Help me choose a car!

"Lalkidu" (Lalkidu)
08/19/2014 at 11:23 • Filed to: None

Dear Oppos!

Please help me with a decision!

I currently drive a 2004 Acura TSX (manual, of course) and I need to get something new and obviously not FWD. I would like your suggestions and comments on the list of cars I am considering. Like you all, I need something thats fun to drive, RWD or AWD, manual tranny and nice to look at in and out from a driver's standpoint. Coupes are preferred but I do need 4 seats, have a 5 year old that needs to ride! I am by no means super rich or anything, I have saved up the money to get a car that I can have fun with for the next 6-10 years!

Here is what I have been looking at:

Audi S5:

Pros: looks, interior, nice manual tranny

Cons: heavy, $$$, long term reliability?

Comments: Driving the S5 was very nice, surprisingly nice manual, perky engine, sounds nice only when revved hard but its more of a GT car than a sports car. Interior is absolutely drool worthy!

BMW M235i:

Pros: Engine, RWD, lotsa fun!, cheap(comparitively), reliability, LSD option!!!

Cons: Image (compared to the S5/M4/911, especially with non-oppos, not that I care a LOT), interior is not all that great.

Comments: Really like the value for money, its a true drivers car indeed! And I can order it with an LSD and a BMW performance exhaust and it will still be ~50K. I think with the power it makes one could have a lot of fun without getting into trouble like the M4.

Subaru BRZ:

Pros: Handling, fun, cheap!!

Cons: Hoover-like engine music, cheap interior/electronics, low torque

Comments: Like everyone on Oppo, I wish it had 50 more horses and a wee bit more torque, in which case I could live with the Hoover under the hood. But for that price, its brilliant! If this was available in 2004, I would be driving that now.

BMW M4:

Pros: POWER! LOTS OF POWER and TORQUE!, RWD, True M-car!!

Cons: Overkill? too much of an overstatement? $$$

Comments: I drove the M4 with a DSG and its a LOT of car but I dont think I need that much performance for the street. I just think that when are having fun, you will be in 'get-your-ass-in-jail' speeds very quickly. I will use about 10% of its capability 90% of the time which is bad. I will take it to track, but not as much as I want to because of work/family.

Porsche 911 C2S:

Pros: its a 911!!! everyone's dream car. And a 7-speed manual!!!!

Cons: $$$$$$$$$$$$$, reliability/maintenance

Comments: I love everything about the 911, but I really feel that I would just end up babying the living hell out of it and worrying over every single little thing that have fun with it. Plus, tires that cost ~$1300 every 12K miles, periodic service that costs ~$300, etc etc.

Please feel free to post your comments/suggestions!!

DISCUSSION (55)

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:27

Counter point: Fiesta ST.

N51fanatic > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:29

I am by no means super rich or anything

S5: From $52000

M235i: From $43000

BRZ: From $26000

M4: From $64000

911 C2S: From $98000

One of these is NOT like the others.

macanamera > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:30

Are these all going to be new purchases?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:30

C7 Corvette or C6 if you wanna save a few bucks.

V8 noise

Tons of power

Nice interior (on the C7 at least)

Looks great IMO

Relatively cheap if you don't go overboard with options and stuff.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:31

There's always a 1M with a CarMax warranty http://www.carmax.com/search?ADc=90&…

Irlyluvwagons > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:31

Love these threads. Really nice lineup of cars, I would vote either 911 or something not on the list - the m2 or the 1 M coupe. IDK if you're into driving or buying used but you can get one with low miles for 55k, it won't depreciate, it might even appreciate, and you can drive a future classic and one of the most desirable sports cars of the last ten years.

edit - yes i know the m2 isn't out yet, but we know it's coming and idk if he is able to wait or not

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > N51fanatic
08/19/2014 at 11:31

that would be the BRZ because it is made in Japan

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > N51fanatic
08/19/2014 at 11:31

Good Point, what sort of budget actually exists? If you get the M235i will you be financing for 8 years?

