Feedbacks for a new (to me) Modern Daily Driver

"theshaferbm" (theshaferbm) 08/22/2013 at 16:14 • Filed to: oppositelock, BMW, Audi, Subaru, Daily, Mazda, #oppositelock, oppo, feedback, e30, e46

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I've made my daily commute to school in a 1987 BMW e30 for the past two years. Before that was a '99.5 B5 A4. The e30 has been stellar on almost all accounts as it's small, fair enough on gas, fun, and most importantly not a beige-mobile. It's reliable, solidly built, and seemingly becoming more sought after. I've done mechanical work on the engine, replaced wear items throughout the suspension system, and installed new springs & shocks. It feels great in those twisties, and makes me smile still. At times, though, I find myself missing the modern amenities and comforts of the A4 (sadly).

Thus, here we are. I've caught the bug and I want something newer once again. Something with heated seats, and with a gross weight that's more than 2500 pounds. Ohio winters are not ideal here. So here is where your feedback comes in.

I'd enjoyed my B5 A4 as far as the feel of the interior, and would like something at least as nice (fit & finish). I'm looking to get something fun/interesting and Ideally under &10,000. Here are the vehicles I've considered thus far (manual transmission is a must, 6 speed gets bonus points):

BMW e46 3 series Sedan, ideally a later example, NOT SILVER, have huge support community and many mature modifications that can be done.

Audi A4 B6 Avant (wagon), nicely appointed interior, more wheels drive

05(ish) Subaru Legacy Outback XT , I've always been dubious of build quality, but they are cool and 250hp!

First generation Mazda 3 hatcback 2.3l, nice looks, and zoom zoom applies

These are all 4-door, because I often make trips that require carrying a bit of gear. I'm looking for something thats not built like an Altoids tin. All said in done if i pull the metaphorical trigger on a newer car, I'll want to keep the old chariot for a weekend project. What does the oppo crowd make the daily drive in? Anything I may have have overlooked/suggestions?

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > theshaferbm 08/22/2013 at 19:27

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Personal suggestion is one of these:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
I'm a fan of Volvos, and always will be. Although not the fastest thing in their stable, these are plenty fast midsizes.
also, it has that Volvo interior and safety.
so yeah, it's a stick, it's a sweed, and it gets bonus stealth points.
chip it for more power, maybe some brembos behind the rims...
only problem is that it's silver
still, worth a look

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/22/2013 at 19:29

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also, i'd like those bonus points, please :D
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
this is truly something more unique if you want to have that N/A responsiveness
plus 6 speed!

theshaferbm > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 08/22/2013 at 21:00

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I do like those S60s. I've never seen a manual without a shiftboot like that, pretty interesting. Thats an idea. The only drawback for is FWD, otherwise the silver might be manageable on something like that.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > theshaferbm 08/22/2013 at 22:32

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glad to help!

JasonStern911 > theshaferbm 08/23/2013 at 00:21

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Porsche 996 C4.

Heated seats - check
2500+ lbs. - check, but still only like ~3200lbs
Good in winter - AWD, so check
Good feeling interior - check, although the seats can be a bit stiff on a long trip
Manual transmission - check
6-speed - check

theshaferbm > JasonStern911 08/23/2013 at 14:20

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Maybe in ten years. Funny you should mention that though, I've recently been crushing hard on the 964 and 993 911s. One of those will be had. Someday.

JasonStern911 > theshaferbm 08/23/2013 at 20:43

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Not maybe in ten years - definitely in ten years. (For the 964 at least, 993s are spendy!) Nobody dreams of the day they can own a Mazda3 or looks back at their life remorsefully due to not owning a Subaru Outback...