Looking for daily driver suggestions...

"Long Live the Longdoor" (victoryred08)
03/29/2015 at 12:56 • Filed to: Daily Drive Ideas

Price cap: $40k all in (CAD). MPG : 24+. My wife has a Forester, so space isn't a necessity but certainly a plus. I'm looking to keep to car for a long time (8+ years), so nothing with crazy long term operating costs. I'm basically going to use my car to drive back and forth to work (via highway or twisty backroads). It'll also be used for the occasionally weekend roadtrip. I also live in Canada, so something that'll get me to work with snow tires is a must.

Edit : I'm also looking for my first manual :)

Give me you suggestions Oppo, I'm looking for ideas! An Audi Avant for your time:

DISCUSSION (60)

scoob > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 12:59

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/495100…

Aaron Paul: Oppo's Resident Fake British Actor > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:00

What about an old E63 AMG wagon?

EDIT: Oh wait, you said no crazy long-term running costs.

EDIT #2: You also said 24+ MPG, didn't you?

Nibby > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:04

Buy a $3k beater, give the rest to me.

Brian Silvestro > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:06

If your budget is $40k get a Carmax E9x M3 and get the warranty.

bob and john > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:07

I would say what my dad has...2010 A3 TDI

our has been an absolute peach since 2009 (bought it brand new)

45+ MPG

i THINK ours was ~ 45K brand new. You should be able to find a few CPO for 40K all in

Long Live the Longdoor > scoob
03/29/2015 at 13:07

Haha, that's awesome, I've never seen one of those before :)

Long Live the Longdoor > bob and john
03/29/2015 at 13:09

Good call, any idea what the maintenance cost is like on the TDI? I've heard they're quite expensive (but I'm honestly not sure). My uncle had a TDI Golf wagon and loved it, I even drove it once; I recall it having pretty good torque.

JJ > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:09

Gti or wrx?

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > scoob
03/29/2015 at 13:10

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Lotus/Elise/…

scoob > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:10

YOU'RE GETTING IT RIGHT?!?!?/1/1/11!??!?/

$35K LEFT FOR MIATAS

Long Live the Longdoor > Brian Silvestro
03/29/2015 at 13:10

Alas, no Carmax in Canada :(

scoob > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun
03/29/2015 at 13:12

Attempt to haggle to $35K and everything's perfect!

bob and john > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:13

they arent bad at all. The bonus for the A3, VS a golf is that ALL audi are built in germany, VS golfs built in mexico

we have had 1 thing go bad on the car. the EGR valve got dirty/full off soot. doesnt affect the driving, but make it take longer to warm up in the winter. first time (60k km) was under warrenty, the second time (120kkm) was 300$.

compared to how much $ we saved on fuel, it was WELL worth it. Car runs like its brand spanking new. Actually maybe even a little better. I'm trying to convince my dad to get a intake and a tune to get that HP number up tp about 190 though.

Long Live the Longdoor > JJ
03/29/2015 at 13:14

I quite like the new WRX, I actually sat in it in the showroom a couple weeks ago when the Forester was in for service but was kinda turned off by how hard it was to move the stick around
(I worry it might be kinda tiresome to row on a daily basis). Mind you, I'll reserve final judgement for a test drive though.

Long Live the Longdoor > JJ
03/29/2015 at 13:18

I'd love a 3 door GTI, but the internet tells me there's long term reliability woes. Then again, as long as the cost of ownership isn't more than what I'd be spending on a new car payment I'm not super concerned other than the inconvenience. I love the tartan seats, golf ball shifter and hatch utility; really is the whole package.

Long Live the Longdoor > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun
03/29/2015 at 13:20

Oh hot damn, if it was red, I'd be tempted to go buy it right now (not a big silver fan)! But shit, that is fabulous!

Confused Miata > scoob
03/29/2015 at 13:21

Golf R - http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/491027…

WRX - http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/495368…

Long Live the Longdoor > bob and john
03/29/2015 at 13:22

Cool, thanks for the info! A TDI with a tune would be pretty sweet, that 190hp figure pales in comparison to the 300+ tq figure though ;)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:23

Since space isn't an issue, BRZ, though maybe a gently used Boxster would be a good option as well.

