Reasonable adult car wants

"CB" (jrcb)
10/11/2016 at 23:54 • Filed to: Questions

For when I’m actually making money and I’m not at a point where I have to be completely responsible, three new cars are on the shortlist. First is a WRX, because they’re pretty damn rad and I’ve always wanted one. But then again, no hatch makes me a little sad.

Second would be a Focus ST, because it looks like a hoot and isn’t terribly pricey. While AWD is always nice, it’s not necessary, and I don’t think I’d miss it.

Lastly is a Golf R. Only a few thousand more than a five door GTI, plus a ton more power. Although I’m not the biggest fan of VW due to reliability, under warranty this could be fun.

There are a few others that are a lot more reasonable (Elantra Sport, please be the saviour we want you to be), but in terms of fun and not absolutely destroying the pocketbook, I think these are pretty decent choices.

So, what are your reasonable adult car wants? Things that tickle your fancy and you think you could actually attain?

DISCUSSION (44)

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:00

All of these work as family cars, so you can even buy these when you have become “completely responsible.”

My current hauler is just an old Accord, but the daydream is a late model Jag XJL. I would also consider settling for an LS460L.

I do actually have two cars to myself, but the WRX is a great choice if I could only have one.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:01

If we’re talking new:

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/12/2016 at 00:01

Kinja’d...

CB > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/12/2016 at 00:02

Nah, if I was a family man, I’d probably try to get into a V90 somehow. Or a used E-Class or 3 series wagon. Plus a Mustang on the side, because I can’t be completely reasonable.

XJL would be a ton of fun, though.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:02

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

CB > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/12/2016 at 00:03

It’s okay. Give it another shot.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:03

It’s too late now.

It’s too laaaaaaaaaaaaaate

CB > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
10/12/2016 at 00:04

I dig the Juke, but for some reason I feel like it needs AWD as a small CUV. It’s a stupid thought, but it’s all I can think of when I see that it only has a six-speed with FWD.

CB > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/12/2016 at 00:05

Or you could just type it?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:08

I GUESS

iM 6-speed
Golf wagon 6-speed

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:10

The FWD w/ 6spd is very fun even in non-NISMO form (I know since I own one). It’s also very capable off road, don’t ask how I know.

CB > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/12/2016 at 00:11

Both solid choices. I really like the iM because the colours actually seem fun, and it seems to come pretty loaded.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:11

We think alike. I’m really considering a WRX and Golf R once I get the 2 current vehicles paid off. I drove the FoST. Wasn’t impressed. Oddly enough I’m also thinking about a Mustang, 330i, and a Wrangler. The Wrangler will probably end up winning out because the resale value is so good that I can sell it without taking a huge hit if finances get tight.

CB > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
10/12/2016 at 00:15

I’ve heard enough about the FoST that I’d like to drive one before I make any solid decisions on it. It’s just a lot cheaper than the Subaru and the R.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:16

Loaded enough for me anyway. They look good in person, though the rear is a bit rough. Like I’ve posted before though: $19,980 is hard for me to say “okay” to when a similar older Vibe or Matrix can be head for significantly less. I need one of those jobs with a vehicle allowance.

61hp > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:23

Kinja'd!!!

My reasonable adult car, well this is a photo from C&D, but you get the point. Fun to drive, low insurance cost, good fuel economy, enough of an aftermarket if you get bored, and affordable to buy.

Only negatives are it could be a bit faster, and there are some rattles here and there. Some think it is too small, but it works for us.

notsomethingstructural > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:38

This was a fun post I did a while ago about how the non-US / non-BMW market is garbage for under $50k. If you want a 2+2, you’re fucked

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/lets-buy-a-new-car-1784781641

wafflesnfalafel > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:39

Looking at a WRX... got a good, local sales guy on speed dial. I’d kinda like to see if they come out with any new colors for the 2018 model... (like hyper blue pretty please?) Does anybody know why the “premium” models have an upside-down strut in front but the normal ones use a normal strut?

promoted by the color red > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:48

I’m about ready to pull the trigger on a Miata Club, but the FiST is knocking on my door. No Brembo + BBS package, but I only really want the LSD and Bilsteins anyway.

No kids or significant other and I’ll be moving to the Southwest soon. Pretty much prime Miata territory, but it’ll take some adjustments to make it an “only” car, which is why I’m even considering the FiST.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > CB
10/12/2016 at 00:52

Definitely drive one and form your own opinion. I guess my takeaway is that it is good for what it is, but it is cheaper for a reason. If you are going to drive a FoST, it’s worth the time to drive the similarly-priced GTI too. I drove both pretty much back to back and like the GTI much better. More spacious, more comfortable, much better ride, and despite being slower and worse handling on paper I thought it was more fun. It’s a shame VW doesn’t offer the GTI in the US/Canada with some of the more obnoxious colors that you can get in Europe to compare better with the FoST Tangerine Scream.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > CB
10/12/2016 at 01:17

Up front or out back?

camarov6rs > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
10/12/2016 at 01:32

Agreed! The OP says he is considering the R because the GTI is close in price. I think he needs to look at prices for the new ones as they now come close to fully loaded vs the GTI can be optioned many ways. Also keep in mind that the R seems to be fairly limited production and the dealers don’t seem to negotiate on them much.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CB
10/12/2016 at 02:54

Already bought my Focus ST back in 2015. It’s a great car, I just wish the economy car roots didn’t show through so much (especially behind the rear seats, on the doors, and in the center console).

