Help me Choose my Daily !

[cmeJATT]

Just trying to get a feedback from members who may have owned these cars in past or some version of them.

I need to replace my daily and cannot decide between these cars. (No wrangler or Bronco)

Things it must have
- manual transmission
- fwd/awd drivetrain
- 4 doors or 5 doors
- new car only
- under $40k new

My list (in order I like them)
1. WRX (owned 2015 wrx 2020 STi in past feel same look older cabin)
2. Elantra N (reliability concerns?)
3. GTI (tuner boy look?)
4. Mini Cooper S 4door Hard Top (too small to be daily?)
5. Acura Integra (glorified civic?)

[Crushin_LT1]

I'd go with the GTI, of those you listed it has the best combo of interior, performance, and livability.

I find even brand new subaru interiors to be too much FisherPrice - PlaySkool level of hard plastics, low quality. The hyundai isn't too bad and its unique, but the GTI is a better package all around.

Mini Coopers, unless you're leasing I wouldn't recommend and certainly not as a daily driver. they may have gotten better over the last 3-5 years, but their reputation certainly proceeds them.

My prior daily was an Acura TSX, came in a 6spd manual. Replaced by the TLX, I do NOT believe Acura makes manuals any longer., the Civic SI would be a good replacement if still made in manual

[cmeJATT]

Hey buddy thank you for the input. Really appreciate it.

I’m honestly between GTI/Elantra/Integra


The new 2023 Integra will come as a 6speed manual. Orders are starting March 2022 but won’t arrive till end of 2022 ( I’m not in rush rush to get a daily)

My current car has 65k miles and warranty is up at 90k. I want to sell it before that time frame lol.


Realistically I’ll be getting my new car around October 2022 or December 2022.

Here’s the article for Acura Integra

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2023...confirmed/amp/

Originally Posted by Crushin_LT1

I'd go with the GTI, of those you listed it has the best combo of interior, performance, and livability.

I find even brand new subaru interiors to be too much FisherPrice - PlaySkool level of hard plastics, low quality. The hyundai isn't too bad and its unique, but the GTI is a better package all around.

Mini Coopers, unless you're leasing I wouldn't recommend and certainly not as a daily driver. they may have gotten better over the last 3-5 years, but their reputation certainly proceeds them.

My prior daily was an Acura TSX, came in a 6spd manual. Replaced by the TLX, I do NOT believe Acura makes manuals any longer., the Civic SI would be a good replacement if still made in manual

[ctrlz]

Originally Posted by cmeJATT

My list (in order I like them)
1. WRX (owned 2015 wrx 2020 STi in past feel same look older cabin)
2. Elantra N (reliability concerns?)
3. GTI (tuner boy look?)
4. Mini Cooper S 4door Hard Top (too small to be daily?)
5. Acura Integra (glorified civic?)

I voted Acura.
IMO, it is the least toy-like object on your list, and the classiest.
You already have the muscle fun in the Camaro, and there is something to be said for having a Euro or Asian luxury coupe or sedan as an option.

[armycop71]

The GTI is the most refined driver's car, and the warranty is decent. I want to test drive the updated WRX, but the plastic body cladding looks cheap.

[cmeJATT]

Just went to the dealer and test drove the Elantra N and it was amazing actually-

Only part that kinda sucked was interior was eh and a lot of road noise-

Let’s see when Integra comes out -

[Malbjey]

Originally Posted by cmeJATT

Just went to the dealer and test drove the Elantra N and it was amazing actually-

Only part that kinda sucked was interior was eh and a lot of road noise-

Let’s see when Integra comes out -

Any reason you're not considering the Civic Si? I'm sure the Integra will end up having a couple more creature comforts, but I would at least test drive the Civic Si to see if you even like the size and chassis.



Also you could possibly get a Civic Type R under 40K new if the crazy markups are over by later this year. Who knows, though...


With that being said, my pick would be Elantra N. It'll be a very capable backroad carver and autocross car, if you go that route. I don't think the reliability will be any worse than the German cars (GTI and Mini) and at least you'll have a nice power train warranty.

[Brut4c]

I really like the Integra in the above link as a coupe. I've owned an '86 Integra and an '03 RSX. Both were great cars. I was under the impression it was only going to be offered as a four door. I'm looking for a new daily myself, and have decided on a Lexus rc350 fsport awd. But they're hard to find and I'm not settling on a single option or the color, and I'm in no rush. Maybe I'll wait for the Integra to show up and drive one before I buy the Lexus based on the pics above.

[shaffe]

It's not on your list, but I would add the Mazda3 to your list to check out. I loved my Mazda. build quality was great, rode great, handled awesome for what it was. Not sure if you can get the manual in the turbo with the 3, but I loved my mazda as a DD

Out of cars on your list, GTI

[90503]

If it's gonna be a daily, I'd stay away from those that require Premium gas...(Subaru WRX comes to mind)...Good luck.

[asthmamax11]

The road noise is from the tires

[The SS Godfather]

Stay away from Euros , it is not a matter of if , BUT when.... and big repair $$$$$$$

[cmeJATT]

So ended up picking up a 2022 GTI 6m/t - I ended up test driving all the cars (minus Acura and new wrx but saw it in person wasn’t a fan)

[Crushin_LT1]

How do you like it so far? GTIs are fun, the manual Acura would be amazing though, I loved my acura.