Need ideas for a poor man's stable
 

As with many of you, I'm constantly looking for the next great car experience...wondering what mix of cars will provide enjoyment AND functionality. My wife and I just bought a new house which will reduce our commute times from 30-40 minutes down to 2-10, respectively (I get the 10 min commute).

I have a '11 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland for a daily and my wife has a '10 X5. This past spring we moved from a 997 C4S to a 991 cab. The 997 was really 'my car', while the 991 is turning out to be 'hers'. My dilemma is, with a reduction in commute time and the fact that I don't drive the 991 that much (I don't drive it to work because of the image), I'm wondering if there is a better alternative to the Jeep that would provide me as much fun as possible during the little I drive, yet can still be functional year round (we live in the snow belt). The other constraint is, with the new house, I don't want to put a penny into a new car...if I can't swap for the Jeep, it's a no go.

I've thought about a 964 or 993 C4 that I can put snows on. I've thought about a LR Defender. I've even considered a WRX. As you can tell, I'm all over the map so I wanted to get your thoughts on potential options that will provide fun, functionality, and can be (fairly) reliable.

Thoughts?

The 964 is good. Ever think about a classic Mercedes or an old 3rd generation RX-7?

I've never been a big fan of M-B (largely because I like to drive a manual). The RX-7 is a good thought...not sure how good it would be in the winter though.

How do you think the 964 would be with snows?

Thanks for the input. :D

Should be fine with the right tire. If you're like me, I would not want to sink to much cash in a drive to work machine so maybe opt for an all-season tire like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS? RX-7 would be fine with that too. Great car. Had one in Germany for a bit. Sounds like you are sold on the 964. Not bad at all.

Thanks for the recommendation. Definitely not sold on the 964 but it currently is on the short list. Whether it's the 964 or 993, I'm a bit worried about ongoing maintenance costs and reliability. I'm really open to ideas and I think the RX-7 is a good one. Thanks again.

Anyone other ideas out there?

How about an E46 M3, great car, and a snow set really goes a long way in the snow.

Another great thought. I owned an E46 M3 and loved it but never drove it in the winter. Great balance of functionality too. Thanks!

How about a used Audi RS4 or S4? Throw some winter tires on it and it's great year-round, a ton of fun, and flies under the radar.

My wife had an S4 (around 2007) and it was in the shop more than at our house. I do like the looks of the RS4 - I'm not sure what they're going for in price...do you think I could swap with the Jeep?

Audi has improved their reliability considerably. I have had a B7 RS4 for the last 5 years with few problems.

I'm not sure what your jeep is worth, so I can't say if it would be an even swap. I think it wouldn't be on an RS4, but could be on an S4.

Go for subaru impreza wrx or mini all4

+1 on the Mini all4, very well made car and as fun as it can get.
I am not impressed with Subaru thin sheet metal construction, this and the horrible turbo lag of the WRX ruins all the fun for me.

Got a B8 S4 myself and gave it the full APR treatment (probably ended up >420hp). I kept it only for a year but it did great on the snow and was stupid fast and understated at the same time. Did not have to go to the shop once (other than for upgrades :) )

Alternative -creative and affordable- option: a new Golf R ? Or other AWD turbo hatchbacks or sedans that are practical and can be easily tuned (thanks to the turbo) to become versatile toy cars...

infiniti G37x
+1 on E46

I have the same Jeep, Love it. We also have a VW GTI it's a BLAST to drive and with a set of snows it's almost as good as the Jeep in the snow.:eek: If you consider it make sure you check out one with DSG, very much like the PDK in my 991S :o