I've given a great/horrible opportunity

"Deputy Kovacs" (grandbudapest)
03/05/2015 at 09:36 • Filed to: None

I'm calling on PatBateman for help here.

The time has come for me to be kicked out of driving my parents cars, and to move on to my own car. Good news!

But also bad news, because I have way too many ideas that I need to narrow down. I have a decent amount of money to play with so this should make things interesting. The things I'm looking for

-Preferably manual, but not necessarily required

-AWD (yes, I know. I'm an idiot but idiots don't change their minds.)

-I don't care about gas

-Newish. ~at least 2008?

-Fun? Is that a thing?

-German

-Under 43k

-RELIABLE!

So, what have I come up with so far? (not in any sort of order)

-B8 Audi Allroad

-Used Audi B8 S4

-B7 RS4 (a man can dream)

-Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

-VW Golf R (Mk8)

-BMW M235ix

-BMW 335ix

DISCUSSION (45)

jkm7680 > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 09:40

B8 Allroad is a good bet, B8 S4 is also a good idea, hell B7 RS4 is even a good idea.

This isn't a first car is it?

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 09:42

Are you a masochist?

Deputy Kovacs > jkm7680
03/05/2015 at 09:45

No, I've been really lucky (#BLESSED #SWAG) that my parents have been so kind in letting me drive a car of theirs while at school. I'll be graduating soon, so this is where I buy something for myself.

Deputy Kovacs > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
03/05/2015 at 09:46

To a degree, yes.

I spent more time fretting about this than studying last night.

jkm7680 > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 09:46

Ah, then Allroad. DO it!

Deputy Kovacs > jkm7680
03/05/2015 at 09:55

Won't it be too slow? I'm driving a Cayenne S right now...

jkm7680 > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 10:03

Not really, get some APR goodies and you'll be set.

Tohru > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 10:06

I won't be any help here because you're looking at cars more expensive than my house.

Deputy Kovacs > jkm7680
03/05/2015 at 10:06

I've looked into that quite a lot actually.

Have you had much experience on that front? I worry about the codes being written over if I take it for service at a dealer or other dealer/warranty related issues.

Deputy Kovacs > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 10:07

Side note-Why didn't you recommend the Golf R?

jkm7680 > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 10:21

Don't worry about that aspect, everything should be fine. You'll have to bring it somewhere to flash the ECU though.

Quetion 2: I honestly don't know, haha.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 10:43

Don't forget the BMW 535xi! and it's not German but a Forester XT is still very reliable and tons of fun! FXT's only have a manual option up through 2008 though.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 10:44

Also if you go with any BMW ending in *35 look into a Cobb AccessPort or the JoiceBox 4! Both are the best performance value add-ons you'll fine.

XJDano > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 10:49

Get a beater.

#nohelp

Steve Zissou > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 10:51

under 43k dollars, or miles? Dollars?

magman007 > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 11:39

Under 43k? Honestly get an STi new and dont worry yourself with out of warranty repair costs from a german mfg, especially if you are just graduating. Additionally you are young enough you can pull off the STI look without being too douchey.

Note, this is coming from someone who had a 600 a month car payment on an e46 m3 just graduating, and someone who has owned an sti.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 13:02

Kinja'd!!!

Deputy Kovacs > magman007
03/05/2015 at 13:27

Yeah I really wish I could go into the STi route but I'll be in ibanking in NY and that look doesn't fly. I feel like the Golf R or GTI would cover that performance/fun part of life but also be respectable.

Deputy Kovacs > Steve Zissou
03/05/2015 at 13:29

Dolla dolla bill, y'all.

Steve Zissou > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 13:32

your situation at graduation appears to be different than my situation when i graduated.

Deputy Kovacs > Steve Zissou
03/05/2015 at 13:33

I don't really see why financial situations have to play into this.

Steve Zissou > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 13:46

...because it's a financial decision you're making.

Don't misunderstand me, I harbor no ill will, just every once in awhile you hear something that helps you remember there are many different people in many different situations in the world. Good luck finding a reliable German AWD vehicle. It's a really horrible opportunity you have here.

RallyWrench > jkm7680
03/05/2015 at 13:50

I would not recommend the B8 Allroad. I've had 2 clients who bought them on first impressions, and traded them in less than a year later because it turns out they hated them. They really don't do anything very well, except for being a taller, slower, goofy looking A4 wagon. The B8 S4, on the other hand, is an astonishing car. The SC V6 just rips.

jkm7680 > RallyWrench
03/05/2015 at 13:51

I've seen tons of them in my area, they're multiplying and people are really loving them. I've driven one before, and it's a great car. The interior is top notch and you never feel nervous about the exterior thanks to all the plastic clad trim.

RallyWrench > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 13:52

Golf R, by far.

RallyWrench > jkm7680
03/05/2015 at 13:56

Audi interiors are the best in the biz, no doubt. But the B8 Allroads I've driven just felt kind of unremarkable, not nearly as good as I know the underlying chassis to be. And while APR can fix the power issue (and it is an issue), I felt that the 2.0 just wasn't responsive enough in that application.

jkm7680 > RallyWrench
03/05/2015 at 15:01

A 6 speed manual would probably liven things up a little bit.

Deputy Kovacs > Steve Zissou
03/05/2015 at 15:49

Honestly? This is the comment section of an automotive enthusiasts website, not a place to make those who acknowledge that they're extremely privileged feel guilty. I don't necessarily think I was wrong in saying this is a 'horrible' decision to make. A bit of an over-exaggeration, sure. But all things in life are situational.

Steve Zissou > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 16:08

My initial question was genuinely not trying to make you feel guilty, I was genuinely surprised/curious. But then you got so defensive my troll-dar made me do it.

