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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions If the G20 wasn't available, what vehicle would you get? Need recommendations!

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      02-02-2020, 10:28 PM   #23
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Wrangler. Lots of fun. Great in snow. Awesome in the summer. Easy to live with. Addicting. really nice second car.
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      02-02-2020, 11:14 PM   #24
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Not sure about lease cost but A5 Sportback.
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      02-03-2020, 02:03 AM   #25
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Model 3 SR+. Handles better than G20, has light steering as an available setting, hits 60 in less than 7 sec (ahem), EPA 140mpge. Fits comfortably under $500/mo and also saves you a good bit of money every time you drive it due to lower energy cost per mile.
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      02-03-2020, 06:49 AM   #26
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1 and 2 series were never an option...

Probably X3 40iM

Was looking for the RS3 (limo) but that was kind of small...
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      02-03-2020, 09:12 AM   #27
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Mazda 3 hatch, golf, Mazda CX-5 all good vehicles. Also the new 2series Grandcoupe is coming out this year. Compact SAV/SUV like X1?
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      02-03-2020, 12:58 PM   #28
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Mazda3 hatch, my wife has one bought new in 2014. Top trims have all the luxury features you could want, excellent handler even before I put summer tires on it.

Has enough cargo space for our three year old's needs and the occasional Costco run. Not the most power but fast enough to work with especially if you use the paddles. Bonus, Mazda's auto in manual mode shifts forward for downshifts and back for upshifts just like our cars, very easy to switch between.

Ours has been totally reliable and a great looker. I'd also consider the top trims of the CX5 for the turbo, that or a G01 X3 is in the running for her next one. Good luck with your decision!

Last edited by -EndOfAnEra-; 02-03-2020 at 01:05 PM.. Reason: Wall of text
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      02-03-2020, 01:15 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StickForLife View Post
Mazda3 hatch, my wife has one bought new in 2014. Top trims have all the luxury features you could want, excellent handler even before I put summer tires on it.

Has enough cargo space for our three year old's needs and the occasional Costco run. Not the most power but fast enough to work with especially if you use the paddles. Bonus, Mazda's auto in manual mode shifts forward for downshifts and back for upshifts just like our cars, very easy to switch between.

Ours has been totally reliable and a great looker. I'd also consider the top trims of the CX5 for the turbo, that or a G01 X3 is in the running for her next one. Good luck with your decision!
I think the Mazda 3 hatch might be a serious contender for us. The only concern i have is rear visibility . Reviewers point out that it's awful. Any complaints ?
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      02-03-2020, 01:15 PM   #30
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C43 or X3
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      02-03-2020, 01:51 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpinewhite3 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by StickForLife View Post
Mazda3 hatch, my wife has one bought new in 2014. Top trims have all the luxury features you could want, excellent handler even before I put summer tires on it.

Has enough cargo space for our three year old's needs and the occasional Costco run. Not the most power but fast enough to work with especially if you use the paddles. Bonus, Mazda's auto in manual mode shifts forward for downshifts and back for upshifts just like our cars, very easy to switch between.

Ours has been totally reliable and a great looker. I'd also consider the top trims of the CX5 for the turbo, that or a G01 X3 is in the running for her next one. Good luck with your decision!
I think the Mazda 3 hatch might be a serious contender for us. The only concern i have is rear visibility . Reviewers point out that it's awful. Any complaints ?
I've sat in the new one. The Mazda 3 is essentially the Camaro of its class when it comes to visibility, although I wouldn't say its a deal-breaker. As long as your mirrors are properly set and you're a good driver, its perfectly live-able and still decent enough, but again, that's something you'd have to test yourself. If the new 3's visibility is a deal-breaker, look at the new CX-30, which is essentially a lifted Mazda3 hatch turned into a crossover. Same interior, engine, design elements, etc.

Also, the interior of the new 3 and CX-30 is amazing for its price and what it competes with, so many nice touched and premium feeling materials. For a basic everyday commuter car its hard to find one as nice as the Mazda3 or CX-30.
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      02-03-2020, 03:01 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
I've sat in the new one. The Mazda 3 is essentially the Camaro of its class when it comes to visibility, although I wouldn't say its a deal-breaker. As long as your mirrors are properly set and you're a good driver, its perfectly live-able and still decent enough, but again, that's something you'd have to test yourself. If the new 3's visibility is a deal-breaker, look at the new CX-30, which is essentially a lifted Mazda3 hatch turned into a crossover. Same interior, engine, design elements, etc.

