OT: Another "What Car Should I Get?" thread

[mktng]

Civic Type R bonkers ? If a lot of taped on plastic body panels is bonkers... sure.

[FlashUNC]

I mean, its a 300hp FWD car that does the Nurburgring in well under 8 minutes. It should be shouty and loud and obnoxious and fun and all those things while still being a hatch that hauls stuff around.

But sure, only the Type R has "taped on plastic body panels." No other car made today uses similar stuff. No siree.

[ftf]

Ford Focus RS.

[torquer]

Thanks for all the replies. I heart this place!
Some responses and further explanation:
Angry S.: agree that 110k isn't that much, but I put over $5k in engine/suspension/AC/electronics into this car a few winters ago, then a new throttle body this winter, recent rear brakes, and now it needs an ABS module. All at a local, well-regarded SAAB specialist. And I should straighten the wheels and get new summer tires. The bleeding needs to stop! Plus, GM's commitment to providing aftermarket support will expire soon; then it'll only be imitation or junkyard parts.
Texbike: This is car N+1, so something entertaining that also allows race-bike transport.
About those suggestions:
GTI: definitely in the running, thanks.
Golf R: I can only find used ones (plus a few CPOs.) Are new ones coming? This is one car where I might prefer the DSG to the MT.
Ford RS/ WRX/STI: low-rent interiors, IMHO, and if I want the boy-racer look I'll stick with the CIvic.
MB/BMW/Audi (although nobody mentioned that last one): you guys are Germans, so where are the hatches? If cost was no object, I'd import an RS3 hatch, but that ain't happening.

OOT: I love the polarizing impact of the Civic's looks on the discussion here. Almost as divisive as politics, but totally legal!

[R3awak3n]

I think they are taking deposits for 2018 golf Rs so yes new ones are coming but they are kinda like the old ones, very little differences but if you are buying new I would wait I guess.

also GTI, great car and for most more than enough. I do like AWD but not needed to have fun. For the money the GTI cannot be beaten. Interior is great and for 2018 you get some nicer stuff as well.

but definitely don't forget the RS

[Gummee]

I'll put a plug in for an X3 or X5. If you don't want an SUV 3-Series wagon.

Alternatively, you could go for something on the opposite end of the spectrum like Sol from Acme Pie did and get a 60s pickup.

If you want a winter beater, get a newer, but still 'old' F150 w 4x4 with a cap on it. After all, you already have 'fuel efficient' covered. 'Cause 'Murica darnit!

If it's just you, it's hard to beat a Miata... See Sucker rack it and go

M

[Ken Robb]

I like cars that drive well. Our 2014 Mazda 3 drives like a German car but costs a lot less to buy/maintain. If the 3 Hatchback isn't big enough the CX-5 probably would be.

[batman1425]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

My VI GTI has been dead reliable since I bought it, but I'm still going on company history more than anything. Never mind that one is completely cash strapped right now thanks to the worst automotive production scandal ever.

Besides, the Civic looks a bit more bonkers. As much I love my VW, they are a bit boring aesthetically. Shouldn't a hot hatch be a bit weird?

The subdued looks of the R is what sealed the deal for me. I like that it's more grown up looking. The badging and stock wheels are the only dead giveaways that it is more than a GTI. I like the sleeper look. The Civic R and Focus RS are too "look at me" for me. That said, my Tornado Red R doesn't exactly blend in... My wife calls it speeding ticket red...

[batman1425]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

I think they are taking deposits for 2018 golf Rs so yes new ones are coming but they are kinda like the old ones, very little differences but if you are buying new I would wait I guess.

also GTI, great car and for most more than enough. I do like AWD but not needed to have fun. For the money the GTI cannot be beaten. Interior is great and for 2018 you get some nicer stuff as well.

but definitely don't forget the RS

^^This. The 2018's will be out soon and they'll have some new interior gizmos - the big upgrades are the digital cockpit like the new Atlas, LED tail lights, and a slight bump in power output, which is think is largely computer driven. These cars tolerate a 3-5lb over boost quite well which is why the JB1/4 units are so popular and great value for money.

If I didn't need AWD for the great white north, I would have been perfectly happy with the GTI and if I could have gotten an AWD GTI I would have bought that. OK, twist my arm, I'll get the R so I'm safe in the winter...

I'll add in 3 more points for the R's:

1. You can reasonably expect to nab an R for sticker or below provided you are not in a super competitive region (some parts of the coasts). I got mine for a few hundred over invoice. I wouldn't expect that to be the case for the Focus RS. Heard of several folks paying 4-7k over MSRP for one.

2. I'd be a bit leery of buying a used R unless you know the previous owner or get it CPO with a warranty that includes drivetrain coverage especially a DSG. They get driven HARD and launch control on the DSGs isn't nice to the haldex box. No LC on the 6MT and the clutch is a known weak point so plan on an earlier than normal replacement anyway.

