Ricracing

For your wife maybe the E61 or the new E70 would be the right choice

Hate to say but my girlfriend drives a VW Golf...

pinguhk

yes go for the golf gti 32

07530d

Just bought a Golf GTI 2.0 T FSI DSG (6.9 to 60!!) with 6K of extras, went a bit mad. Went well round bends and fast and suprisingly refined - no RFT's, but my E60 with 590NM of torque was much quicker when flooring it in any gear at any speed. Also was a relief getting back into mine, more comfort and space.

Thanks for all the advice. 911 next

Locksmythe

I was also considering a Golf for a second car. I sold my passat a couple days after getting the 550 since it didn't make sense to have 2 similar sized sedans. I was going to go for a non-GTI golf, but with the turbo engine.

Wallie_17

I just got the new 2007 GTI, its amazing, you wont be dissapointed, my dad has a 2004 545i and he loves to drive the GTI, I couldnt ask for a better car at my age (19 years old). I've heard really good reviews of the DSG gearbox, you cant shift any smoother than that!

esixty

We just purchased a 07 GTI as an extra car and I have to say that it is a very impressive piece of engineering for the $. We have a 07 550i and a 06 645i and find that we actually prefer the GTI for zipping around in city traffic.

The DSG gear box is as good as a non-clutch car can get. I have to admit that we are a little tough on the car...but keeping the revs high brings the little f*%#er to life. Taking off from a stand still seems a little wimpy but probably not fair to compare to the big sisters with V8s. The fit and finish is superior to anything else in its class.

I am 6'3 and 200lbs and find the seating overall ergonomics very good. The narrow seat and back with big bolsters are great around town but a literal pain in the ass for trips longer than 1/2 an hour. The big cheese grater wheels and rubber band tires where just too hard and jarring so we went with the standard wheel/tires which work fine with the tight suspension.

The car is good enough that it will probably take a long term position in our driveway. As much as we have enjoyed the 645i the price is very difficult to justify next to GTI. The 645i will be replaced with an E62 or E90 touring assuming that it will become available with the terrific twin turbo that is now offered in the 335i.

I am a devoted BMW guy and probably always will be. I wish BMW of NA would realize that a lot of thier $60,000+ car owners keep a second (or 4th) car around for situations that don?t justify a big$ car. The MINI is too mini for me. I would buy a 120d five door in lieu of the Vdub in second if I could.

BTW, for FL folks?we purchased the GTI from Gunther VW in Ft. Lauderdale and had a very nice dealer experience with them. They took equally good care of a (totally non-car-guy) friend of ours with his Rabbit purchase a few weeks later. Nice guys, no BS.

I hope this helps, let me know what you decide to do...I am curious to see of you come the same conclusion.

baadaaboo

I tested Golf GTI DSG and Audi A3 DSG before I buy my E60. Both cars are sweet, fun and fast. The DSG is almost perfect! I cannnot find any complaint. You need a FWD to learn how to appreciate your RWD E60. =)