[GoldfishRT]

I cross shopped basically everything. Mostly was looking at used. Here are some short thoughts on the ones that I most seriously considered. This is far from comprehensive. I took the time while waiting for the right 2er to pop up to look at literally everything else.

Cars that didn't work out:

Audi S3 (2016 Black Optic) - Really loved everything about it but two things. Firstly, the ride quality was absolutely horrific even with the magnetic suspension. Two the incredibly high price it commanded next to anything similar. Furthermore, it doesn't accommodate those of us who are of extra height. I might be hung on this forum for it but I really enjoyed how it drove, FWD bias or not.

Audi TTS (2012) - Excellent car. Felt very dated however. Didn't fall in love with it the way I do with many. I love love love the new ones but has similar issues to the S3 but oddly enough while I fit better in it, it's too small of a car for me to entertain as the only automobile. Combined with that the newer models are expensive.

Cars that I had mixed feelings on:

The Golf GTI and R (MK7) - Both are comfortable, practical, nicely equipped, fast. But also boring. The stick in the R is the singular worst modern shifter I have ever used in a performance car. That said they are so easy to live with and so inoffensive it was very easy to think I'd be happy with either of them after a test drive. But in the end I decided I didn't want an expensive performance microwave for my car. The odd thing was that I definitely felt like the S3 drove better despite its relation to the R.

Cars that came close:

Focus ST (2017 ST3)- Really loved this in spite of seats that hurt my back and poor visibility. Amazing how quickly you could induce lift off oversteer at legal speeds. Total hoon-mobile. Definitely felt the most economy feeling overall though. No refinement.

Subaru BRZ (2017 Performance Pack) - This only lost because it was more expensive and had a poor interior. Supreme fun. This was originally my go-to car. Still would have been if not for used prices at the time. I loved the seating position, insurance price, inputs, ride quality, cost-to-own. It was fantastic.

The BMW approximates what I love about the BRZ while giving me a far superior ride closer to the Golf R, with an interior leagues ahead of either, and did so for thousands and thousands less than either. Absolutely adore the thing. Also looks the part too which helps.