SSTHO

I am currently in a 2010 Lexus IS-F. It was the one car compromise for the wife and I. I can't do it - so I'm going for the 997.2 GT3 and a DD that I have not decided upon.

I wanted to ask what you guys have as the DD? I am looking for something practical, good value, great if it was AWD, low maintenance costs, reliable and good on gas. Doesn't need to be any fun at all.

Suggestions are most welcome. Some thoughts:

BMW X3
BMW X1 (due out soon)
Lexus IS 250 AWD
Lexus RX

My wife hates Audi's so I can't do an A4/Q5, etc. Would love to hear everyone else's thoughts!

aussie jimmy

golf r

A430v

Golf R or M3? I approve of both (see my sig).

aussie jimmy

i have the 04 but recommend the '10 for you.

Izzone

X5 diesel.....tow truck

Giantviper

vw jetta

afridi

Audi S8

Nizer

Come on guys, OP said good on gas. M3 or R32?!?

I would look to any of the twin-turbo six sedans from BMW (335 or 535) or diesel SUV (X5 and pending X3). I have 535i and X5 Diesel. Both consistently deliver 24mpg average in combined spirited driving and both can deliver 30mpg on the highway at 70mph. Can you get diesel BMW sedans in O Canada? If so, they'd be on the list.

If you really don't care about fun then take a look at the diesel Jetta Sport Wagon. Plenty of room and killer mileage, but it doesn't hit your all wheel drive requirement.

malmasri

Mini Cooper S, No AWD, great on gas and Fun driving if you do not like the VW GTI/R

carrering

my daily is an M3 sedan. the gas mileage isn't great but its fun to drive and life is too short to drive crappy cars. its the most reliable vehicle BMW made in 2010. I wouldn't go near a FI direct injected BMW motor again after suffering multiple HPFP issues on our 335i. consequently, the 135i was rated the worst in reliability for BMW and the company itself placed 20th out of 22 manufacturers last year on JD power.

i think a CTS-V wagon would also be a hellova fun car, but worried about depreciation and reliability as well.

911S4

2007/2008 B7 Audi RS4 direct injected V-8. Incredible DD, fantastic AWD especially in snow with proper wheels and tires, very comfortable, and meets all criteria........except being good on gas around town when you let the tack needle swing up towards 8000 RPM.

aussie jimmy

the latest golf r is a 4 cylinder. economy is good and ticks all the other boxes.

disregard my r32 in the video. she drinks like a crazed hooker over at charlie's house for the weekend...

P.J.S.

Subaru
practical - check
good value - check
awd - check
low maint costs - check
reliable - check
no fun - any model except for STI, check

there is a reason that the forrester is the number 1 seller amongst the sensible, well educated, consumer reports decision driven, amorphous lesbians of the NW... it literally checks all of the boxes (no pun intended) in the mindless practical car purchase.

I would never... that sort of practicality and absolute lack of style is painfully dull. I would look for a wagon of some sorts in terms of practicality... but awd and low maintenance are not generally partners in the euro wagon set

DJN

Hi SSTHO,

How about a 2011 (or used) Audi A4 Avant Quattro 2.0T - I just bought a new one for my wife and I, well made, reasonably fun to drive, great on gas, and has the cargo space of most SUVs. Hard to beat!

Cheers!
Doug N.

brim

I just picked up a 2011 Subaru WRX (not STi) for a DD. I'm really enjoying it for getting around (was in a BMW 550 before) as I find its a bit of fun, super practical, still gets 20+ mpg, cheap to own and maintain.

The new version has the widebody like the STi, so it looks great, but it's not as sporty / harsh on the road. It's definitely not the ultimate luxury car, but we all make sacrifices