it's in my Flickr not sure if this works!


http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/24787456@N03/6727908101/

 

I've been contemplating the same thing as the OP. I got out of my IX a few years ago and have missed it since. I'm just about ready to make a decision. I've tossed around the idea of getting back into a VIII or IX that has been properly put together (since unmodified ones are nearly impossible to find) and then getting a cheaper DD such as a Focus ST, GTi, BRZ, etc.

But on the other hand, I've always wanted a car that provides both power and luxury. Which has lead me to being interested in a s4, C63 AMG, M3, CLA45 AMG, s3. What holds me back with these is price and will I ultimately be happy with their performance after owning a 400whp/400wtq evo?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

You are in the same place I had been for the last two years. My Evo 8 is 420whp/400wtq and it's proven very hard to replace.

I've looked and test driven soooooo many cars the last two years trying to find a replacement, S4, AMGs, 335i, M3, etc etc and have purchased:

I've been through a Lancer RA Sportback, a VW Golf TDI, a VW Golf R and now I'm back in a Evo, a 2014 Evo GSR.

So far my Evo 8 is by far the best out of them all. I'm actually not a fan of the Evo 10 and have been regretting my purchase.

The Golf R I enjoyed a good amount and regret selling it. If the new Audi S3 is as good as it's starting to sound I might go for it.

 

I've driven the X as well and didn't find it too impressive, it didn't win me over.

 

Upon further review, I have determined that the CLA45 is a turd. It had potential...and wasted it. For what you would end up spending for one with options and what not, you would be better off just going with the C63 AMG.

 

Except the CLA45 is AWD, and apparently a simple tune gets you to 450 HP. A C63 AMG would be awesome, but I'd be really hesitant to drive one year round here given a foot of snow overnight is a regular occurrence.

 

I daily drive my C63 even with the winter here in Michigan. Just feather the throttle and put on a set of Blizzaks and your good to go. It's doable, but I won't recommend it if it's your only mode of transportation.
The CLA45 is a contender. I believe Renntech has been making good power just from a tune.

 

I am not sure that I would bother with either one if that was a serious concern.

 

I would gladly replace my STI with a CLA45 if I had the money, and they were available to test drive here.

 

You need to go look at a JCW Mini Countryman S.

 

God no.

 

C6 ZO6 going for 38K

or this:
Used 2008 BMW M3 Sedan
$29,949

out of the the list from here:

 

who would have guessed that a 2006 stock evolution 9 MR would have a higher resale than an E92 M3 sedan?

 

You are going to end up in an Audi/VW. I foresee it.



The reality is that there is nothing quite like the IX or the X for that matter. The most common cars that I have seen people transition to (and actually like) are the S2000, the GT-R, the Corvette (C5 or C6), the CTS-V, or the BMW 1M. I have heard no complaints about any of those choices. All owners came from modified IX's or X's. The S2000 and the CTS-V seem to be the most popular.

 

What year C63? Have you modified it at all? Just wondering on the reliability after adding power to it.

I looked up the Renntech tuning and yes they are making good power, but the price of the unit is steep ($2400 I think). Again I would then question the reliability, but from what I read on MB forums, everyone feels the motors are "bulletproof" and question the turbo's capabilities of making more power.

Not sure how I feel about dropping $45K+ for a car that I would have to modify to make me happy...can't have your cake and eat it too I guess.