Since we're on a subject of buying new cars...

[Kompresshun]

The Pathfinder is beginning to show it's age and it's getting on up there in mileage too, so i'm beginning to shop for a new daily driver to likely replace the G35. I would rather keep my Pathfinder, because it's been nothing but reliable since day one and I couldn't imagine getting rid of it. Fuel economy isn't a huge concern, but 20ish on the highway would be nice. I'm just tired of daily driving it since it only goes about 225 miles between fill ups. I'm planning somewhere in the $25k-45k range, so I don't think i'll be too slim on choices.

Criteria is pretty simple - horsepower, 4 seats, and RWD but AWD is acceptable under certain circumstances. I can make a coupe work if it's not smaller than the G35, but i'm likely going to go for something with 4 doors unless something really awesome comes a long. We're done having kids, so I don't have to worry about needing more than 4 seats if I do find something though.

So far here's my top contenders:

1) 2017 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack 392



Yes, I know it's heavy and yes I know it's flaws. I don't care. Now that we have that out of the way - it meets pretty much all of my criteria with ease. Plenty of room, I think it looks pretty good, plenty of power(485hp), and the price is right. Oh yeah - I also get a MASSIVE discount on anything Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep because I work for Case and they are all owned by FCA. Only downside is it's a Dodge and you can only get it in an automatic. Neither of which are major deal breakers since i'm buying new.

2) Used(2009-2011 or so) Jaguar XF Supercharged



I've always been interested in owning a Jag and I like the looks of them a lot. I've never owned one and have barely even driven them, so i'm fairly unfamiliar with them. From what i've been reading though, reliability isn't really that bad and they're priced really well.

3) 2017 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 392



Obviously this is pretty much the same reasoning as the Charger. Cons are it's a little more cramped since it's a coupe and yes I know it's fat and I don't care. I really like the overall look of the Challenger better, but the lack of rear doors makes me wonder if it would grow old after a while with the kiddos. The Challenger is also available with a man pedal though, so that's another plus to it. Pricing is pretty similar to the Charger and power is the same, so if it came down between the two of them it would really only be a matter of do I want to live with a coupe or not.

4) Used Audi S5(4.2L V8 models)



Man I love how these cars look... something about them just makes me drool over them and i'm not sure why. I like the fact that it's a larger coupe with big doors, so it would be fairly easy access to the back seats and you can get it with a V8, 6spd manual, and AWD. Drawbacks are though that it's not really that powerful compared to everything else i'm looking at and it's an Audi... I'm not sure that it would be the best choice for something i'm going to rely on every single day as the maintenance looks like a nightmare on them even though it has improved some over what it once was.

5) 2017 Subaru WRX STI



Probably the most conservative out of what i'm looking at. I've heard they're pretty cramped, but I think it would be a fun daily that would be pretty reliable. The pricing is right on them and lots of upgrade potential, but still nowhere near the other vehicles listed.

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So that's the main vehicles i'm considering at the moment. I've looked at Mustangs and Camaro's and neither of those would work for me at all and I honestly was just very unimpressed with them overall. I've considered the 2nd Gen Cadillac CTS-V, but i'm just not a huge fan of the car aside from in it's wagon form and i'm not really sure it would be a good choice for something I daily drive. I'm really not interested in anything Nissan or Infiniti this time either. BMW's do sort of interest me, but i'd only want an M series car so i'd have to hear more about them first before considering one.

Anything i'm leaving out? As you can see, a 4 door muscle or luxury sedan seems to be the theme here. I'd entertain other ideas though as i'm sure i'm forgetting about plenty of vehicles.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I kind of agree about the CTS-V. I'm a big CTS fan, but for some reason the 2nd gen V just doesn't appeal to me the same way the first-gen did. For one thing, the styling is WAY overdone versus the non-V. The wagon changes that, and as I'm a big wagon guy the idea of a RWD manual V8 wagon with 500+hp is about as perfect as a car can get. But I miss the subtle-outside, monster-inside of the 1st gen. Fortunately the third gen has swung back in the right direction (though it has dropped the manual option, which is stupid--and I wouldn't be surprised if GM started offering a manual after a year or two like they always seem to do).

You know how I feel about the Challenger. I don't dislike the car, I just think Chrysler got lazy and stopped at about 6 10ths effort before deciding that was good enough. It was probably the right business move to get a pony car with appealing styling out there and start making money, but more time to build a new platform and not have it weigh 4000+lb would have been better in the long run. That's why I'm excited for the Barracuda. Except I'm not, because FCA is falling apart and I don't expect them to build anything worth actually owning.

