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  • Thread starter zer05ive
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Have you tried to play with the Pan modes to add a bit of movement to your pix? You can get really good effects with Pan 2 and Pan 3 and lowering the shutter speed.
Not really Wolf, but I will certainly give that a try next time around.
 
Attention all car loving Snails. I'm looking for some advice / feedback / suggestions. Sorry it's kind of a long post.

Here is my situation. As many of you know, I own a 2003 Nissan 350z. I love the car a lot and it's great to drive in the summerish months (Mid March - Late October). The other months of the year and during the summer sometimes I drive my other car, a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country. It's good for transportimg people, stuff, etc but not much fun for driving. Only positives are heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start :)

I talked with the wife and she gave me the go ahead to look for something else, with one caveat. The new car will replace both the van and the 350z so I could drive it year round. I figure I can sell the 350z in the $5k range, with just a couple thousand of equity in the van to get one car I will enjoy. As an aside, my wife drives a 2008 Pontiac Vibe which our oldest son will inherit later this year as he turns 16 in July. She'll be getting a new car as well (leaning towards a Subaru Impreza hatchback or Mazda 3 hatchback).

Max price:
$30,000 (before cash from 350z and van trade in)

Uses:
Autocross
Rare track day
Daily driving - I'm not afraid of a stiff ride (insert childish comment here)

Requirements:
Manual
4 seats
Fun to drive

Preferences:
Rear wheel drive
Newer (2012-)

Absolutely not:
Convertible

Cars I'm considering, in no particular order:
Scion FR-S - But not the BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Infiniti G37 Coupe - Similar to 370z, but weighs nearly 2 ton.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
Chevrolet Camaro - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
BMW 3 series - Not sure I want to be a BMW owner
Mini Cooper S JCW - Too small?


Cars I'm not considering:
Ford Focus RS - Price
Volkswagen Golf R - Price
Subaru WRX/STi - I'm not completed against these, but they aren't on my short list
Mazda RX-8 - Not big on the rotary and wouldn't want one pre-2010. 2012 is last year.


I'm looking for feedback, both personal and observatory in nature. Please be specific if you can to your pro's and con's. Thanks!
 
Attention all car loving Snails. I'm looking for some advice / feedback / suggestions. Sorry it's kind of a long post.

Here is my situation. As many of you know, I own a 2003 Nissan 350z. I love the car a lot and it's great to drive in the summerish months (Mid March - Late October). The other months of the year and during the summer sometimes I drive my other car, a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country. It's good for transportimg people, stuff, etc but not much fun for driving. Only positives are heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start :)

I talked with the wife and she gave me the go ahead to look for something else, with one caveat. The new car will replace both the van and the 350z so I could drive it year round. I figure I can sell the 350z in the $5k range, with just a couple thousand of equity in the van to get one car I will enjoy. As an aside, my wife drives a 2008 Pontiac Vibe which our oldest son will inherit later this year as he turns 16 in July. She'll be getting a new car as well (leaning towards a Subaru Impreza hatchback or Mazda 3 hatchback).

Max price:
$30,000 (before cash from 350z and van trade in)

Uses:
Autocross
Rare track day
Daily driving - I'm not afraid of a stiff ride (insert childish comment here)

Requirements:
Manual
4 seats
Fun to drive

Preferences:
Rear wheel drive
Newer (2012-)

Absolutely not:
Convertible

Cars I'm considering, in no particular order:
Scion FR-S - But not the BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Infiniti G37 Coupe - Similar to 370z, but weighs nearly 2 ton.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
Chevrolet Camaro - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
BMW 3 series - Not sure I want to be a BMW owner
Mini Cooper S JCW - Too small?


Cars I'm not considering:
Ford Focus RS - Price
Volkswagen Golf R - Price
Subaru WRX/STi - I'm not completed against these, but they aren't on my short list
Mazda RX-8 - Not big on the rotary and wouldn't want one pre-2010. 2012 is last year.


I'm looking for feedback, both personal and observatory in nature. Please be specific if you can to your pro's and con's. Thanks!

I have never been much of an American car fan.. but last year I drove for a whole week a 2015 Dodge Charger SXT and was very surprised how fast, stable, comfy and economical is. Almost bought one.

Test Drive one. You can get very low mileage ones for relatively cheap.

from your list.. The Genesis is a sweet car. I also test drove a new GTI and fell short of expectations (coming from a 2002 Audi owner) I was expecting a bit more for 30K.
 
