jsalah

Favorite/best reasonably equipped, AWD (for snow up here) "cheap" ($25k - $35k range) daily driver sports sedan / "hot hatch" /small SUV for bumpy 40 mile daily commute -- new/late model /CPO/warranty, so NOT a project car or old beater.

GO.

(and Thx in advance.)

Paolo1

2012 BMW 335xi mine is an msport coupe stick. solid DD and unstoppable in winter

911lnv87

Ford Focus St or RS

bmedude

I also second the 335 x drive.

CarterRuss

I daily a '15 GTI. So I'd recommend the '15+ Golf R (for AWD). Good MPG, "cheap", practical (hatch space and roomy).

Philster

I'd do the Golf R. GTI is my daily. I'd do an R in a hearbeat.

If you want a name plate on the back, get an Audi A4 a little used -- it and the GTI and R use the same platform and 2.0 turbo engine configs. Audi will have slightly better materials, but the GTI and R are best in class anyway.

I've dailied a BMW 3 series AWD with M Sport. Never been so happy to unload a car in my life.

.

Paolo1

Phil, I am interested to hear about your experience. My 2012 add 3 series is an M sport manual and I am having a great experience so far in terms of what to look out for. Thanks!

jsalah

Thanks all. Interesting suggestions, and all already on my radar.

I am coming out of a leased Audi A4, and it is my third Audi -- had a prior A4 as well as an S4 (~2007 model, bought new -- best "regular" car I ever owned). So I am quite familiar with Audi. BUT, in new / low mileage CPO shape, they are well outside the price range I have set for this. High $30's into mid $40s for decently equipped. (I tested a new A3 a week ago -- mid range package, no NAV, lacking a few other items -- dealer asking close to $37k. Blew my mind. Absurd.) I need to be in the high $20's low $30's.

I'm also familiar with BMW -- my last "toy" ride before the 911 was an e46 M3...

I understand "beggars can't be choosers", but it blows my mind how much of a bait-and-switch car sales are... I've owned probably 20+ cars in my life so far (much less than many of you, I know, but still a lot), and it just gets worse and worse...

Search continues...

Philster

Email sent.

Philster

Wow... I'm on car max looking at 7 different Audis about 3-5 years old... and I didn't even do a broader search area... just nearby.

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/...results%20page

I've been happy with my Carmax experiences.


Search:

http://www.carmax.com/search?ANa=429...results%20page

13mit

I currently daily a 2012 BMW 3 series and it's a fine daily driver. The AWD will plow through in the winter and otherwise, you have enough torque from the turbos for city driving. Good enough space for a family to fit and a surprisingly big trunk. Definitely fits in your budget as well!

third_pedal

I think both a Golf R and 335ix are great options. Careful with the 335ix because high pressure fuel pumps are notorious for going on them so check the carfax or autocheck before you buy. They are covered by warranty but they are just a hassle to deal with.

jsalah

Thanks all.
Ended up leasing a 2016 GTI.

So far it's been less than great... Oh well.