Been a while since I've posted one of these.
I won't change age categories until next year, thank goodness.
SNAILS - Different question... Ok - wife realizes I loathe the minivan - driven it twice since I took my son's car as a backup - and "Lola" can't be my only DD runner, we have two kids, with overlapping pickup and carpool issues.
I want 1 car at home to have the ability to carry 8' 2x4 studs or similar, but infrequently. My wonderful and far better half has a Subaru Outback she loves, we should be good on my requirement. The other, non-Subaru car has to be able to take 4 people for a 500 mile road-trip comfortably. With...Outside chance of 5 people.... The fifth being my 89 year old mother in law joining my over 6' son and nearly 6' daughter in the back. The need for legroom in the back is real.
I am considering a 2001-2003 M5 or maybe an M3 of some era. I wondered about a WRX Sti - not sure on space in back and occasional cargo. I had been looking at a Mazda speed 3 (with Turbo) for cargo, but when I found the cargo worked in my wife's car, I was happy to consider other ideas!
Unsurprisingly...My 'second agenda' is to have a backup DE or Autocross car. I will sell or trade my 2007 Odyssey, but I don't want to go hog wild - I need to leave "Lola" some allowance for new dancing shoes, etc. I am good with RWD as I do not need to commute in snow.
Given the limits above...What would you recommend for... $20,000 or so? DE Capable, 4/5 passenger, 4 door?