KatzManDu > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:23

VW GTI or R32? As long as the care and feeding is taken care of it shouldn't be too bad. Regular DSG service, CV joints, timing belt, you're good to go. Way under your budget. Here's what I found that could be fun.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/ctd/492785…

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/ctd/494959…

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/491868…

Long Live the Longdoor > Aaron Paul: Oppo's Resident Fake British Actor
03/29/2015 at 13:24

This suggestion is the worse suggestion. This suggestion is my favourite suggestion!

Kinja'd!!!

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:27

Dunno where you are, but it's 4500km away from me, sadly.

Looking for a sedan/coupe/sports car/hatch/wagon? and new or used?

KatzManDu > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:27

OH! I forgot.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/cto/489809…

bob and john > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:27

oh yea. as it sit, its at 140/240. which is more then fine for DD. and its not a bad little corner carver either. Suspension set up is almost identical to the GTi (to help deal with the heavier TDI motor)

I will warn you though. its ONLY DSG. Which i really dont mind, I love it. But some on this site might go bananas without a clutch.

but, on the other hand, it still has a PROPER hand brake, not tht electronic crap.

OPPOsaurus WRX > scoob
03/29/2015 at 13:36

they kinda look like lost lost relatives separated by a couple generations?

Kinja'd!!!

OPPOsaurus WRX > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:38

get a '14 so you can get a hatch. I can shift with 1 finger.

Brian Silvestro > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:39

yes there is

Vicente Esteve > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:45

Golf R or Audi S3. Both of them have AWD, share engines and as far as consumer reports Audi just ranked 5th in their reliability scale compared to all other brands.

As a Golf MK7 owner I can only praise it, its been a fantastic car.

Long Live the Longdoor > Nibby
03/29/2015 at 13:45

Kinja'd!!!

Long Live the Longdoor > Confused Miata
03/29/2015 at 13:50

Mmm, dat Golf R...

Long Live the Longdoor > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun
03/29/2015 at 13:51

I liked coupes, hatches are awesome (rear wipers rule). Preferably new, but would go used for the right candidate :)

FromCanadaWithLove > Brian Silvestro
03/29/2015 at 13:53

Unfortunately not.

Long Live the Longdoor > bob and john
03/29/2015 at 13:56

I'm not a diehard manual acolyte, my next car would be my first manual and while I really want to give it a shot, the world wouldn't come to an end if I get an automatic.

Long Live the Longdoor > OPPOsaurus WRX
03/29/2015 at 13:57

Hmm, good to know, what's your really world mileage like with the 2.5L?

FromCanadaWithLove > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 13:57

BMW 228i? The N20 engine is pretty reliable, there's free maintenance for 4 years, and it comes standard in Canada with Xenons and the Cold Weather Package.

Kinja'd!!!

Long Live the Longdoor > Brian Silvestro
03/29/2015 at 13:58

Really?! I didn't think there was; or is it called something different here?

Long Live the Longdoor > FromCanadaWithLove
03/29/2015 at 14:02

Hmm, good idea! I had kinda ruled out BMW all together. After tax and all that the 228i would probably push above my price range, but I'm looking to buy next year so I wonder if I can find one CPO by then... it really looks good in that blue.

Long Live the Longdoor > Vicente Esteve
03/29/2015 at 14:05

I'd love to but the Golf R starts at $40k in Canada, so after taxes and all that it'd probably be ~$47k. The GTI is certainly in contention though :)

TheHondaBro > scoob
03/29/2015 at 14:05

WANT!

FromCanadaWithLove > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 14:06

You might be able to squeak by a new one with a few options. BMW Canada usually does about 5% off MSRP. I've also seen a few CPOs already. Give them a look!

Long Live the Longdoor > KatzManDu
03/29/2015 at 14:08

Good call, I'd love a GTI! Whatever I buy next I want to rigorously maintain because I want it to last as long as possible.

That C63 is awesome and I bet that Skyline would be hilarious to daily drive (especially in PMY)!

Vicente Esteve > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 14:08

Ah! Then I do recommend the GTI.

Long Live the Longdoor > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
03/29/2015 at 14:10

I sat in a BRZ at the dealer a couple of weeks ago and perhaps it was where they were positioned, but my elbow was literally in the center cup holders. I'll probably test drive it just for shits and giggles though.

I love Boxsters and Caymans, but seriously worry about the costs of Porsche ownership (I'd like to keep my house lol).

