That's what I'm getting at.

Chevy SS, Caddy ATS-V, Caddy CTS-V, Ford Focus RS, VW GTI, Mini Cooper, Subaru WRX STi, Jaguar XE (although only with the 2.0T)

Slim pickens, for sure. Particularly in the 4dr world.

 

And that list gets much much smaller when you set the budget to around 30k.

 

Haha! Rochester you make me laugh with your imposed "rules," but I see what you are saying. I mean if you want to include a classic like a Yugo... But I thought some parameters were set when I said a "worthy" replacement to your G sedan.


There are lots of rumors about a hotter Golf R coming out with VW's new man in charge of that group.

The ATS-V is depreciating very quickly, just as I had hoped and like most expensive GM products. You can find used 2017 models with 5,000 miles that have already dropped $20k and they are not even a year old. Compared to an M3 you need a 2015 with significantly higher mileage. With both cars being replaced in the next couple of years the current models should depreciate even more.

The S3 does seems small inside for headroom up front and headroom and legroom in back, but I think it is doable. The Golf R at least feels a lot more spacious.

I am interested in the RS3 too. However, they are showing that they did not get the weight balance right (like most Audis) by putting two sizes wider tires on the front to help with understeer. Still not loving the DSG, but I heard the 5 cylinder sounds awesome and apr can make it very powerful very easily.

 

I'd be surprised if there was an even hotter version of the R prior to the MK8 debut in 2019/20.

And yes, the ATS-V is depreciating quickly. However, there are only 5-6 MT 4doors listed on cars.com, and they're all in the upper 40s low 50s. Depreciation is still based off a $65-75k car. Last I checked, Cadillac had them at a 48% residual on a 3 year lease--which is terrible IMO--but might put one in my budget, although I'm a little skeptical buying a used, $40k, 465 horsepower sports car. GMs reliability kinda goes hand-in-hand with their depreciation.

 

Why not a 335i? Crazy fast with a tune, good chassis with the M-sport package and LSD.

I'm all about the Golf for my next car. It's just as roomy as the G but weighs like 900lb less and is 2 feet shorter. Starting to realize I really prefer smaller cars.

 

M-Sport is a trim package, not a sport package. And no LSD in the 3-Series, unless its a M3. Unless I'm wrong here, not a BMW guy, but it's easy enough to look up, and that seems right.

 

There are a couple reasons I've kind of passed on the 335/340.

First, price. Base price with no options is hovering around $50K. By the time you add on the Track Package (M-Sport fixed piston brakes, adaptive suspension, summer tires, $1700); Adaptive CC ($1200); Blind Spot Detection $500; Heated Seats $500; 19" wheels, $1K; any color other than black or white $550, etc I'm well north of $50,000, and out of my budget. Before I swing that, I'd look for a used ATS-V.

I could certainly try and find a CPO example, which I think I'd need due to my own experiences with my wifes old E90. Even then, I'm finding 4 CPO 335/340 6MT RWD 4 doors on cars.com, and I'd still have to throw down on an extended warranty to provide peace of mind for a 5 year note.

Even then, $53K for a 2017 CPO with 8K

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9450/overview/

Then there are the inevitable eye daggers pointed my way by everyone who considers BMW a symbol of yuppie excess

And I know I'm in the minority here, but I probably wouldn't tune either a 335/340 or the aforementioned Golf R. I'm fine with 0-60 in 5 seconds for a street driven car, and I don't want to sacrifice reliability or warranty on a $40K car that I need to drive everyday to get to work and pickup my kids.

 

Re: LSD- BMW Performance sells one, and Quaife sells one. Not sure what that would do to the warranty

Re: OEM performance options- I'd probably get coilovers, tires and brakes anyway, so I don't know that I would bother with any of that unless it upgrades bushings and the steering rack. I agree on the tune, but I figured more power was a priority as the faster ATS-V is in consideration. For me as long as a car can trap 100 in the quarter it's fast enough.

I also think the 3 is just a better car than the ATS. Nicer, roomier interior; more logical infotainment system; better resale value; faster in every non-///M trim.

Is a third pedal a must? What about a GS-F?

 

I believe the track package includes a sport steering ratio, but it's electronic steering, so it might be something that could be adjusted via software

And fixed vs sliding calipers in the back is a nice upgrade, if only visually.

It's just an expensive car to begin with, let alone to have to upgrade.

I'm only considering the ATS-V because the ATS 2.0 is so slow. I think 464 horsepower could help me look past the sub-par interior. Maybe......


For me, yes

 

There are at least 3 modded 6MT Sedan drivers here who will say "Yes."

 

Depends on the use IMO. A daily driver (G is mine) replacement for everyday traffic for 60 miles each way makes me really appreciate the 7AT...That said, I just reintroduced a 6MT into my life for the first time in over 7 years and really enjoy it.

Just a more engaging experience and a lot of fun. My wife, who isn't a fan of driving and more than happy to take shotgun, wants to drive the 6MT...in terms of enjoyment I think that says it all.

 

I know a dual clutch manual will shift faster, but it is just so less fun to drive than a manual. I think the GT-R is the only car I could really overlook the transmission just because the performance is so other worldly.

Put another way- if a manual is available like in our cars, M3, or ATS-V- I am going manual 100% of the time. It is also the reason the Alfa Romeo Gulia Quadrifoglio and Audi RS3 are not at the top of my list.

 

In a couple years I'll be looking for a lightly used 2018 CPO Audi SQ5. I'm tired of reduced visibility from sitting so close to the road in highway traffic.

 

Really want a 12'+ C63 AMG with the P31 package or an 11'+ E92 M3 ZCP

 

Did you look at the 235i or the M2? Kind of awkward looking, IMO, and a 2dr, but reviewers seems to love this car.

No, wait, I take that back. It's not awkward looking at all.