[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

You mentioned the Bolt, so if an EV would work for you, consider the 2019 VW eGolf. The '19 model has a larger battery, so the one to get. I have two friends with them, and they love them. Very driver oriented, and plenty of tactile analog controls. FWD with some winter tires would get you most anywhere you would want to go! Low mileage SEL models are averaging around $25k.

Thanks I'll look into it. Any thoughts on reliability? I've always been weary of VW products because of their reliability reputation. Granted I probably wouldn't be driving it more than 3k miles a year.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Thanks I'll look into it. Any thoughts on reliability? I've always been weary of VW products because of their reliability reputation. Granted I probably wouldn't be driving it more than 3k miles a year.

Unlike the Bolt, the battery is not known to burn your house down, so it's got that going for it!

It's been zero maintenance for my two mates. Anecdotal and such, but BEVs are pretty reliable in general.

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by RichF90M5C

VW Golf R

Yep. Based on his use case description, fits the bill perfectly. Finding one at $25k or less could be a bit tricky - will have some mileage and be a few years old, but still some good examples should be out there that make budget. My '19 is my daily and is the perfect complement to my M2c, for my purposes. Has been 100% reliable in 43k miles, other than a weeping oil pan that was replaced under warranty. I had a '16 before this one, with no problems in 50k miles.

The '18-'19s have a 6 yr/72k mile factory B2B warranty and is fully transferable.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by KevinC

Yep. Based on his use case description, fits the bill perfectly. Finding one at $25k or less could be a bit tricky - will have some mileage and be a few years old, but still some good examples should be out there that make budget. My '19 is my daily and is the perfect complement to my M2c, for my purposes. Has been 100% reliable in 43k miles, other than a weeping oil pan that was replaced under warranty. I had a '16 before this one, with no problems in 50k miles.

The '18-'19s have a 6 yr/72k mile factory B2B warranty and is fully transferable.

Yeah a quick glance shows I'll probably have to up my budget to $30k. But perhaps if I wait till late summer prices will start to come down. Definitely something to consider...

[bk_mike]

2023 Hyundai Elantra

A nice disposable appliance car with included maintenance and warranty. Quality is good and features are amazing for the price. It will probably even be under budget.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by bk_mike

2023 Hyundai Elantra

A nice disposable appliance car with included maintenance and warranty. Quality is good and features are amazing for the price. It will probably even be under budget.

Believe it or not, the Elantra is bigger than what I'm looking for

But the Hyundai Venue might be a good option just looking at their lineup.

[tigermack]

Any Honda CUV.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by RichF90M5C

VW Golf R

Or an Audi S3 if you want it in a sedan form!

[DB_Cooper]

Buy a Mazda.

Blows every entry level lux sedan/SUV/CUV/hatch out of the water.

We have a 2019 Mazda 3 hatch premium (fully loaded) not only is the car gorgeous, but it's fit and finish is better than any Audi, BMW, Lexus, MB up to the $40-50k price point. Mazdas really punch above their weight class and honestly look way better.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by DB_Cooper

Buy a Mazda.

Blows every every level lux sedan/SUV/CUV/hatch out of the water.

We have a 2019 Mazda 3 hatch premium (fully loaded) not only is the car gorgeous, but it's fit and finish is better than any Audi, BMW, Lexus, MB up to the $40-50k price point. Mazdas really punch above their weight class and honestly look way better.

Yeah the CX-30 is a strong contender. I def like mazda's style and they've been pretty nice to drive the few times I've driven them.

[DB_Cooper]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Yeah the CX-30 is a strong contender. I def like mazda's style and they've been pretty nice to drive the few times I've driven them.

No issues really on ours after 3 years of ownership and 36k miles.

Car really gets used by everyone, from road trips to winter driving, it's a great all rounder.

Steering is great, seating position is nice and low (on the 3 hatch), suspension is solid too.

I will say that the wheels are crap, so upgrade to the forged option or buy Tire & Wheel in case you plan on driving through pot holes if you end up going the Mazda route. Also the 3 hatch is under tired (too narrow).

[Red Bread]

The S3 has much softer resale than the mechanically identical Golf R. You won’t find a decent Golf R for $25k right now, but you can find S3s in that range.

