FabianS

So, I currently have a Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport for a daily driver, but for the last couple years I haven't used it for anything "truck like" at all. After I got my 993 I seem to find it kinda boring to drive, and wish it had better gas mileage, so I'm thinking of selling it in the spring, and getting a sport sedan.

I've been really looking at the new 2015 Audi A3, and Subaru WRX that come out in March/ April. I must admit I find the A3 very nice looking, supposedly gets good gas mileage and the dealer is very close to where I live. The bad is it only comes with paddle shifters, and I've read that the 2.0L engine has issues with heavy oil consumption. The resale value also seems to be not so great on used Audi's later on down the road when I want to sell it. Also read everywhere that Audi's are great to own, but not after the warranty ends.

The new Subaru WRX on the other hand is not as great looking as the concept vehicle, but I've gotten over that now and find it nice. Reviews say the car performs and handles amazing, and the interior is much better than WRX's of past. It has good gas mileage, but not what the A3 would do. The reliability and resale should be much better than the Audi. There are only two Subaru dealers where I live, and both are at other ends of the City.

I've yet to actually see or drive either car as they haven't come out yet, but wanted to see what others think in regards to this. I already have the 993, and a motorcycle for a fun, and need to have a reliable DD, and have been spoiled by the reliability of the Toyotas I've had in the past.

Thanks.

phoneyman

The A3 model was great mostly because it was a sporty cheap(er) wagon. It had enough room inside for most things and was still small enough to get around the city easily and be fun to drive. I dont fully understand Audi's switch to a sedan personally. My dad has a TDI A3 which gets 50+MPG and can fit more than enough stuff in the back.

My sister has a '13 WRX and loves it. Its cheaper and faster than the A3, gets ~20MPG (mixture of driving style and high strung 4-cyl), uglier and less features inside like you said. But for the price its hard to beat.

Ive owned a couple Audis, and over the last 15 years, I would never buy a new one after seeing how devalued they get after only a few years. The prices get cut in half every time a new model is released. Without having driven either of the newest models of cars, Id say go for the WRX out of those two.

gridlock61

Take a look at the VW GTI or Golf R, especially the 2015 models coming. Similar to the A3, but less wagony; also owned by the same parent company. The Golf R coming will have close to 300hp and comes with a 6 speed. There are already some reviews out there about both models. I have a 2009 GTI, and except for a few reliability issues (most covered under warranty), it has been a great DD.

Bully67

Go drive the S4, just bought a 2010 S4 with 22k miles, 2 year CPO and a great price after someone else ate a bunch of the depreciation. Love it so far, with 333hp supercharged it is a thrilling ride when you step on it. Also works pretty good for family hauling.

ilko

The new A3 seems like a very, very nice car! I've owned 3 Audis and except for the Allroad and its stupid suspension, they've all been great cars and quite reliable well past warranty.

The only reason I switched from an Audi is because they don't import fast wagons anymore.

The Audi interior will be much much better than any Subaru you step in. And the 2.0T is tried and proven IMO, you can't go wrong with it.

993KT

I had a 2009 A3 3.2 quattro. The build quality is good and it's fine for a DD, but it's not a fun car to drive. If AWD is a must for you, then I think the upcoming Golf R is worth checking out. Audi A5 is holding their values a little better, maybe a certified used one is worth looking into. I think the new WRX looks like a Corolla with a body kit. I would rather get the current one. How about a BMW? Lexus IS would be the more reliable Toyota version.

FabianS

The car has to be AWD, and a sedan as I'm not a fan of hatches and wagons. Hoping to get something that handles well, and has a bit of performance. A manual tranny would also be prefered.

JonSnow83

Bully67 brought this thread to its logical conclusion 4 posts ago.

FabianS

^ Not sure if an S4 would get the gas mileage I'm looking for.

phoneyman

The S4's can get better MPG than a WRX or a Golf R. WRX practically gets up to 25 and Golf R up to 28ish in ideal conditions. I've read S4's can hit 30 MPG. Not a huge difference.

FabianS

The new WRX is supposed to get much better mileage with the direct injection. I want at least 30 MPG on the highway.

993KT

Any BMW 3 series with manual and X Drive will do then. Good luck finding one though.

P-daddy

^ I second looking at a manual 3 series with awd. The 328's 2.oT is a blast to drive! Mine is the 8 sp auto getting 35 highway mpg!!

FabianS

How are the newer BMW's for reliability? I'm used to having to do nothing but the scheduled maintanence with our Toyota's. I may not get exactly that, but I want close.

chaoscreature

You really need to go test drive a few of these options. We aren't going to swing your decision as much as a weekend at a few dealerships. Test drive everything you are considering and purchase the car that you connect with.