Hey guys, the car bug is biting me again.

Due to gas prices, laziness & general fascination with cars - i'm contemplating selling the GS and my Infiniti to buy just one car for all seasons. Paying for insurance, plates & maintenance for 2 cars is slowly getting to me.

Here is my latest idea (your opinions will be heavily considered)...

Sell the 2 cars (which should be worth around $25-30k) and pick up either:

Audi A3 2.0T with DSG (great reviews on this car - everyone seems to call it the perfect all-around car)

Mini Cooper S 6-speed (i've always loved these, plus they drive like go-carts)

Acura TSX 6-speed (although a bit slow - very great quality car)

Mazda3s Grand Touring (I drove the MazdaSpeed 3 as well, but that loud exhaust & lack of a sunroof turned me off)

-- all of these cars would get me around 30 mpg & are available with navigation (the GS spoiled me)

Again, this is nothing set in stone, but definitely a possibility. What do you guys think?

George

Saving money is always a wise decision. I say do it.

Saving money is always a wise decision. I say do it.
True.

Just make sure you come up at the end. You don't want to lose too much $$ on selling your cars, as well as paying for a new/used one.

Hard to be insane if you are talking about saving money, just make sure you take a close look at the reliability. The A3 for instance hasn't been out for too long in the U.S., but I can tell you the last generation A3 sold down here had a lot of issues.

Your not insane buddy. You are smart. Chicago winters are no joke, and the GS4 is getting old and losing its value fast. Get yourself the Audi A3 Quattro.. You will be a very happy camper.

I love the new car smell plus a warranty. I say do it. :D

Acura TSX 6-speed is my choice of the above, great car! Luxury at a bargain, the 4-banger honda engineering naturally keeps torque levels low, but its still got good pep and is a blast to drive!

A3 would be my choice for all around utility and AWD based on where you live.

I would be hard-pressed to 'downgrade' from a car like the GS to one of the cars you mentioned, but I understand your reasons for considering it.

The A3 is strange to me because it costs as much as an A4 did a few years ago and it seems tiny. It makes me think of what a four-door VW GTi would look like if they made one.

The Mini Cooper... I like these cars. If you don't need a super-practical people hauler, this would be my first choice.

Acura TSX: a bit long in the tooth, but a great car and you can get it with all the cool Navi/BlueTooth toys. And it comes in blue.

Mazda 3; I don't know why, but I really like these cars. There is a guy locally with one lowered a bit on 18s- it looks great, the wider wheels and tires really emphasize the body & fender details. Even in stock form they look sharp with the upgraded stock wheels.

If you buy one of the German cars (this includes the Mini) and you plan on keeping it a while , get the extra warranty (my friend had to replace his Cooper S engine -spun rod bearing- at 30,700 miles, just out of warranty :cry:)

The Audi is an excellent car, if a bit pricey. If you get one don't blow $2k on the nav. system like I did. You can get a Garmin unit for 3-4 hundred that does the same things.

German tuner Oettinger has some nice packages for the Audi A3. Just look at this vid.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=p-00Y6Rnj4g

Just out of curiosity, why the A3 and not A4? From you list, I too, would go with the Audi though I'd pay a bit more and get the A4.

Subaru anything :)

last gen WRX wagons are badass :cylon:

Just out of curiosity, why the A3 and not A4? From you list, I too, would go with the Audi though I'd pay a bit more and get the A4.

The A3 costs less, plus I hear that DSG is amazing!
Not to mention i'm really a fan of those Euro-style hatchbacks. :)

Be warned that the Audi or Mini nav system will not be anywhere as good as Japanese systems (I know that Audi's is not touch screen). I can imagine that would be an annoying adjustment.

Audis are great w. a warrenty



From that list, I'd get the Acura; others have already stated why, so I'll just agree with them

it is a tough call for me between TSX and A3, but I think I would give a VW GTI a shot too...

Have you considered getting an IS 250 AWD? About the same size as the TSX, same power, AWD for those Illinois winters, great gas mileage, and great features and technology that the other cars will not have. Sounds like you could sell the other two and maybe put 4-5K with it and get what you want from an IS 250.

If you are only choosing from the cars you mentioned, then I would go with the TSX though it will be updated soon.

Also, you should check out the Altima SE 3.5, Camry SE V6 or maybe even the Passat. And the Accord is right around the corner. I don't have a lot of experience with the new Altima, but they do sure look good in SE form and that's a great powertrain. I know the Camry has similar power and a nice interior, and is capable of around 30MPG on the highway. These midsizers have come a long way from being just basic people movers.

Lot's to consider :p

I think he is looking for fun factors too...
Altima, and camry are not fun to drive...

Your not insane buddy. You are smart. Chicago winters are no joke, and the GS4 is getting old and losing its value fast. Get yourself the Audi A3 Quattro.. You will be a very happy camper.

