Some of you may know that I wrecked my 8 https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/wrecked-my-8-a-153022/, so now I have to find a new car. Since this forum has been a great help in the past I am calling on you guys and gals for another favor. I'm having a hard time deciding on my next car. Which ever car I choose it will be a 2 year lease. That way I can get the car I really want in 2 years. For now it's the Camaro SS but by then Mazda may have a RX car with a bit more power. Basically I'm looking for a fun car to drive, my options so far are

1. MS 3
2. VW R32
3. VW GTI
4. Dodge Calibar SRT
5. Cobolt SS
6. BMW 128i
7. Subaru WRX (non STI)

So what do you guys thing? The R32 and 128i are the most $$ of the bunch with a sale price of around 29K. The others are in 23K range. I'm looking for the whole package, power and handling. After reading up on each of these I think I'm leaning towards the MS 3.

 

^ I agree on the MS3 the wife has one and it's a well rounded car. Definitely drive the GTI with a DSG tranny. Drive it hard though

 

I say MS3 one of the best cars out there as far as bang for buck. The real question is, will you miss RWD? If so go w/ the Beemer, or the new WRX (since that can still get tail happy)

 

MS3 if you dont care about RWD, but if your like me who only gets RWD cars BMW 1 would be my choice.

 

1. MS 3
6. BMW 128i

 

I guess the consensus is MS3, the 128i is hot but about 6K more. I would rather save on the monthly payments and apply that to the next car

 

if you're certain you want a new car in 2-3 years I'd get the cheapest one, which seems the MS3 unless you want maybe a Civic SI (i like the 4 door one) or a used RSX type S or something.

 

Your 8 was a manual, so seriously you will hate yourself if you get stuck with an auto. VW must have been on crack when they decided not to offer a stick with the R32. I'd have seriously considered one of those with a 6-speed. That took the R32 off my short list last year. Now if you don't mind having an auto, there are still leftover R32's sitting on lots (hmm, can't imagine why they didn't sell well...) that might be good deals. The GTI would still be a good buy though, and you can even get it with 4 doors now. The GTI has the turboed 2.0L, which is a proven engine, and the GTI gets better mileage than the non-turbo 2.5L (the new engine). So it'd be a good choice.

That said, there's not much reason to choose the GTI over the Speed3. I mean, you're going from one Mazda to another, so you mostly know what to expect. It realy is a heck of a value.

 

You have lots of good choices on your list. The newer Gti's I believe have an LSD upfront which is big plus. They use a much better grade of materials then say GM or Dodge.. Another option is maybe a lower milage 2004 R32. They still look great, full leather interior, heated mirrors and seats...all that jazz, plus the 6-speed. I currently own a 2003 20th Anniversary Edition GTI No. 1152/5000. For being FWD im very impressed with the capabilities of it. Mine doesn't have an LSD either My point is Im really impressed with the build quality of VW. Much nicer then I would have thought and WAY above GM and their Cobalt SS.

Can't forget about the sound of the VR6 that trumps over all of those you have listed...

But then agian if your only planning on having a car for 2 years.... Get something cheaper so your not upside down on your loan.....

 

You might find the R32 boring to drive, same with the 128 (both lack a bit in power). I say go with something turbocharged, the MS3 and the 2009 WRX will be great options. The 09 WRX will have 265 h/p with a bigger turbo and better suspension, it looks a bit better too. The MS3 will be the ultimate pocket rocket since it can be had for so cheap yet it will be insanely fast.

 

why not go super cheap and save up for an even better next car. invest now, while the market is in a pothole.

 

The Speed 3 is a good choice, but truthfully, if you liked the 8 you may just want to pick up an 09 Sport. The MS3 is really quick and practical, but that's about where it ends. If you don't need the practicality, I'd honestly push you to get into another 8. Otherwise, the Speed is a good choice - I think it's much better than the other cars in its class.

 

I could do that but to me 22K for the MS3 is super cheap, I know I can get a base civic for like 16K but I still need to drive this thing for like 2 years so I need something I won't fall asleep in on the road Plus I may hit the track a bit with my RX-8 buddies.

I'm leasing because I don't want to worry about used cars. I'll rather pay a little more for a new lease.

I do love the 8 but on the same note I have always reserved a special place in my heart for the Camaro (use to have a 1995 Z28). I have been waiting for the new one ever since I heard of it. I want to lease for 2 years or so so that maybe by the time the lease runs out Mazda may have a new 8 with more power (16X). If not then I'll stick with the Camaro.

 

I've driven a 1 series, and the back seat is completely useless, even when the chair is moved up.

I'd say seriously consider the MS3 and cobalt SS (the new turbo is freakin fast!)

 

MS3 without a doubt.

 

Cobalt SS. I know, I know.... but I'm serious. It's a piece of **** as far as looks and interior, but I would drive it as an "in-between" car on a lease. It's faster than an MS3, and handles far better than any of the cars you have on the list. Nothing is going to keep up with it in its price range.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=6704

 

hyundai genesis. :P

 

I'll never be seen in a Hyndai.

 

Get something with a high residual. Acura RSX type S, MS3, Civic SI, etc.... A chevy is NOT a good car to own for a short period of time.

 

Definitally get the MS3. And for a second choice, take the 128i.

 

I would avoid the Caliper at all costs. I read nothing good about it and the looks are borderline hideous.

 

Out of all of those, the 128i should be your obvious first choice, but, of course, it's fairly expensive compared to the rest of those.

 

I think the MS3 is the one to go for.

 

2009 WRX

265hp
Larger turbo
42% stiffer springs
upgraded rear roll bar
STI style grill and spoiler (for the hatch)
AWD

... and Subies are as dependable as the day is long.

 

Yea, I just read the Road and Track article on the 09 WRX. It will be about 4K more then the MS3 but an all round better car. I think it comes down to these two and which one offers the better lease.