The Charger's a little different story: at least it has the excuse of being a full size sedan that can comfortably seat 4 adults. But again, being within an inch of my LS8 but weighing AT LEAST 400lb more is silly. It's just like the Taurus SHO: yes, it makes lots of power. It still doesn't need to be a fat pig and I still won't ignore the fact that being a fat pig is bad. But the Charger puts its power to the right end and has actual interior space, so it's not QUITE fair to group it in with the SHO.

The XF is one of my very favorites, and an XFR is still on my potential list for replacing the LS8. That platform is so spectacular, but it's so underappreaciated. EVERYONE I know who has driven one has had the same reaction: "I've heard good things but didn't realize it was THIS GOOD." It's so neutral, so well-balanced, blends handling and comfort so much better than any other chassis in my experience. It does EVERYTHING well. It's not a compromise. You don't have to jar your passengers to get feedback, but you don't have to sacrifice engagement to get comfort.
It gained a little weight with the XF (an S-type topped out at about 3700 but 1st gen XFs close in on 4,100--still less than the Challenger!) but didn't lose any of its dynamic strengths.
I'm also a big fan of the styling, tail lights excepted.
And I'm a huge fan of the AJ V8, the noises it makes, its torque curve, and its eagerness to rev.
The XF could be had with an electronic LSD which takes that superb chassis and its 50:50 balance and adds even more control.
The car is really just telepathic. It's SO easy to drive hard, because it's engineered to be good instead of using tech to make a mediocre car fast like so many others these days.

I love the S5, too. Of course, I'm of the mindset that you don't buy S model Audis. You either only need an A5, or you need an RS5. Same with the RS7.
The car is GORGEOUS, one of my favorite designs ever. That roofline... Not many manufacturers can pull off a 2+2 coupe with a rear deck, but Audi did it and made it look incredible.
I am not a fan of Audi's AWD-only powertrain choices, but they're one of two brands (Subaru being the other) who do AWD well enough for me to consider putting up with it, depending on the car.
Audi's 4.2 is a great engine dynamically. I have no idea about reliability. It sounds great, is happy ALL OVER the tach, and makes lots of torque. It's just too bad Audi didn't offer boost on the RS5, because it's EXACTLY what that little DOHC V8 needed to be even more amazing.

What the Hell is the Impreza doing in a list with all those real cars?

[Bubba1]

I've driven pretty much all the models on your list (though not 2017's) and I'd advise against buying all but one. I also thought you just got that G35. I figured that would be a great DD.

Those lower model Chargers/Challengers are certainly big and have some straight line giddyap-and-go, but that's about it. they also have subpar reliability, meh build quality, and poor depreciation. Sorry, they have a loyal following but are not that impressive. The more expensive SRT-8's & Hellcats are the ones that handle/stop well. I'd suggest leasing a lower model, but not buying one. The exception would be a Hellcat, a special car, though is probably more than you want to spend. But if you get a big discount....hmmm. If your mind is set on buying a Mopaah and are willing to accept 'em for what they are, perhaps seeking out a clean Magnum SRT-8 wagon might be fun. Those are kinda cool.

Audi A5/S5. Great driving, sexy looking, luxurious, comfortable, fast, agile, great bad weather car but very painful to own if something goes sproing post warranty. You'll find the engineering is impressive, but it's not designed with repairs in mind. A headache if you plan wrenching yourself. I'd lease a new one without hesitation, but I'd be very cautious about buying a used one and keeping it after the warranty expires. It's a good car to own if you have deep pockets plus a spare car available. fwiw, I sat in the upcoming 2018 S5, even nicer.

the CTS-V's prowess can be intoxicating, but it'll feel a full notch down in quality from the Audi, but an expensive car to own as a DD, the ATS-V has reliability issues. You might look at the Chevy SS instead, average reliability and a powerful Rwd sleeper. Front seats are comfortable, rear seats not very, especially on long trips.

I'm sure you can find a Jeeaaaaag pretty cheaply as it has one of the worst depreciation rates in the industry. Problem is, that depreciation doesn't slow down so expect to take in the arse when you sell it. It is a very nice car to drive, gobs of luxury, handles well, though you feel the weight, and reliability on the newest ones have improved a bit, but it's still one of the least reliable cars you can buy. It's also better as a lease candidate. Best to return it before the problems start multiplying.