MIATAAAA > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:32

All great cars - it really comes down to budget. You've got cars ranging from just over $20K to $90K. A BRZ and a 911 is apples to oranges.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:32

I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:33

What about a WRX or R32?

N51fanatic > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again.
08/19/2014 at 11:33

no one cross shops a brz with ANYTHING on that list.

asindhidude > I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner
08/19/2014 at 11:35

obligatory subie plug.

also, the budget here is hella confusing

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > N51fanatic
08/19/2014 at 11:35

That's what makes me think his budget is perhaps a bit optimistic...

Imirrelephant > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/19/2014 at 11:35

The only problem is that he needs 4 seats.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:37

If the CTS V Sedan and/or Coupe aren't on your list you're doing yourself a MASSIVE dis-service:

http://www.cadillac.com/content/dam/Ca…

dogisbadob > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:38

How about a CPO G37 coupe? MUCH more reliable than anything German and probably has more space than a BRZ. This would probably be your best bet from a reliability standpoint.

Mitsubishi's i-Miev is also RWD, and rear engine too!

Yeah I know you don't like FWD, but the Accord V6 coupe is available with a manual transmission and is a very good car.

The Mustang is also an obvious RWD coupe choice. Much more power than a BRZ if you need it.

Supposedly the Focus ST doesn't feel FWD at all from all the reviews.

If you're considering a 911, you might also be able to afford a used or CPO Evora. It's available with a back seat about the size of the 911's, a manual transmission, and a super reliable Toyota engine :)

What's wrong with your TSX? How many miles on it?

Imirrelephant > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
08/19/2014 at 11:39

The only problem is that he needs 4 seats. Gotta plant that enthusiast seed in the young one's mind!

Party-vi > dogisbadob
08/19/2014 at 11:42

Boo and Hiss on the G37 coupe. Service at the dealer is usually over a grand each time, and the engine is buzzy and vibrates fucking everywhere. Power delivery sucks.

ColoradoTaco > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:45

From your list I'd get the S5 (surprise) or the M4. Have you considered the Caddy ATS though? Can be had con manuel, and rwd or awd

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Imirrelephant
08/19/2014 at 11:45

they have a decent trunk.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Imirrelephant
08/19/2014 at 11:45

I didn't see that part. Oops.

AM3R > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:51

E92 M3 and call it a day.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:55

as always, WRX! or, only being 2nd least expensive you could still do an STI

liquid_popcorn > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:56

What's your timeframe? MK7 Golf R (290hp, 280tq, DSG or manual, four doors for more...kids, under 40k) releases in Q1 of next year. AWD, available Haldex controller, and still built in Germany, unlike the new GTI (disclosure: I own a new GTI and think it's the shit, and I also work for a VW dealer so biased)

I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner > asindhidude
08/19/2014 at 11:58

I agree! Being able to buy a $98,000 car with barely 2 rear seats makes me quite confused about the limitations of the budget here

Milky > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 11:59

Just a few thoughts:

http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/upl…

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68j0MGf1GBI/T…

& I know your thing is German but this has a useable backseat, I don't think the 911 or BRZ for that matter does.

http://www.highsnobiety.com/files/2014/05/…

Also I would consider buying like a 1-2 year old CPO, esp. if your going to keep that long. Let somebody else take the depreciation hit.

Saracen > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 12:13

CPO'd E92 M3

or CPO'd 997.2 C2

Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 12:21

For that budget I'd consider a very lightly used E92 M3. You could get a 2013 with under 10k Miles within that budget.

Plus: apparently the S65 V8 was the most reliable engine BMW made at the time. (That could be good or bad)

Danny Gross > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 12:25

When I test drove the s5, I thought the steering was way too light. I tried playing with settings to make it heavier but no setting exists. (salesperson confirmed that) I thought the power was good but not very memorable, if that makes sense. When I think back to the test drive, my thoughts are not "powerrrrrrr."

