The Driver's Paradox

"Almost A Wooden Bird" (AlmostAWoodenBird) 10/26/2015 at 13:25 • Filed to: None

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Listen, alright, maybe “The Driver’s Paradox” is a bit of a heavy title for what I’m about to clack out on this keyboard, but maybe it should be heavy! These decisions carry great weight. What decisions, you wonder? Car buying, brah, that decision.

Let me take a step backwards. If you follow me on here or recognize the name you probably know that I drive a Crossfire - a pretty pristine one if I may say so. But I also currently live in a snowy area, and the Crossfire struggles in the snow because it A) weighs an ounce, and 2) is RWD with nothing over the wheels but a little glass (seriously. Not even a spare tire).

Anyway, a short time ago my car was destroyed by a drunk driver. Smushed. I wasn’t in it, luckily. But I’ve had to begin seriously looking for a new car. The problem with car hunting, for me, is that there just isn’t much I love out there right now (Aside from the Q50, which is outside of my comfortable price range for now). So I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Infiniti G37s and the Audi A5 3.2l. Preferably a manual in either.

I’ve never owned an Audi, but family members have and love them. I’ve been a Nissan/Infiniti fan for a while (owning 2 240s, a 300zx, an Altima and driving cars for Infiniti for work for a few years) and just feel like I’m home when I’m in them. And I’ve always loved the idea of a sport sedan with a stick. That said: the Audi did not feel uncomfortable or like a place I couldn’t live. My only complaint was the 2.0T I tested felt a bit sluggish, but I’m interested in the V6 anyway.

So Jalops, I need your help: Comments, opinions, suggestions, ideas, inventions. What should I do next for a daily driver? My only requirements are navigation and a manual transmission. And even those are flexible requirements. 4 wheels is really the main requirement. I ain’t drivin’ no Slingshot. (EDIT: Budget is probably near $20k - looking used)

The Real Dacia Sandero > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 13:42

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Well, the 2.0T engines can be tuned like crazy. So, that vs the v6 will be a choice of smooth linearity or fun boost. Power can be similar for not too much money.

What’s your price range?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 13:42

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Not a Nissan fan, but I just don’t want the Audi. I’d probably go for the Datsun.

asindhidude > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 13:44

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Obligatory get a WRX post.

Almost A Wooden Bird > asindhidude 10/26/2015 at 13:46

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Seriously was coveting a black STI WRX Hatch yesterday with gold wheels. Just...yes

duurtlang > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 13:47

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Test drive both, and buy the one that you like the most.

Almost A Wooden Bird > The Real Dacia Sandero 10/26/2015 at 13:47

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Looking used for sure, probably in on or around the $20k range

Almost A Wooden Bird > duurtlang 10/26/2015 at 13:49

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Ya know, I was thinking that’s a solid strategy

Azrek > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 13:50

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Where as there is a likely, “Get a WRX” comment in here somewhere. I’d recommend looking to see if you can get an Audi S4 instead of an A5. The price might be about the same and you’d be happier with its better engine and traction control. I had a B5 2001 Audi S4 that was a rocketship and alot of fun to drive. I tried an S5 when they came out and was bored compared to my little S4.

Milky > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 13:51

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U can’t wot m8?

I say get something RWD, winter is more enjoyable that way.

RazoE > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 13:53

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Lexus IS350?

JR1 > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 13:58

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Go with something awesome like a Chrysler SRT-8

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:00

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Budget?

bob and john > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:02

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audis are nice. our A3 was good. they stopped having electronics issue oh, 10 years ago? stop living in 2004 Joest.

the infinity are NICE machines. but i Dont trust their AWD as much as audis.

Almost A Wooden Bird > Milky 10/26/2015 at 14:02

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I dumbly did not have snows. Wait til you see the pics of this thing after it got hit =( =( =( (I’ll post them after the whole ordeal is over). Lucky our cars can take a hit.

