[mfarrzhp]

I’ve had my CS just over 2 years and dailied it early on and shortly after bought an X2 sDrive28 as my daily. I like the look and utility of the X2, but I don’t love the FWD steering feel. I end up driving the wife’s X5 to work and she drives the X2.

My daughter will be 16 in a few months and I’ll be giving her the X2.

I’m looking to add another car for commuting. I’m torn between another SUV or a 6 spd sedan. My commute is almost all high speed bridge with very little stop and go. I want to stay around $40K.

Contenders:
2020 X3 M40i - slightly above my budget
2016-2019 340i 6MT
2018-2021 VW R32 6MT
2018-2020 Subaru STi - A bit childish, but cool car
Misano X2 M35i (to match my CS color)

Kind of a wide range, but 4 doors is a priority. Anything I’m missing that I should think about? I live in a warm climate, so no worries about snow.

Thanks!

[jefe2000]

What about an ‘18–‘19 X3 M40i? Those model years still have the lovely B58 engine but might be closer to your budget?

Some other noteworthy 4-door options — most come with 6MT variants, I think:

• 4-door Mini S-line or JCW
• Toyota GR Corolla
• (Hyundai) Genesis G70 2.0T
• Hyundai Elantra N
• Kia Stinger GT
• Acura Integra

Lotsa good ideas of cars with #savethemanuals in many price ranges here at Car and Driver.

[Champ of America]

2018 Focus RS
I miss my Focus RS, it's one of the best feeling manual transmissions I've ever experienced.

[OG Shark]

Originally Posted by Champ of America

2018 Focus RS
I miss my Focus RS, it's one of the best feeling manual transmissions I've ever experienced.

I miss mine too - such a fun driver!

[mfarrzhp]

Originally Posted by jefe2000

What about an ‘18–‘19 X3 M40i? Those model years still have the lovely B58 engine but might be closer to your budget?

Some other noteworthy 4-door options — most come with 6MT variants, I think:
4-door Mini S-line or JCW
Toyota GR Corolla
(Hyundai) Genesis G70 2.0T
Hyundai Elantra N
Kia Stinger GT
Acura Integra

Lotsa good ideas of cars with #savethemanuals in many price ranges here at Car and Driver.

I actually had a pre-order allocation for an Integra before I bought the X2. I wasn’t impressed with the reviews.

I didn’t realize the Genesis was offered in 6MT.

Also, I forgot about the Focus RS. That may be on the short list. I read that the suspension can be a little unsettling. I don’t mind harsh, but I do mind when the car is unsettled in corners. That was only one review and I’ve never driven one.

[Champ of America]

Originally Posted by OG Shark

I miss mine too - such a fun driver!

If it didn't overheat the diff on track I'd still have it. For an around town car it was the bomb, crazy traction and so tossable!

[Champ of America]

Originally Posted by mfarrzhp

I actually had a pre-order allocation for an Integra before I bought the X2. I wasn’t impressed with the reviews.

I didn’t realize the Genesis was offered in 6MT.

Also, I forgot about the Focus RS. That may be on the short list. I read that the suspension can be a little unsettling. I don’t mind harsh, but I do mind when the car is unsettled in corners. That was only one review and I’ve never driven one.

As long as you don't drive it on the Track setting for the dampers on the road, it's fine, that setting is too harsh for street use. Never found it to get properly unsettled on back road blasts, but that may be down to the quality of road surface based on geography. I actually found it to be an incredibly capable and predictable car for hard cornering shenanigans.

[OG Shark]

Originally Posted by Champ of America

If it didn't overheat the diff on track I'd still have it. For an around town car it was the bomb, crazy traction and so tossable!

Sums it up perfectly

[KevinC]

My daily is a '19 Golf R. Does everything well. 6MT, 4 doors, AWD, plenty of power (288 hp), excellent fuel economy, hatchback versatility, on and on. For 2018/19, the factory b2b warranty was 6 yrs/72k miles - find a low-mileage '19 and you'll still have a ton of warranty left. Approaching 50k miles and has been dead-nuts reliable, the only warranty issue being a leaky oil pan seal, replaced under warranty.

[mfarrzhp]

Originally Posted by KevinC

My daily is a '19 Golf R. Does everything well. 6MT, 4 doors, AWD, plenty of power (288 hp), excellent fuel economy, hatchback versatility, on and on. For 2018/19, the factory b2b warranty was 6 yrs/72k miles - find a low-mileage '19 and you'll still have a ton of warranty left. Approaching 50k miles and has been dead-nuts reliable, the only warranty issue being a leaky oil pan seal, replaced under warranty.