3. If you go used, tell your dealer you want them to scan the computer for fault codes or warranty violations. There are a variety of popular modifications, both software and hardware, that will void your warranty. Many claim to be revertable to stock with out any signs of tampering, but in reality this isn't always the case. Get a seal of approval from the dealer that it is stock, or a guarantee that they will honor the warranty in its current condition.

[saab2000]

I have a GTI. A buddy had a Golf R a few years back. It was faster, but in my opinion not faster enough to justify the massive fuel economy penalty and the extra cost of entry. Admittedly he has a heavy foot, but he typically got fuel mileage in the teens and lower twenties.

I would buy another GTI. I would not buy a Golf R. The incremental gain does not justify the extra cost.

But that's just me.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by saab2000

I have a GTI. A buddy had a Golf R a few years back. It was faster, but in my opinion not faster enough to justify the massive fuel economy penalty and the extra cost of entry. Admittedly he has a heavy foot, but he typically got fuel mileage in the teens and lower twenties.

I would buy another GTI. I would not buy a Golf R. The incremental gain does not justify the extra cost.

But that's just me.

ahah I totally disagree. I would not buy the Golf R over the GTI only if I could not afford it otherwise to me, its a much nicer car. Also, after all the stuff that comes on the golf R (better seats, lights, ect ,ect, its not that much more than a GTI with all those extras). To me 4wd is worth the money alone (I love the 4 motion on my golf wagon).

I understand the gas mileage but we are taking 1/2 mpg. I think the GTI is fantastic but if you have the money, R R R.

That said, most people I see driving Rs are middle age men. Not that its a bad thing, it is just something I noticed. Most people I see driving ford RSs are kids with flat brim hats. When I am 50 though, I want to get me an M3, thats a much better mid life crisis car

[batman1425]

Originally Posted by saab2000

I have a GTI. A buddy had a Golf R a few years back. It was faster, but in my opinion not faster enough to justify the massive fuel economy penalty and the extra cost of entry. Admittedly he has a heavy foot, but he typically got fuel mileage in the teens and lower twenties.

I would buy another GTI. I would not buy a Golf R. The incremental gain does not justify the extra cost.

But that's just me.

The Mk6R had 256hp compared to the 210 that was in the GTI of the time so I see your point in the Mk6 platform of it not being a mind blowing increase in performance. The Mk7 R is near as makes no difference 300hp (80 more than the 220 in the commensurate GTI) and with the DSG will routinely pull mid to high 4 sec 0-60 times. The auto launches like a rocket. The Mk7 R is quite a different animal from the GTI. Consider some other vehicles in that do mid 4's:

2011 Aston Martin DB9
Ferrari F355
Lambo Gallardo Spider
Pretty much any AMG or M car from the last 10-15 years

Not exactly slow company... Oh, and it'll get 30+mpg on the highway at 75mph, you can carry a stroller in the trunk with your kid in car seat, and mash through 6in of snow with ease.

[jamesau]

After driving BMWs for the last 15+ years, I'll be taking a hard look at the all-new 2018 2L-turbo Honda Accord Sport (with stick) after it comes out this November. The engine is a detuned version of that featured in the Civic Type-R.

My daughter has an 6MT MK7 GTI and it's been a great car (apart from sunroof issues). I'd consider it for myself but would prefer a sedan. Also, the GTI's mill is a bit gutless in the lower revs (especially when compared to the N54 in my 335).

As far as I know, the Golf R is only offered with summer tires. (So if you're in northern climes, you'll be looking at replacing the tires or getting a set of mounted winter shoes).

Good luck.

[paredown]

I will be interested to hear what you think if you test drive the new Buick.

People were mocking, but this is a redressed Opel that gets pretty great reviews in Yrup. (although they did tart it up for the US market, like they did with our Acura Tsx wagon, which was the euro Accord--they made it longer and heavier...)

[batman1425]

Originally Posted by jamesau

As far as I know, the Golf R is only offered with summer tires. (So if you're in northern climes, you'll be looking at replacing the tires or getting a set of mounted winter shoes).Good luck.

Yep, right you are. Technically, I would have voided the warranty on the stock PZero's if I drove them in weather below 40deg, snow or not. Not kidding. Joking aside, they were down right scary when they got cold. Stiffened up and would skate all over the place. Good all seasons are fine on the car for multi season use but quality summer tires really make it sing. I sold the boat anchor OEM 19" rims and tires and put on a much lighter and more comfortable set of 18's with sticky Conti Extreme Contact Sport for summer, and Blizzak WS80s snow boots for the winter. But in our neck of the woods, snow tires are almost mandatory, regardless of what you drive.

Also agree that the 2.0T platforms in the GTI and R to a lesser extent are a bit lacking down low. Above 2800-3000, hold on, but as the saying goes there is no replacement for displacement. That N54 in the 335 is a nice plant.