CarreraX

I bought a new 15 GTI and love it! And Im NOT a VW guy. This thread is what peaked my interest.
https://rennlist.com/forums/off-topi...-my-daily.html

JDHertz11

Just leased a new C300 4Matic for the girlfriend. She loves it and says it's no comparison to the 2013 BMW 328i she had before. Both cars are luxury package etc but the MBZ is a different world. The only negative thing I have to say is that the BMW was quite a bit quicker. The C had a sticker around $53K with nearly every option currently available. Lease offers are pretty good right now.

Aircooled Dave

I'm somewhat in the same boat. I just put an order in for a 2015 Audi S3 as a daily driver. It's a little frumpy in the looks department, but the S3 treatment really helps. It's built on the same MQB platform as the Golf/Jetta, so it's rock solid. It also has the newest Audi interior theme, which is much more minimal. It's almost a throwback given how clean and simple the interior design is.

I was closely looking at GTI, but found the S3 a bit more refined and better optioned with AWD, a much more potent engine and a few more amenities. I'm not in my 20s so the extra stuff does have more appeal as you age. The price difference between the two is ~$10-15K with depending on the deal you can get. I like the fact that it's fairly small (about the same size as the late 90s era A4), quite efficient (31mpg FWY) and 4 doors so it has a modicum of practicality. Adults can fit back there, but I wouldn't want to be there for extended periods and the trunk is fairly small. Overall driver legroom/headroom was quite reasonable at my 5'11 stature and the seating position was comfortable.

What most impressed me was the drivetrain. I found the engine quite responsive with a mountain of torque and the 6spd DSG is just amazing. I wouldn't miss a manual in this application. They reworked the 2.0T considerably for the higher power output with new cylinder heads, reinforced block, larger turbo, etc...Coupled with the AWD (Haldex) and DSG it definitely has the grip to match the punch.

This will be my 4th Audi. Our earliest car (A4) did have some issues that plagued the late 90s cars, but those were common themes across almost all manufacturers. bad coilpacks, vacuum lines deteriorating, bad ball joints, etc....The last 2 Audi's (A6 4.2 & Q7 TDI) have had no issues at all beyond normal maintenance. Our current Audi, a Q7 TDI is just a tank. It just goes anywhere you want with nary a complaint.

Allen

I have a '08 BMW 535i 6-speed for daily driving duties...could not be happier...the 6-speed is the key. 300 HP & 300 lb-ft available at 1700rpm...that's work nicely!

nycarrera

Went from leasing an S4 to the new MB C400. The build quality and refinement of the Mercedes is vastly different. The MB is heavier, feels more planted and is faster than the S4. Opting for the v6 version of the C or waiting for the upcoming amg version may be the way to go.

Justin S2

The period where they built B5s and C5s...

BradB

I was looking at Audi A3's, S3's and the VW GTI. But then I checked out the BMW M235i and my wife and I loved it so much we bought it off the dealer lot...something we've never done! Its the perfect size for us as everything has gotten so big. It's extremely fast with a wonderfully smooth 6 cylinder turbo. The handling is well balanced with very precise steering. And the seating position is perfect. We're happy campers.

Steve 96C4S

Flat out stunning and the perfect hot color for an M car. Brilliant!

BradB

Thank you very much. Not in your new S63 class, but it will do!