So I noted in the Avant thread that my 2009 A4 Avant is a total loss due to extensive body damage. I guess I can fix the body damage, but it's been having engine problems for awhile that not even the dealer can fix. So I need some suggestions because I don't really know what to get.

My requirements:

• AWD
• 4 door or 5 door. But doesn't need to be very big. Majority of the time, only up to 2 people will be in it (an adult and a small child).
• New car over used.
• Prefer leasing over purchase. But the kicker is that this car will only be driven about 3,000(COVID)~5,000(pre-COVID) miles per year! Vast majority is to run small errands and as a backup for my primary car.

I really want a Giulia, but leasing that car at 3,000~5,000 miles per year doesn't sound very wise.

I'm open to any suggestions.

 

Volvo XC40. Big enough to feel like an SUV, but small enough to feel/handle a little more car like. Volvo did a good job with the interior space. Back seat space is surprisingly roomy for a small SUV. The turbo engine provides good acceleration. The upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system is great.

 

Certainly NOT a NEW car. Buy Used.

 

S5 Sportback? Our resident robot seems to enjoy his.

Other cars that come to mind:

Kia Stinger
Mustang Mach-E
Macan
Mazda3/CX-30

You've got a lot of options.

 

Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

just go drive one. You’ll see. Trust me.

 

Ha. Just saw you said Guilia.

These cars can be stolen with great leases. Just gotta find the right dealer.

 

Volvo V60? I think the Polestar fits the bill:

New V60 Polestar

Seriously, A V60 meets your criteria. A lease might be doable, but a lightly used car like this may just work:

2020 V60

 

Hmmm. Do tell me more...

 

What's your budget?

2020/2021 S4 is a mighty fine vehicle ..

 

Great car. But the more I look, the more I'm pivoting to a smaller car. I really need something easier to park with this second car.

And I think I previously mentioned, this might be the car that my daughter will be using for her driver's permit in a few years. So small and nimble.

 

Less than an S4 for sure. Driving at 3,000 to 5,000 miles, it just doesn't make any sense for my practical side.

 

CX-30, if going for a teenager in the future. AWD for the winter & economical.
Plus, being a Mazda, it should still be fun to drive.

 

Yeah, wasn't thinking about Mazda, but I just got the latest Car & Driver, and they gave the CX-5 a Ten Best for 2021. Will have to consider it now.

 

We love our new SQ5...

 

I liked the CX-5s I've driven.
Haven't had a go in the CX-30, but have seen a few on the road. Good looking little CUV.

 

I didnt like cx-5 and I've driven both gens...now i havent driven their top trim with the better engine, which gets pricey, but I was left wondering why people love it so much. the cx-9 was way better.

 

A used Infiniti QX30 might be the right size.

2019 Infiniti QX30

 

no used cars

 

MINI Countryman? It was talked about in the Avant thread.

I also would vote for a Mercedes C43 AMG Estate but I think they aren't available in the US, are they?

 

A5 or S5 Sportback is of course, recommended but I'm biased. And I plow mine into curbs.

 

Those are all too big for my needs.

 

Slowly inching towards a BMW 228i xDrive GC.

Let the haters begin.

It kind of checks off all the boxes.

• Not too expensive to justify the extreme low miles that I need.
• Small and compact, but still fun to drive.
• AWD
• 4 doors. Rear seats will be used sparingly by kids.
• My wife will be the primary driver.

 

 

#germanzine

 

Love my CX-9 Grand Touring which I got for $40K. That's only ~$4.5 K more than a decked out CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve which to me knocks the 5 out as a contender.

 

^ I think though, Chef, per F-C's requirements, the CX-9 is too big. He wants small.

 

Wont it cost the same or more than an Alfa...having had a bimmer lease...they are not cheap or easy to get deals.

 

Find a leftover 2019 Golf R.

 

One time, Yummy hit a curb so hard the rear rings flew off the car.

Happiest day of his life....and he has a kid

 

No used cars!

 

If all things being said are equal (price wise), then the BMW lease gets the win because of the better residual. The 228 I'm looking at is more or less about the same as the Giulia in term of MSRP after adding the equivalent options. Living in the NE, so heated seats and AWD are must haves. I'm getting a great discount on the 228, but I have a feeling that it would be a similar discount if I really negotiated hard for the Giulia. So after factoring in the better residuals, I'm expecting to get a much better monthly payment with the 228.

If it was up to pure driving fun, I'd have gone with the Giulia. However, with the fact that most of the driving will be done by the wife, her priorities are more with interior design and compact size, which gives the 228 an edge.

 

I'm thinking he means still-new leftover '19s. Though those may be in really short supply, 0 listed on Autotrader currently.

 

Yeah I meant still new leftover models. Like he said though, apparently none left so that sucks, probably would have been perfect for you.

 

Gotcha. Yeah, that would be a sweet car.

 

Well, took the 228 home today.

 

Congrats!

 

Pics!

 

Like voter fraud, there is no proof of this.

 

Was hoping for a sunny day to take a picture, but here you go.

 

After driving this car for a bit, I'm giving it two big thumbs up. It's a really fun drive, lots of power and steering is super responsive and feels like a little go-kart. It's winter, so I've got lots of stuff in the garage at the present, and this car just fits in so perfectly because of the size.