Companion/winter car to M3 - advice ?

[mermar]

Living in Minnesota Ive decided to skip the winter tires for the M3 and pickup a preowned car for DD errands and winter driving. Need not be AWD ( but at least FWD) as I will have new blizzaks fitted.

What cars would you consider?? I cant do Subaru as I have always been allergic to their looks, etc.. Dont want a SUV as my wife already has a MDX and I dont want to be a two SUV family. Need 4 doors for schlepping kids and kids friends. Given M3 in garage - reliability for this 3rd car is important. Also given MDX and M3 - something with decent MPG would be welcome.

Thinking a used 2013 Honda Accord sport with 6MT??? Auto journalism types seem to be smitten by it (especially the feel of the MT). Note the 13 Accord is a much improved car.

But I feel I have overlooked a few alternatives (close to $20 k for the '13 accord - seems that opens a lot of pre-owned doors/options). Thought about a Jetta, Passat, GTI, A4 but two german cars might be more than I can take as far as repairs, wierd noises, CELs, etc... Just don't have time to deal with small issues.

Ideas/recommendations? Can't move to San Diego

[EJT86]

I had a G37x for 4 years in boston never shoveled once while owning the car I used all season tires and it was great in snow even drove it during the blizzard here last year never shoveled never got stuck

[M3 n X5M]

Golf R 2012 or R32 2008.
Best awd cars for the price. Quality interiors and awesome in the snow.

[davesaddiction]

Focus ST too small? Drive the Mazda6 with the manual and the 2.5, too (manual 3 can't be had with this engine yet). Used Acura TSX (or TL, w/ SH-AWD, if you can get past the beak).

[brianpdx]

Would you consider a pickup? I have a '99 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 that has come in handy for hauling many different things. The first gen quad cabs command pretty steep prices, but they're really quite bulletproof.

[tjsabec]

I have a '10 6mt A4 that i paid $25k for last year... a lot of car for the $ (wife drives it) I DD a 13' Impreza 5MT that I paid $18k for new... hard to beat the amount of car for the $ there, regardless of the looks.... I am really happy with both purchases, they compliment my M3 well.

[1MOREMOD]

A3, gti, or as someone suggested pickup always comes in handy.

[W///]

I really like the Accords, good looking car. If I were looking for a DD, I'd probably go with a Golf or Jetta wagon TDI.

Originally Posted by brianpdx

Would you consider a pickup? I have a '99 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 that has come in handy for hauling many different things. The first gen quad cabs command pretty steep prices, but they're really quite bulletproof.

They really are ridiculous. I've got a 97 4Runner myself and love how tough this thing is. Use it to haul all sorts of things (including my 2 dogs).

[valeram]

Subaru's will be hard to beat. Just close your eyes before you enter. Open your eyes before driving away. Legacy looks nice, I think.

[jqsmooth]

Im very intrigued by Subarus to replace my prius. Damn the 50 mpg. Safety first.

[jeff@autocouture]

golf r

[Galt?]

MazdaSpeed 6. All-wheel drive, 6MT only, good sound system. A lot of fun to drive. 996 Turbo (i hope your kids are small)

[skins333]

I bought a used lexus is 250 awd for this purpose...figure at least it hopefully should prove reliable and low maintenance. Loaded w/ lexus's version of comfort access, nav, heated and cooled seats etc. Very comfortable, good in traffic, and gets pretty good mileage. So far pretty happy with it...

[regCT]

Last gen A3 Quattro (2006-2012?), either 3.2 V6 or 2.0T. Look for a late CPO 2.0T.

[M3-S65]

Cobalt SS Turbocharged 2010....Bought mine for 13,500 with only 7k miles about a month ago. 260 HP 260 Torque... ran the Nurburgring only 17 seconds behind the BMW M3 S65 ....
30 MPG....Fun to work on fun to drive...actually has a dipstick and the turbocharged SS has a special OEM performance display which includes car's engine torque, horsepower, g-force, boost, wideband air fuel ratio, barometric pressure, cam phaser angles, overlap, spark advance, temperature, battery voltage, air pressure in every tire, everything that the BMW hides from you...

Its not a M3 but for the price its amazing POS!

[AlpineV8]

[Ezio]

i would love to have a STI for a winter car, and just another car to have around. but you dont like them

[NashvegasR]

Might want to consider an Lr3 (see if you can find a 2009) or LR4.... Reliable and rugged. Superb in winter.

[mermar]

Some great recommendations. Narrowed down to new Accord 6mt or Subaru legacy.

[Galt?]

Originally Posted by regCT

Last gen A3 Quattro (2006-2012?), either 3.2 V6 or 2.0T. Look for a late CPO 2.0T.

+1 this car rocks

[badbeef]

Originally Posted by mermar

Some great recommendations. Narrowed down to new Accord 6mt or Subaru legacy.

Accord V6 came in a 6MT. They are pretty rare, but one of those would be a decent alternative. Another consideration would be a Maxima. They don't hold their value very well...skip the CVT though -- that thing is strange. Personally I'd be looking for something with a fairly soft suspension for the potholes and expansion joints, and reliability over all. Plus a little bit of size wouldn't hurt. Honda had a problem with quality control around 07/08, but after '10 they have been much better. I have a '10 with around 30k miles on it and it has been into the shop for repairs exactly 0 times.

[AlpineE92M3]

We got my wife a '14 Legacy sport. We love the car and I think it looks great. Subaru's awd is hard to beat IMO. You will never get stuck.