The Subie is the most modest on your list and is the only one of the group I'd recommend outright buying. You can also check out a Forester, as it's roomier. The Sti has some additional oomph. Quite fun on track too. Any of the 3 are good all-season DD's.

As far as other vehicles to consider, you might check out the Mazda 6 sport. Nice car, although wrong wheel drive, it does everything well, has some zip, is reliable, and is invisible. Very stealthy

The new Kia Stinger also has some potential, big, roomy, nice looking, Rwd or Awd, and it might be in your price range. I've only seen one, not been in one yet. looks promising. You could be the first in your neighborhood with one.

Enjoy

[Kompresshun]

What the Hell is the Impreza doing in a list with all those real cars?

Oh it's definitely out of place, but there is a lot I like about it too. It's an outstanding bargain for what you get from it.

I also thought you just got that G35. I figured that would be a great DD.

The G35 was an even swap with that '03 Altima I had for a couple of months and it was too good of a deal to turn down. It was treated pretty bad before I got it though, so it has had to have a lot of love. It drive pretty nice though, is fairly comfortable, and definitely gets a lot better fuel economy than the Pathy does. It's also got 171k miles on it though and i'm a little hesitant to trust it as my daily if I start racking up the miles on it. I'm gonna give it a good run though once it warms up again and see how it does. I hate to part with it, because I do like it a lot but i'm also the least attached to it out of everything I currently own.

It's funny that you mention the Mazda 6 because I think it's an outstanding bargain. I just know it won't give me the warm fuzzy feeling a muscle car will though, but i've considered just picking up a Mazda 6 as a daily and sticking with what I already have. I'm just not sure if I want 4 cars sitting in the driveway or not. It's a great looking car though and it's fairly easy to find with a man pedal too, so it would be a fun car to commute in that looks way more expensive than it is.

I'm also very intrigued by the Kia Stinger. I have nothing but time, so I definitely would like to take a hard look at one before I purchase anything. Kia/Hyundai are constantly moving forward and they are making some really awesome cars. When I saw the Stinger GT concept a year or two ago I didn't think they'd ever make anything close to it - man was I wrong...

[Desert Rat]

I'd avoid Audi like the plague.

I really like the Chargers and I like how they drive, but it's an FCA product and it's going to have glitches.

Have you considered a Hyundai Genesis or similar? Might be at the top end of your price range, but seems to fit your criteria quite well. Avialable V8 power, RWD....lots to like aside from somewhat boring styling.

There's a lot of crossovers that could be a decent fit too, but most are FWD.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I was going to suggest the SS as well.
Can be had with a man pedal too. I thought both front and back seats were comfy, although I didn't spend much time in back.

[float_6969]

If something happens to the Mazdaspeed Protégé, the Chevy SS w/a manual is at the top of my list.

[Kompresshun]

The Chevy SS is definitely the bargain of the year right now, but i'm not a big fan of it. I haven't driven one, so I likely could be persuaded. I would rather buy a used CTS-V because it's a way better looking car.

I drove a few smaller cars this past weekend and the new VW Golf GTI 6MT really impressed the hell out of me. A lot more than I would have expected honestly. It was a hoot to drive around and I felt very happy in it. There honestly wasn't much I found myself not liking about it. It would be a lot smaller than I was considering, but it was plenty of room for a good daily driver. I also learned that by just simply having a certified dealer reflash the ECU with the APR Stage 1 tune that you gain almost 100hp out of it for very little money. It's definitely a very tempting option at $26k well optioned and for very little extra on top of that you can have a 300+hp hatchback.

I also drove the new Sentra SR Turbo 6MT as well and that was the polar opposite. What a boring and bland car - which is typical Nissan these days sadly. It drove well and wasn't a bad looking car, but as soon as I hopped in a Ford Focus ST for a test drive I quickly forgot about it and lost all interest in ever looking at it gain. I had high hopes for the car sadly, but it definitely is nowhere near what the Sentra SE-R was.

I've been daily driving the G35 for the past two weeks though and I finally think i've gotten it sorted out enough to daily drive it for a while. I'm going to drive the hell out of it for the next couple of months while i'm paying off a few things and deciding what I really want to do. I'm leaning toward keeping the G35, but i'm still struggling with wanting to let go of the Pathfinder. I don't need either car honestly, but getting rid of the Pathfinder feels like putting down the family dog for no good reason

[PapaSmurf2k3]

The G is stick, right?
If you let it go, how much do you want for it?

[Kompresshun]

The G is stick, right?
If you let it go, how much do you want for it?

No. It's an auto sadly.

I'll shoot you a message about it.