My suggestion would be to look into the used car market. Save yourself a bunch of money on depreciation!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 12:26

I'd say the M235i is the best option out of all these.

- S5: meh, they're EVERYWHERE and I don't think it's that special a car. It's also heavy and expensive. Sure the non-Jalops might think it's awesome, but out of pure driving pleasure you might be better off elsewhere.

- BR-Z: realistically too small, especially if you need a usable back seat.

- M4: too much car for general use - so many people buy these but use them to nowhere near their potential - so it's essentailly a big $tatu$ symbol, which I'm not a fan of. It's an amazing car though. If you plan on taking it on track and truly enjoying it, sure, go for it - but for 99% of any other applications, the M235i will do just great and save you a ton of $

- C2S - I love this car, but back seat is a joke, especially with the sloping roof line good luck getting any real use out of it back there. With kids I'd imagine you'd also want some space and practicality. Also, very expensive and you'd take a huge depreciation hit (see where 5 year old 997 prices are at now compared to what they were - I definitely wouldn't be able to stomach that).

The M235i is a great car with plenty of power, not too much weight, understated yet handsome styling, and a usable shape with a good sized trunk. A pretty penny cheaper than a lot of your options too, fully loaded at that.

An alternative I'd consider (although not yet available in the US i don't think) is the new Golf R - if you have Drive+ check out the comparison Chris Harris did between the Golf R and the M235i. I'd personally go for the M235i because it's more of a hoonmobile - but practicality-wise, and in terms of real world speed the Golf R wins. It's also got a very nice interior. Again, you won't be getting the Porsche or S5 levels of brand appeal, but from a non-track performance standpoint, value for money, and practicality - it's pretty high up there.

TJDMAX > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 12:30

There are quite a range of cars here...and not just in terms of price. I have a 2014 S4 in manual so same engine and trans as the S5, and from all my research (done before buying the car) and talking with multiple service reps these engines and transmissions are bullet proof. No issues there. So thats all I can really say for these cars. Haven't driven anything else, except the BRZ which really isn't in the same league as the other cars on your list.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
08/19/2014 at 12:35

That or because its a Subaru. I really like that they made a sports car that's something other than a WRX/STi. And I know its a Toyota and that STi isn't technically a sports car.

Brian Silvestro > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 12:47

First off, you can disregard the S5 and BRZ since you're able to get a 911.

M3 should replace the M4, because it's cooler. S7 maybe also? Maserati Granturismo also has really nice back seats, and they're trying to get rid of them now to make room for the new one. So that's my official recommendation.

Brian Silvestro > Where have all the lightweights gone?
08/19/2014 at 12:48

Beat me to it.

JasonStern911 > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 13:01

Obligatory:

* get a used, low mileage, well maintained Porsche 996 for low $20ks

* drop $3k into replacing the IMS bearing, clutch, air/oil separator, and water pump

* enjoy a perfectly reliable sports car competitive with almost every new car available today for 60k miles

* eventually sell it for more than half of what you paid for it since you took advantage of someone else paying for the initial depreciation and the resale value will still be there since the 996 is still a Porsche Carrera

* use the $50k you saved over the course of owning the car to put a down payment on a house

In before these false/bad arguments:

* even though I claim to be not only a car enthusiast, but a driver's driver, I am going to complain about odd looking headlights because in reality, 95% of the enjoyment I get from a car comes from either aesthetics or what people on the internet think about it

* the 996 is not a real Porsche 911 because, like every other car made by a major manufacturer, it is water cooled

* despite what renntech tells you, the 996 is a horribly unreliable ticking time bomb, and even though 175k of these were made, not a single engineer or mechanic has been able to come up with solutions to the common problems experienced. even swapping out the motor entirely with an LSx won't fix the problems because having to replace an intermediate shaft bearing every 60k is highly contagious.

Lalkidu > dogisbadob
08/19/2014 at 13:32

the CPO Evora I did think about and actually drove one too, its GREAT! The TSX is fine, I have had it for 11 years and I am due a change.

