tgrundke

A MK IV R32 (2004) or a 2010-2011 GTI MK VI would be excellent choices if you're looking for something very fun as a daily driver. I previously owned a MK IV R32 and to this day regret giving it up (though I made a profit on it).

You can find boatloads of 2010 GTIs lightly used over at vwvortex for some reason, many in the low $20s.

As for the WRX - I have lots of respect for the car, but having spent a lot of time in several generations of the WRX I have to say that it gets old as a daily driver, especially if you've moved up into the adult world where the boy-racer aspect of the WRX really isn't very becoming any longer. The mechanicals on the car are impeccable, but between interior design and exterior weirdness it just isn't the car for me as a daily driver.

rktskicar

Take a look at a used A4 2.0T and chip it (if it is not already). If you are daring, get a stage 3 B5 S4.

Bruce

AcBc

Have you actually *driven* a civic si? You might have, but im just checking. Its a cheaper, more practical s2000. Honda 6 speed gear boxes are some of the best on the market and the civic si handles like a beast. It pulls something like .96g on the lateral skidpad. It definitely has a huge fun factor. No where near the luxury of the s4.....obviously. But it's way cheaper and gets way better gas mileage. . The engine and handling characteristics are very very different then a regular civic ex/lx/dx. I would put the civic si fun factor near 350z (circa 2002 350z) level.

snowbeer

I have ridden in a recent civic Si, but I never got to drive. That just doesn't seem like enough of a change from my civic now.. Although the powertrain is completely different. There are tons of them used around too.

I like all the GTI suggestions, especially if I can find a 4 door one, as I could use something bigger (in terms of cargo room) than my civic when we go camping.

Excelsior7

I test drove an Si when I got my WRX. Great little car, but not enough power for me.

You said power wasn't a big deal, but I can TOTALLY understand wanting something different. Subaru is the only brand of car I've ever owned twice.

My problem with the Si was the Stepped VTEC. In most cars, the valve timing is stepless, but in the SI, it's all at once.

And, fo course, it happened RIGHt where I like to shift. Really put me off the car.

As for the WRX as a daily Driver, I drove my 07 for about a year and a half-two years, and I loved it. The whole "boy-racer" thing really only applies if you think it does. For instance, the dreaded STI wing: people think it's just some gaudy accessory, but at speed you really do notice the downforce from it. I noticed I had more grip in my 05 STi at 80 than at 60 going through the same turn.

Also, can't remember if it's been said already, and it might be outside your price range, but the new Golf R looks really cool. 265hp, 6-speed, and hopefully the on-rails handling the GTI is known for.

Also, have you considered an e46 M3/ 3-series ZHP (performance package)? They've come down in price really nicely lately, and the M3 is lots of fun. Don't know how it'd do in winter conditions, but my 335i did just fine as long as I had snow tires on it.


(apologies, my shift key is acting up)

WoodyV

Personally I really hate the exterior of the WRX STI. The interior isn't great either (in my opinion) and there is lots of road noise.
However it is an absolute blast to drive so if that stuff doesn't bother you then it seems like a really good choice. Plus it is still pretty good in the snow. Get a stick though - the auto is not the DSG

Excelsior7

There is no Auto option on either the WRX or the STI.

But yeah, don't get it for the looks. Exterior + Interior comes right out of a 15k japanese economy sedan.

seinsmeld13

Luckily my wife hates our S4 as it just too big. She is only 5' tall. We also have a 225TT and a GTI all equipped with winter tires. I love the GTI which I drive Thursdays, however, not the best in the white stuff compared to the S4 and TT. If passenger space isn't an issue a used 225TT is good option as is an R32 as it is all wheel drive as well.

tofuking

I say you can't go wrong with a MKV GTI or R32. Fun cars, of course the power and handling will not be like the S4, but for what it is it is pretty fun to drive.

BaLLZDeePNYC

I would say.... STI/R32 GTi.... B5 S4 or B6-B7 A4 chipped.... Or one of the original old S4 S6 ll great choices... As for fun... if you lived anywhere in which winter wasnt existent I would say 350Z was prob my favorite car I owned until I got the S4