OPPOsaurus WRX > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 14:11

it really depends on your mood. 21 if i'm having fun/angry, 26 if i'm relaxed. I have twins and it hasn;t been a problem for space for us either. I find mid 20's mpg great but thats because I was getting low teens with my last ride.

Long Live the Longdoor > KatzManDu
03/29/2015 at 14:11

Oh man, I've built one of those in Forza several times; that'd be freaking awesome!

Long Live the Longdoor > FromCanadaWithLove
03/29/2015 at 14:12

Thanks a bunch, I'll definitely be taking a test drive!

Long Live the Longdoor > OPPOsaurus WRX
03/29/2015 at 14:15

Hmm, right on! I'd prefer the HB to the sedan any day and that boxer rumble it hard to beat. I'll have to talk to my Subaru dealer to see if I can get one CPO perhaps (though I find they're normally pretty hard to come by that way).

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 14:23

I always hated the center console area how they arrive here. Looks unfinished and reduces functionality. In Europe, the 86 has an option of a normal flip-up arm-rest style compartment there. I just ordered the lid from Europe and installed it myself. Everything matches and looks the way it should. I don't know why it doesn't just come with it from the factory. It's part number PZ435-10340-00 if you're curious.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 14:24

from what i've heard CPO is a joke and a sales gimmick. I think Lento had an article or podcast about it. anyone buying one new probably isn;t going to trash on it too bad. I baby mine, well i dont abuse it with dumb stuff like cluch drops but I certainly enjoy making my way along the s curved on ramp i take to work.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Brian Silvestro
03/29/2015 at 14:36

Tell me more...

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 14:41

All the Miatas

Kinja'd!!!

Long Live the Longdoor > OPPOsaurus WRX
03/29/2015 at 14:51

Well regardless I'm going to have a harder look at one!

Long Live the Longdoor > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
03/29/2015 at 14:53

I'm anxiously waiting the release of the ND Miata, could be a good fit :)

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 14:55

Do it!!

Kinja'd!!!

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 15:51

http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/is-this-cheap-…

Long Live the Longdoor > gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun
03/29/2015 at 16:37

Wow they can be had for that cheap, eh? Those rims... my eyes!

overheated579 > Long Live the Longdoor
03/29/2015 at 22:03

I have an MK6 Golf R , it was my first manual and i love it. I go to school in Minnesota (basically Canada) and it did great in the winter. Pretty good on gas and it has a good amount of space too, also the interior is A LOT nicer than that of a WRX . It's a fun car to drive and with an APR tune it will haul. Good luck with your car search, drive a few an pick the one you like the most!

Long Live the Longdoor > overheated579
03/30/2015 at 01:01

Thanks Tom, i've heard Minnesota is basically like Canada ;), I'd love to pick up a CPO Golf R if I could find one. How long have you had it, you had any issues with it? I was just looking at APR's website the other day and was shocked that the stage 1 tune on the Mk7 R hit 60mph in 3.8 seconds (!).

overheated579 > Long Live the Longdoor
03/31/2015 at 16:52

The MK7 R will be almost 400hp with stage 1, and with a DSG it will be insanely fast! I've had the MK6 for about half a year (its a 2013 and I got it with 37k miles, now i have about 43k) and no major problems, only thing i've had to do is new clutch fluid. It is my first manual and had to kind of teach myself and its held up great. Its comfortable, efficient, and most importantly fun. This winter wasn't terrible but the R did great in the snow even with the all seasons, and the AWD allows drifting which is always a plus :). I will probably go stage 1 this summer, i have heard the APR tune makes the car not only faster, but more efficient, and easier to drive. If you can find a CPO I would definitely go with that, it is a VW after all so better to be on the safe side with things. Mine isn't CPO so i'm a little hesitant to get the APR tune. Best of luck and if you have any more questions, ill be happy to try to answer them.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Long Live the Longdoor
04/14/2015 at 22:20

I'm going to say R34 GT-R since you can import it and I think they're 4WD? And I'm totally jealous about Canada's slightly more lenient import laws. I was going to say RS2 but the only one I found was $56k CAD.

Now for a more honest answer, since Canada, I assume AWD, and my go to answer for that is Subaru. So maybe an STI or an Outback?

Sorry, I'm too boring for this ;-;