RWD (or AWD) Daily Drivers - Advice

"Patrick Glace" (patrickglace) 02/20/2016 at 21:39 • Filed to: None

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Enjoy this Pierce Arrow hood ornament for your trouble.

Oppo’s, below is the list of new cars I’m thinking about for my next daily. Looking to lease in the next 2-3 months. Share your thoughts or suggestions, please. FYI - I haven’t begun the test-drive process and price range is between 300-400/Mo. The budget is flexible if there is something really sweet and at least a bit practical.

I’m also contemplating SUVs and/or wagons, but nothing is jumping out at me that will fit into this price range well equipped.

The list:

Ecoboost Mustang w/ Perf. and Recaros (or stripper GT?)

1LT Camaro

FRS/BRZ

WRX

Miata

hike > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 21:44

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The Miata probably isn’t particularly practical, but could be workable. I’ve never felt AWD is totally necessary, especially if you can afford to buy and store winter Wheels and tires.

I quite like the new Camaro out of this list, but of all of them, I’ve only driven a BRZ, which was insanely fun.

jkm7680 > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 21:46

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I’ve owned three AWD Audis, then went to an FWD Volkswagen. I kinda regret it.

Baeromez > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 21:52

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Get a used C6.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 21:59

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Out of the list, my favourite is either the WRX or the Camero.

The WRX is probably wayyy more practical though. Wish they still had the hatchback.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 21:59

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Add a FiST/FoST to that list and you’ve got the quintessential list of new cars bought by Oppo. Advice should be plentiful.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 22:02

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Friendly Oppo reminder: do not forget about Infiniti’s offerings especially if you want a RWD or AWD car. Q50 could have some good lease deals on it.

MM54 > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 22:05

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I don’t own any of those, but I’ve considered some of them, and just on my quick preference, I’d order them (1= most likely to buy):

1)WRX
2)BRZ
3)Miata
4)Mustang (GT)
5)Camaro

Patrick Glace > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 02/20/2016 at 22:07

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Interesting thought, the Q50 is handsome but I’m not sure it will be particularly rewarding.

Patrick Glace > hike 02/20/2016 at 22:09

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Agreed. I’m just not interested in FWD at the moment. I live in NC so winter isn’t really a thing.

Sam > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 22:12

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I have RWD and don’t even end up needing snows. I’d say that, unless you live in the northernmost states, you won’t even noticed the RWD. I just kept a bag or two of kitty litter in the trunk when I would drive in the snow, just in case I got stuck.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 22:24

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I’ve never driven one (but sat in it) so can’t tell you much. Might be worth stopping by a dealership to check it out. If it’s gonna be a year-round DD then you might appreciate some of the luxury checkboxes the car ticks compared to what else is on the list. Sometimes you just get used to some creature comforts.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > not for canada - australian in disguise 02/20/2016 at 22:24

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Evenwith the lack of the hatch, the trunk in this generation Impreza is pretty decent. Though our hatch is *slightly* more practical than our sedan, and yes, we have two of this generation Impreza. (2012+)

dogisbadob > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 22:26

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How about a Genesis coupe?

In regards to the Accord, the turbo-4 has a lot of power, not to mention lighter weight and better fuel economy, you won’t miss the V8, especially if it means you can get the Recaro seats.

Could you get a 2-series lease within your budget? A C-class might also be possible.

If you can wait until Memorial Day, you’ll have access to more cars, since there will be huge promotions going on.

S65 > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 22:55

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If You Lower A CX-9 It Kinda Looks Wagon-Ish

http://www.frederickmazda.com/used-Frederick…

uofime-2 > Patrick Glace 02/20/2016 at 23:31

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I'm not sure any of those will be below 400/mo especially if you consider insurance as well

Wobbles the Mind > Patrick Glace 02/21/2016 at 00:11

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I don’t know how they are equipped but a Genesis Coupe and maybe a 2wd Chevrolet Colorado (if they let you get the V6) could be fun. If you can live with FWD there is of course the STs and GTI. Not sure 370Z will give you much flexibility or practicality. I feel like the WRX is the one that will give you the most performance, livability, uniqueness, and value though. Everything else will get old to you within 6 months.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Patrick Glace 02/21/2016 at 01:15

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FRS is a great daily. Mileage is great, handling is a joy. Will fit a lot of stuff with the seats down

red_ > Patrick Glace 02/21/2016 at 01:44

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Whats your daily commute looks like? Been rocking a ‘14 BRZ for 2 years now

Pros

Excellent handling

Near telepathic steering

Averages around 30-32 MPG highway

Comfortably seats 2

Great visibility compared to most cars

Amazing road feel

Well bolstered seats

Pretty much AutoX ready out of the box

HIDs are really nice. You don’t need the fogs

Cons

Really can only seat 2 people, the backseat can support a 3rd person if they lay across it

The trunk is deep but not very tall. The whole thing about a grocery bag not fitting is true

Given that its lightweight, there is a fair amount of road noise

Feeling everything through the steering wheel can be fatiguing to the hands after a few hours e.g. from the Bay Area to LA on the 5

The stock speakers sucks, my 92 MR2 sounds much better

The seats are quite firm and can be uncomfortable for larger folks

Driving in heavy rain means you eat everyone’s wash

Exhaust doesn’t sound sporty at all

The power is sufficient. You’re not going to win a stop light drag, but for day to day its enough. 50 more ft-lbs wouldn’t hurt though...

Montalvo > Patrick Glace 02/21/2016 at 04:18

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You don’t need AWD unless you live in an area that rains a lot or gets a lot of snow. In NY I get a lot of both so I got AWD. Generally though you get more bang for your buck with RWD so I would go with that if you can swing it. Looking at your list I definitely like the Camaro and the Toybaru twins. You should have a look at the BMWs too, lots of good options there with both RWD and AWD varients. Join the dark side we have cookies and for some reason no turn signals....

Brian Silvestro > Patrick Glace 02/21/2016 at 07:15

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The 1LE is the most track-ready car on that list, so that one. Make sure to get the V8!

(that being said, I’d rather have a V6 1LE than even a Mustang GT, simply because of the out-of-the-box track focus)

epidemike > Patrick Glace 02/21/2016 at 10:42

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Depending on the car you buy and the climate you live in, snow tires are something to consider and not a huge investment in the car.

I have had a e46 330i for the past two years and I haven’t had a real need to get away from all seasons but I plan on doing so anyways. Reason being is that the all seasons have been decent but I’d like a security blanket.

From your list:

Ecoboost Mustang w/ Perf. and Recaros (or stripper GT?) I’d do this but bump up to the V6

1LT Camaro - Rear visbility is terrible and trunk is a joke

FRS/BRZ - Lack of power is the only downside but fun

WRX - Sure, nice quick little car

Miata - On the fence about the Miata because of practicality.

Patrick Glace > red_ 02/21/2016 at 14:22

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Thanks for all the insight. My commute is about 20 mi. each way, but I’m looking at a job change and house purchase in the near future (same city) that may shorten that up significantly - maybe 12-18 mi?

red_ > Patrick Glace 02/21/2016 at 14:24

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Its not the most oppo of cars, but ever thought about picking up a used Leaf? Cheap, like 10k, gets enough range to get to work and back, plus frees up $$$ for something fun

Patrick Glace > red_ 02/21/2016 at 15:18

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Actually, I have. They are stupid cheap. The problem I’ve got right now is no garage/charging location nearby. In the new place, the garage is a must so that would increase the feasibility.