Find me a fun, comfy, relatively new used awd car for $25k-ish

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein) 04/05/2016 at 12:50 • Filed to: None

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Lately I’ve been going round & round on my next-car decision-making process, but I’m starting to come back to earth and remember the main priority here is to not just have a fun car but also save money. So I’m gravitating back toward my Infiniti G37xS coupe idea.

I have a 2013 BMW 135is. The lease ends on June 29. I also have a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Hemi. I need to get down to 1 vehicle instead of 2. Last night I cleaned up the the Jeep and took good pics for posting it for sale. Just need to actually post it.

My gf has a 2013 Honda Civic LX that the lease ends July 17. We are working on getting her a new 2016 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited to lease. Her lease payoff and likely trade value are pretty much even so she can get out of the Civic with no penalty.

We have a 1-car garage, and juggling 3 cars the past couple winters has been a pain, plus right now I’m spending waaaayyyy more per month on my 2 cars than her Civic. The Impreza will be a bit more expensive, but if I replace both of my cars with one awd fun car that costs about $25k (the purchase price at the end of my 135is lease is $30,700) we’ll still save a good $250/month.

Here is my list of non-negotiable, must-have features, so while yes, I am asking for suggestions, please keep these in mind:

AWD
Sunroof (or maaaybe convertible?)
Manual transmission, or good flappy paddles
Comfy, heated seats (I’m in Wisconsin)
Aut0-dim mirror
Sub-14 second 1/4 mile
Good handling but at least somewhat comfy on the highway
2011 or newer
40k miles or less

Nice-to-haves:

Big brakes
Fancier driveline features like extra LSDs
Ventilated seats
Adjustable thigh bolsters (these little dealies at the front of the seats):

The car I keep coming back to is the G37xS coupe. With the exception of ventilated seats, it has every single thing on my list, right down to the thigh bolsters, and they can be had for about $25k.

But I’m totally open to other ideas, so really, what am I missing?

Nibby > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 12:52

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http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5520168879…

Textured Soy Protein > Nibby 04/05/2016 at 13:00

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Gee thanks, that was so worth clicking on.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:00

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It probably doesn’t have a sunroof but an STI hits everything else on the must have list.

Steve in Manhattan > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:01

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Doesn’t fulfill all the criteria, but one of the most comfortable cars I ever drove was a Volvo S60. AWD - also don’t know whether they made the S80 in AWD. There are also Volvo wagons to look at - when I rent, I try to get a Volvo. Just comfy and safe. People sometimes forget they’re there.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:02

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Subaru legacy GT/Outback XT/Forester XT

Basically a bigger WRX but with less cop magnetism. Far less than the infiniti but a far more basic vehicle. The Legacy with the H-6 is also quite nice if ou don’t mind an automatic.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:02

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Golf R anyone?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/550420…

The ad SAYS manual, but I really don’t believe it as I don’t think they brought over a stick shift R until around 2014 or so. However, I’ve heard the DSG is extremely good, especially on the R.

However, I don’t know if it has heated seats. That’s the only flaw I can really find. Considering it’s a top-end VW, it probably does.

Johnnyazz > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:02

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E9X bmw with X drive.

I have an e92. 08 bought for roughly 15K with 65,000 miles. AWD and an interior that still hold up. In retrospect I would have went for the 09 just to get a more modern I drive, but I use it infrequently as it is.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:04

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There are other luxury-sports coupes in the class, but with every single one of those features, it’s either a BMW or that Infiniti.

EDIT: Just realized you never said it had to be a coupe.

KatzManDu > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:05

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S5? A5? R32? Taurus SHO?

Trunk Impaired 318 > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:05

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A 335xi or 335i xDrive would be a good fit, if you want to stay with a BMW

Nibby > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:07

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Glad to help.

RyanFrew > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:07

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2013 WRX STi. This one isn’t quite perfect for ya, but you get the idea.

Nibby > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:08

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Would you do an A5?

Cherry_man1 > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:11

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Audi S8?

BeaterGT > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:11

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What about a 2011 Legacy GT?

RyanFrew > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:12

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Your options that come immediately to mind:

Infiniti G37 with AWD

BMW 3 Series with AWD

Audi a3 with AWD

Audi a4/a5 with Quattro

Subaru WRX or STi

Can you get an Evoque for $25k yet?

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:12

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Golf R

Perhaps a VW?

I know it’s slightly over the budget but it’s still in shooting distance...

