Automobiles

[Blue Jays]

My inclination is it was very likely a small handful of weasels at VW/Audi and not a situation of broad collusion.
If it involved everyone from retail, to manufacturing, to engineering, to executive...my approach would change.

[Lionel]

So...if I want a car that drives like that but won't be ridiculous as a semi-adult in my late 30s, what would you recommend?

BMW M3, Audi RS3.

[theflashunc]

So...if I want a car that drives like that but won't be ridiculous as a semi-adult in my late 30s, what would you recommend?

The sleeper option is the Volvo V60 or S60 Polestar.

[Matthew Strongin]

The sleeper option is the Volvo V60 or S60 Polestar.

If they made the V60 Polestar in manual, that would be my choice.

[rmplum]

The "adult" choice if you are sticking to non-premiums in this category is The Golf R by a longshot. Don't buy a Focus RS before sitting in the seats for an hour or so. They don't go down far enough and the bottom cushion tilt is not independently adjustable from the height - it's a complete deal breaker for me. The Civic Type R could have been a contender if it was designed by adults - the dynamics package is damn good. If you want to sweat for your speed and are always on slippery stuff, get the STI. We are lucky enough to have all four parked outside right now - it doesn't suck.

[rmplum]

So...if I want a car that drives like that but won't be ridiculous as a semi-adult in my late 30s, what would you recommend?

A 2-3 year old BMW M235i would not be a bad choice. Really nice balance of sport and comfort.

[GonaSovereign]

I planned on getting one right before the scandal broke. Now I don't know if I could.

I'm certain most peer companies had a "there go I but for the grace of" moment when VW got caught. The scandalous part is the others haven't been busted yet.

The GTI/R is the best fast hatch option for adults.

Sidenote: the cost of VW's well-deserved punishment put an end to the planned production of the , which would have ended all chatter about which hatch was hottest.

[Blue Jays]

"...The GTI/R is the best fast hatch option for adults.

Sidenote: the cost of VW's well-deserved punishment put an end to the planned production of the , which would have ended all chatter about which hatch was hottest..."

Yes, please.
Four-door with a hatch and sane choice of colors / colorways / colours / colourways.
:-)

[theflashunc]

If they made the V60 Polestar in manual, that would be my choice.

Just pull the Paul Newman and get someone to cram something in there that rows your own.

The Ford-Powered Volvo Wagon Paul Newman Built

[Too Tall]

Used Porsche boxster S.

So...if I want a car that drives like that but won't be ridiculous as a semi-adult in my late 30s, what would you recommend?

[Blue Jays]

That is a MASSIVE link!

[Matthew Strongin]

That is a MASSIVE link!

Fixed! Some weirdness from the deadspin suite of sites.

[davids]

So...if I want a car that drives like that but won't be ridiculous as a semi-adult in my late 30s, what would you recommend?

Do you want four doors, dad?

[Matthew Strongin]

Do you want four doors, dad?

If it's fast(-ish), has a manual transmission, and doesn't look like a car designed by a 13 year old version of me, I'd settle for anywhere between 2 and 5 doors. 5 would be preferable, but I can settle for less.

Or I might just go in a different direction and get this.

[sk_tle]

So...if I want a car that drives like that but won't be ridiculous as a semi-adult in my late 30s, what would you recommend?

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce or even better Quadrifoglio. The bad thing about the later is the sound is so glorious your neighbour will hate you when you rev it.

[davids]

Five doors!

I knew you were a quality person, but my esteem for you has just gone up again.

Audi A5 Sportback. BMW 430i Gran Coupe. Station wagon alternatives!

[Blue Jays]

Even with multiple vehicles...I have learned I like for all of them to have capability to carry at least one bike inside.
Should I eventually strike it rich to the point I have cars that will *never* be tasked with carrying a bicycle, that would be sweet.
Combining comfort, speed, quietness, practicality...I am thinking a Mercedes-Benz E-series wagon would be the bee's knees.

[seanile]

Mazda Is Officially Restoring Original Miatas

pretty sure there's a pile of miata lovers here.

but as with all cool car-related stuff these days...

As to whether these parts or Mazda’s factory restoration service will be offered outside Japan, it appears that the answer is “not yet” but we’ve reached out to Mazda to find out more details.

[htwoopup]

If they made the V60 Polestar in manual, that would be my choice.

If you can find one....and the manual thing...yeah 2017 is an issue and also the smaller engine that they get more out of though.

I have had too much experience with smaller engines on boats where they tune them to suck every possible iota of oomph out of them and then they don't last/ blow up.

I got a 2016 only knowing a neighbor has a V60 which I liked from a practicality basis and that I wanted the 6 cyl engine before they downsized it this year. I am not well versed in what makes a car be balls. I mean I was buying another Volvo for crying out loud. Kind of Dad pants embarrassing. I wasn't looking for the Polestar but for some reason it was the only one the dealer had left in a 6 cyl. Even the funky blue color has grown on me. They made so few of them available in the US I kinda feel like I must have saved somebody's life and didn't know it or something and getting this car was a payback for that. Who knew Volvo could make a car that is so much fun? Who knew that I could have so much fun driving a car?

Of course, on related note (and along the lines of a more recent post from you) I saw this parked on York and 65th NYC yesterday. I think the father of the kid driving it is younger than the car. But I love this and it is in sweet condition...

IMG_2031 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

IMG_2034 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

[Trevor]

I'm going to add to this thread because I feel like I am in the same boat.

The VW All Track does come in a 6spd, but I'm still waiting for one to show up locally so I can test drive it. Just wish it had the 2.0 instead of the 1.8. Anyone ever bring a bike to a test drive to see how it fits in the back? I want to see if it is any bigger than my A3 Sportback. The Golf R is appealing, but when you bump your price up to that... whew there are some other options out there.

There also is a 2011 BMW 328i xDrive with 6spd that checks all the boxes for sale locally. Black, manual, 3.0NA, wagon, raised rails plus AWD. But it has 55K on it and is 6 years old. There's something about it that just isn't doing it for me.

Or going in the complete opposite direction, a 2014 CPO FJ Cruiser just popped up locally... with a 6spd.

Part of me just wants to call it a day, buy a MK4 TDI Wagon 5spd as I love my MK4 sedan..but it's a sedan and auto. Best vehicle out there IMO. Then buy something small and fun to drive on the weekends.