[pbonsalb]

My view is that whatever I drive most of the time should be a lot of fun. For about 15 years, my year round (snows in winter) primary drivers were manual transmission, RWD, high performance cars — supercharged E36 M3 (now turbocharged) and then modded E90 M3 (now sold). As I aged so did my desires, and my primary driver is now an automatic transmission, AWD modded F90 M5.

Obviously, the budget is a consideration, but if it allows, I’d buy something more like the X3M or X3M40i or Macan Turbo. I like the practicality of hatchbacks or wagons or SUVs, but the wagons I like are expensive (RS6 and E63 AMG) as are the big SUV (Cayenne Turbo and X5M) and I am not really excited about any of the little 4 cylinder turbo hatchbacks.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by reallymarkedup

Why? Why does everyone think they need an SUV? There's an Audi dealership near me, I went there back when I was shopping the RS...nothing on their lot but Qs.

Y'all need car jesus.

Because he has an M2 already? Why would you buy two small cars that really only comfortably seat 2? A nice sedan or wagon is a great complement to a coupe when you need to carry more people or bigger stuff.

As far as why they sell so many Q's, the Audi cars suck, so that doesn't help. Plus the SUVs have pricing and space advantages. Q5 is 10k plus cheaper than A6, the Q7 is only 2k more than an A6 and it adds a buncha space and a 3rd row. Truthfully because Q sells in higher volume you can probably get a Q7 for less than an A6. Add in the better resale on a Q and the cost to own goes way down

It's a vicious cycle, more people want SUVs so they're sold in bigger volume and more people want them used so they resale for more so more people want them new to cost less money.

That and the EPA's CAFE rules have effectively killed off the passenger car. There's definitely a lot of consumer preference for SUVs and Crossovers, but they also fall under light truck requirements vs passenger cars, and the EPA has pushed for fuel economy numbers that are unattainable.in cars, effectively making cars economically unviable after CAFE fines.

[RM7]

Ground clearance, carrying capacity, ease of entry/exit. These are the reasons. And short people.

[dkmesa]

Owned an S5 Sportback for 4 years before my G80. I'd strongly recommend it. Only dislike I had in owning it was the fear of the rocker arm bearings failing, but that is only a known issue on 2018 and early 2019 MY.

[FC4]

GR Corolla.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by FC4

GR Corolla.

OP specified auto trans and AWD. GR Corolla meets 50% of those requirements.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

OP specified auto trans and AWD. GR Corolla meets 50% of those requirements.

The new GR Corolla comes with an automatic.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

The new GR Corolla comes with an automatic.

I had read only 6 speed. But auto checks all the boxes and the little Corolla looks like fun. Modern autos go great with turbos!

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I had read only 6 speed. But auto checks all the boxes and the little Corolla looks like fun. Modern autos go great with turbos!

It's new for the 25 model year. Wouldn't be my first choice, but it will do well for those that don't want or know how to drive manual.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

The new GR Corolla comes with an automatic.

ride quality for a DD vs. S5 and Golf?

Are you out of your mind?

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

It's new for the 25 model year. Wouldn't be my first choice, but it will do well for those that don't want or know how to drive manual.

I drove only manuals for 25 years because they were the high performance option and also got better fuel economy. Today, they are slower, get worse economy and are also slower around a race track. They do give you something to do while driving, which is fun sometimes (no traffic, windy road) and a hassle sometimes (traffic jam, heavy traffic). I drive my auto car 10x more than my manual car.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by RM7

ride quality for a DD vs. S5 and Golf?

Are you out of your mind?

Huh? I never suggested the GR Corolla, I just replied saying it came in auto.

Think you quoted the wrong person there friend.

[DS_BMW]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

My view is that whatever I drive most of the time should be a lot of fun. For about 15 years, my year round (snows in winter) primary drivers were manual transmission, RWD, high performance cars — supercharged E36 M3 (now turbocharged) and then modded E90 M3 (now sold). As I aged so did my desires, and my primary driver is now an automatic transmission, AWD modded F90 M5.

Obviously, the budget is a consideration, but if it allows, I’d buy something more like the X3M or X3M40i or Macan Turbo. I like the practicality of hatchbacks or wagons or SUVs, but the wagons I like are expensive (RS6 and E63 AMG) as are the big SUV (Cayenne Turbo and X5M) and I am not really excited about any of the little 4 cylinder turbo hatchbacks.

I have had two performance SUV's. I told myself I won't do it again lol. why does it never upload my pictures

[DS_BMW]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

OP specified auto trans and AWD. GR Corolla meets 50% of those requirements.

No go for the GR Corolla the interior is horrible and seats are way worse than my Type R. I want a nice interior and decent ride quality without feeling boat like.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by DS_BMW

I have had two performance SUV's. I told myself I won't do it again lol. why does it never upload my pictures

What 2? I drove an E90 M3 6 speed for 10 years and now drive an 18 M5. I have aged along with the cars. An SUV like a Cayenne Turbo sort of appeals to me. I have a Cayenne S but it is for my wife. I find it more comfortable than my M5. Bought the M5 because of the performance — it weighs only 4300 lbs while the Cayenne Turbo is about 20% heavier.

[DS_BMW]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

What 2? I drove an E90 M3 6 speed for 10 years and now drive an 18 M5. I have aged along with the cars. An SUV like a Cayenne Turbo sort of appeals to me. I have a Cayenne S but it is for my wife. I find it more comfortable than my M5. Bought the M5 because of the performance — it weighs only 4300 lbs while the Cayenne Turbo is about 20% heavier.

I had a X3M competition and a Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

What 2? I drove an E90 M3 6 speed for 10 years and now drive an 18 M5. I have aged along with the cars. An SUV like a Cayenne Turbo sort of appeals to me. I have a Cayenne S but it is for my wife. I find it more comfortable than my M5. Bought the M5 because of the performance — it weighs only 4300 lbs while the Cayenne Turbo is about 20% heavier.

You would like the X5 M50i or M60i. They ride incredibly well, and are surprisingly really quick. Kinda make the full M models seem silly, u less you're a total performance freak with a specific but high budget, and must have a German car.

[fakca38]

I'd go with the BMW 330i xDrive. It's got a good balance of performance and comfort, and the AWD is great for handling different conditions.

[FC4]

Originally Posted by DS_BMW

No go for the GR Corolla the interior is horrible and seats are way worse than my Type R. I want a nice interior and decent ride quality without feeling boat like.

Ok then yeah Audi.

[Revan24]

Had a B9 S4 for several years and an MK7 GTI as well. Also have had 330i loaners since I own a G80 M3.

I vote S5. It would be a great daily.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by DS_BMW

No go for the GR Corolla the interior is horrible and seats are way worse than my Type R. I want a nice interior and decent ride quality without feeling boat like.

Genesis?

[RM7]

I hesitated to mention my stinger...but it was a great car, i needed ground clearance for snow, but otherwise, great. Sound was better than my bmw and car is virtually a clone of 4-series. Doesnt have all the latest full-lcd stuff now, but either engine, 2.5 or 3.8, is great. Real nice to drive and practical w/hatch. Wasnt on OP list tho.