GTD or GTI or MX-5

[2002 Maxima SE]

Hi All,

I'd like to trade in my daily driver for something more fun...with better MPG. My daily is a 2002 Maxima SE...very nice car and great build quality. My BITOG roots kick in every time I start looking to trade and tell me that there is nothing wrong with the car, it has low miles (80k) and I should just snap out of it. With this attitude, I'll never get a new car.

I've narrowed my choices down to 4 cars:

Polo GTI
Golf GTI
Golf GTD
Mazda MX-5

All would be fun to drive. The GTD would no doubt yield the best MPG and the MX-5 would be great for our warm weather. This is a commuter car, we have a Taurus wagon and Forester XT for family duty.

Thoughts?

 

[UNC197]

If you already have 2 wagons, then go with the roadster! +RWD +Manual gearbox

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: 2002 Maxima SE

I've narrowed my choices down to 4 cars:

Polo GTI
Golf GTI
Golf GTD
Mazda MX-5

When are you looking to purchase? Polo isn't available yet in the US.

And by Golf GTD, do you mean TDI?

Golf GTI is a sweet car... if I could justify selling my 530i, that'd be the car I'd get as it's not only fun but also very practical. But if you don't care about the practical aspects (since you have other vehicles for that), then MX-5 would probably be even more fun.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: 2002 Maxima SE

I've narrowed my choices down to 4 cars:

Polo GTI
Golf GTI
Golf GTD
Mazda MX-5

When are you looking to purchase? Polo isn't available yet in the US.

And by Golf GTD, do you mean TDI?

Golf GTI is a sweet car... if I could justify selling my 530i, that'd be the car I'd get as it's not only fun but also very practical. But if you don't care about the practical aspects (since you have other vehicles for that), then MX-5 would probably be even more fun.



I've got time to wait on the purchase.

The GTD is the GTI with a diesel engine (rumored to be coming to the US). So, you get the GTI suspension with a turbo diesel engine.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Originally Posted By: CharlieJ
If you already have 2 wagons, then go with the roadster! +RWD +Manual gearbox


I like the way you think!

 

[d00df00d]

The Mazda gets my vote. Current VWs have great driving dynamics but are just too kischy and gimmicky for my taste.

 

[andrewg]

Current generation MX5 is extremely enjoyable to drive. If possible, get the six speed manual. You will NEVER regret getting one. It takes a lot to thrill me......but this car made me smile every single time I drove it.

 

[IndyIan]

+1 Even an older one will be good fun to go for a rip in. How far are you from the mountains? A brisk drive through deals gap in a mx-5 is the most fun you'll have on a public road.

 

[addyguy]

2002 Maxima with only 80k?

Keep it!

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
2002 Maxima with only 80k?

Keep it!

If he's even asking about switching to a smaller and more exciting car, I can guarantee you he'll be happy he ditched the Maxima.