Problem is, DASH, that Audi won't sell Quattro with the 2.0T and DSG.....you have to buy the 3.2 version to get it....a needless and annoying marketing restriction. I complained to Audi about it when I reviewed the A3 2.0T DSG, but they are standing pat.
And there is no practical reason why they can't do it with the A3 either. The 2.0T has enough power to handle the weight and drag......note that you CAN get an A4 Avant that way, so it is not a hardware problem either.

Yeah, you are completely insane.


Someone gotta say it :D

I like the A3 but i dont know if the new ones are reliable. I have a friend w/ a new SLK and when ppl ask what he does for work he says "I drop off my car at the Dealer and pick up Loaners for a living lol"(btw he had problems w/ his ML loaner too hahah). Its not fun and even though its under warranty its costing time/ time is money. The TSX is a good car w/ proven reliability BUT w/ the redesign so close I wouldnt get one. I dont like the rest of the cars on the list.

Well... i spent most of the day looking at a bunch of different options. Out of everything I drove, the VW GTI w/ DSG impressed me the most. I found an '07 white/blk leather, navi etc with 7k miles, but they wanted almost $28k for it. No way i was gonna pay that much for it.
Oh well... it was a beautiful drive back home in the GS though. :)

IS250 6 speed RWD

IS250 6 speed RWD

I actually think this is the way to go given what aliti is looking for except in AWD form since he has to deal w/ chicago winters and this will be his only car.

If you really want to save money, buy a bicycle ;) not sure how many miles to the gallon you can get with water or gatorade in your system. Try it out :p

Well... i spent most of the day looking at a bunch of different options. Out of everything I drove, the VW GTI w/ DSG impressed me the most. I found an '07 white/blk leather, navi etc with 7k miles, but they wanted almost $28k for it. No way i was gonna pay that much for it.
Oh well... it was a beautiful drive back home in the GS though. :)

I've driven the GTI w/ DSG and I agree, it's an awesome car.

Are you at least going to try to negotiate?

I've driven the GTI w/ DSG and I agree, it's an awesome car.

Are you at least going to try to negotiate?

No, he will not negotiate.

;):D;):p:p

I think the A3 is your best bet. I really like the looks of it. Kinda looks like a 4 door GTi

A3 and TSX are great cars. IS 250 automatic gas mileage is actually better than the manuals...
http://www.hofele.com/design/en/Audi_A3/img/audi_a3_rs4.jpg

That A3 up there looks GORGEOUS! Too bad the one my gf saw was the base (non sport pkg), no lip kit, crummy wheels one & called it an old person's car. :o

It's so hard to find sport pkg A3's up here!

A3 and TSX are great cars. IS 250 automatic gas mileage is actually better than the manuals...


That A3 looks pretty good and ive been noticing that on some cars lately where the auto is getting better mileage than the manuals.

Be warned that the Audi or Mini nav system will not be anywhere as good as Japanese systems (I know that Audi's is not touch screen). I can imagine that would be an annoying adjustment.

What a load of Croc, you've obviously never worked and Audi Nav system and then tried to work and Infiniti Nav system. The Infiniti Navi is horrible.

I drive the A3 DSG, Sports, Opensky, Xenon right now.

It's a BLAST to drive.

Its rated at 6.7 seconds, but has been shown in car tests to be 0-60 in 6 flat.

The interior is the exact same as the Audi TT

The DSG tranny, same as in RS4, TT, R8, is AMAZING especially if you get sports package with paddle shifters. The way it shifts is just amazing. It shifts instantly, and without hindering power delivery.

the A3>>>>>>>A4

Im driving a loaner 2008 A4 premium package right now and it is worse in every way compared to my A3. Not just subjective worse either.


GET THE A3, you will never regret it.

This thing is true luxury with performance. The options are pricey but worth it.

Ya, base manual is 26,000, but really, you will want some options.

Mines was MSRPed at 34,500.

Know that with Audis, you can often get them at invoice.

Good Luck.

Oh BTW, so far my experience with audi customer care is excellent

if anyone has never driven a a3, i suggest you go to audi and drive a a3 sport with dsg just for fun.

Are these your only options.. :uh: It seems you like the roomy interior that the GS has.. The cars you mentioned are a bit smaller IMO.. I'm also in the same boat.. I have a GS and ES and are paying for 2 cars, upkeep, and gas.. I've gotten Brochures on TL, G35(sedan) , and Altima 3.5.. I figured if i sold both cars i could put a nice down payment on one of those. My GS is a 99 and the ES is a 97. I love my GS but the ES maybe on the way out soon..

Didn't mean to jack your thread but i feel what your saying.. GL.. :D

It's been a rough week trying to decide where to go with this. My options are wide open right now. Since I work for Chase, I just found out that I get 6% off MSRP on any new Audi, not including any other dealer incentives. I'm thinking I might be able to work out a sweet deal on one. The problem is that I have expensive taste, and I would want to get the sport pkg, xenons, navi & sunroof.

For you A3 guys... how can you tell the difference between a regular 2006 2.0T A3 & the sport package model? Does that red "T" have anything to do with it? Or are there any other exterior additions? I know the '07 has the s-line designation.

