What to LEASE while keeping Evo?
#1
Evolved Member
Thread Starter
What to LEASE while keeping Evo?
I've had my Evo IX SE for almost eleven years, since the day I bought it brand new. It's still bone stock and has been very reliable. I have 112k miles and aside from the usual maintenance, I've only had to replace the radiator.
I had thought about getting something new, but I always eventually brushed it off since I couldn't really justify actually buying a new car since mine ran just fine, and there was no "need" for one, plus it was just impractical to own two cars.
Anyway, I just moved a week ago and live in a place where I could have two cars, so the thought crossed my mind of garaging the Evo and using it as a weekend car and then maybe leasing something. Since I'd still have the Evo, I wouldn't really need to worry about going over the allowed lease mileage (since I could just drive the Evo instead if I get close to the maximum), even though I probably don't drive more than 12k miles annually, but I have a feeling I would, if I had a second car, one that isn't a stick (or at least if it is it has cruise control) and gets pretty good gas mileage.
I'd think about something that isn't too similar to the Evo, because I'd rather not have something that makes it redundant to have two really similar cars. I still want something that's not boring to drive, but it doesn't have to be thrilling either. I don't have a family so I don't need a ton of space. I'm open to suggestions, but here are some things that I've thought of leasing. (Note that since it's a lease, I'm not too concerned with long-term reliability.)
VW GTI
Pros: Reasonably priced, solid power, fun to drive, good gas mileage, good utility when needed (four doors and a hatch)
Cons: Can get pricey if you get the options or higher trim levels
AUDI A3
Pros: Way better looking, way more luxurious, ample power (for the base FWD model, since only the Quattro gets the more powerful 2.0T from the GTI Sport/SE/Autobahn but I don't think I need AWD or the extra juice)
Cons: Probably going to cost a lot more than everything else
MINI COOPER/MINI COOPER S
Pros: Also fun to drive, good gas mileage, small and maneuverable into tight spaces
Cons: Also can get pricey if you get the options, it being small makes it have worse utility than an Evo unless you are trying to move a mini-fridge
SUBARU BRZ
Pros: Sporty, fun, nimble, good gas mileage (especially with the auto)
Cons: Getting long in the tooth even with the facelift, even less utility than a Mini
Thoughts? I ruled out a 3-Series because my brother has one (2015 320i), ruled out the Golf R because while it's really nice it's too similar to the Evo (even though I'm sure it's way more refined, but it would be way more interesting if I were getting rid of the Evo altogether) and not so far ahead of the GTI, ruled out the IS since I don't need something Japanese-reliable, ruled out the C300 because it's going to be as much as a car payment for most other cars I listed.
I had thought about getting something new, but I always eventually brushed it off since I couldn't really justify actually buying a new car since mine ran just fine, and there was no "need" for one, plus it was just impractical to own two cars.
Anyway, I just moved a week ago and live in a place where I could have two cars, so the thought crossed my mind of garaging the Evo and using it as a weekend car and then maybe leasing something. Since I'd still have the Evo, I wouldn't really need to worry about going over the allowed lease mileage (since I could just drive the Evo instead if I get close to the maximum), even though I probably don't drive more than 12k miles annually, but I have a feeling I would, if I had a second car, one that isn't a stick (or at least if it is it has cruise control) and gets pretty good gas mileage.
I'd think about something that isn't too similar to the Evo, because I'd rather not have something that makes it redundant to have two really similar cars. I still want something that's not boring to drive, but it doesn't have to be thrilling either. I don't have a family so I don't need a ton of space. I'm open to suggestions, but here are some things that I've thought of leasing. (Note that since it's a lease, I'm not too concerned with long-term reliability.)
VW GTI
Pros: Reasonably priced, solid power, fun to drive, good gas mileage, good utility when needed (four doors and a hatch)
Cons: Can get pricey if you get the options or higher trim levels
AUDI A3
Pros: Way better looking, way more luxurious, ample power (for the base FWD model, since only the Quattro gets the more powerful 2.0T from the GTI Sport/SE/Autobahn but I don't think I need AWD or the extra juice)
Cons: Probably going to cost a lot more than everything else
MINI COOPER/MINI COOPER S
Pros: Also fun to drive, good gas mileage, small and maneuverable into tight spaces
Cons: Also can get pricey if you get the options, it being small makes it have worse utility than an Evo unless you are trying to move a mini-fridge
SUBARU BRZ
Pros: Sporty, fun, nimble, good gas mileage (especially with the auto)
Cons: Getting long in the tooth even with the facelift, even less utility than a Mini
Thoughts? I ruled out a 3-Series because my brother has one (2015 320i), ruled out the Golf R because while it's really nice it's too similar to the Evo (even though I'm sure it's way more refined, but it would be way more interesting if I were getting rid of the Evo altogether) and not so far ahead of the GTI, ruled out the IS since I don't need something Japanese-reliable, ruled out the C300 because it's going to be as much as a car payment for most other cars I listed.
#2
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (8)
Fiesta ST?
I'm on my second lease and I love them. Light, nimble, quick, great steering, good mpg, good torque (disclosure : I tuned mine) Super cheap too, even with Recaros.
My two year lease, fully loaded Fiesta ST (Sunroof, Nav, heated Recaros, etc) is $260/m, 1k down. Two years, 20k miles
I tried the BRZ/FRS again before getting my second lease and meh, Fiesta ST still way better to me.
I'm on my second lease and I love them. Light, nimble, quick, great steering, good mpg, good torque (disclosure : I tuned mine) Super cheap too, even with Recaros.
My two year lease, fully loaded Fiesta ST (Sunroof, Nav, heated Recaros, etc) is $260/m, 1k down. Two years, 20k miles
I tried the BRZ/FRS again before getting my second lease and meh, Fiesta ST still way better to me.
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#9
EvoM Community Team Leader
^^This, I'm gonna have to throw a furniture blanket on the roof of my evo and strap a christmas tree to the top of it later today. I HATE having to do this every year, Truck will def be my next vehicle purchase.
#10
Evolved Member
Thread Starter
Artificial trees are leagues better than the ones when I was a kid. Would you consider one of those? One-and-done.
#11
EvoM Community Team Leader
#12
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (1)
Small truck, even a used F150 in the $20k range would be a good idea. Infiniti occasionally has really good lease deals on their cars.
#13
Evolved Member
Thread Starter
I have zero use for a truck and don’t want one. I borrowed my dad’s Tacoma during the moving process and couldn’t wait to get my car back.
#14
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (1)
Well, then as I said, Infiniti typically runs pretty good lease deals every few months. The new 3.0tt engine is a beast, and the Red Sport 400 Q50/60 is a great car.
#15
Evolved Member
Thread Starter
I think my chiropractor had one for a few weeks after her Lexus got totaled, I remember her saying she liked it, assuming she was talking about the car and not my back. I’ll look into those too, especially if the lease deals are pretty good.