Also, the interior of the new 3 and CX-30 is amazing for its price and what it competes with, so many nice touched and premium feeling materials. For a basic everyday commuter car its hard to find one as nice as the Mazda3 or CX-30.
Yeah I absolutely agree. On paper it looks like such a solid choice. Attractive inside and out-the preferred at 27,500 gives you heads up display, leather, 18 in wheels, LED lights and so much more.

And that red leather interior is stunning. Can prob lease it for well under 400.

My wife may not care but I have read that they dumbed down the steering a bit for 2019 and increased the steering ratio. I've never driven one so I'm not sure what that equates to. Anyone driven the new Mazda 3 that can offer some feedback?
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      02-03-2020, 04:30 PM   #33
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Originally Posted by Transfer View Post
Not sure about lease cost but A5 Sportback.
+1 on the A5 Sportback

They look sharp, less than 185 in length, quicker to 60 than 7 seconds, over 30 MPG on the highway and an automatic per the OP's requirements.

The only issue, like Transfer said, is the lease rate.
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      02-03-2020, 04:45 PM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zipstic View Post
+1 on the A5 Sportback

They look sharp, less than 185 in length, quicker to 60 than 7 seconds, over 30 MPG on the highway and an automatic per the OP's requirements.

The only issue, like Transfer said, is the lease rate.
I’d third that. Did some reading on leasehackr and saw that the A5 leases better than the A4. Definitely a very good car.
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      02-03-2020, 06:56 PM   #35
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Originally Posted by VipinLJ View Post
I’d third that. Did some reading on leasehackr and saw that the A5 leases better than the A4. Definitely a very good car.
The A5 is probably too long and doesn't have "solidly tight handling".
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      02-03-2020, 06:58 PM   #36
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Nobody like the Wrangler suggestion?
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      02-03-2020, 07:30 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by VipinLJ View Post
I’d third that. Did some reading on leasehackr and saw that the A5 leases better than the A4. Definitely a very good car.
The A5 is probably too long and doesn't have "solidly tight handling".
Well he's considering FWD cars like the GTI, Mazda 3/CX-5, etc so the Audi would probably fit in well.
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      02-03-2020, 08:08 PM   #38
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      02-03-2020, 08:09 PM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
The A5 is probably too long and doesn't have "solidly tight handling".
I agree. It might not handle solidly tight. But it’s still not too bad. I had the B9 A4 on 034motorsports lowering springs and a front strut brace and it handled so much better. Inexpensive mods that were definitely worth it IMHO. Still maintained the ride quality too.
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      02-04-2020, 01:13 AM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpinewhite3 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
Why not just get another 330i? Is it because she prefers lighter steering?
That and we don't want to get the same exact vehicle...maybe something with a bit more utility.(like a hatch)

She also thinks the 330i is a bit too firm and feels too big. She liked our F30 much better. See, BMW is sacrificing their customer base for us all.

May just end up going with the X1 even though it's hideous. Calling it an SUV is a stretch. I see a bunch on swapalease for under 400.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
Why not just get another 330i? Is it because she prefers lighter steering?
That and we don't want to get the same exact vehicle...maybe something with a bit more utility.(like a hatch)

She also thinks the 330i is a bit too firm and feels too big. She liked our F30 much better. See, BMW is sacrificing their customer base for us all.

May just end up going with the X1 even though it's hideous. Calling it an SUV is a stretch. I see a bunch on swapalease for under 400.
So get an F30 last build low mileage. You will save big money and she says she likes the F30. Happy wife, happy life.
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      02-07-2020, 12:26 AM   #41
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Any other requirements? How far does she commute? I’d highly recommend havingone EV in the household to see if it fits. My wife has a G20 330i and she loves it. I have a Chevy Bolt and she has fun driving that too. It’s not perfect but there are a lot of good things about it.
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      02-07-2020, 12:47 AM   #42
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X3 M40i was a very close second place for me
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      02-09-2020, 10:36 AM   #43
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x3 m40i handled like a boat! but x3m and x4m handles like an m340i
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      02-12-2020, 10:29 AM   #44
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Thank you for all your helpful suggestions & advice. Narrowed it down to the Golf GTI, Mazda 3 hatcback vs Mini cooper S 4 door. (in that order)

Any current/prior owners of these vehicles have any opinions? The GTI is such a fun daily driver...dare I say-even more enjoyable than my 330i. Doesn't lease that well but may just finance it.

Also, honest opinion here after 10,000 miles and don't crucify me but..as much as i love the 330i...the more cars i test drive...the less satisfying i find the steering. BMW just can't figure out EPS for some reason. Don't get me wrong- the chassis/suspension, etc. is on another level compared to the competition...but god damn, why can't they just give us a non twitchy/super smooth/linear/well weighted steering?
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