Textured Soy Protein > Future next gen S2000 owner 04/05/2016 at 13:12

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You can get a sunroof on the STI Limited, but used ones are still kinda pricey compared to my budget. Also I’m not super inclined to have a two-Impreza household.

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan 04/05/2016 at 13:13

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I have been looking at those. Are they very fun or more of just a good commuter car?

Textured Soy Protein > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/05/2016 at 13:14

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I’ve thought about them, I have this sorta/kinda anti-VAG bias but I could maybe get over it.

JR1 > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:15

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Lincoln MKZ (with awd it outperformed a 5 series in handling slalom)

Cadillac ATS

Mercedes E-Class

Mercedes C-Class

Etc. Etc.

dogisbadob > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:16

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I didn’t know AWD was available with the manual transmission G37.

The CRV has a manual transmission and VTEC, so it’s fast!

Textured Soy Protein > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/05/2016 at 13:16

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This is the best looking photo of the Legacy GT that I could find and it still looks ugly to me.

Legacy H6 does not have a good enough automatic for what I have in mind.

Outback & Forester I kinda would rather not have something that sits up high like that.

Textured Soy Protein > dogisbadob 04/05/2016 at 13:17

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It comes with a 7-speed paddle shift auto. That transmission isn’t as good as the 7-speed DCT in my 135is but it’s still pretty good.

Textured Soy Protein > JR1 04/05/2016 at 13:19

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The only one of those likely to be in my price range is the ATS, or a slow-motor C-class. I despise capacitive buttons like in the ATS.

dogisbadob > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:19

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Ah, I see. What about the G37xs sedan? Same car but with the useful extra doors.

Textured Soy Protein > BeaterGT 04/05/2016 at 13:20

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It’s fugly. I don’t need a car to be the most gorgeous thing ever but I can’t bring myself to buy a car I think looks like crap.

Textured Soy Protein > dogisbadob 04/05/2016 at 13:21

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The problem with the sedan is while it in theory has the sport package, it loses all the good stuff from the sport package like the stiffer suspension, big brakes, and rear LSD. On the sedan all it includes is a different front bumper, 19" wheels, and the sport seats. I drove one and it was kinda meh. Also I think it’s borderline ugly.

Textured Soy Protein > Cherry_man1 04/05/2016 at 13:22

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You must have missed the part about 2011 or newer and 30k miles or less.

Textured Soy Protein > Steve in Manhattan 04/05/2016 at 13:23

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I suppose I should take a look at those, the R-design and/or Polestar could hit most of my criteria but I dunno about price.

citizennick > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:25

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Might be able to hop in a 2014 Lexus IS around that price, but probably the 200 or 250. The interior in those are pretty damn sexy.

BeaterGT > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:25

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You were looking at G37s so I figured anything was game.

Textured Soy Protein > RyanFrew 04/05/2016 at 13:25

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I can tell you right now any of the non-S Audis are too slow, and the BMW would need to be a 335. Evoque is very much not my jam.

Textured Soy Protein > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/05/2016 at 13:26

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Definitely does not have to be a coupe. The reason I’d want the Infiniti to be a coupe is the sedan sport package lacks the big brakes, sport suspension, and rear LSD that the coupe has. Those things are more important to me than a usable back seat.

Textured Soy Protein > Nibby 04/05/2016 at 13:26

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Too slow.

RyanFrew > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:27

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Hmmm. That leaves you with Evos and STis for the most part, if you want the car to be relatively new. The 335 looks like your best bet, imo. S-model Audis would all be pretty used up at that price point. Why does it need to be AWD? A decent set of snow tires could free up a ton of options for you.

Textured Soy Protein > BeaterGT 04/05/2016 at 13:28

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The coupe is pretty decent looking to me. The sedan I find ugly, and actually for a lot of the same reasons as that Legacy.

Liam Farrell > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:28

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You can thank me later

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Land-Rover…

Textured Soy Protein > citizennick 04/05/2016 at 13:29

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I looked at a 1st-gen (2012) IS350 AWD. It was borderline too-cramped on the inside, and there’s this big bump in the driver’s footwell from the front driveshaft coming off the transmission. I hate that bump. Dunno if it’s been gotten rid of on the 2014-up but only the 350 would have enough power.

dogisbadob > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:30

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Ah, cool. I did not know that.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1 04/05/2016 at 13:31

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Remember who you’re talking to - I haven’t driven anything really fun lately, probably not since my ‘91 CRX Si. Drove a buddy’s Boxster in the early 2000s, and I can’t think of another fun car I’ve driven since then. Brother-in-law has a 1 series 6M, but I haven’t gotten my hands on it yet.

