Looking for a Daily Driver - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

I have decided that I need a new daily driver, and am stuck in my decision process, so I am looking for a little advice. I apologize for the long post.

I love the Trans Am, but I accepted a new job where I will be traveling a lot (30,000+ miles/yr), and I don't want to keep racking up those kind of miles on it.

I would prefer a sedan (a wagon isn't out of the question) that gets decent mileage, and don't really want to spend any more than 50k after negotiations. I would also prefer a new car, but I'm flexible on this. I normally drive like a grandma, but like to have power in reserve if I need/want it. I am 28 and am still on the lookout for a decent woman, so that has to factor in.

The cars I have considered the most are the CTS, 335d/335i, and A4/S4 (my impression of them is below).
Doe anyone have any suggestions and or thoughts that might help me out?

A few of my thoughts on the CTS, 335d/335i, and A4/S4:
I really like a lot of things about the CTS (ventilated seats would be great), but it could quite possibly be the most expensive, and probably the slowest.
The BMWs are nice, but I'm not sure they fit my personality (yes, I know… what personality?), and the interior is a little odd and small. I am leaning more towards the diesel.
The A4 is slightly underpowered, is the cheapest by far (a big plus) and gets the best mileage, but I would probably want to make a few modifications (tune, tasteful exhaust, and better intercooler) to bring the power up.
The S4 is an amazing car, but I'm not sure I need a DD that is faster than the TA, so this is pretty far down on the list.

I would get the sport package/equipment on all of these cars. CTS and 335d would be automatics, the Audis and 335i would be manuals.

It seems that a good percentage of people with the new Audis are at the dealer for service quite a bit, which doesn't thrill me (especially considering the local Audi dealership hasn’t treated me very well). I am factoring in maintenance, warranty, and resale value, which is better for the BMWs and CTS. I have yet to hear back from my insurance company (Allstate) about rates for each of these cars, but I expect the CTS will have the lowest rate.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

BTA01 View Member Profile	Mar 5 2010, 12:55 AM Post #1
newbie Group: Members Posts: 34 Joined: 22-March 06 From: Knoxville, TN / Wilmington, NC Member No.: 1,132	I have decided that I need a new daily driver, and am stuck in my decision process, so I am looking for a little advice. I apologize for the long post. I love the Trans Am, but I accepted a new job where I will be traveling a lot (30,000+ miles/yr), and I don't want to keep racking up those kind of miles on it. I would prefer a sedan (a wagon isn't out of the question) that gets decent mileage, and don't really want to spend any more than 50k after negotiations. I would also prefer a new car, but I'm flexible on this. I normally drive like a grandma, but like to have power in reserve if I need/want it. I am 28 and am still on the lookout for a decent woman, so that has to factor in. The cars I have considered the most are the CTS, 335d/335i, and A4/S4 (my impression of them is below). Doe anyone have any suggestions and or thoughts that might help me out? A few of my thoughts on the CTS, 335d/335i, and A4/S4: I really like a lot of things about the CTS (ventilated seats would be great), but it could quite possibly be the most expensive, and probably the slowest. The BMWs are nice, but I'm not sure they fit my personality (yes, I know… what personality?), and the interior is a little odd and small. I am leaning more towards the diesel. The A4 is slightly underpowered, is the cheapest by far (a big plus) and gets the best mileage, but I would probably want to make a few modifications (tune, tasteful exhaust, and better intercooler) to bring the power up. The S4 is an amazing car, but I'm not sure I need a DD that is faster than the TA, so this is pretty far down on the list. I would get the sport package/equipment on all of these cars. CTS and 335d would be automatics, the Audis and 335i would be manuals. It seems that a good percentage of people with the new Audis are at the dealer for service quite a bit, which doesn't thrill me (especially considering the local Audi dealership hasn’t treated me very well). I am factoring in maintenance, warranty, and resale value, which is better for the BMWs and CTS. I have yet to hear back from my insurance company (Allstate) about rates for each of these cars, but I expect the CTS will have the lowest rate. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Mojave View Member Profile	Mar 5 2010, 01:07 AM Post #2
I suck at the auto-x :( Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,421 Joined: 21-April 05 From: TX Member No.: 727	Audis seem to have a lot of electrical problems requiring lots of dealer work. Perhaps this has just been from my experience, but too much electronic stuff for me. I'd go with a CTS over the 335i, just because maintenance and parts will be cheaper. If you only plan to keep this vehicle during the warranty period, it may not be as big of a deal. What about an 06-07 LS2 CTS-V? Plenty of power, well under 50K, and definitely good looking (I'll take one in black). This way you also avoid the big depreciation hit from a new Audi or BMW while still getting a stylish car.