The V50? I have started to look at that...

 

I'll probably post it in about 1-2 months from now... Quick version is, 115k, 92 si, never raced or tracked. Light modding (intake/headers/exhaust/rims). Exterior is poor (three big dents, rock chips, etc), inside is very good (most of its life it's been garaged). I've been offered $3500 so far, but I wanted to run it for a few more months first. If you're really interested you can PM me...

 

Hadn't thought of that - just the WRX and STI. Today I might drop by Mazda to take a look.

 

If you can afford a MS3 why the heck would you consider a Honda Fit?

You seem to be interested in completely different cars; I think you should set a $ limit.

 

The cars are pretty disparate; I'm just looking at hatches (hence fit, ms3, a3, etc). I'm looking at cars under 30k.

I would take a fit over a ms3 if it's more comfortable/practical/reliable and has just enough zip. The MS3 seems like a great car, but if it's gonna pound me to death on a 2 hr daily commute (which I don't think it'll do, but just as a hypothetical), I'd pocket the ~$8k difference.

I don't mind buying used either...

 

So I just got back from a few showrooms -

First stop was an Audi/VW dealership. Nice guy showed me the 4-door GTI. List price was $25k. Interior was ok, nothing to write home about. The shifter felt nice, but I was more interested in the DSG. The Audi A3 definitely felt a lot nice, interior seemed much nicer, as did the seats. A bit more room in the back, both rear seats and trunk area; about $30k. Salesman said that the fit/finish and tolerances were higher for the A3, and said in general it was a better product. There's no more all inclusive maintenance, but it can be purchased separately for about 800-1k for a 3 year all inclusive. And the S5 looks a lot better in person than pics.

I walked over to the Volvo dealership. Interestingly everything felt.... stodgy. The salesman was in his 60s, slightly hard of hearing. the designs seemed uninspired, and interior felt... bland. The V50 T5 felt...boring. It has all the right stuff but I felt like I needed to say to start complaining about my arthritis and be confused by the new-fangled gadgets like auto door locks. I started to feel depressed in the car, so I headed over to Mazda. Best part of the the Volvo dealership was watching the owner pull up in an R8. Wow.

I was immediately assaulted by the typically overenthusiastic, underknowledged kinda guy. We also had some language difficulties (English wasn't his first language). There was a guy who was dropping off his Mazdaspeed3 for servicing, and he was quite helpful. Realworld mpg low/mid 20's, no maint. issues, really enjoyed the car after a year of ownership. Some minor fit/finish issues, but that was about it. Was about $25k.

I'm leaning towards the Audi, but not sure if it's worth the extra 5k. I still am kinda curious about the Fit too...

 

My two picks would be the Mazda3/Mazdaspeed3 (drive both, then make your decision) or the VW Rabbit/GTI (again, drive both).

The MS3 has two big disadvantages compared with the base 3. The suspension is crap for ride quality on the MS3 and the gas mileage is poor (18/26). By comparison a Forester (more utility and takes regular gas) gets 20/26, a GTI gets 21/29. Frankly, I couldn't give a crap about getting 3 mpg more in a GTI than a MS3. You're talking a difference of a few hundred dollars a year, big whoop. The suspension on the other hand I could see being an issue. Go over a few speed bumps in the MS3 and hit a pothole or two on your test drive. The S has much better ride quality.

The MS3 is more fun to drive than the GTI and costs a bit less, comparably equipped, but is much less refined. Between the two for me it would come down to the sun roof. I can't live without one so GTI it is. A few thousand more and not as fun to drive, but it's much more refined and has a sun roof =D

Do at least test drive the Fit. It's like half the price of an A3 and the interior design on it is genius. On the other hand it drives like crap (yah, duh it costs half as much) in comparison and looks like ass. It's good enough to make you really stop and think twice about spending an extra 10-15k on something else which doesn't offer much more is really worth.

 

I've driven my father-in-law's Fit quite a bit, and a guy in my office has an MS3. Frankly, given the parameters you've specified, I wouldn't even consider the MS3 as the base 3 will be the more economical car -- and it's a very capable hatch with good driving dynamics.

But do check out the Fit and give it a test drive (take the Sport and ignore the base model). It's inexpensive, economical to operate, has significantly more room inside than you'd think, is quite well equipped and comfortable, and has decent driving dynamics despite the low-hp engine. Were it not for the fact that I've already taken the depreciation hit on my Accord DD, I'd have traded for the Fit as it's a more flexible and economical choice in comparison ... especially with an S on hand for pure driving fun.

Rabbit/GTI look like good cars, though I don't have experience with them. What's the reliability record on them?

 

That's next on my list... if I can get it to where I want perf-wise (K&N filter, maybe some sways and wheels), it'd be fine, assuming that it's comfortable enough for a long drive and safe enough for kids.

GTI - mixed, but this generation seems decent. Both the A3 and GTI have done well on long term tests (essentially 1 yr/40,000 mi Road & track, or equiv). Past generations not so great, so I'm a little wary. The salesguy said the audis are more reliable than the vws overall, but they're the same engine/tranny, so...?

 

I dig on the VDubs....but since you are looking for options.....09 Toyota Matrix?

I love that 2.0 FSI plant in the Audi/VW lineup.

MS3 is a beast for the coin.