sanchezcruz_20
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2015
- Threads
- 16
- Messages
- 370
- Reaction score
- 98
- Location
- Columbus, OH
- Vehicle(s)
- 2015 Ford Mustang GT
- Thread starter
- #1
Recently came to the realization that my Mustang is 2 years old and has only 6k miles on the clock.
It's basically sitting in the 3rd garage bay most of the time, collecting dust. Seems kind of wasteful. Add to that, a young, growing family and lack of practicality, the decision kind of became evident.
Over the pasts couple weeks, I came to the tough decision to return to stock and trade the Mustang in. But for what!?!??
Here's what I'm thinking for prerequisites for the new car...
1. Automatic? I'm tired of shifting and commuting back and forth to work is easier with an automatic (though I could certainly live with a manual, as I have most of my life). I must just be getting lazy, but the fact that modern auto tranny's are so great anymore just pushes me away from the manual.
2. AWD. One reason the Mustang has remained in such a low mileage state is the Ohio climate. I'm simply not able to drive it 365 days a year. Obviously it's not a great commuter in the snow. AWD would give me a little versatility for inclement weather while also adding a certain performance component that I desire.
3. Four doors. Just simply having a couple extra doors out back adds an enormous about of practicality. Being able to toss some crap back there or even an occasional child car seat would be convenient.
4. Sporty. Goes without saying. I'll still need something that is FUN to drive.
My current daily driver is a 2006 Infiniti G35x. Honestly, it ticks most of boxes for what I'm looking for but it's getting a little dated and I wouldn't mind an upgrade if this new vehicle is going to be my ONLY car. Background: my wife drives a Honda Odyssey that gets 99% of the family duties.
What I'm planning to do is, trade the Mustang in and either also trade the Infiniti along with the Mustang or sell it privately. Likely, the latter.
A few vehicles came to mind when I sat down to tackle this dilemma. I've recently test drove:
1. 2017 VW Golf R (very nice but a bit pricey for a Golf...?)
2. 2017 VW Golf GTI (nice but just so so on performance)
3. 2017 Ford Focus RS (Fun to drive! But only comes manual, and not quite as refined/comfy as the Golf)
Note; one thing I also tend to gravitate towards are smaller'ish cars. I like the way they drive. Not sure why, it's just a preference I guess.
Also on my short list to take a look at are the Audi S3 (basically just a more expensive Golf R?) and S4 (likely buy used). The Audi's seem to good options for me due to quattro availability and I'm drawn to their luxury appeal. I've never owned a German car, perhaps this is a good opportunity.
I briefly considered an automatic WRX, never driven one of those either. But that platform is really aging, seems as if it needs a major overhaul.
The Lexus IS line seems kind of boring... but I do love Japanese build quality.
I don't know. I'm kind of all over the place and that's why I wondered if you guys had any suggestions? What's out there that is a great ALL-AROUNDER?
I'm trying to keep the purchase price of the vehicle around $45K or less.
It's basically sitting in the 3rd garage bay most of the time, collecting dust. Seems kind of wasteful. Add to that, a young, growing family and lack of practicality, the decision kind of became evident.
Over the pasts couple weeks, I came to the tough decision to return to stock and trade the Mustang in. But for what!?!??
Here's what I'm thinking for prerequisites for the new car...
1. Automatic? I'm tired of shifting and commuting back and forth to work is easier with an automatic (though I could certainly live with a manual, as I have most of my life). I must just be getting lazy, but the fact that modern auto tranny's are so great anymore just pushes me away from the manual.
2. AWD. One reason the Mustang has remained in such a low mileage state is the Ohio climate. I'm simply not able to drive it 365 days a year. Obviously it's not a great commuter in the snow. AWD would give me a little versatility for inclement weather while also adding a certain performance component that I desire.
3. Four doors. Just simply having a couple extra doors out back adds an enormous about of practicality. Being able to toss some crap back there or even an occasional child car seat would be convenient.
4. Sporty. Goes without saying. I'll still need something that is FUN to drive.
My current daily driver is a 2006 Infiniti G35x. Honestly, it ticks most of boxes for what I'm looking for but it's getting a little dated and I wouldn't mind an upgrade if this new vehicle is going to be my ONLY car. Background: my wife drives a Honda Odyssey that gets 99% of the family duties.
What I'm planning to do is, trade the Mustang in and either also trade the Infiniti along with the Mustang or sell it privately. Likely, the latter.
A few vehicles came to mind when I sat down to tackle this dilemma. I've recently test drove:
1. 2017 VW Golf R (very nice but a bit pricey for a Golf...?)
2. 2017 VW Golf GTI (nice but just so so on performance)
3. 2017 Ford Focus RS (Fun to drive! But only comes manual, and not quite as refined/comfy as the Golf)
Note; one thing I also tend to gravitate towards are smaller'ish cars. I like the way they drive. Not sure why, it's just a preference I guess.
Also on my short list to take a look at are the Audi S3 (basically just a more expensive Golf R?) and S4 (likely buy used). The Audi's seem to good options for me due to quattro availability and I'm drawn to their luxury appeal. I've never owned a German car, perhaps this is a good opportunity.
I briefly considered an automatic WRX, never driven one of those either. But that platform is really aging, seems as if it needs a major overhaul.
The Lexus IS line seems kind of boring... but I do love Japanese build quality.
I don't know. I'm kind of all over the place and that's why I wondered if you guys had any suggestions? What's out there that is a great ALL-AROUNDER?
I'm trying to keep the purchase price of the vehicle around $45K or less.
Sponsored