Attention all car loving Snails. I'm looking for some advice / feedback / suggestions. Sorry it's kind of a long post.

Here is my situation. As many of you know, I own a 2003 Nissan 350z. I love the car a lot and it's great to drive in the summerish months (Mid March - Late October). The other months of the year and during the summer sometimes I drive my other car, a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country. It's good for transportimg people, stuff, etc but not much fun for driving. Only positives are heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start :)

I talked with the wife and she gave me the go ahead to look for something else, with one caveat. The new car will replace both the van and the 350z so I could drive it year round. I figure I can sell the 350z in the $5k range, with just a couple thousand of equity in the van to get one car I will enjoy. As an aside, my wife drives a 2008 Pontiac Vibe which our oldest son will inherit later this year as he turns 16 in July. She'll be getting a new car as well (leaning towards a Subaru Impreza hatchback or Mazda 3 hatchback).

Max price:
$30,000 (before cash from 350z and van trade in)

Uses:
Autocross
Rare track day
Daily driving - I'm not afraid of a stiff ride (insert childish comment here)

Requirements:
Manual
4 seats
Fun to drive

Preferences:
Rear wheel drive
Newer (2012-)

Absolutely not:
Convertible

Cars I'm considering, in no particular order:
Scion FR-S - But not the BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Infiniti G37 Coupe - Similar to 370z, but weighs nearly 2 ton.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
Chevrolet Camaro - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
BMW 3 series - Not sure I want to be a BMW owner
Mini Cooper S JCW - Too small?


Cars I'm not considering:
Ford Focus RS - Price
Volkswagen Golf R - Price
Subaru WRX/STi - I'm not completed against these, but they aren't on my short list
Mazda RX-8 - Not big on the rotary and wouldn't want one pre-2010. 2012 is last year.


I'm looking for feedback, both personal and observatory in nature. Please be specific if you can to your pro's and con's. Thanks!
The new mustang and camaro are ugly
The mini doesn't really scream "take me out to the track"
Bmw's are for posers and hippies although they are perty and handle well (according to top gear)
The velosters got an ugly face and it's a Hyundai

Love the scion, the look of it screams racer, same with the genesis (except it's a hyundai) and they are easy to mod.
 
The new mustang and camaro are ugly
The mini doesn't really scream "take me out to the track"
Bmw's are for posers and hippies although they are perty and handle well (according to top gear)
The velosters got an ugly face and it's a Hyundai

Love the scion, the look of it screams racer, same with the genesis (except it's a hyundai) and they are easy to mod.

It's scary how much I agree with this post. In defense of the Mini, it has 228 HP, 236 TQ at 2800 lbs.


@CoachMK21 ...may not help with your decision but in local news a guy got pulled over last night doing 128mph in a 55mph zone on one of our local highways. Under the laws of Ontario he got fined $10,000 and lost his car for a week. He was driving a Genesis Coupe....

The Genesis is a nice looking car and fast. I'm definitely considering it, even though it's a Hyundai. If I did get one, I'd have to remove the 152 mph max governor :)
 
It's scary how much I agree with this post. In defense of the Mini, it has 228 HP, 236 TQ at 2800 lbs.:)

I know but it's still a mini. Maybe if it were a classic mini or a limited edition by James Hunt. But you require a 4 seater and since you have an almost 16 year old son I think their may be an issue with leg room. :)
 
Attention all car loving Snails. I'm looking for some advice / feedback / suggestions. Sorry it's kind of a long post.

Here is my situation. As many of you know, I own a 2003 Nissan 350z. I love the car a lot and it's great to drive in the summerish months (Mid March - Late October). The other months of the year and during the summer sometimes I drive my other car, a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country. It's good for transportimg people, stuff, etc but not much fun for driving. Only positives are heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start :)

I talked with the wife and she gave me the go ahead to look for something else, with one caveat. The new car will replace both the van and the 350z so I could drive it year round. I figure I can sell the 350z in the $5k range, with just a couple thousand of equity in the van to get one car I will enjoy. As an aside, my wife drives a 2008 Pontiac Vibe which our oldest son will inherit later this year as he turns 16 in July. She'll be getting a new car as well (leaning towards a Subaru Impreza hatchback or Mazda 3 hatchback).

