[E92inSG]

you convinced your wife in December. it's now April, have you decided yet which car to buy?

My vote is for mk7.5 VW GTI also.... FWIW

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by E92inSG

you convinced your wife in December. it's now April, have you decided yet which car to buy?

My vote is for mk7.5 VW GTI also.... FWIW

No I'm targeting this fall to get serious about looking. The GTI is on the list as well.

[Alfisti]

People with 3 cars and nt one of them is a dedicated sports car. Priorities people.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

People with 3 cars and nt one of them is a dedicated sports car. Priorities people.

Don't worry... I'll join you in 911 ownership soon enough....

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

People with 3 cars and nt one of them is a dedicated sports car. Priorities people.

Porsches have become insanely priced. Would love a 911T or a cayman gts4.0. But in the meantime a z4m40 will have to do

[rogerthat00]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Nice, let me know how you like it. I'll probably start hunting for that 3rd car late summer

ok, so I've had the Mazda for a month. It's perfect for what we need it for, and it drives perfectly fine for what it is. Back seat is not spacious but kids fit. Hatch space is plenty for groceries or suitcases. I would not road trip in it, but it feels safe and has plenty of tech features (like auto hold, so you can take your foot off the brake when stopped - didn't expect that). Only gripe is you can't open the hatch from the driver seat, it's completely manual in the trim we got (Select). I think we'll be happy with it. And it's nice to take somewhere when I don't want the Alpina to get dirty if it's freshly washed in the garage

[rogerthat00]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Porsches have become insanely priced. Would love a 911T or a cayman gts4.0. But in the meantime a z4m40 will have to do

a Targa 4 GTS in malachite green metallic - gimmie

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by rogerthat00

ok, so I've had the Mazda for a month. It's perfect for what we need it for, and it drives perfectly fine for what it is. Back seat is not spacious but kids fit. Hatch space is plenty for groceries or suitcases. I would not road trip in it, but it feels safe and has plenty of tech features (like auto hold, so you can take your foot off the brake when stopped - didn't expect that). Only gripe is you can't open the hatch from the driver seat, it's completely manual in the trim we got (Select). I think we'll be happy with it. And it's nice to take somewhere when I don't want the Alpina to get dirty if it's freshly washed in the garage

That's good to hear. Yeah definitely wouldn't take it on any road trips. I honestly don't expect it to get more than 2k miles a year as it's a 3rd car meant for emergencies and bad weather, and maybe for family to use when they come visit from out of town.

[wtwo3]

Wow I definitely jumped the gun in starting this thread way back in December of last year. Now, July of 2023, we are finally getting serious about car shopping and will be going to check out a few cars this week:

My criteria is mostly the same but I'm hoping for an even smaller car:

<$30k
Automatic
4 seats (rear seats have to be big enough to fit small kids for short trips)
AWD or FWD
<175" in length
Not awful to drive (doesn't have to be GT3 levels of excitement, I just don't want to hate driving it)

I just recently test drove a Mini Cooper EV which I really liked. It's only got 110 miles of range but that's plenty for our use case. At most we'd need 50 miles if my wife decides to take it to work (18 miles each way). I loved how tiny it is - would fit perfectly in our garage without taking up too much space, and the rear seats are still usable for our kids (besides, I don't ever foresee us taking it with the entire family in tow).

While I typically am not a fan of EVs, I like the idea of the 3rd "beater" car being an EV.

More to come as I begin test driving this week!

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Wow I definitely jumped the gun in starting this thread way back in December of last year. Now, July of 2023, we are finally getting serious about car shopping and will be going to check out a few cars this week:

My criteria is mostly the same but I'm hoping for an even smaller car:

<$30k
Automatic
4 seats (rear seats have to be big enough to fit small kids for short trips)
AWD or FWD
<175" in length
Not awful to drive (doesn't have to be GT3 levels of excitement, I just don't want to hate driving it)

I just recently test drove a Mini Cooper EV which I really liked. It's only got 110 miles of range but that's plenty for our use case. At most we'd need 50 miles if my wife decides to take it to work (18 miles each way). I loved how tiny it is - would fit perfectly in our garage without taking up too much space, and the rear seats are still usable for our kids (besides, I don't ever foresee us taking it with the entire family in tow).

