Chris from Cali

OK, so my g/f is getting rid of her Golf and I'm giving her the A3 for a daily/fun car. I have the Carrera S, but I am ITCHING bad for something else.

So far, I've considered a Cayman, RS4, S4 (to be a little thrifty), and maybe an Evo IX to tide me over until the X comes out. Considering there is snow here and I refuse to drive the 911 in it, all weather ability is a consideration. The Cayman on snow tires would work... The Z06 is out and the Elise/Exige is too small.

Am I overlooking something cool? I'd like to stay in the mid-50s, but I can stretch to 70K (i.e. RS4).

You guys always come up with good ideas, so I'm fishing for them now. Thanks in advance!

neil.schneider

Has to be 4wd? If not the bmw 335 cab hard top looks nice. If you want cheap the VW eos also looks fun and is a cab. Get the smaller engine and chip it.

Chris from Cali

Doesn't have to be AWD. I am not looking for a convertible/cab...

On another board, an oldie but goodie was suggested: used RS6.

Any other clever ideas I haven't considered? Also, SUVs are out...

adfsouth

A few more thoughts (w/ some trucks):

- Porsche 993
- 335 coupe (easy to tune boost, nice gains - maybe 345 hp)
- E55
- 300C SRT8

- X5 (8 cyl)
- Cayenne S or used Turbo
- Jeep SRT8

THPorsche

Yes...but I don't think it solves the winter problem

500

If you can wait, get the new M3 later this year!

Vancouver83LTD

But you can get it in all wheel drive?
Perhaps I'm thinking of the Standard 300C

RonCT

Ok, help me out here. You have a 997S and an A3 and you are itching for something else? Why?

Is it that you need a daily driver for snowy season? The A3 was perfect for that. If so, then go and lease a new A4 before the incentives are over. $369 a month with no cap-cost reduction. I picked one up when I turned my Jetta over to the kids (their car was dying) - it has 6 speed manual, preferred, heated seats, sport suspension, and a few other things I don't remember right now. Great daily driver for a great price.

Not enough performance for you? Get the AWE treatment (exhaust and GIAC) for about $1500 - pretty inexpensive for the A4...

Chris from Cali

The A3 is going to be my g/f's (soon to be fiancee) car. I am considering an A4, but I miss my S4... I am just checking to see if there is a car I haven't owned yet that fits the bill. A 335xi (if there is such a thing) would be pretty cool.

Vancouver83LTD

Thought about the upcoming S5?

RonCT

Well, I'm a Life Member of BMWCCA and didn't even seriously consider a new 3 series when it came time for a different 2nd / winter car for me. There's just too much about it I don't like and I found the A4 superior. I read up on a variety of reviews (R&T, C&D, etc.) and they all pretty much agreed - A4 over the new 3 series. S4 is overkill for a winter car - the A3 is a perfect match for what you want - so pick up an A4 and share and the A3 with your GF. Need to haul track tires for balancing - throw them in the back of the A3. Going out to a nice dinner in a snow storm, take the A4.

Chris from Cali

That's a thought, too... Will it be out this year?

RonCT - You are the voice of reason, my friend. I will definitely keep your thoughts in mind - keeps me grounded.

Vancouver83LTD

Not sure, probably late availability at the least.

MrBonus

I would consider another Evo. The only problem with an Evo is that it may give the 997S a run for it's money in the fun department.

Chris from Cali

That is not a bad thing...

I think the RS4 is in the lead right now.