Lalkidu > Imirrelephant
08/19/2014 at 13:33

yeah its funny, you ask him what car, and he has only answer, "Porsche 911". Something about the test drive with him in the back seat where he could actually FEEL the engine..... I think the seed is well sown on that one.

Lalkidu > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
08/19/2014 at 13:35

Thank you. I have been leaning slightly towards the M235i myself. I wonder if I should wait for the M2 to arrive, especially since my TSX is still running fine. But then like the M4, would that be too much?

Lalkidu > I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner
08/19/2014 at 13:37

I COULD REALLY Stretch and get a 911, but the point is when I spend that kinda money, I would just baby the thing and be afraid every time I take it out. (Besides, wife wont be too happy with the spent $$)

Lalkidu > Irlyluvwagons
08/19/2014 at 13:39

yeah, the M2 looks very promising, I am not sure I like that much fender flare on a 235 though. It is VERY good as it is.

Lalkidu > Brian Silvestro
08/19/2014 at 13:39

no manual on the Maserati. Agree with the other points.

Lalkidu > liquid_popcorn
08/19/2014 at 13:40

I havent driven a Golf R, will check it out. Thanks.

Lalkidu > macanamera
08/19/2014 at 13:40

yes.

Brian Silvestro > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 13:40

Ugh if that car had Manuél on board it would be perfect.

But yeah, 911.

Lalkidu > OPPOsaurus WRX
08/19/2014 at 13:41

Wish they made a nicer interior though. One of my good friends has a modded Rex and its absolutely the BOMB!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 13:44

I would expect the M2 to carry quite a hefty premium over the M235i...not that much less than an M4, I wouldn't think. Also, would you need such a balls-out performance car? I'd imagine the M2 would be louder and stiffer than the M235i, which might be something to consider, if you're going to be shuttling kids around.

The M2 is at least a year away at this point, and you'd probably want to wait and see how the car is accepted before buying it - putting you around 2 years out from right now (and we don't really know anything about it). Would you want to hang on to your TSX for that long?

I don't think you'd be disappointed with the M235i - you don't even know what other cars might be out 2 years from now that you might want. So if you're trying to make a decision now I'd say go with the information you have and get the one that is the best option.

Have you considered a 335i (or 435i if you're totally OK with 2 doors)? Remember, the Audi S models are compared to the BMW Ms by non-jalops, but in reality they don't line up. A 335i with sports package would offer great performance and a lot more family usability, if the size of the M235i was a concern.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 13:45

i was sitting in a 2015 and its pretty nice. definitely a level above the BRZ

dogisbadob > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 14:19

Awesome! Well in that case, the Evora would be my pick if it's great to drive :)

Irlyluvwagons > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 15:44

I mean it's up to you but IMHO widebody=guuuuuuuuuud. Also 1m. I'd do that. Never have driven it but I feel like it's glorious, plus no depreciation, which on a 911 is killer, as on an s5 and m4 and 235i.

Lalkidu > Irlyluvwagons
08/19/2014 at 16:46

1Ms are gorgeous I agree but they are so hard to get... they are quite a few running around here in Denver.

B_dol > Lalkidu
08/19/2014 at 19:35

Oppositelock member http://rb1971.kinja.com/ is actually trying to sell his, fairly priced too!

liquid_popcorn > Lalkidu
08/20/2014 at 08:50

http://jalopnik.com/the-one-change…

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-v…

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatc…

Irlyluvwagons > Lalkidu
08/20/2014 at 13:37

http://www.1ad dicts.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=388

I got you covered. They're worth it and all on this site are well taken care of.

Side note where in Denver do you live? I was there all summer working, right around Iowa and Colorado.

n54 & s38 > Lalkidu
08/20/2014 at 17:41

Are you only looking at new cars? If you can find an E90 M3 that's a CPO car, they're getting pretty cheap now.