So for the last year and a half, I've had a beater DD. I've been driving a 1994 Corolla. It only has a little over 90k, and is in good shape considering its age, but it is so boring!

I have snow tires on it and it rips through the snow, even with the two feet of snow we got last night.

Anyway, just wanted some opinions. I made a really long list of possible cars, and ideally want to stay as close to $15K. I drive about 30 miles one way to work, and the wife needs to be able to drive the car every once in a while(she can't drive stick)

I think I've narrowed it down to a 06+ GTI. I like the DSG transmission and like that I can get some luxury features(Leather and a Sunroof). It also seems to respond well to mods, which I would keep very mild. I did think about a Ralliart, but they are still a little too pricey, and the gas mileage is not nearly as good as the GTI.

Just wanted to get some thoughts.

 

Ford Fiesta (check out the fog light "strips" and tell me you don't want one)

 

Keep the corolla and sink 15 into the X.

 

Its not that I couldn't easily find $15k worth of things to put into the Evo, but I spend nearly 2 hours a day in my DD, so I might as well enjoy it. I've been wanting something better for a long time, and my wife will be driving the car soon too. She hates the Corolla and doesn't think it is safe. It probably doesn't help that the airbags are 17 years old.

 

Its not a bad looking car, but built how I would want it, it is over 20K MSRP.

And even though it is smaller and lighter, I want something with a little more power and available aftermarket stuff.

 

Mazdaspeed 3?

 

Better yet, Mazda Miata.

 

Love the 3, need an auto.

 

exactly! Its a fun cheap little car. Cant beat the excitement & fun for the price.

 

Honda Fit sport. That's what I DD most of the time and it gets the job done well IMO.

 

^Too slow. No love on the GTI?

 

Buy a Subaru.

 

have an 09 GTI and it is one of the best cars for a DD i have ever had. sporty, fun to drive, good with mods. i have never been a VW fan but my wife wanted it and so she got it. now i am hooked i drive it all the time. (also a killer car for AutoX in G Stock).

 

07+ Civic Si?

 

I like the SI, and feel like it will be the more reliable vehicle, but I think the GTI is a bit more civilized. Also, it has much more torque. But they don't really compare, since I need an auto for the wife.

I've heard not great things about automatic, turbocharged subarus.

It looks like I might be after a GTI, tuned and dropped, I think it will be a proper DD.