Thanks for all the input, folks. I really appreciate it.

Suggestions so far:
VW GTI - Dealer 100+ miles away. I did hear that there is an independent shop in town that can work on VWs, so the GTI may be a possibility. Need to do more research
Dodge Challenger - in the running
Ford Focus ST - in the running
Ford Mustang with track package - need to do more research
Honda S2000 - in the running
Chevy Camaro SS - looking for one to test drive
Scion FRS - Dealer 100+ miles away.
Ford Mustang Boss 302 - too expensive

Before jumping into this torque steering grocery getter, I would heavily consider the WRX and STI for the same price with AWD. The WRX 5spd is slightly quicker than the STI, but the STI has a better suspension and stronger drivetrain. 2011-2014 ones are nice and you'll have the option of hatch or sedan.

If you wait a month or two you can check out the brand new WRX/STI. The new WRX has a 6spd now, which makes it slightly slower and only has the 2.0L turbo, rather than 2.5L turbo like previous models (and 2015 STI's), but the new WRX will be a the higher end of your budget $26k or so. I've done so much research myself because I'm considering a switch. Reviews say they handle amazingly and comfortable in the WRX, the STI has a harsher ride.

....the Focus ST looks great on the outside, but its FWD and the interior looks horrible IMHO. The dash layout and shifter are not comfortable for me.

Are there any Subaru dealers near you?

Another quick thought on the mustang--see if you can hold out for the refresh.


I have a VAG as a DD and the reliability is better than it was historically, but still no way I'd buy one without a dealer nearby.

The WRX/STI looks promising but the closest Subaru dealer is about 100 miles away. But I do appreciate the info. Thanks.

I've had FWD cars before and, while not my first choice, would be a reasonable option for me. FWD loses a few points but doesn't eliminate it. I'll check out the interior next time I visit the dealer - thanks for the head up.

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Lots of good info, guys and gals. I really appreciate it. I have a lot of research to do before making a decision and y'all have been a big help. :tiphat:

np! :tup:


:ugh:

~100 miles. :(

Living in the sticks can have its disadvantages. :(
But I couldn't tell you where the keys to the house are*. Housing is a lot cheaper than in big cities (I bought my 3 bdrm/2 bath house for $47K about 25 years ago). Clean air. Clean water. &c, &c, &c.
Oh, and I don't have to worry about a lot of unconstitutional, anti-2nd amendment laws. AR is a no-permit-required-concealed-carry state and "assault" rifles, high-capacity magazines, &c are not banned. :)


* I have an Australian Cattle Dog in the house, so someone would have to be pretty bold to break in. Just ask my daughter what happens when you come waltzing into the house with stage makeup on. heehee

Good man!

BMW Z4 coupe or M-Z4 coupe!!

Wow that's tough, having to sell because of serviceability. You must be the only one with a Z out where you live. I was thinking wrx sti as well but if you must with the list you have, a Mustang is where I'd go. Put better suspension and tires, a nice exhaust, and you're set.

I live in a small (<25K) town and we're the biggest place in a 40 mile radius. I've seen two 350s in town (one stays parked most of the time and the other is painted Home Depot Orange with an over-sized wing on the back). I may be the only 370 in town. But I don't get out much and there may be another 370 running around. I doubt if there are two more in town.

I have a slight leaning toward the Mustang. They've gone back to a more "classic" look that I like a lot. If the Ford dealer can locate something with a lot better handling than the base I drove and in my price range, that's probably the way I'll go. But I don't want to have to rent a car while waiting for them to find something, so I'm still open to something else.

Where in SARK are you? I live in Warren and drive a 2011 black 370 that I get serviced at Welch in Pine Bluff or Trotter in El Dorado. I prefer Welch though. I only have 6k in my town and am definitely the only 370 in town. There are two 350s also. Definitely love the cheap housing and land too!

S2000

Sorry hear South :shakes head:
I wish you luck & hope you poke in here & there.
Anyway, so as not to find yourself in the same scenario, I would suggest once you have it narrowed down to what your looking for, go hang out in the dealers maintenance shop a few times seeing what cars come in there (hopefully the car you like) & talk it up with the the customers in the lounge on what their experience with the service department is like before you buy. This way you can get a feel if you are going to be happy taking your car to them.

Best of luck to you :tiphat:

I'm in ElDo. Apparently the population has dropped quite a bit since I last checked; Wikipedia says 18,491 in 2012. It was up to around 30K back in the late-'60s.

I wish you a lot better luck with Trotter (was Murphy until recently) than I have had. Haven't tried Welch but, at this point, I'm pretty disgusted with Nissan dealers. If I can't find a replacement car soon, I may give Welch a call.

If you want to get together and talk cars over burgers, PM me.