Elistan

I took a new job recently that's about 43 miles away, and 95% of it is Interstate driving. Minimal traffic unless there's an accident, in which case I could be stuck in stop-and-go traffic for a while. I'm trying to figure out what to do about vehicles, if anything. What would you do?

My current stable:
2000 S2000 with 96k miles.
2004 Tacoma with 65k miles (5spd manual S-Runner)

Neither vehicle is particularly suited to the drive for different reasons, but the cheapest option is to keep what I have and put in new radios that support iPods - Dallas radio sucks and I need some good music on the drive.

But this new job got me thinking about my vehicle situation in general. Basically I'd like fun-to-drive, a dual-clutch transmission (I hate autos, and a manual is sometimes a pain in traffic,) iPod support, and room for four comfortable adults. I have in mind the following so far to test-drive:

Volkswagen GTI 4-door with DSG and Autobahn package - 21/31 mileage - $31,475 (just AUX-in, and FWD).
Mitsubishi EVO MR with Touring and Premium packages - 17/22 - $41,955 (can't tell if it actually supports iPod though and that mileage sucks)
Audi S4 Premium Plus with black/red interior and LSD - 18/28 - $50,975 (egads that's a lot of money)

Did I miss anything? The only other obvious fit is the Panamera which is way too expensive. Is the Audi worth the price? Is the VW fun to drive? I'm good at DIY like brakes and oil changes, so regular maintenance cost isn't much of a concern, only repair issues.

saluki9

BMW 335i? You need to get the coupe to get the DCT gearbox though

pbm317

GTI's do have a specific iPod cable available, and bluetooth streaming. I have 12K miles on my 2010 GTI w/DSG. I think it's a pretty balanced car all around. Not the fastest, but definitely good power with the 2.0T, and the DSG is pretty smooth. Definitely a good balance of sport, but not harsh, for a daily driver. Great gas mileage on the highway as well.

Audi A3 (similar to the GTI) would be another choice, and the 2.0T has quattro available now if you wanted AWD, and they call DSG, S-Tronic I believe. Diesels are also available in the Golf or A3.

The Lancer Ralliart (model below the EVO) also has the dual clutch gearbox and AWD if you wanted a cheaper option.

clawhammer

You're just starting a new job. No need to take on new debt. What if you don't like the job after 2 months? It's harder to quit if you have a $40k car loan... Drive the S2000 for 6 months, then revisit the situation.

S2020

lexus. quiet. reliable. driving 43miles each way will wear you down and you'll need something soothing.
and you still have the s2000 when you want to tear the road up.

ltswb

You can get transmitter you plug into a lighter to make your Ipod work on any radio. I sure wouldn't make an aux jack a major decisive factor in what car I buy.

dat boi

Move closer to work

I think a diesel would be your best pick since you have a fun-to-drive car at home. The diesel will be fairly reliable and yield great gas mileage.

I wouldn't go buy a new premium sedan like an Audi S4 and drive it 90+ miles a day. I'd swing for something that gets very good gas mileage (i.e diesel)

Chris S

I would suck it up a while w/ your current rides first to ensure you like the job and are comfortable that it will be a good long-term fit. Next, when/if you're ready to buy....are you sure you want to buy a new car? They kind of mileage you're putting on will build a lot of depreciation, might as well at least let someone else take the initial hit.

Of the options you mentioned, I'd recommend them in order of increasing price. The GTI sounds like a great choice! Also consider a 135i, now available w/ DCT.

For used, I'd recommend looking into a Lexus IS-F. Sure, it has a trad. automatic (to the extent 8 speeds can be called traditional), but it works so well that it can be excused for being one IMO. Additionally, they get pretty good fuel mileage when driven conservatively.

And if you want to go all out, it E90 M3 w/ DCT.

luder_5555

IDK about the two german's, but the evo can be had for around 20-25k used with less than 30k miles. I see no reason to spend an extra 15K to get a new one.

AngryTurtle

The s2000 gets better gas mileage the anything you listed. How about you drive that?