Nibby > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:33

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0-60 in under 6.5 seconds is “too slow?”

RoadsterRevolution(wants a Range Rover Classic) > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:33

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Audi s4, BMW X3 XDrive35i( That thing is a freakin rocket) Bmw z4, Mercedes Benz c-class coupe.

citizennick > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:33

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I hear you, could never own the last gen but I love the new ones. Volvo S60?

Textured Soy Protein > Nibby 04/05/2016 at 13:41

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My 135is does 0-60 in 4.8 and 1/4 mile in 13.0. I don’t need to match that, but I want to be in the ballpark.

Dru > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:42

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Anti-VAG you say? Does the girlfriend know about that?

I'll show myself out.

Nibby > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:43

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just LS1 swap

/jalopnik’d

Saracen > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:43

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That’s what a flash from GIAC or APR is for ;)

Textured Soy Protein > Dru 04/05/2016 at 13:43

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Saracen > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:46

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I owned a MKVI Golf R.

Great fun. I highly recommend em. There is no DSG available for it.

Lots of power can be uncorked with basic bolton upgrades. Either way the cam follower needs to be inspected periodically.

cazzyodo > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 13:46

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My buddy suddenly stumbled into looking at used Golf Rs. His qualifications are awd, sunroof, nav, under $30k, under 40k miles, mid-high 20s mpg, manual transmission, hatch. He was dead set on new Imprezas but moved on after the NY auto show.

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan 04/05/2016 at 13:56

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I thought you drove fun rentals on a semi-regular basis? Or are they more bland rentals.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1 04/05/2016 at 13:59

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Nope - 5M Civic Hybrid borrowed from a friend last time - taught me driving stick is, in fact, like riding a bicycle. Relay Rides has an S2000 in the fleet - maybe next time.

Steve in Manhattan > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:01

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And the parts, if I recall correctly, are expensive for Volvos. I’m guessing the Infiniti would be more reliable, but I never do research.

Montalvo > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:04

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BMW 335i you have your choice of coupe or sedan, RWD or AWD, M/T or A/T also at that price point you still have the option of weather you want the E or F body style. You can commonly find these as CPO still under 40k miles and under 25k without even haggling. They also respond really well to aftermarket tuning sometimes with OEM support.

Steve in Manhattan > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:06

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One of the last Saab 9-5s if you’re adventurous ... Chevy SS used still mid-30s, so you’d have to wait awhile.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:06

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I hate that bump... It's right were I want my leg. They need to move it to the passenger side of it has to be there.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:09

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If you’re planning on keeping it awhile, the Infiniti quality has fallen off a cliff since 2009ish. Might want to be careful.

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:11

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b8 s4s are right up you ally. V6 super charged, which can come in a manual or DSG. Pully and a tune will give you more power than you need. Also the V6 is their hardiest motor, as per their own techs.

Textured Soy Protein > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper 04/05/2016 at 14:12

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I’ve thought about them, and I dig that sport rear differential. Question mark is price.

Textured Soy Protein > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 04/05/2016 at 14:15

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Yeah, that is one of the stupidest automotive design compromises ever. A while back I test drove a maybe 2010-ish GS350 AWD and the hump was really annoying in that one. Like every time I went to put my foot on the gas my calf brushed on that hump. It wasn’t as bad in the IS but still pretty bad.

Textured Soy Protein > Steve in Manhattan 04/05/2016 at 14:15

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Those are kinda both bigger than I’d like and the SS is rwd.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:19

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Does anyone know if this has been since fixed?

akant > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:19

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This is a fantastic option. I can tell you from firsthand experience that they are extremely capable at handling Wisconsin winters with good tires. There are a few options in the $25-30k range based on my quick and dirty search.

spanfucker retire bitch > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 04/05/2016 at 14:25

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I can’t remember if it’s still there in the GS, but it’s definitely still there in the IS.

Steve in Manhattan > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:35

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True ...

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > spanfucker retire bitch 04/05/2016 at 14:37

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C’mon Lexus...

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 14:52

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Would a used AWD Caddy fit the bill?

Textured Soy Protein > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/05/2016 at 15:12

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I checked out an awd CTS coupe and didn’t really like it. It felt big, with too stiff of a ride for not sharp enough handling, a bit too unrefined for a supposed luxury car, and the seats were uncomfortable on my upper back, which honestly is kind of a weird place for car seats to be uncomfortable.

