[LTNYC]

...So I'm thinking about picking up a small 'city car' as my M3 gets more and more track tuned... wanting to go the opposite of the SUV route, I'm considering the following 'cheap' hatchbacks... wondering if anybody has input on suspension compliance before I actually go and test drive:

All manual shift 5-doors:

1. Fiesta/Focus ST (fun, bang for buck, but too stiff a ride?!)
2. VW GTI (german solidity!... and dullness?)
3. Subaru WRX (dated, but solid, all weather do-it-all vehicle)
4. Mazda 3 (I know it's outmatched in speed by the others, but I've rented it several times using zipcar, and find it to glide over any moon-crater that NYC throws its way)

[EvenSteven]

I don't have any of these cars, but a coworker has the Mazda 3 and the ride is surprisingly compliant on rough roads. Houston streets don't have that "Kosovo circa 1993 NATO bombing" charm, but they aren't far behind.

I'm surprised you don't have 5-0 all over your ass for that beastly exhaust. Where did you get the left foot brake? I love the DCT but I can feel atrophy setting in my left leg.

[LTNYC]

Robert Baylor
www.ultimatepedals.com
sales@ultimatepedals.com
(561) 798-6588 Phone
(561) 798-6994 Fax

Tell Robert I sent you. I have a 6.5" extended brake pedal, milled from billet aluminum... will post pics separately.

I've had cops right behind me, but unless I'm on it, the car sounds placid.

Originally Posted by EvenSteven

I don't have any of these cars, but a coworker has the Mazda 3 and the ride is surprisingly compliant on rough roads. Houston streets don't have that "Kosovo circa 1993 NATO bombing" charm, but they aren't far behind.

I'm surprised you don't have 5-0 all over your ass for that beastly exhaust. Where did you get the left foot brake? I love the DCT but I can feel atrophy setting in my left leg.

[alee0729]

The Mazda 3 is a great city car. Really any compact I've driven in NYC that isn't a "sport" model seems to do just fine.

I'd personally just get a run of the mill Honda or Toyota if I had to drive around the city. Any "fun" is negated with traffic anyway. May as well get something designed for traffic jams and beat it to death reliability.

[LTNYC]

Good point!

[8_is_enough]

I picked up a MK6 GTI as my daily driver here in San Francisco. It feels light on its feet and nimble, while having a lot of creature comforts and not feeling "cheap." That said, I sometimes regret not getting a TDI or (gasp) a Prius, since it's an infuriating, mundane, and pothole-ridden commute. Even a fun car can't help that

[tjsabec]

I've recently owned both an 08 GTI and an 08 Mazda 3...both would do well i am sure, although Pittsburgh is not NYC, so I don't have a point of reference. The question is: are you planning an automatic transmission for the city? If so, the GTI probably has the only dual clutch on that list. I've only owned manuals, so i can't help there either.

[TrevorM3]

NO m3 deserves to be driven in NY.

I despise the roads up there.

[rondocap]

I drive a manual mk6 gti in ny. It's great - traffic can be tough, but the ride is decent.


For a really isolated and soft ride, you need another segment of sedan like a 5 series or Lexus Es. Smaller cars tend to ride harsher.

[EvenSteven]

Originally Posted by rondocap

I drive a manual mk6 gti in ny. It's great - traffic can be tough, but the ride is decent.


For a really isolated and soft ride, you need another segment of sedan like a 5 series or Lexus Es. Smaller cars tend to ride harsher.

I don't know if I would drive a luxury car in New York, especially just for a work commute. I second the previous recommendation of just getting some Japanese beater car, and not give a damn where you park it or about those bumper buddies things all my NY friends are sporting on their cars.

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by LTNYC

...So I'm thinking about picking up a small 'city car' as my M3 gets more and more track tuned... wanting to go the opposite of the SUV route, I'm considering the following 'cheap' hatchbacks... wondering if anybody has input on suspension compliance before I actually go and test drive:

All manual shift 5-doors:

1. Fiesta/Focus ST (fun, bang for buck, but too stiff a ride?!)
2. VW GTI (german solidity!... and dullness?)
3. Subaru WRX (dated, but solid, all weather do-it-all vehicle)
4. Mazda 3 (I know it's outmatched in speed by the others, but I've rented it several times using zipcar, and find it to glide over any moon-crater that NYC throws its way)

Another #1stWorldProblemsThread.

Just move to a state that doesn't salt roads and you'll be fine as potholes are as rare as virgins in a brothel.

[LTNYC]

Originally Posted by 8_is_enough

I picked up a MK6 GTI as my daily driver here in San Francisco. It feels light on its feet and nimble, while having a lot of creature comforts and not feeling "cheap." That said, I sometimes regret not getting a TDI or (gasp) a Prius, since it's an infuriating, mundane, and pothole-ridden commute. Even a fun car can't help that

yikes, can't do the prius no matter what! a guy's gotta have some standards! lol... thx for the input thos... most seem to be voting GTI

[LTNYC]

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

NO m3 deserves to be driven in NY.

I despise the roads up there.

agreed. it's really shameful the condition of these roads... ze germans must laugh out loud when they visit here

[LTNYC]

Originally Posted by tjsabec

I've recently owned both an 08 GTI and an 08 Mazda 3...both would do well i am sure, although Pittsburgh is not NYC, so I don't have a point of reference. The question is: are you planning an automatic transmission for the city? If so, the GTI probably has the only dual clutch on that list. I've only owned manuals, so i can't help there either.

manual only... which is part of my 'fun factor'... I do miss the shifiting with my DCT... on track, I don't. PS this car will also be used for 1-2hr stints outside of the city too.. the M will be relocated about an hour out of town in a friend's heated garage and this 'city car' will be occupying my garage space here in manhattan

[LTNYC]

Originally Posted by rondocap

I drive a manual mk6 gti in ny. It's great - traffic can be tough, but the ride is decent.


For a really isolated and soft ride, you need another segment of sedan like a 5 series or Lexus Es. Smaller cars tend to ride harsher.

it's gotta be small for squeezing into tight spaces! I hear ya tho

[LTNYC]

Originally Posted by EvenSteven

I don't know if I would drive a luxury car in New York, especially just for a work commute. I second the previous recommendation of just getting some Japanese beater car, and not give a damn where you park it or about those bumper buddies things all my NY friends are sporting on their cars.

zoom zoom is looking more and more attractive

[Repoman]

Focus ST < GTI

Focus looks very cheap compared to the GTI. GTI is a fun little car to drive.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

NO m3 deserves to be driven in NY.

I despise the roads up there.

NY and Baltimore....just horrible roads. The new Mazda 3 looks very good, and if you can wait, there's a new Golf coming.

[Dougeefresh]

I had a WRX (bugeye) and it was an awesome car. Very reliable, not a single issue for the 6 year I owned (and I even had significant upgrades like FMIC, exhaust, bigger turbo, etc.). And it can handle just about any weather especially snow here in Chicago area. It was a really fun car and I still miss it now that winter is here.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Rumor is the next Mazdaspeed3 will be an AWD twin-turbo diesel...

[CK335iMSport]

My last vehicle was a 2011 VW GTI, such a great car! I've said it several times, I think everyone who truly loves driving should own one at least once in their life!

GTI FTW!!!

[LTNYC]

Originally Posted by CK335iMSport

My last vehicle was a 2011 VW GTI, such a great car! I've said it several times, I think everyone who truly loves driving should own one at least once in their life!

GTI FTW!!!

not too many pot-holes in TX tho, right?!