It's been a rough week trying to decide where to go with this. My options are wide open right now. Since I work for Chase, I just found out that I get 6% off MSRP on any new Audi, not including any other dealer incentives. I'm thinking I might be able to work out a sweet deal on one. The problem is that I have expensive taste, and I would want to get the sport pkg, xenons, navi & sunroof.

For you A3 guys... how can you tell the difference between a regular 2006 2.0T A3 & the sport package model? Does that red "T" have anything to do with it? Or are there any other exterior additions? I know the '07 has the s-line designation.


Sports package includes sports seats, sports wheel, sports paddels if you have DSG, suspension, interior trim and outside badging, subtle change to front/rear bumper.

If you are buying this car becasue you want a fun car to drive, then I would get sports. If you want a softer ride, get the premium.

The red T and the regular T are both the same car.

you wont really need the 6%, just bargain and you may get your car at invoice or below.

and yes, the options do add up, but trust me, the car is 100% worth it.

i drive 2-3 hours a day, and used to dread it even in my GS and MDX, but now, this car has made it so much funner even just in traffic, not to mention when you get to open it up outside of traffic.

I could sit here and say good things about the car all day, but i think you should just go test drive a sports model, ask for a longer route and make sure you drive it a bit aggressively, you wont forget your experience.

How much HP is the A3 producing.. I saw a white one a few weeks ago and he took off the line pretty fast.. :thumbup:

How much HP is the A3 producing.. I saw a white one a few weeks ago and he took off the line pretty fast.. :thumbup:

They have 200 hp, but they fly off the line, especially with the DSG!

They have 200 hp, but they fly off the line, especially with the DSG!
It's the 200 hp turbo engine. Around here you can find performance shops that will re-program the chip to get 250 hp for around $500. The folks on the Audi boards say it just depends on the dealer whether this voids the warranty.

So I called up one of my local Audi dealers & the only new '07 s-line 2.0t A3s are in Puerto Rico and Cali. So much for finding on locally.
I'm gonna also be checking out a loaded '06 Mini Cooper S as well tomorrow.

So I called up one of my local Audi dealers & the only new '07 s-line 2.0t A3s are in Puerto Rico and Cali. So much for finding on locally.
I'm gonna also be checking out a loaded '06 Mini Cooper S as well tomorrow.

That sucks. How about just calling Audi corp and saying "look, this is what I'm interested, can I get one or not!?"

1-800-FOR-AUDI (367-2834)

thats cuz the 08s are out, just get a 08

Why not just keep one and sell the other?

I couldn't possibly drive the GS in the crappy weather. It's my garage queen. :D

I came REALLY close to picking up an '07 VW GTI today. Blk/blk leather w/ a nice factory body kit. I am SO impressed with the way they drive. So far it's come down to that or an '06 Mini Cooper S. It's been way too hard tracking down an A3 s-line.

Well... I drove the Mini Cooper S today (16k miles, loaded with leather, navi, etc...) . What a fun little car! They wanted my car, plus another $3500. Not a bad deal, but it's waaaay too much of a transition. It's a little too loud at highway speeds & not refined enough for me. I could not imagine a road trip in that thing. It's not doable as an only car.
My dad knocked some sense into me & said to hold on to the GS and sell the I30 for a 4-banger to run around with instead. Seems like a good idea. Every time I test drive these cars, I appreciate the GS even more. :)

Well... I drove the Mini Cooper S today (16k miles, loaded with leather, navi, etc...) . What a fun little car! They wanted my car, plus another $3500. Not a bad deal, but it's waaaay too much of a transition. It's a little too loud at highway speeds & not refined enough for me. I could not imagine a road trip in that thing. It's not doable as an only car.
My dad knocked some sense into me & said to hold on to the GS and sell the I30 for a 4-banger to run around with instead. Seems like a good idea. Every time I test drive these cars, I appreciate the GS even more. :)

A wise decision, IMO.:thumbup:
The Mini, as you note, is a lot of fun if you just want to drive it for a few minutes and toss it around some corners for its go-kart handling. But spend all day in one, especially on rough roads, and your ears, kidneys, and buttocks will be assaulted nonstop, especially on rough roads....even more so in the more stiffly-sprung S and John Works versions.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=new&distance=50&address=60601&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=AUDI&model=A3&make2=&start_year=2005&end_year=2008&min_price=&max_price=&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=

I see over 20 Audi A3s in your area. Surely some of them are S-lines. These are also just the brand new ones.

Trust me, give the car a drive.

When I was looking for a car I was looking for a balance between luxury, performance/handling, looks, and gas milage. The A3 fits the bill.

I drive aggressively and in traffic and I average 27 mpg, on long uninteruppted driving I get 34mpg, if I like drag-race myself everywhere i still get 23mpg.

Most of them are either the 3.2 or not with the sport package. I have my eye on a couple of them. Ideally i want to find a used one less than $25k.
For some reason my gf doesn't like how it looks. I think it's because the only one she's seen in person was a base silver a3 without the s-line package and the cooler wheels.
She did like the pics I showed her of a blk/blk s-line though. :)