While I typically am not a fan of EVs, I like the idea of the 3rd "beater" car being an EV.

More to come as I begin test driving this week!

If you've brought EV into consideration, then I have to suggest the Chevy Bolt EV/EUV. Under $30K even before the tax rebate. Larger than the Mini, but still a compact. Double the range of the Mini. Get it in black and it looks pretty good. Find an LT (cloth seats) and get aftermarket Katskins leather. Short time left to buy one new...

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

If you've brought EV into consideration, then I have to suggest the Chevy Bolt. Under $30K even before the tax rebate. Larger than the Mini, but still a compact. Double the range of the Mini. Get it in black and it looks pretty good. Short time left to buy one new...

Definitely will consider the Bolt as well. Unfortunately I don't qualify for the tax rebate, so that kills some of the appeal of the slightly higher priced new EVs.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Definitely will consider the Bolt as well. Unfortunately I don't qualify for the tax rebate, so that kills some of the appeal of the slightly higher priced new EVs.

I've driven the Bolt when it first came out; it drives really well, you'd be surprised. Like I added to my above post, Katskins makes leather for it, so you can get the least expensive trim (LT) and add leather via aftermarket and still be under $30K.

Not sure how you'd not qualify for the tax stuff, but good enough, the Bolt is cheap enough to still consider. Like everything GM, they get bad press, but they are good cars.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I just recently test drove a Mini Cooper EV which I really liked. It's only got 110 miles of range but that's plenty for our use case. At most we'd need 50 miles if my wife decides to take it to work (18 miles each way). I loved how tiny it is - would fit perfectly in our garage without taking up too much space, and the rear seats are still usable for our kids (besides, I don't ever foresee us taking it with the entire family in tow).

While I typically am not a fan of EVs, I like the idea of the 3rd "beater" car being an EV.

More to come as I begin test driving this week!

BUT -- You're in Illinois. Does that Mini EV get 110 miles at temps of 20 degrees? I'm certainly no EV expert, but doesn't range go way down in cold temps? Just a thought...

[AlpineBoost]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Wow I definitely jumped the gun in starting this thread way back in December of last year. Now, July of 2023, we are finally getting serious about car shopping and will be going to check out a few cars this week:

My criteria is mostly the same but I'm hoping for an even smaller car:

<$30k
Automatic
4 seats (rear seats have to be big enough to fit small kids for short trips)
AWD or FWD
<175" in length
Not awful to drive (doesn't have to be GT3 levels of excitement, I just don't want to hate driving it)

I just recently test drove a Mini Cooper EV which I really liked. It's only got 110 miles of range but that's plenty for our use case. At most we'd need 50 miles if my wife decides to take it to work (18 miles each way). I loved how tiny it is - would fit perfectly in our garage without taking up too much space, and the rear seats are still usable for our kids (besides, I don't ever foresee us taking it with the entire family in tow).

While I typically am not a fan of EVs, I like the idea of the 3rd "beater" car being an EV.

More to come as I begin test driving this week!

Test drive a Kona N... or don't even bother and just buy one like we did. Pre-owned they're under $30k with less than 10k miles on them. DCT, 5 seats, FWD, 165.9" long. Our Veloster N was 166.9" long and we couldn't believe the KN was actually 1" shorter until we had them side by side. There's zero chance that you'll hate driving it. I'd be more worried about falling in love. The different drive modes and N customization options completely transform the car to your liking. The N cars are a lot of fun to drive and are probably better than they have any business being. I tend to judge too many brands and cars without ever driving them but for once I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave something different a chance. Definitely never thought I'd ever own one Hyundai and certainly not two, but the whole, "it's a Hyundai" thing is starting to mean less and less to me.

