Quote:
Originally Posted by tom p.
I always factor in who can repair the car when it's broken. To me, that's a huge issue with today's car complexities. I have extensive experience with both VW and BMW in my local area. The BMW dealer is able to maintain and repair the product they sell.....
|
Both brands can be hit or miss, but at least with BMW you are guaranteed a loner.
The Focus ST is one of the most fun handling FWD cars out there ... if you have the right year you could swap out the springs for the SVT springs and really have a fun, dynamic FWD car. I don't think the GTI would add much more than a little extra horsepower...
The 128i is a very capable car. For that range you may be able to step into a 135i if you option/bargain right.
If you want to have a second car and already have a sedan...why not get a roadster? Miatas are hands down the most fun and best bang for the buck I have ever driven or owned. My Porsches (Boxster and Cayman S) were way faster, but not nearly as fun. I want to get an old 1990 and restore it sometime soon.
The R20 mentioned in this thread is kind of 'meh' to me. Bland looks. The Haldex AWD system leaves a lot to be desired in terms of it driving like a FWD until you bust the front wheels loose. The R32 I test drove understeered like a pig unless I plowed into a corner and floored the gas to get the rear end to come around.
If you are patient...Toyota/Subaru are supposed to come out with a joint project featuring a boxer 4 banger and RWD layout. That should be oodles of fun if executed properly.