Textured Soy Protein > RyanFrew 04/05/2016 at 15:15

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I’m in Wisconsin. Right now I have crazy winter capability with my Jeep, which has 3 eLSDs and severe snow duty rated all-terrain tires. If I’m going down to 1 car, I want at least above average winter capability. I know rwd can work in the snow with snow tires, but awd with snow tires works better. I will be buying snow tires.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 15:16

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That is the oddest review of seats I’ve ever heard.

The CTS Coupe has a gigantic ass.

I’ve always thought the Sedan looked better. What if you went older and with a V label?

PilotMan > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 15:23

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Save some money...

Or don’t...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Grand…

Sorry that these only are automatics.

Brian Silvestro > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 15:52

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BUT WHAT ABOUT AN STI OR EVO

Cherry_man1 > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 16:27

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oh I did my bad.

4RunnersWorld > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 16:52

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I know exactly how you feel with the upper back. My Mazda CX-5 has seat bolsters that continue all the way up and force my shoulders to slouch forward. I’ve tried all sorts of padding and back support products, but nothing’s worked. It’s definitely a strange thing but can drive you completely nuts.

Grneyedog > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 17:19

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E61 535xi

Textured Soy Protein > Brian Silvestro 04/05/2016 at 17:44

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My gf is about to get an Impreza, as in, I’m taking her Civic to the Subaru dealer in about an hour for them to appraise her trade and as long as that’s where it should be, she’s going back tomorrow to do a credit app, write a check for the down payment, and swap cars. So...don’t really want another Impreza.

Evo, tbh, it’s kinda rattly and unrefined inside. I don’t need anything super fancy, but rattly interiors really bug me. My old Mazdaspeed 6 had so many damn rattles and it bothered me to no end.

Brian Silvestro > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 18:04

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if you want all of your other requirements AND a refined interior, then raise your budget

Textured Soy Protein > Brian Silvestro 04/05/2016 at 18:57

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I don’t need a super nice interior, the G37 is really fine, and fits the budget. I just want it to be mostly rattle-free. Rattles bug the shit out of me.

Long Live the Longdoor > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 22:19

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Acura TL SH-AWD?

Brian Silvestro > Textured Soy Protein 04/05/2016 at 23:03

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I’m sure the STi and Evo are fine for that, it’s not like they’re 30 years old.

The G37 is lame sorry bout it

Textured Soy Protein > Long Live the Longdoor 04/05/2016 at 23:12

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On paper it would be a good choice, but I drove one and the ride is way too stiff for its overall not very sporty handling. Also the beltline and cowl are really high so you feel like you’re sitting way down low in the car. Just wasn’t much of a fan.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Textured Soy Protein 04/06/2016 at 00:30

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Get a storage locker that will fit a car? Not sure how much something like that costs in your area but at the end of the day doing that and keeping your Jeep for the winter may end up saving you money.

Personally, I never want to drive a ‘nice’ car during the winter ever again. I have finally realized that our past harsh winters have taken a real toll on my G35x. Corrosion, rattles, creaking... these have usually become way more prevalent after a tough snowy season. I will never sell this car because 1) it isn’t worth much now anyways which makes me sad, and 2) it’s a fantastic car for the winter. Eventually I do want to get another car for the summer and even if I spend in the neighbourhood of $100/month for storage+insurance on the car that’s just sitting I’m confident I will slash potential repair bills on the new ride by not driving it during the winter.

Textured Soy Protein > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/06/2016 at 01:02

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I did the storage thing 2 winters ago, and last winter I put the BMW away at my mother-in-law’s house. I don’t want to deal with it anymore. By the end of each winter I’ve been so tired of only driving my Jeep. I know winter driving takes a toll on a car but I’m really looking to get down to 1 car. To me, $25k on a used G37xS coupe isn’t so much money that I’d feel bad driving it in winter.

Textured Soy Protein > Brian Silvestro 04/06/2016 at 01:04

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I’ve ridden in an Evo before. It’s rattly.

Find me a 2011-up STI Limited (I must have a sunroof) with under 30k miles that hasn’t been hooned/modded to death and costs $25k, and I’ll buy one. Maybe.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Textured Soy Protein 04/06/2016 at 01:14

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Understood. In that case I can recommend the G37 - with a few little mods you can increase the fun factor quite a bit (if that’s your thing) - or maybe also an S4 or something like that.