The Mega FR-S/GTI/Etc.. WTTCLDO fiscally responsible folks included thread!

[2.0T_Convert]

Topic is simple. If you were to buy one of the poll options $30,000 around/or under sporty car today OR used higher end luxury car a few years old and perhaps CPO perhaps not what would you choose - popular options in poll. Options even given for general used vehicles and those who want to hang on to paid off vehicle!

[Angry_Birds]

The S4 is a tad more than $30k new.

[phil123]

Compare like cars.

Get what you want.

[Mosbius Designs]

You know my answer.

[2.0T_Convert]

The S4 is a tad more than $30k new.

I think the S4 and a number of other luxury cars will fall into the $30K range a couple years used.

[vwgtiIII]

I voted GTI but really, it'd be a TDI. I test drove one last week and fell in love with the power and 6spd transmission. It was a gem!

$30k used cars have crappy loan rates, fyi.

[Angry_Birds]

I think the S4 and a number of other luxury cars will fall into the $30K range a couple years used.

Just going by your rules

If you were to buy a new $30,000 around/or under sporty car today what would you choose

But I'd get the S4

[SSLByron]

Tough call. I had to pick between a Miata and the Toyobaru, and I picked the Toyobaru.

I've had enough of FWD and turbochargers.

[E34M50]

none of those cars, i would get a bus pass and a bicycle

[2.0T_Convert]

Just going by your rules

But I'd get the S4

Oh bah well edit just for you!

[fknlo]

I'm probably going to end up buying a Prius C or something along those lines and then my fun car a year or two later. Have a pretty bad hankering for an Exige right now.

[08 MKV GTI]

I would get a BRZ, I love the GTI but FWD is no fun.

[XiaoNio]

I recently was debating between my Si, an S2000 and an FR-S/BRZ. I've pretty much decided that I'll drive the Si for another 3 years and buy a new FR-S/BRZ outright when I graduate/get promoted. In my mind, it's a fairly reasonable step forward. I'd lose 2 doors, but it won't cost any more to run than the Si, it might be a little more fuel efficient and it's probably a whole lot more fun. In my mind, if you want a fun car that can also function as reliable, economical every day car, the FR-S/BRZ is pretty much a no brainer.

[not_a_chick_car]

I voted GTI because I know for sure I would love it. 3 years and 95,000 miles on mine and I'm still loving it.

But... I would drive a BRZ and possibly buy one. Funny how many new sporty cars that come along TCL goes all ape over. Only time will tell just how special the BRZ will be or not.

[Shomegrown]

George and I hooned the S4 in your picture. I'd choose a different one.

[Jordan 191]

Please add a poll choice of "buy a fleet of 20 Corrados in various states of repair".

[2.0T_Convert]

George and I hooned the S4 in your picture. I'd choose a different one.

I thought your attitude on hoonage is treating a car the way she was built for

[20aeman]

To me, when someone says FR-S, I think 06 Cayman S. When someone says BR-Z, I think Z4 m coupe.

I don't think I'll ever buy a new car when you can get clearly superior cars in the used marketplace.

[Arju]

I voted GTI but really, it'd be a TDI. I test drove one last week and fell in love with the power and 6spd transmission. It was a gem!

$30k used cars have crappy loan rates, fyi.

I made that choice. My TDI is pretty close to the perfect commuter car for me, I do have the hankering for a BR-Z though... RWD, 6 speed and LSD are very tempting.

[TM87]

I would really like to own ABARTH, but i dont realisticly think i would own it. I dont need a family hauler or space or speed at that matter. Something small and fun to drive.

BRZ is getting a God Status, and its irritating to me. Mostly because all this fanbois wont buy it.
New cars are not in my plans for next 5 yrs, because i get bored quick. It would be waste of money.
Something used and cheap, i can drive around and have some fun with under $10k.

[XiaoNio]

To me, when someone says FR-S, I think 06 Cayman S. When someone says BR-Z, I think Z4 m coupe.

I don't think I'll ever buy a new car when you can get clearly superior cars in the used marketplace.

Funnily enough, when I think Cayman S, I think repair jobs I can't afford. When someone says says Z4M, I think the same thing plus limited availability.

[Smigelski]

Well, I have a BRZ on order, so that's that.

I voted GTI but really, it'd be a TDI. I test drove one last week and fell in love with the power and 6spd transmission. It was a gem!

Where are you located? I'm going to need to get rid of my '10 TDI when I get the BRZ...

[Mosbius Designs]

BRZ is getting a God Status, and its irritating to me. Mostly because all this fanbois wont buy it.
.

Now you know how the rest of us feel when the TCL dubbers go crazy for VWs that don't deserve the hype.

BTW, I really am going to buy one. Same thing as what the other guy said, too - even though I love the Cayman, I don't need two of them to deal with. (Porsche repair costs, that is)

[retro_rocket]

Financial Lounge response would be "buy a used 90's Civic/Corolla/etc for $3K and save the rest"

[CWDave]

BRZ/FR-S, but I wouldn't be any less swayed to buy a Focus ST either. The wife's CR-V is coming up to the end of the lease, so I could hand my Focus off to her and get a more fun vehicle. (Financed this time.)

Oh, and I love how the Fiat is doing a burnout without a driver.

[Run L1ke H3LL]

Now you know how the rest of us feel when the TCL dubbers go crazy for VWs that don't deserve the hype.

That makes no sense. VWs have proven a cult following by being fun practical and good looking cars. The toyobaru hasn't proven anything yet and this hype is just that; hype.

[Mosbius Designs]

That makes no sense. VWs have proven a cult following by being fun practical and good looking cars. The toyobaru hasn't proven anything yet and this hype is just that; hype.

And there's the first offended one. How many more will there be?

See, this car is exposing all of the frauds here as far as I'm concerned. Not picking on you, but just in general. We have a car, that by all accounts around the world has been almost unanimously praised as being a great driver's car, engineered by proven companies, at a low cost to us.

TCL - it's unproven, it's hype, we hate it!

So you guys have fun ragging on it, while the rest of us will be having fun driving it. Don't get me wrong, I really do like my GTI - but I'm counting down the days until I can justify taking it in to the Subaru dealership to trade it in on one of these bad boys.

[b0mb3r]

I voted a GTI, because in my current state; it would fit my needs the best. This poll is useless without some sort of context. BRZ/FR-S sounds great but a lack of usable rear seat is a deal breaker for me.

[Mike!]

"If you were to buy one of the poll options $30,000 around/or under sporty car today"

posts cars not out yet, and "next gen included" on cars already out...

I like a lot of cars on this list, but I think I'd buy Hawk's Cayman instead. Or maybe a similar 987 Boxster.

[Dr. Woo]

For $30k you could get an 06-07 Cayman S or an 08-09 Cayman cheapo edition. If practicality wasn't a requirement, that'd be my choice.

[Slipstream]

For $30k you could get an 06-07 Cayman S or an 08-09 Cayman cheapo edition. If practicality wasn't a requirement, that'd be my choice.

I'm not sure a six year old Porsche works with the "fiscally responsible" part of the OP's request. I'm sure you could buy the car with a reasonable budget, but maintain it? I doubt it.

[Hostile]

$30k used cars have crappy loan rates, fyi.

Funny, my credit union (Pentagon Federal) has the same low loan rates for used cars as they do new.

[AndyTR32]

Voted FR-S/BRZ, but would go with the FR-S. A close second would be an Abarth if you can stand FWD and boost.