ANYHOW... gear shift.... any thoughts on the GTIMkV? I know we're getting lower in the powerband here... but overall thoughts?

 

Not since your old supercharged VR6. Man that thing could haul ***!

 

why not a used R32? unless the GTI is 4 door, i thought they were all two
R36 is coming out sometime right?

 

I have an A3 and I love it from 2003 WRX. I went with the DSG so my wife can drive the thing and I have no regrets. I'll probably chip early next year to get more out of it since my dealer is pretty good with modified cars. I'll probably trade up to an R32 or R36 when trade time comes around in about 3 years.

I'll be picking up an xB or Mazda 5 around next month too for those long hauls that need more room. Just need to decide which one.

 

^xB! i get 32mpg going 80-90mph to LA (even though that means 4000-4500 rpms :/)

tons of room, and looks better than mazda 5, mazda 5 is embarrassing...pathetic looking actually. Plus the xB is a Toyota, and the Mazda5 is built by Ford probly...our 02 Mazda b3000 truck is a POS electrical/transmission wise

 

The xB will have more hp/lb and historically has a nice suspension (dunno about the new ones), but the Mazda5 has space on it hands down, plus the rides quiter (not much, but the cushier suspension absorbs). Cheap + long haul comfortabilty? I'd go with the 5.

kyle, 450 miles @ 4000+ rpms? Good luck with that Hopefully that 32mpg will help you to save up for repeated replacement parts

 

MkV comes with 4 (well 5) doors. R36 isn't out for some years. I need to work a new car now.

 

yeah it needs a 6th gear and the new xBs look like S!!!!

as for OP id look for a used A3 and euro it out

 

Hmmm thanks for the A3 advice. Was your WRX hopped up at all? What does the chip get you? You have the 2.0 or the 3.2?

 

how bout a used Legacy GT wagon (newer turbo'd) in a manual (may be hard to find). Great compromise of safety, fun, and family! Rims, suspension, catback and a good tune and call it a day. And the front fascia is cleaner than the other Scoobs. Also the latest Forester is pretty sick too same points as above! "Five stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions". my 2cents anyways!

cute kid btw

 

You dunno how many times I suggested it. My wife can't stand Subarus. She's an Audi/BMW/Mercedes SUV kind of girl. And, I like Subarus so she must therefore hate them.

Of course, why is she far more willing to get the Mazda?

I agree with you on all counts... the Forrester, quite basic in looks can pack a sweet punch and be very convenient. Just convince my wife.

There's one other anti-Subaru consideration. I'm an expert clutch driver. My wife and I went out on 2 lessons like 2 years ago -- that's her entire manual experience. I don't think I'd survive the agony of hearing complaints about such a heavy clutch. Did you know a few months after I first got my WRX, I got a stress fracture in my big toe on my left foot?

 

I've been driving my RS for 4 1/2 years (my first manual). I think I can kick a soccer ball pretty far with my left leg now.

Oh, BTW, get the A3. I checked one out with a buddy last Friday. Pretty sweet ride, especially with the Open Sky dual moonroofs (with a retractable shade that you can have covered even with the moonroof open!). The powerband is pretty smooth on those. Take one for a spin with the DSG. Plus, it's a wagon, so you can carry stuff for the kids with ease and it's pretty gas efficient for what it is.

 

Hrm.... maybe I'll have to go back to the Audi dealership and do that test drive after all.... but we'd have to get a 2.0 with no options (except rear side airbags).

OK sleep time.

 

Audi A4's are cool too + it fits the wife's Euro requirement:

 

Damn! Even I'm sold on an A4 wagon.