I know what you mean by saying it could be a horrible situation you're in. Mo' money mo' problems, right?

If you are so sensitive about your money though, why not give it away to some hungry people and get a cheaper car?

Kinja'd!!!

magman007 > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 16:09

good point, then yes, you're on the right track with the audi's, GTI is still a bit too juvenile. I made the decision to go e46m3 for the same reason, performance but not overstated. Then it got totaled by an 87 year old lady, and my career path went differently than planned, so the STI became a viable option for a bit. I'm back into an m3 now though:)

Deputy Kovacs > Steve Zissou
03/05/2015 at 18:03

I wouldn't call it sensitive, I would classify it as a war against those who un-informedly trash talk those with money.

finn's arm > Deputy Kovacs
03/05/2015 at 19:24

Everyone knows that the most expensive German car is a cheap one ;)

Used Mercedes.

PatBateman > Deputy Kovacs
03/07/2015 at 17:25

Just saw this post, sorry for the delay.

I would advise you to find either a CPO Audi S4 or a CPO BMW 335ix. Why a CPO? Because you don't want to know how much those damned things cost when you break down. Any savings you get by purchasing a used car evaporate if a major component goes bye bye outside of the warranty.

BMW's CPO warranty is actually one of the best in the industry, because it kicks in AFTER the remaining factory warranty expires. It's bumper-to-bumper as well.

You can find a very nice 335ix, CPO, for less than $43k. My guess is a 2013 or newer, with the tail end of the factory warranty still applicable.

As much as I want to tell you to go buy a GC SRT8, I would actually be surprised if you could find a quality used one (current body style) for less than $43k.

Deputy Kovacs > PatBateman
03/08/2015 at 11:09

335ix is a great option, granted it's specced correctly and CPO. I wouldn't buy anything non-CPO other than the RS4 (great logic there). Finding the M-Sport package on a 335ix SEDAN is near impossible though. Coupe is for guidos.

I'm finding the same issue with the GC SRT8. It's a pipe dream.

Say for example you're an MD or SVP, you see your Analyst driving a Golf R. Is he too immature looking, or would you say he has a respectable car? Same for the Allroad?

PatBateman > Deputy Kovacs
03/08/2015 at 13:02

Agree, sedan > coupe.

If I were a SVP or a MD and saw my analyst driving a Golf... Good question. I'd prefer them drive nicer cars than a VW Golf, but it wouldn't make that much of a difference. The top producer in my office drives a 12 year old Navigator. Other high producers drive 4x4 trucks, Tahoes... One person drives a 535i.

As long as it's not a shit can, what you drive matters more to you than what the manager thinks. Buy something that makes you feel good about yourself.

Deputy Kovacs > PatBateman
03/19/2015 at 21:57

That's a fair move. It's certainly different in the north rather than the south. Having a small car in the city makes sense, though.

What's your move on PE clothing? Have an internship at a fairly large firm this summer. Suit w/ no tie? Full suit? Slacks and Paul Stuart sport coat? My insiders say PE is quite lax on dress, but I would hate to show up like an unappreciative douche.

PatBateman > Deputy Kovacs
03/20/2015 at 01:52

In my office, Fridays are the only day you don't have to show up in a full suit. However, I'd inquire on expected dress codes during the week at that particular office. Always dress one level up from the job you have. It doesn't have to be much, though. For me, I make sure I always wear French cuffs. If they tell you "business casual", wear pressed khakis, a nice pressed shirt (I suggest light starch), and perhaps a sports coat. Adjust as needed.

Go in drastically overdressed, you look like a suck up. Underdressed, and you look like a slacker.

Deputy Kovacs > PatBateman
03/20/2015 at 23:26

I get the idea French cuffs are a sort of 'earned' status. Same goes with Hermès ties. It's a delicate balance, being under or over dressed.

I was at an IB last summer and was required the full suit ensemble. Went with Brooks Brothers since that seems to be the higher end, entry-level uniform. Khakis have always been shamed in my circles, at least.

PatBateman > Deputy Kovacs
03/21/2015 at 09:18

Brooks Bros is the best place for "entry level attire". GOD I hate it when someone tells me, "you should go to Joseph A. Banks for some suits!" No. No I should not.

Khakis might be regional. In Texas, we can get away with either a "boots and jeans Friday" (did I mention it's Texas?) or, if you don't wear boots, khakis and loafers. But that's only if you aren't meeting a client on Friday.

Deputy Kovacs > PatBateman
03/31/2015 at 23:00

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/03/ny-la-…

Read.

I can't think right now.

PatBateman > Deputy Kovacs
03/31/2015 at 23:21

Did... Did a Gumball legend just basically take our ideas?

Deputy Kovacs > PatBateman
03/31/2015 at 23:28

I... I think so...

I was just thinking about this record the other day. It's hard to believe that 28:5o was beaten. Roy must have sunk at least 500k on the car alone.

PatBateman > Deputy Kovacs
03/31/2015 at 23:33

If not more. Dual steering wheels/pedals?! A bit overkill, if you ask me, but... Jesus. He even mentioned Jalopnik in the interview. He HAD to have read our stuff.

Deputy Kovacs > PatBateman
04/01/2015 at 00:08

Definitely overkill. Necessitating two steering wheel/pedal sets seems like a compensation for lack of group driving skill.

It's very likely he's seen some of our posts. Maybe I'm crazy, but I think 24 is possible. Even without the two steering wheels. Maybe Elon Musk will sponsor us if we did it in a Tesla with 3-4 extra battery packs.

dogisbadob > Deputy Kovacs
05/29/2015 at 22:37

hehehe German and reliable