[325 Baller]

So its time to look for a new car...some that I've been considering are the Subaru WRX STI ,
Audi A3 ,
Volvo XC60 ,
BMW 3**xi,
BMW X3,
MINI Countryman S-ALL4 .
Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport (awd)
MB GLK
If your noticing a trend its that the all are AWD. I have moved up north and after driving a 01 MB CLK rwd for 3 years and nearly dying multiple times I have decided enough is enough and want a AWD vehicle. Fuel efficiency was important at the beginning, but as long as its decent its not a priority. Pricing is a max at 40k (making 3/x3) difficult to meet.

I was wondering if anyone had any other options or ideas.

TLDR: Looking for new car, AWD is a must, priority on cargo space, max 40k.

[Echo M3]

Need a bit more info. Is it a daily driver? Do you want something that is also fun on the weekends, or that simply gets you from A->B in comfort? Sporty or luxury? Etc

[325 Baller]

Sorry about that. Um yes it will be my DD, roughly 10k mi /yr. Luxury and or Sporty are two big components but at this point im still trying to put together a field of cars then I will go and test them so I am open to all suggestions.

[freshwhite335]

I like the Countryman, you can spec it up like a BMW [granted it's not cheap but you won't get in to a well equipped 3 or X3 for $40k.] and they are supposed to be pretty fun to drive.

I like the XC, but prefer the AWD S60 if I had to pick a Volvo.

I love the A3, but damn its slow, but there are always StaSis upgrades for an Audi.

If you really want to save money, I've heard amazing things about the Suzuki Kizashi, which is available in AWD.

I hate the Sti, I respect its performance, but the car itself feels really tinny.

If you're trying to lease I would look on Autotrader for any ex-loaners or BMW program cars, they are eligible for leases through BMWFS and you will be able to get more car for the money, and a BMW if you have your heart set on one. Also check out leasetrader and swapalease if leasing is the way you want to go and want a BMW.

[Top_Gear_Fan]

I'm all for the WRX STI, but not a big fan of the 5 door. I'd go 4 door for that car.

[325 Baller]

To be honest I really like the Countryman. Specd how I want it its the cost of a base 328. So it has its advantages, im just not sure about the look. Some people think its a chick car others disagree. I personally love the style, I guess I need to see it in person and test drive it before I make a decision.

Ill have to give the S60 a look didn't think about that as an option. Ill check out the Kizashi not really sure what that is or looks like or how the reliability is but ill be sure to look into it. Im not sure what it is about the STI that attracts me to it..hrmm.

Thanks for the reply fresh. Ill look into your suggestions and keep you updated.

[Artmasterx]

Originally Posted by freshwhite335

If you really want to save money, I've heard amazing things about the Suzuki Kizashi, which is available in AWD.

Unfortunately, I think the AWD version of the Kizashi is only available with the CVT transmission... tragic... The GTS with the 6MT is only FWD. Rumors are that they may come out with a higher power version of the car which would have AWD and a sportier transmission option, but don't hold your breath.

That said, the FWD 6MT Kizashi has generally been well-reviewed and I think Motortrend and C&D both have long-terms tests with it going on now.

I personally would just go with a 2011 WRX (non-STi) to save money, though the STi add-ons are nice.

If you have some time, you could add the Golf R to your list.

You could also consider a CTS wagon with AWD and DI:


You could also look at a Mazda CX-7 if you are considering a XC60.

[blue2fire]

I think an SUV is a bad idea because of the car you've had for the past 6 years, you might be disappointed at the way they drive after a 3 Series (especially considering you still want a sporty car).

What about an EVO or TL/ZDX/RDX SH-AWD? (These are nearly at 40k but will be discounted enough)

[kdiggz]

i don't like wagons but out of those it seems like a no brainer for the sti if you want something sporty and fun with awd

[KingOfJericho]

Did you have snow tires on your CLK? I DD my 135i and with a great set of snow tires was able to be the first one in the office every time it snowed. AWD, even in the Northeast, is a little like wearing a raincoat every time you go outside.

