In case you missed it- "Automatch Answers Your Questions"

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
10/09/2013 at 19:25 • Filed to: AVANT, RS6, AUDI, WAgon, Automatch FAQ, Automatch consulting, automatch

As promised I did a post answering most of the really pressing questions about my car-consulting business. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ...or just enjoy the view. :)

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DISCUSSION (6)

iLikeCarsAndSkiing > Tom McParland
10/09/2013 at 19:36

So, considering you are good at finding the right car for people (or do you only find a specific car for people?), would you say WRX, focus ST, or anything else not FWD besides the focus (would be used) for someone who will track every once in a while, autocross some, and needs a car that can handle some snow in moderation? Don't need too much room, but really love torque and quality build. Basically I want to upgrade from a MkV GTi and have ABSOLUTELY NO idea what to get.... Too many cars out there now to choose from. Thanks!

Tom McParland > iLikeCarsAndSkiing
10/09/2013 at 20:21

If you like torque the BRZ/FRS is out despite the fact it would be a good track-day car. If you currently have a GTI and want to upgrade to MOAR performance I think the ST is your best bet. A lot of people on Oppo have them and some track them. While the Subie is great in the snow and very quick, personally I'm not a fan of the interior of the Rex, it feels really cheap. But you may want to wait until the next generation comes out. I don't know what your budget is, but if you can afford a well-equipped ST you might be able to get a lightly used- Golf R.

Needless to say making recommendations to enthusiasts is not easy and I never recommend just one car to anyone, I usually knock it down to 3. So go drive the ST and the WRX and see for yourself. :)

iLikeCarsAndSkiing > Tom McParland
10/09/2013 at 20:51

Thanks! I will be test driving the ST this coming weekend so we will see about that. Any other cars you recommend checking out? Would LOVE to have a golf r but cant really afford one. I would be getting a lightly used ST2 ST which is around 23-25k, so I guess my budget is around there.

Thunder > Tom McParland
10/09/2013 at 20:55

To your recommendation, I'll emphasize the requirement to go drive them.

Golf R sounded great to me, with much the same thought process... until I drove one and it just felt wrong. Wallowy, like the back tires had 5 PSI in them.

All the research in the world doesn't count for beans until you get in and try for yourself.

Tom McParland > iLikeCarsAndSkiing
10/09/2013 at 21:06

Based on your specs the ST it seems would fit best, there is also the Genesis coupe than some around here seem to like.

Rico > Tom McParland
10/10/2013 at 10:01

Thanks for posting this, just came across it as I was going to type your name into the search!