Almost A Wooden Bird > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/26/2015 at 14:03

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Probably around $20k, used hopefully!

Almost A Wooden Bird > RazoE 10/26/2015 at 14:03

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I was thinking this! I’ve loved them since that redesign in like 2006/7. And they have so many toys...

Almost A Wooden Bird > JR1 10/26/2015 at 14:03

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My roommate JUST bought an SRT-8 Challenger. Can I be a copycat?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:11

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Hmm... 2013 Cadillac ATSs are dropping into that range... 2012 328i...

E39 M5! Final answer! No depreciation!!!

The Real Dacia Sandero > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:12

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That opens up options...

1. How old is your max age range?

2. Power, weight, handling, reliability. List in order of importance.

JR1 > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:12

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I mean if you don't want to copy you could get an STS V

RazoE > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:18

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They’re auto-only, but it’s a good automatic. You can get a 250 with an actual manual, but they’re down almost 100hp.

It'snotwhatyouthink > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:18

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I’ve been having the same dilemma, but I drive 40 miles one way to work so gas mileage creeps up there... so I was thinking why not both. Miata is always the answer, plus a reasonable daily driver like maybe the Mazda6. 5k used Miata, 15k used Mazda6. Bam!-

Milky > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:27

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Winter tires make a world of difference! Just saying I wouldn’t only look at AWD cars.

But like you said, luckily you weren’t in it when it got smushed.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 14:28

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I suggest you get a used Saab 9-2X Aero (which has the 2L turbo engine).

It will be good in snow, not too expensive to buy, have good performance and is practical.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 15:03

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It’s to bad FCA refuses to give these a third pedal option.

As for the two your looking at I’d have to drive them in the snow to be sure, I know Audi’s AWD system is predicable, and fun, IDK about Nissan’s.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 15:07

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You really loose the luxury part of the equation though. What about a Golf R?... I guess price would be a big player there as I don’t know if your looking at a 20,ooo dollar car or a 35,000 dollar car. If the latter is the case than a NEW Golf R would be awesome.

Almost A Wooden Bird > Milky 10/26/2015 at 15:14

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Yeah, I’ve decided with snows anything seems possible! You’re right. Also, to clarify: the XF did surprisingly very good in the snow even on all seasons EXCEPT a hill I have to climb to park for work on the iciest days. It was just aggravating enough that I was going to buy a beat up 4WD Dakota for the winter, but, plans have changed

Almost A Wooden Bird > The Real Dacia Sandero 10/26/2015 at 15:17

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Oldness: just would like Nav/the cabin to feel relatively modern (So not a Chevy Beretta). Crossfire was an ‘04, pretty much 05/06 and up is an upgrade in my world if the mileage isn’t bad. I’m a good mechanic too, so old doesn’t scare me much.

Hmm probably reliability, handling, power, weight

Almost A Wooden Bird > JR1 10/26/2015 at 15:17

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There’s an STS V!?

Almost A Wooden Bird > RazoE 10/26/2015 at 15:18

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That’s quite a loss! I think I could get used to paddles for that much of a difference

Almost A Wooden Bird > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 10/26/2015 at 15:19

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I gotta say, those Golfs are really, really nice. Almost considered trading the Crossfire for one outright. Maybe I’ll do a little research...

JR1 > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 15:27

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Yes sir! 470hp

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Almost A Wooden Bird 10/26/2015 at 16:04

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G37x is a surprisingly fantastic car. Seriously underrated and very reliable. The Audi on the other hand, bleh, in my humble opinion. Sure the Audi looks better and might be nicer inside, but I wouldn’t want to live with one. They’re stupid to work on and I hate the MMI(?) thing. Stupid to work on equates to expensive to maintain, plus German parts prices, plus who knows if VAG is going to start jacking up parts prices to try to recoup their dieselgate losses. Personally not a fan of any VAG stuff unless you count the 918, CGT and Cayman.

Almost A Wooden Bird > JR1 10/26/2015 at 16:11

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*begins investigation*