GTI is now almost 9 years old. It's doing fine but I'm getting an itch to replace it. Today I had some time on my hands so I drove an M2, a used 340xi and an X3 M40i (for shits and gigs).
M2:
+: That thing is fun. Handled like a gokart, made the right noises, quick as hell, very responsive. I really liked it to the point where I'd consider going for one despite it's shortcomings
-: coupe, low ground clearance, flashy, could.get annoying to DD, expensive, I want one too badly
340xi
+: Fast, practical, found used easily and for reasonable prices
-: Boring, not much fun to drive, felt like a really fast Honda Accord with a better sounding motor. This ain't ye olde 3er.
X3 was driven for shits and gigs but I gotta say that thing was impressive. It was honestly a lot of fun even though it felt its size. That motor is an absolute gem and the car can hold its own hustling through a back road. I wouldn't consider one as it's just too big and too expensive, but I was impressed. I only tried it after the BMW dealer prodded me.
Also on the list:
4Runner:
+: Just ask ISIS. The durability and all weather capability are huge in my book.
-: Not exactly a fun daily driver in the same vain as the GTI or an M2, gas guzzler, big but I'd get over it
WRX STI:
+: 4 door, AWD, Handles like it's on rails,
-: crude, lack of refinement could get old even if I think it would be fine.
I'm starting residency next July and prob gonna be moving in with my girlfriend (who has an RDX). If everything works out like we want it to, my commute would be like 45m each way. Also no such thing as a snow day and we'd be ideally in the New England area so all weather capability is huge.
This is all tentative of course. Keeping the GTI another 9 years is also a very very strong option
