la vie, right?

M Sport package, 30k miles, nicely optioned. I prefer the 4-door for this generation for style.

M package is nice on that car....BUT for snow if it has the lower profile wider tires it kinda makes the driving a little ..........interesting......

The 4 door is nice to toss stuff into the back seat but with your size don't expect anything but a tiny kid ever sitting behind you if you put a person in the car.

 

[kronin323]

love my driveway...

all I'm missing is the 3rd SRT and i'll be set......


View attachment 167456

If you're gonna leave your house number in that pic, how about the street name, too?

 

[OakleyFrankFMJ]

If you're gonna leave your house number in that pic, how about the street name, too?

We all know where he lives already....satellite imagery shows the 2 dodges in the driveway pretty clearly.

 

[Litos]

I need recommendations in case I'm missing something.

Looking for a somewhat newer vehicle (certified pre owned preferred) with AWD, manual, somewhat sporty.

what's weird is that you drive a mini and won't consider an STi or an EVO......

those two cars compared to your mini will make you think that you mini was actually being pulled by one 3 legged horse.....

AWD and Sporty come with a cost, and if you want to stay below $30K, you'll be hard pressed to find something worth more than 2 pelican ****s.....

here is my suggestion:

(1) eff your opinion on the STi - go drive one and you'll fall in love with it
(2) if you're heart is still not set on an AWD, 6-speed, turbo charged beast that will part your beard on wide open throttle, then go look at the VW Tiguan
(3) if you don't like the SUV/Crossover Tiguan, my next recommendation is the Subaru Legacy...great great car...
(4) if you still hate Subaru with a passion, the next car I'd recommend is the BMW 335Xi, but you'll have to find an older CPO to land under $30K

your requirements are tight - you're going to have to bend those requirements in order to open up your options...

but your very first sentence AWD, manual, somewhat sporty just screams Subaru, EVO or 335Xi...

 

[Litos]

If you're gonna leave your house number in that pic, how about the street name, too?

Elm Street
Houston Texas

 

[kronin323]

Elm Street
Houston Texas

Liar...

 

[kronin323]

Elm Street
Houston Texas

Liar...

But maybe this is more honest... look familiar?

 

[Rustpot]

what's weird is that you drive a mini and won't consider an STi or an EVO......

those two cars compared to your mini will make you think that you mini was actually being pulled by one 3 legged horse.....

AWD and Sporty come with a cost, and if you want to stay below $30K, you'll be hard pressed to find something worth more than 2 pelican ****s.....

here is my suggestion:

(1) eff your opinion on the STi - go drive one and you'll fall in love with it
(2) if you're heart is still not set on an AWD, 6-speed, turbo charged beast that will part your beard on wide open throttle, then go look at the VW Tiguan
(3) if you don't like the SUV/Crossover Tiguan, my next recommendation is the Subaru Legacy...great great car...
(4) if you still hate Subaru with a passion, the next car I'd recommend is the BMW 335Xi, but you'll have to find an older CPO to land under $30K

your requirements are tight - you're going to have to bend those requirements in order to open up your options...

but your very first sentence AWD, manual, somewhat sporty just screams Subaru, EVO or 335Xi...

I realize that.

Subarus have been on my list for a while. I got close to buying a Legacy, but it lacked a certain Joie de vivre. I'm sure the STi has it, but I literally can't get into the car. It's not an opinion thing, it's that my ear is on the door trim and my head is in the roof when I'm in the car. That car was last generation, so I need to go sit in a new one; if they added 3" I might be good to go, even if they look like **** now.

Though the white isn't bad. I wish they kept the hatchback.

Similarly, I could wait for the AWD Focus RS that will be AWD, but sitting in a Focus a few years ago the B pillar was in front of my shoulder and while the car fit alright the fact that I was sitting so far back made it awkward to see out and reach all of the controls.

I'd love to get the BMW, but I don't know if I can realistically afford it. I could pay cash and wipe out my savings, but i was hoping to stay under 30 so that I'd be fine financing most of it.