Thinking of replacing the Volt...looking for something more entertaining!

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mimico_polak

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Hey all, so was thinking over the last couple of weeks and I'm finally at the stage I'm going to get rid of the Volt. I'm thinking to replace it with something more entertaining, and am looking for something along these lines:

1. under 20k
2. Manual
3. Back seat (2 child seats RARELY to be transported)
4. RWD preferred but hot hatches are always an option (had the 2010 Civic Si and that was stupid fun)

Thought I'd ask for some input. I've always had a thing for the 128i and really like it, and looking for something along those lines but scared of BMW reliability/repairs following 100k so it would need to be with warranty. Would love the 228i but I'm not a fan of the 4cyl turbo and I can't afford the 240i. Have seen a few Mustang V6 (ECOBOOST?) in the price range or just above so that's also on the table. There was a thread a while ago but can't find it for the life of me unfortunately, keep getting zero hits. Thanks! Might even go back to some hot hatches (Fiesta ST / GTI) but need to find something more fun as the minivan is on it's way soon!
 
GTI checked all the boxes for me. For a fun daily do it all with very little compromise it's hard to beat the GTI. Stock is perfectly fine but even a few simple mods you're really having fun.

2 kids doesn't really call for a minivan. Unless it's your sole transportation.



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daisoman said:
GTI checked all the boxes for me. For a fun daily do it all with very little compromise it's hard to beat the GTI. Stock is perfectly fine but even a few simple mods you're really having fun.

2 kids doesn't really call for a minivan. Unless it's your sole transportation.



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Thanks! GTI is definitely a fun car, I'm sure it would tick most of the boxes. Minivan is because a non-driving MIL lives with us. We will see how 2 babyseats fit in the Rogue (2012) we have to make that decision.
 
Not sure about V6 Mustangs (never tried them), but I have V8 Mustang and it is an amazing car! Each ride during this winter put a smile on my face! However, if you plan to drive it in winter then I would recommend it only if you have good driving skills (preferable from autosport or advanced trainings).. just because it is a super fun car but it can instantly get you into trouble if you don't know how to tame it.. and one more thing: it has not so much space on back row. However, it worked ok for 1 child seat when I needed it..

GTI is a very solid and safe choice.. Maybe also check Subaru WRX/WRX STI (not sure what price they have now)..

If you are really looking for a fun car then I would say you need to try some first. Maybe rent it on turo or another service. For example, FWD cars give you very different fun in compare with RWD or AWD..
 
Buddy of mine traded in his Volt for a Audi R8 so I suppose there's an option for you.
 
Hardwrkr13 said:
Buddy of mine traded in his Volt for a Audi R8 so I suppose there's an option for you.
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If I could justify that price....gladly! Unfortunately reality is reality so I have to be a bit more frugal.
 
The Toyota Sienna minivan is sold with a manual transmission in central america, Vacation in Costa Rica, buy van , drive home, solves all current and future concerns.
 
Love my GTI. Great fun. Only issue I have with it is no turbo in 1st gear as front wheels would just spin. Mine is the base version and I had a hard time finding a two door which is very rare but what I prefer.
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Manual Accord Coupe V6 ? My daily commuter. Loads of fun, spacious, reliable, and efficient. It's FWD, which helps in winter.

Alternatively, Hyundai Genesis coupe manual. RWD, 350hp, but not much room in the back. Buddy has one, and was saying he has trouble driving on roads covered with snow. Slips and slides easily despite having winter tires.
 
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GreenPlane said:
Not sure about V6 Mustangs (never tried them), but I have V8 Mustang and it is an amazing car! Each ride during this winter put a smile on my face! However, if you plan to drive it in winter then I would recommend it only if you have good driving skills (preferable from autosport or advanced trainings).. just because it is a super fun car but it can instantly get you into trouble if you don't know how to tame it.. and one more thing: it has not so much space on back row. However, it worked ok for 1 child seat when I needed it..

GTI is a very solid and safe choice.. Maybe also check Subaru WRX/WRX STI (not sure what price they have now)..