I said R32, but yeah I meant Golf R. Thanks for the feedback. I think this is the front runner right now for me. Your car is a great color as well.

I didn’t know about the 6 year warranty, that’s a nice bonus.

[f87CSdrifterential]

I just picked up a 13 Golf R 6 spd 4 door to fill the gap between my Tacoma and the CS. It’s technically a third car meant to keep the miles off the Tacoma, plus it’s more fun to drive and better fuel economy.

[aroundelway]

GTI is the answer. There are not many good manuals left. I’ve gotten a few now for each kid after they earn one with grades and responsibilities and I find myself driving and commuting in them more than any of our cars.

[Tornado1M]

My e36 M3 has been a fantastic daily driver! Relatively cheap, reliable and still so much fun to drive! Seriously handles like a champ 🙌🏼

[to_riffic]

Originally Posted by KevinC

My daily is a '19 Golf R. Does everything well. 6MT, 4 doors, AWD, plenty of power (288 hp), excellent fuel economy, hatchback versatility, on and on. For 2018/19, the factory b2b warranty was 6 yrs/72k miles - find a low-mileage '19 and you'll still have a ton of warranty left. Approaching 50k miles and has been dead-nuts reliable, the only warranty issue being a leaky oil pan seal, replaced under warranty.

Yeah I would have said Golf R in the mix as well. I had one and it was one of the rare cars that my wife liked as well. Just don't tune the R, the 6MT can't handle the extra torque is what I remember .

[Champ of America]

Originally Posted by to_riffic

Yeah I would have said Golf R in the mix as well. I had one and it was one of the rare cars that my wife liked as well. Just don't tune the R, the 6MT can't handle the extra torque is what I remember .

One of the big things that sold me on the Focus RS over the Golf R was the Drift Mode. With the CS being a drift weapon par excellence, if I were looking for a hot hatch again, the Golf R would be very tempting.

[to_riffic]

Originally Posted by Champ of America

One of the big things that sold me on the Focus RS over the Golf R was the Drift Mode. With the CS being a drift weapon par excellence, if I were looking for a hot hatch again, the Golf R would be very tempting.

Ah. That's a cool feature for sure. Can't go wrong with that! I know a buddy of mine and I were tempted on the RS as well back when it came out, but the ADM was so stupid we ended up with his and his Golf R's.

[Champ of America]

Originally Posted by to_riffic

Ah. That's a cool feature for sure. Can't go wrong with that! I know a buddy of mine and I were tempted on the RS as well back when it came out, but the ADM was so stupid we ended up with his and his Golf R's.

It was neat, but having a bunch more experience with drifting and proper driving technique now, there's really no substitute for RWD. ADM can fuck right off, you made the right call!

[E90076]

I’d find a CPO base Macan. Reliable…good value retention for the segment…and probably drives the best as well…

[E46M3forRay]

evo | civic type r | integra type s | GR corolla

all within the 40k range. Torque steer on a fwd like the civic type r is almost non existent and possibly very similar too when the integra type s is out. Those are going to be my top 4 if i ever decide to add another fun car and not be bored on a daily commute or something i'd pass on to my son to learn how to drive a stick and he's almost at that age now too. All it really need is a drop and a front lip.

[Champ of America]

Originally Posted by E46M3forRay

evo | civic type r | integra type s | GR corolla

all within the 40k range. Torque steer on a fwd like the civic type r is almost non existent and possibly very similar too when the integra type s is out. Those are going to be my top 4 if i ever decide to add another fun car and not be bored on a daily commute or something i'd pass on to my son to learn how to drive a stick and he's almost at that age now too. All it really need is a drop and a front lip.

Love the GR Corolla, great addition!

[to_riffic]

Originally Posted by Champ of America

Love the GR Corolla, great addition!

I've seen one in person and man does it come in a tidy package. Really like the overall size. It's too bad dealers make purchasing enthusiast cars dreadful

[EtotheD]

Originally Posted by Champ of America

2018 Focus RS
I miss my Focus RS, it's one of the best feeling manual transmissions I've ever experienced.

Originally Posted by OG Shark

I miss mine too - such a fun driver!

I daily my Focus RS. Love it!