batman

My search for a new car continues. Since I was gone all but 2 months of this year I stopped looking.

I'm looking for something a little sporty in auto.(spent five months driving a manual, I'm lazy)

My list so far is

1. 2012 GLI autobahn.
2. 2012 Optima SX
3. 2012 Ralliart.

doopstr

The 2012 Camry SE will surprise you, especially the V6. It's suspension is stiffer than you would expect for a Camry and it handles well IMO. The sound system is pretty good too.

I picked up an I4SE because I needed the extra MPG and saved some bucks. You can get this car at or under invoice!
pics here https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=840847&page=3

F23A4

You can definitely snag an AV6 EX-L for $5G below sticker....although sporty it is not!

mrmako

Here's some cars on the short list (assuming you want brand new):

Mazdaspeed 3
Subaru Legacy 3.6R (bigger car, but moon roof/navi/leather ~$30K)
Mustang V6
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
VW Golf GTI
Subaru Imprezza

(I would put a Mitsu Evo on here but they start at about $35K)

majin ssj eric

I second your Kia Optima SX choice. That is a damn sexy car for the money with loads of luxury features and a sporty turbo-four...

KillerG

any other shopping criteria other than sporty/auto ?

2012 TSX SE... i mean its a sport edition afterall


... ok seriously though:

Kia Optima SX / Sonata 2.0T (sporty enough?)
Infiniti G25
Nissan Maxima (solid contender)
Volkswagen CC (looks sporty atleast)
Subaru WRX (my choice)
Used E92 M3 (maybe a nicer E46 in this price range)
Used G35/7 Sedan

knavinusa

^ You can get a used E92 M3 for 25-30k in the states? We're getting shafted up here in Canada.

I vote for the VW CC, Kia Optima SX and Subaru WRX. I like the MS3 too but you're only looking at Sedans, right?

Hapa DC5

^ no way. Add another 15-20k to that price lol. I vote KIA, warranty + looks = win.

Mr Marco

Get the Mitsu!

KillerG

They're not pretty, but im willing to bet there are a handful of abused high mileage e92's looking for new owners

I know its not a practical choice but just throwing out some used options for the heck of it

ex: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Will Y.

Some other new car options not mentioned thus far:
Nissan Altima (CVT in the V6, though )
Ford Fusion
Buick Regal-- turbo motor variants.
IDK if you consider the Charger "sporty," but it's also an option.

Dealers probably have new 2011 models of the foregoing still on their lots, too, which would mean a decent discount.

MaxMike93

My vote for the Optima SX. But with getting that, make sure to get a set of wheels and dump those disgusting stockies

batman

After my promotion next month I will go on a test drive run. I might through a few others in there for fun. Only bad thing is I have to drive to Atlanta or Columbus to see any dsecent used cars.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Not really sure how sporty it'll be, but a shot was leaked of the 2013 Ford Fusion today. Next week it'll be unveiled at the NAIAS.



Looks pretty damn good, IMO. http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/t...3-ford-fusion/

speedemon90

Dont think it has been mentioned yet but the new passat is actually supposed to be quite good.

Saintor

Passat 3.6

It has the same EPA fuel economy as your TSX.

jchan2

A vote here for the Sonata/Optima 2.0T duo!

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

GTI 4-door?

batman

Just heard a clip of the VR6 exhaust. It has replaced the GLI on my list.

With magnaflows.

F23A4

Sounds nice. I tend to look at VW the same way I look at Hyundai/Kia: IMHO both carry a ton more bling than the equivalent Honda and Toyota, but I'm concerned about quality issues several years down the line.

YEH

I'd pick the Optima SX; the best looker in the segment.

The Sonata turbo isn't exactly sporty (neither is the new Camry SE), so I'd leave those out.

For the best driving/handling, the Mazda6 is the best bet, but it is deficient in other areas.

I actually prefer the Passat to the GLI.

So Mazda6 if you want the best handler; and the Optima SX or Passat if you the 2nd best handler in the segment and better all-arounder.

batman

I have decided to get a 12 GTi autobahn. DSG because I'm afraid of a manual. Now if I can get the price to around 31k and find one in shadow blue.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Very, very nice choice!

You will have so much fun with it.

Are you going to mod it?

Crazy Bimmer

I'll have what you are smoking please.

Ha, was going to say GTI as well. DSG is great if you looking for an auto. Great choice!

batman

stage 1, maybe 2 down the road.

got invoice plus 500. trying get invoice but its still a good deal.

batman

Drove 4 different golfs over the last month. '10 DSG GTI, 11 Man GTI, 11 Man TDI and the Golf R. The only reason I haven't pick up a GTI because exact car I want is not available in my area.

The dealer does have the exact Golf R that I would want.

Should I put up the extra cash or wait for the GTI i want?

pttl

Get what YOU want. You'll be happier in the long run.

mrmako

Saintor

This strikes me because I am on the verge of signing for a 3rd family car. The one I am considering is offensively bland & dull (but has a nice 2000$ discount on it).

Here in Canada, a brand new Corolla 2012 is 13.5K$ (including the 2K$ above), a Civic 2012 15K$ and a Jetta 2.slow 2012 is 16K$. Korean compacts are now overpriced. Guess what one I was talking about.

NJ SHAWD

this

ASASN21

I drove my brother's wife's new 12 GTI last night, and I was beyond surprised at how quick and fun it was to drive. I loved everything about it except for the handling - it was good, but not as good as my TL-S .

If you want the DSG, I say definitely get the GTI. If you can live with the Manual, you gotta get the R. I haven't driven the R, but after driving the GTI, I can't imagine what the R is like. I am one of the many people who want to kill someone because they did not put the DSG in the R.

speedemon90

Like the previous posts do what you want cause that way you will be happy with the purchase.

I think that it may be better to save money and get the GTI? and the money you save can go towards mods like stage 1 or whatever else you wanna do.

Also the R is only in manual and it seems like you may not be happy with a manual.

speedemon90

Funny, you're implying the optima is sporty but the sonata isnt, yet they are basically the exact same car... lol

speedemon90

get this exhaust

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

In terms of styling though the Optima definitely looks sportier.

NJ SHAWD

As a recent owner of an 11 SX turbo, I will say go with the Sonata if that is an option for you. I went with the Optima because of the options and how good it looked. After a couple of thousand miles the flex in the body became overwhelming. The panoramic roof would squeak even after three attempts at repair. They also have an issue with cold start rattle that hasn't been taken care of by Kia, although Hyundai has made the fix in theirs. The sonata is the "finished" version of what the Optima should have been. Much more solid feel and a better interior. Take a look at the limited turbo.

batman

Something that didn't even fit my criteria. After I drove it I was pretty much sold. Picture of the new beater
















http://www.flickr.com/photos/9234344@N06/6987643882/http://www.flickr.com/photos/9234344@N06/6987643882/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/9234344@N06/, on Flickr

rossv1

Congrats but only one pic?

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Very nice!

I've never seen the new R in person! Have you driven the regular GTI? If so, how does the R feel compare to the GTI? Very curious!

batman

I've been real busy. Barely had time to drive it.