CosmosMpower

It's time to get a new daily driver, I like my E46 330 ZHP but getting tired of not having some luxury features for a daily (bluetooth, heated seats, keyless start, LED headlights etc). I'd like to spend around 35K or less and have a few front runners in mind. Let me know if I missed anything. Prefer to have at least a 4 seater and sedan/hatch form. Prefer something new or lightly used. Prefer AWD or RWD. Bonus if I can track it occasionally if it's raining or I don't feel like getting the GT3 ready.

Front runner is the 2016 STI base (no sunroof) with Harmon Kardon/Nav/Keyless go option. Old motor but new chassis, ticks the technology boxes, fun to drive, terrible gas mileage. Can get one for 35K. Generally good resale but might plummet if they put a new DI motor in the STI in the next few years.

Second is Golf R. Nicer interior than STI, similar power, meh looks (hideous wheels) and shaped like a wedge, costs a bit more around 37-38K. Not sure if I trust VW reliability.

Third is Focus RS. Most power, pretty good looks, decent interior. Would be first choice but the best deal I could find on one with a real available allocation now is 3K over sticker. With the RS2 package the car is close to 40K then add 3K over sticker and it's out of budget and quite frankly a bit insane (43K for a Focus?!)

Fourth is a BMW F30 328i/d M sport sedan or wagon with a tune (265 whp 290 wtq). Nice update to my E46 but I already have a 2016 M3 coming and variety is nice. It is pretty impossible to find a 328i M sport in Estoril blue or white with a 6MT, real leather, nav and xenons.

Evo X is an outgoing car, too old for my consideration.

Anything else in that arena that I might have missed?

AE_Racer

Wait on the Civic Type R?

s.hasan546

why not drive the m3 everyday? it's a great DD

I personally would get the Golf R. Great interior. Comfy car that is a little fun. Lots of cargo space.
Never like ford build quality honestly.
STi is too stiff for a DD imo. Plus screw that old motor

brandondan1

The 2016 Mustang GT Premium with PP is a good option. Not a sedan, but it has a backseat for midgets, all the features you mentioned, and it has a ton of tech and customizability. Plus, it should be pretty fun on the track.

mosesbotbol

Out of your choices the Ford Focus RS is the most interesting.

Sterling Sackey

I have a new GTI with the Performance Package, I can vouch that it's an amazingly refined car that's also a lot of fun. The R would be even better.

s.hasan546

ooo this would be a good pick too. It's different than your other cars. way more fun to drive than the other cars your mentioned. but isn't a sedan.

WolfpackS2k

Yeah why isn't the 2016 M3 going to be your DD?

Is it possible to find a lightly used 1 year old Audi S3?

WRX STI seems like the best option otherwise.

Marioshi

Does seem odd to me to not drive the M3 as a daily... Meets all your requirements, plus, you already have it in bound. If I had a 425hp sedan I certainly wouldn't be letting it sit in the garage to languish.

CosmosMpower

2016 M3 is going to be the wife's daily driver, replacing her 2010 M3 which I'm selling.

The only new mustang I would ever consider driving is the GT350/R and only as a track car, those would not make a good daily. I prefer something 4 door or 5 door.

Civic is hideously ugly, no way.

Can't do a GTI, FWD is a non starter, would have to be the golf R.

Hadn't though about the S3, I guess that's like the Golf R but a nicer overall package (but I don't trust Audi either) I couldn't find one under 39k though.

P.S. I don't mind stiff cars, my E46 has coilovers with 600 pound springs all around.