What should I go test drive?

[ScottyB]

02-05 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro 6spd-

02ish-05 VW MKIV GTI 5spd-

look, i love audis. always have, and i still have some fond memories of my 3 years with my A4...when it wasn't being belligerent. its a dream of mine to own a UrQuattro or UrS4 at some point. but these are not cars, at this age, that anyone should be owning with dreams of dailying them in a carefree, hands-off manner. the 1.8T was a big step towards audi getting mainstream attention because it was good at the time, but its not even worth considering now that the 2.0T exists. the pity about the 1.8T is that on paper, and in raw component form its a promising engine that can make nice numbers. however, its complexity is its downfall and its not a matter of if, but when it'll bite you. and thats just the engine - these cars have a mess of control arms underneath which will likely need attention, the clutches aren't that strong (something that will be exacerbated in heavy traffic), and i hope you're familiar with a VAG-COM diagnostic tool, because if a nearby squirrel farts into the prevailing wind the wrong way its going to throw a CEL.

the MKIV is a pig, and is such a big step down from a MKV that its not worth trying. on top of the aforementioned 1.8T issues, they have plenty of nickel-and-dime BS issues that will probably bring you right back to the pissed off emotional state that your M3 has put you in by now. there are way more enjoyable and practical things to drive for that money.

04-07 Acura TL Auto-

04-07 Acura TSX 6spd-

02-06 WRX-

how about a CL-S? they are neat, rare-ish big tourers with a gem of an engine and a 6'er to shift. if you need to carry someone, the back seat is plenty big.

i looked at TSX's a while back and they just hold their value so well it wasn't worth it. kind of sterile to drive. very reliable though, and a nice aftermarket.

if the WRX dash isn't strokable enough for you, try a Saabaru on for size. on top of the nicer interior, you get a quicker steering rack and some other nice little details. they're tough cars but are often picked up by kids that beat the hell out of them, and the used market reflects this. the good news is that less Saabarus were purchased by flat brimmers, so the potential for abused cars is slightly lessened.