[tturedraider]

I agree 100% you should consider a Kona Limited. And Hyundai Motor Finance is offering 2% financing right now. Hyundai’s website makes checking local inventory super easy. I have driven a Kona Limited and it is fun! LED headlights, HK Stereo, active cruise control, 7 speed DTC transmission with sport mode (also helps steering), rear parking sensors in addition to the camera. Driving aids out the wazzoo!! 195 hp motor with 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line has the more powerful motor, but lacks a LOT of equipment. The Limited is the one to get. The straight N has a really powerful motor, but I’m not interested in that much power with only FWD and AWD isn’t available on the N. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/inv...Kona&year=2023

Agreed also with checking out the Bolt. Have you considered an i3? BMW Blog did a long term test right here in Chicagoland.

I’m also going to pitch the E84 X1 again. There are others out there (not many 35s) closer, but good Lord look at how gorgeous this one is and it’s not too far. I’d even go with you to get it! https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

[srybicki]

530e xdrive

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by srybicki

530e xdrive

I think you missed post #207

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I've driven the Bolt when it first came out; it drives really well, you'd be surprised. Like I added to my above post, Katskins makes leather for it, so you can get the least expensive trim (LT) and add leather via aftermarket and still be under $30K.

Not sure how you'd not qualify for the tax stuff, but good enough, the Bolt is cheap enough to still consider. Like everything GM, they get bad press, but they are good cars.

Definitely will plan to check it out. The tax incentive has income caps unfortunately so I don't qualify.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by srybicki

530e xdrive

Way too big unfortunately

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Llarry

BUT -- You're in Illinois. Does that Mini EV get 110 miles at temps of 20 degrees? I'm certainly no EV expert, but doesn't range go way down in cold temps? Just a thought...

Yeah but like I mentioned the maximum range I'd ever need is 50 miles. So even if the range gets cut in half in the winter we'll have plenty.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by AlpineBoost

Test drive a Kona N... or don't even bother and just buy one like we did. Pre-owned they're under $30k with less than 10k miles on them. DCT, 5 seats, FWD, 165.9" long. Our Veloster N was 166.9" long and we couldn't believe the KN was actually 1" shorter until we had them side by side. There's zero chance that you'll hate driving it. I'd be more worried about falling in love. The different drive modes and N customization options completely transform the car to your liking. The N cars are a lot of fun to drive and are probably better than they have any business being. I tend to judge too many brands and cars without ever driving them but for once I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and gave something different a chance. Definitely never thought I'd ever own one Hyundai and certainly not two, but the whole, "it's a Hyundai" thing is starting to mean less and less to me.

Good suggestion.... will check out the kona n. I've had some experience with the elantra n and that was a blast. I'll take a look at the used market for the kona.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

I agree 100% you should consider a Kona Limited. And Hyundai Motor Finance is offering 2% financing right now. Hyundai’s website makes checking local inventory super easy. I have driven a Kona Limited and it is fun! LED headlights, HK Stereo, active cruise control, 7 speed DTC transmission with sport mode (also helps steering), rear parking sensors in addition to the camera. Driving aids out the wazzoo!! 195 hp motor with 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line has the more powerful motor, but lacks a LOT of equipment. The Limited is the one to get. The straight N has a really powerful motor, but I’m not interested in that much power with only FWD and AWD isn’t available on the N. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/inv...Kona&year=2023

Agreed also with checking out the Bolt. Have you considered an i3? BMW Blog did a long term test right here in Chicagoland.

I’m also going to pitch the E84 X1 again. There are others out there (not many 35s) closer, but good Lord look at how gorgeous this one is and it’s not too far. I’d even go with you to get it! https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

Coming out of the m3 it's really hard for me to not go for the more powerful N but will definitely go do some test driving. I believe there's some Limiteds in inventory nearby so I'll go check those out.

Bolt is definitely on the list. The i3 is an interesting option. They're super cheap, but my concern is it's RWD and I'd like to avoid having to get a separate set of winter tires. I was planning to just do all seasons with fwd or awd which has worked out really well for me in the past.

As for the X1, it's just a bit too big. After my initial post I re-evaluated my garage and I really would like to stay within the 150-170" range.... with 175" being my absolute maximum.