Non Manual fun cars
12-31-2008, 04:55 AM
#1
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Non Manual fun cars
So lately I've been thinking about cars which might be fun to drive/ live with which are NOT manual. Last week I tried moving our Jetta (5-speed) and due to my accident earlier in the year, I'm still unable to push the clutch down. Yes, the S has been sitting in the garage for some time now.
Anyway it got me thinking about what would be a good fun car to drive sub $40k? Yesterday, I took a look at the VW R32 with the fancy paddle shift thing. I thought it was quite nice, but didn't go for a test drive. The docs say 18 months to 2 years (its been 8 months now) so I haven't given up yet. So what are your thoughts on a fun auto car under $40k? They want $40+ for the new EVO.
Anyway it got me thinking about what would be a good fun car to drive sub $40k? Yesterday, I took a look at the VW R32 with the fancy paddle shift thing. I thought it was quite nice, but didn't go for a test drive. The docs say 18 months to 2 years (its been 8 months now) so I haven't given up yet. So what are your thoughts on a fun auto car under $40k? They want $40+ for the new EVO.
12-31-2008, 06:01 AM
#2
Miata's have automatics with paddle shifters now which wont auto-shift up on you, but I never drove one so I can't speak for how it is in reality. At least it might be fun for a while and a convertible.
On the flip side the bmw 135i is close to 40 once you add the automatic option.
Last time I had fun in an automatic transmission vehicle it was in a Jeep Wrangler. Having no top or doors is kind of fun. They're good in the winter too but I'd never own one because they get such piss poor gas mileage.
On the flip side the bmw 135i is close to 40 once you add the automatic option.
Last time I had fun in an automatic transmission vehicle it was in a Jeep Wrangler. Having no top or doors is kind of fun. They're good in the winter too but I'd never own one because they get such piss poor gas mileage.
12-31-2008, 06:04 AM
#4
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Originally Posted by elmmx5' date='Dec 31 2008, 10:03 AM
If I were in that position, I'd have the VW GTI at the top of my list.
12-31-2008, 06:10 AM
#5
I was going to drive my friend's GTI but she kicked me out of the drivers seat before we even got moving. Went something like:
Kenta: Where's the clutch?
Kenta: wtf is up with that?
Kenta: There's no boost gauge? Why do they not give you boost gauge?(this was a 1.8T)
Jen: Get out.
Kenta: Where's the clutch?
Kenta: wtf is up with that?
Kenta: There's no boost gauge? Why do they not give you boost gauge?(this was a 1.8T)
Jen: Get out.
12-31-2008, 06:19 AM
#7
Josh assuming your not bored with the S2000 I would think that modifying the clutch to be hand operated might be viable.
I've been toying with designs in the back of my head to create a paddle clutch but retain the manual shifting for gear selection.
I've been toying with designs in the back of my head to create a paddle clutch but retain the manual shifting for gear selection.
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12-31-2008, 07:02 AM
#9
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I was strongly considering the GTi when I thought the wife's POS car was about to sh!t the bed. The Volkswagen's DSG looks like the only "paddle shifter" transmission that I would actually be willing to pay for.
I've even driven a few newer A4s with the automatic-based Tiptronic, and it just leaves a lot to be desired. I've driven Mazda's RX-8 with the paddle shifters too, and it's the same story. It feels slow and uncooperative, and in the end, still feels like an automatic that you're just trying to convince to shift.
The other nice thing about the GTi is that it's very zippy and fun, yet most people still seems to get over 30 MPG on the highway. Add in the functional hatchbackyness and it's a great car all around.
I've even driven a few newer A4s with the automatic-based Tiptronic, and it just leaves a lot to be desired. I've driven Mazda's RX-8 with the paddle shifters too, and it's the same story. It feels slow and uncooperative, and in the end, still feels like an automatic that you're just trying to convince to shift.
The other nice thing about the GTi is that it's very zippy and fun, yet most people still seems to get over 30 MPG on the highway. Add in the functional hatchbackyness and it's a great car all around.