If I had it to do over now, I might have bought the Golf R, but at the time it was just the genuinely ugly (and poor utility) WRX or the GTI as alternatives, so the answer was obvious.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
10/12/2016 at 02:59

What model years did you compare?

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2016 at 06:40

2015 GTI and 2014 FoST. It was an early Mk7 GTI and the facelifted FoST wasn’t out yet, so admittedly the FoST may have changed a bit. And OP may still like the FoST better for a lot of reasons, but I think it’s worth driving both.

random001 > CB
10/12/2016 at 06:55

I test drove all three (ended up buying a different car because car seats only) but the WRX is the most fun out of all of them. The Golf is just....boring. The ST is brash and unsophisticated. The WRX is just damned fun.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > CB
10/12/2016 at 07:55

if you go to the Ford dealer to drive a FoST, do yourself a favor and drive drive a FiST while you’re there...

TheRealBicycleBuck > CB
10/12/2016 at 08:45

Kinja'd!!!

Bought it. Drive it daily. It carries two to four kids daily. I’ve taken it to the track. I’ve taken it camping. It’s the best car-buying decision I’ve made so far.

Find yourself a used hatch. It’s worth it.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
10/12/2016 at 08:50

I do agree that it’s worth trying both. The GTI has always looked grown up, for those that want to look responsible. With the facelift on the FoST, Ford made it a lot less childish looking/feeling and upgraded the handling (the main changes, plus the final generation of the Microsoft Sync in 2015, first of the new sync in 2016, and engine control changes).

OCD-CO > CB
10/12/2016 at 09:37

All I can say is WRX. I am more than biased and all I post is Subaru related stuff. But, there are more than enough reasons to support my belief in Subaru as well as the millions of owners.

You WANT a WRX. You like a Golf or Focus ST. At the end of the day you will be more pleased for your dollar with a Subaru.

I am 38 and on my 5th Subaru. I did this debate (internally) last year and I returned to WRX.

Or, look for a 4th/5th gen Legacy GT which is a larger WRX and feel more adult.......

Milky > CB
10/12/2016 at 10:02

Why so sensible? IMHO DD 2 seaters while you can.

I’m over here like - Okay I should get a S2000 or NC Miata. But it’d be fun to spring for and DD an Elise.

Kinja'd!!!

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

CB > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
10/12/2016 at 10:03

Either or.

CB > Milky
10/12/2016 at 10:04

Eh, I just prefer four doors as a main vehicle. Just in case.

CB > OCD-CO
10/12/2016 at 10:07

There was a 2010 or 2011 Legacy 2.5 GT with the six-speed for sale a few weeks ago for $19k. If I had money, I probably would have bought it.

CB > camarov6rs
10/12/2016 at 10:09

In Canada, the five-door GTI and the R (both fully loaded) only have about a $4k difference in price. You’re probably right about being able to negotiate a better deal on a GTI, though.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > CB
10/12/2016 at 10:13

My adult want is a car I’m really close to getting next because depreciation is a great thing.

V8. Volvo.

Either S80 or XC90. I haven’t decided yet. Still need to drive both.

But I constantly see examples of both (mainly xc90s though) under $15k which is exactly where I want to be!

camarov6rs > CB
10/12/2016 at 10:18

Aw Canada touche, I am very much speaking of the US market.

Milky > CB
10/12/2016 at 10:19

Thats how you end up with 5,000 nukes just sitting around. “Just in case.”

CB > camarov6rs
10/12/2016 at 10:20

No worries. Car pricing is dumb here.

CB > Milky
10/12/2016 at 10:20

I think I’m more likely to carry passengers and dogs in my back seat than to start a thermonuclear war, though.

Milky > CB
10/12/2016 at 10:37

Tomayto, tomahto.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2016 at 11:39

The FoST that I test drove was Tangerine Scream with the black/yellow Racaros and it had a Cobb exhaust on it. I loved the look of it from the outside, but I felt very conspicuous driving it. Which is weird, because I used to own a bright yellow, lowered pickup truck.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
10/12/2016 at 15:35

As many reviewers have pointed out, Tangerine Scream is the wrong color for a FoST. Your best time with it will be if the color makes it look like a rental car to the average observer... After all, it looks just like one of it isn’t in an outrageous color.

Justino6969 > CB
10/12/2016 at 22:48

I’ve been considering the GTI, and then taking it to APR for tuning. Stage 2 (intake, exhaust, tune) puts down some ridiculous numbers (336hp/404lb-ft at 2500rpm with 176lb-ft over stock at 1500rpm!). Good luck with take offs being FWD, but I bet the thing is a rocket on the highway.

I always hear bad things about VW and reliability, but I bought my MKIV Jetta 1.8T with 100k miles and I’ve put another hard 100k on it, and it just keeps on ticking. As long as you take care of them, they’ll be just fine.