[TK-421]

Countryman

[kdiggz]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Did you have snow tires on your CLK? I DD my 135i and with a great set of snow tires was able to be the first one in the office every time it snowed. AWD, even in the Northeast, is a little like wearing a raincoat every time you go outside.

try awd with snow tires and you will retract that statement. i've done the rwd car with snow tires and a sand bag in the trunk thing. once you go awd with snow tires you will never go back. especially if you have a family

[KingOfJericho]

Right, but again, that's for the 10 days of the year that the roads are covered with snow. Family truckster aside, I'd rather drive a car suited for the 355 days a year that the roads are clean than the 10 that they're not. It just makes sense for me.

BTW my ex had an STI with Blizzaks and my FWD Altima SE-R was significantly better in the snow (with Dunlop snows).

[kdiggz]

for those 10 days (or more, I'm in buffalo lol) it's definitely worth it for me. not to mention i like the added traction for slippery conditions and for putting down the power to the wheels. i see you had a g35c as did i back in 2005. worst car i've ever owned and because of a near death experience in a snow storm with it, i'm awd for winter driving for life

[KingOfJericho]

To each their own... my RWD 350hp 1er was unstoppable this winter with snows and I have a feeling the G35C with snows would have been just as capable. The only time I had some difficulty was when my complex froze over in ice but there were also Subarus that had trouble. Made it out on my 3rd attempt. I'm happy to take an doubters for a spin as even at the last BMW meet I went to there was a guy that refused to believe that my car would move in more than 2" of white stuff.

[kdiggz]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

To each their own... my RWD 350hp 1er was unstoppable this winter with snows and I have a feeling the G35C with snows would have been just as capable.

i'd say more so. the g35 had a real limited slip differential. i can't believe the bmw's don't. what were they thinking with that one? but i agree, some people are ok with the possibility of getting stuck in a snow storm so that they can enjoy rwd for the other 350 days of the year. personally, i'd rather be overprepared. for the times when i got the g35 stuck in the driveway and had it fishtailing all over the road, i'll personally go for awd for my cars going forward. to each their own

[KingOfJericho]

Did you have snows on the G? It sure doesn't sound like it...

[kdiggz]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Did you have snows on the G? It sure doesn't sound like it...

Yes I had brand new blizzaks on stock rims and 19" volks for summer. I got it stuck in my driveway on more than one occasion and was just overall scared to drive it in bad weather. I finally understood the term "white knuckle driving" as I would clutch the steering wheel holding on for dear life. This was after about 5-6 years of front wheel drive in the snow with no issues. After that I bought an sti and that coupled with snow tires was amazing! I hated everything else about the sti (cheap, plasticy, uncomfortable, loud, boy racer stigma) but it was just what I was looking for in dealing with the winter driving. For once I wasn't scared to venture out and even looked forward to it. You might survive with a rwd car with snow tires, but an awd car like a sti with snows and you will PERFORM in bad weather. I'm not saying get an sti though as the evo was much better than the sti in pretty much every way in my opinion, but out of your choices I think it is the best

[Year's_End]

Countryman. Test drive it and you'll see how fun they are. Practical too.

[325 Baller]

Thanks for the responses, I made an appointment to test drive the Countryman S-All4 (only 1 in south fla) tomorrow and then plan on going to the Suby dealer afterwards. Ill update you with what I think. At this point I like the Countryman more based on my preconceived notions (BMW built, all service paid for etc.) but will have to do ALOT of research on the suby. The biggest plus I can see from the suby is the resale value. These things hold their value wonderfully. 2008 STi are still worth around 30-32k which seems very good for a 35-37k car. Ill try to post pictures and a review of each car sometime tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks guys!

[BMWM3DREAM]

a 3 seems solid.

[txz4]

for the love of god dont buy a c300!!! i purchased the first year it came out and sold it about a year and a half later. good car but zero soul. if your a car guy you will hate it after some time. i would go with the sti assuming you dont really mind looking like a boy racer. an evo x would be on my list as well.