If you are really looking for a fun car then I would say you need to try some first. Maybe rent it on turo or another service. For example, FWD cars give you very different fun in compare with RWD or AWD..
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Is your V8 Mustang manual? Curious, what's the fuel consumption like on it. Always wanted to get a V8, but feel it's very inefficient for a daily commuter.
 
Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS fits the criteria pretty good. A little under powered but a blast to drive in a manual transmission. Rear seats are a little small but you mentioned they would rarely be used.
 
I've got a '16 Mustang GT manual as the "toy" car. I'm averaging 13.52 l/100km. It's got the 3.73 rear end ring & pinion. For a day-to-day, in traffic car, I prefer my '17 Volt.
 
roadrash said:
Is your V8 Mustang manual? Curious, what's the fuel consumption like on it. Always wanted to get a V8, but feel it's very inefficient for a daily commuter.
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Don't even put v8 and efficient in the same sentence, why buy a v8 not to romp on it? Thus fuel savings = nil.
 
Evoex said:
Don't even put v8 and efficient in the same sentence, why buy a v8 not to romp on it? Thus fuel savings = nil.
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That's the problem, can't afford to romp on it at all times. Need it to be efficient when I want it to be, like when commuting in traffic. Guess I gotta wait till I can afford to keep 2 cars and a bike, before thinking about a V8.
 
LBV said:
I've got a '16 Mustang GT manual as the "toy" car. I'm averaging 13.52 l/100km. It's got the 3.73 rear end ring & pinion. For a day-to-day, in traffic car, I prefer my '17 Volt.
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Damnn 13.52l/km is crazy. Makes sense that you use it as a toy.
 
blackcamaro said:
Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS fits the criteria pretty good. A little under powered but a blast to drive in a manual transmission. Rear seats are a little small but you mentioned they would rarely be used.
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Yep, rear seats on the brz and FRS are absolutely terrible. Also not great for canadian winters either. Being a RWD and a light car, it slips on snow easily

Would work great as a summer toy though.
 
getting something that is fun with decent performance
with a budget under 20K is going to mean it's got some miles on it

everyone of course has different experiences/opinions
but for me that would mean a Japanese car
and completely rule out anything European

Subaru would be a good choice
if it's gone beyond 50K and the head gaskets are not leaking = good one
that and rust are really the only things to be worried about
rust you can control yourself

WRX would be a lot of fun
 
LBV said:
I've got a '16 Mustang GT manual as the "toy" car. I'm averaging 13.52 l/100km. It's got the 3.73 rear end ring & pinion. For a day-to-day, in traffic car, I prefer my '17 Volt.
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Cheap to make a car powerful. Expensive to make a car light.
Fun none the less.


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JavaFan said:
getting something that is fun with decent performance
with a budget under 20K is going to mean it's got some miles on it

everyone of course has different experiences/opinions
but for me that would mean a Japanese car
and completely rule out anything European

Subaru would be a good choice
if it's gone beyond 50K and the head gaskets are not leaking = good one
that and rust are really the only things to be worried about
rust you can control yourself

WRX would be a lot of fun
Click to expand...

Been down the suby road. Delt with head gaskets. Most expensive car to own Ive ever had over 8 years. Never again. Countless issues every year.


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GreenPlane said:
Not sure about V6 Mustangs (never tried them), but I have V8 Mustang and it is an amazing car! Each ride during this winter put a smile on my face! However, if you plan to drive it in winter then I would recommend it only if you have good driving skills (preferable from autosport or advanced trainings).. just because it is a super fun car but it can instantly get you into trouble if you don't know how to tame it..
Click to expand...
Wow, how times have changed. When I learned to drive there Honda, Audi and GM had 1 FWD platform, no light duty AWD trucks or SUVs, we didn't have traction control, most cars lacked posi, and with the advent of 'all season radials' we didn't changeover tires.

By the time you finished high school, most of my friends could elegantly drift their dad's Torino or Cutlass through the winter snow or through curves on the rural sideroads outside the city. Without autosport advanced training.
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