What should I go test drive?

[.RJ]

R32 = VR6 = no problem? :lol:

[Evan]

I had an '03 GTI with a K04 that was a lot of fun until it broke, started throwing codes and I sold it 6 months later...

FTFY

[.RJ]

Nah it only did that once :lol:

[SlimKlim]

The R32 does seem like it would be a blast, AWD in a package that small has got to be crazy fun in the snow or dirt. I've always thought the VR6 would be more problematic than the 1.8T but have no reason for it.

[CaptainHenreh]

The VR6 is better than the 1.8T...until it breaks, then it's worse.

[SlimKlim]

Good to know.

[.RJ]

The VR6 is better than the 1.8T...until you have to service the timing chain, then it's worse, because the transmission has to come out and it turns into a 'while you're in there' project.

^

[WRXtranceformed]

I don't think you can find a 3rd gen TL-S for his price range. They didn't make them until 2007.

[V1GiLaNtE]

Just stay away from VAG..

Yea I meant to say shoot for 2008-09 3 hatches.. The woman is picking one up.. they've grown on me. Pretty fun to drive, sporty and look good.

[SlimKlim]

Just stay away from VAG..

Yea I meant to say shoot for 2008-09 3 hatches.. The woman is picking one up.. they've grown on me. Pretty fun to drive, sporty and look good.

What's different about the 08-09s? I've always been impressed with the fit and finish of them for being little ecobox, its worth test driving and considering in earnest. I could also finance it through my existing CU and not worry about NavyFed

[V1GiLaNtE]

08-09 depending on the model got a bump up to the 2.3 from the 2.0. Pretty sure the stereo system was upgraded in terms of quality and overall some minor trim things.


Rexy can probably chime in.

eta: The engine bump only applied to the sedans.. hatches had 2.3 all through the years.

[SlimKlim]

Cool beans, maybe I'll go take one for a spin this weekend, there is a new & used Mazda dealer not too far down 29.

The bigger challenge is finding WRX hatch that hasn't been completely ruined by a 17 year old or driven until the wheels fell off by someone who isn't 17.

[Evan]

i think you mean 2.5 from 2.3

2.0 was sedan only

[V1GiLaNtE]

The bigger challenge is finding WRX hatch that hasn't been completely ruined by a 17 year old or driven until the wheels fell off by someone who isn't 17.

Mission impossible :thumbup:

[.RJ]

MPG on the WRX isnt great, and it needs premium gas. Food for thought.

[ScottyB]

Sigh. Thanks for the advice Scotty, that's what I need to hear even though I'm addicted to the idea of an A4. Maybe a B7 with the 2.0L or an MKV won't be completely out of the question if I get a decent salary offer. Those are coming down in price lately too and it sounds like the car would last a lot longer in the end. What's your take on the 2.0L versions? Are the motors a significant improvement? I could deal with a mess of control arms, especially if I just saved up some money to just pay someone to overhaul it once it started to shudder.

i love the 2.0T. its a big step up from the 1.8. its a pretty stout, economical engine that makes nice power stock and has a good ceiling if you want to push it further. there are 2 versions - the early FSI (MKV cars) and the later TSI (MKVI cars) engines. they are similar in numbers but the TSI is completely redesigned, and better. the FSI engines have a reputation for wearing down the cam follower that controls the direct injection, and both of them can be susceptible to carbon'ing up if you pussyfoot around in them due to the direct injection, although i think its signifcantly reduced in the TSI. my guess is that the only ones that will probably fall into your price range are the FSI engines.

Mike, Jay, and John at GetFast here all have MKVI 6-speeds and love them. my dad has a MK2 TT with the FSI/DSG combo and its fun, and feels quicker than numbers suggest.

don't get me wrong, A4's drive nice, but they're heavy, complex German cars. if that's your bag, you'll probably enjoy it. i'm just saying that they are needy cars and it sounds like the M3 has worn you down from that already.

tell you what, if you wanted an automatic, an IS300 would be perfect. autos are everywhere, they're anvil reliable, comfy, and not too big but still spacious enough for 4 people + luggage. plus they look hot and are RWD.

WRX's are "analog" cars for lack of a better word - simple, utilitarian, loud, and by some measures crude. its just how subaru does things. but if you want to get around in any weather and like a bit of good old fashioned turbo lag they're the most entertaining thing on the used market right now in that price range.

[SlimKlim]

Meh, I get 19mpg on premium right now, as long as its not any worse than that I can stomach it.

Not sure if I'd rather pour gas in a WRX or Saabaru or wait for the hamsters powering a Mazda3 to report to duty when trying to merge. ~160hp seems a little dull, but I'm trying to remember its just a commuter.

[Evan]

MPG on the WRX isnt great, and it needs premium gas. Food for thought.

every car on that list takes premium and gets mediocre mpg

[ScottyB]

The R32 does seem like it would be a blast, AWD in a package that small has got to be crazy fun in the snow or dirt. I've always thought the VR6 would be more problematic than the 1.8T but have no reason for it.

the AWD can be a bitch in these - its a haldex system, AKA FWD until it detects spin, then a clutch pack goes to work to get the ass-end involved. they like to have new clutch pack fluid pretty often, and it ain't cheap.

also heavy as hell for what they are. not really a point of contention in a street car, but it'll be pretty numb compared to the M. add in that the VR is a thirsty engine, and you're not really getting any benefit of mileage over a turbo car. oh, and google VR6 timing chain guide replacement.

still a "neat" car though, and i love how they sound. they go pretty well too. i see a local blue one every once in a while, but otherwise they're a pretty rare bird.

[Dave]

My wife had an 05 TL for a couple years; what a sweetheart of an engine. I think the tranny problems are overblown, internet gibberish. The prior gen TL had issues, but I think they worked that out by the time the 04-07s came out (I'm sure you can find cases if you look, but that is going to happen no matter what). We piled the miles on and it ran buttery smooth right up until we traded it in to get her Leggy.

Don't underestimate the idea of having a cheap, efficient econocar for tooling around and then something fun at home. I loooove driving the WRX, but I have a hoot of a time thrashing my 18yo, 130hp Accord and still getting 30+ mpgs constantly. Course, I cruise down the interstate with virtually no traffic compared to the hellhole that is DC, so you might feel the need for something else.