[nicholasn]

I would also go Mazda, either 3 or CX-30. AWD is standard on all the CX models now and optional on the 3. If it's primarily just gonna be a winter beater, I wouldn't pay a premium for an enthusiast car like a Golf R, and wouldn't recommend an electric due to cold weather generally reducing its range noticeably.

[Murf the Surf]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Interesting... hadn't thought about that. And it was reliable?

Very, we loved it. Comfortable, great economy. We just found it a bit small for our DD and when we moved to the country found that a pick up truck better suited our needs. We actually owned two of them, I had the first one in for regular maintenance and our second one was sitting on the lot, was a few model years newer and with a lot less milage. Traded up right then and there.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by nicholasn

I would also go Mazda, either 3 or CX-30. AWD is standard on all the CX models now and optional on the 3. If it's primarily just gonna be a winter beater, I wouldn't pay a premium for an enthusiast car like a Golf R, and wouldn't recommend an electric due to cold weather generally reducing its range noticeably.

Yeah I think Mazda is definitely one of the front-runners. I'm aware of the diminished range on EVs as a result of severe cold - but we wouldn't go long distances in it anyway. The furthest we'd go in it would be to my parents house which is 55 miles away - so as long as it can do ~125 miles of range in cold weather, then it'll be plenty of range. And even then, we typically go as a family to my parents house and would likely take the X7.

[p0p]

I liked my x1 M sport when I had it. It’s small and big enough at the same time

Or maybe a 240i

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by p0p

I liked my x1 M sport when I had it. It’s small and big enough at the same time

Or maybe a 240i

X1 could be a consideration if I look for used. As for the 240i, unfortunately I'll need 4 doors so that wouldn't work.

[________]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

X1 could be a consideration if I look for used. As for the 240i, unfortunately I'll need 4 doors so that wouldn't work.

You Want 4 doors.
Nobody “needs” 4 doors.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Onesie

You Want 4 doors.
Nobody “needs” 4 doors.

The fact that I've convinced my wife that we "need" a 3rd car is about all the want I can fit at the moment before I end up sleeping on the couch with a lotus exige in the garage.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by p0p

I liked my x1 M sport when I had it. It’s small and big enough at the same time

Or maybe a 240i

Ohhh, this is a good one! An E84 X1 would be a pretty fun car. AWD or RWD, with or without iDrive. Basically a lifted E90 hatchback. N20 motors have that terrible timing chain guide problem, but either get one that had the fix done, or budget it into the price and get it done preventatively. Sport and M Sport package are few and far between. Priced around $15k. I kinda' keep an eye out for them as they are a bit unique.

Here's a RWD with the sport package and iDrive delete in OP's general area:

https://www.eurosportmotors319.com/d...mw-x1/89697107

08/14 production date, so it would need TC guides done first thing.
https://bimmer.work/vin/v6c94ad582aa...fd532b3ba84f5/

Or pay a bit more and get significantly lower miles, AWD, the N55 engine and M Sport package:

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/c...566366720.html

https://bimmer.work/vin/v7e1019c46fd...ac6444339d9b5/

I'm not a Carvana fan, but that's a nice one. Maybe you can get a deal if they declare bankruptcy soon!

[________]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Ohhh, this is a good one! An E84 X1 would be a pretty fun car. AWD or RWD, with or without iDrive. Basically a lifted E90 hatchback. N20 motors have that terrible timing chain guide problem, but either get one that had the fix done, or budget it into the price and get it done preventatively. Sport and M Sport package are few and far between. Priced around $15k. I kinda' keep an eye out for them as they are a bit unique.

Here's a RWD with the sport package and iDrive delete in OP's general area:

https://www.eurosportmotors319.com/d...mw-x1/89697107

08/14 production date, so it would need TC guides done first thing.
https://bimmer.work/vin/v6c94ad582aa...fd532b3ba84f5/

Or pay a bit more and get significantly lower miles, AWD, the N55 engine and M Sport package:

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/c...566366720.html

https://bimmer.work/vin/v7e1019c46fd...ac6444339d9b5/

I'm not a Carvana fan, but that's a nice one. Maybe you can get a deal if they declare bankruptcy soon!

“Somewhat reliable”

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Onesie

“Somewhat reliable”

"Somewhat" doing a lot of the lifting there... it'll be fine!

I tell you though, that N55 one would be a riot with some snow tires on it!