Max price:
$30,000 (before cash from 350z and van trade in)

Uses:
Autocross
Rare track day
Daily driving - I'm not afraid of a stiff ride (insert childish comment here)

Requirements:
Manual
4 seats
Fun to drive

Preferences:
Rear wheel drive
Newer (2012-)

Absolutely not:
Convertible

Cars I'm considering, in no particular order:
Scion FR-S - But not the BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Infiniti G37 Coupe - Similar to 370z, but weighs nearly 2 ton.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
Chevrolet Camaro - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
BMW 3 series - Not sure I want to be a BMW owner
Mini Cooper S JCW - Too small?


Cars I'm not considering:
Ford Focus RS - Price
Volkswagen Golf R - Price
Subaru WRX/STi - I'm not completed against these, but they aren't on my short list
Mazda RX-8 - Not big on the rotary and wouldn't want one pre-2010. 2012 is last year.


I'm looking for feedback, both personal and observatory in nature. Please be specific if you can to your pro's and con's. Thanks!

Scion FR-S, It is fun, practical and did i mention FUN!! It also has a huge aftermarket industry behind it if you want to upgrade / modify anything. A friend of mine has one that we have quite a bit of work to and it is great to drive and race.
 
Ever thought about a Pontiac G8? I am clueless about their prices though. All i know is that they're Commodores, which are great vehicles.

We've owned 2 previous Pontiacs (a G5 and a Vibe) with positive results from each. I'm not really considering it since they are too common around here and Pontiac is no longer around. Not a deal breaker I guess, but....
 
@CoachMK21 Out of the choices I would say the Genesis Coupe is the best choice, if its the R-Spec I hope

- 2012 has 306hp v6 but 2013 has 348hp v6...most powerful in your choices
- R-Spec comes with Brembos
- 200 lb lighter than g37
- Hyundai's are generally valued packed with alot of standard features
- Hyundai has 10yr warranty
- Looks unique
- Not as common
- Wow...thats a Hyundai factor...from the non car enthusiasts

Why not others?

G37 is like another 350z
Frs underpowered, small and cramped..basically a 2 seater/ not much tech and goodies
Mustang...only if it were the 2015's
Camaro....poor visibility
3 series....well you cant go wrong lol..thats a great choice...but maintenance is expensive
Mini...also to small
Veloster...not a competive fwd hot hatch compared to rivals

Focus ST
GTI Both good choice


Thats just my analogy :)
 
Attention all car loving Snails. I'm looking for some advice / feedback / suggestions. Sorry it's kind of a long post.

Here is my situation. As many of you know, I own a 2003 Nissan 350z. I love the car a lot and it's great to drive in the summerish months (Mid March - Late October). The other months of the year and during the summer sometimes I drive my other car, a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country. It's good for transportimg people, stuff, etc but not much fun for driving. Only positives are heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start :)

I talked with the wife and she gave me the go ahead to look for something else, with one caveat. The new car will replace both the van and the 350z so I could drive it year round. I figure I can sell the 350z in the $5k range, with just a couple thousand of equity in the van to get one car I will enjoy. As an aside, my wife drives a 2008 Pontiac Vibe which our oldest son will inherit later this year as he turns 16 in July. She'll be getting a new car as well (leaning towards a Subaru Impreza hatchback or Mazda 3 hatchback).

Max price:
$30,000 (before cash from 350z and van trade in)

Uses:
Autocross
Rare track day
Daily driving - I'm not afraid of a stiff ride (insert childish comment here)

Requirements:
Manual
4 seats
Fun to drive

Preferences:
Rear wheel drive
Newer (2012-)

Absolutely not:
Convertible

Cars I'm considering, in no particular order:
Scion FR-S - But not the BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Infiniti G37 Coupe - Similar to 370z, but weighs nearly 2 ton.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
Chevrolet Camaro - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
BMW 3 series - Not sure I want to be a BMW owner
Mini Cooper S JCW - Too small?


Cars I'm not considering:
Ford Focus RS - Price
Volkswagen Golf R - Price
Subaru WRX/STi - I'm not completed against these, but they aren't on my short list
Mazda RX-8 - Not big on the rotary and wouldn't want one pre-2010. 2012 is last year.


I'm looking for feedback, both personal and observatory in nature. Please be specific if you can to your pro's and con's. Thanks!
I've only driven the Golf (own one), the 3 series and the non-turbo Veloster.
Out of those, I would definitely go with the VW (diesel scandal notwithstanding). Out of the ones I drove, it was by far the most fun to drive. The Veloster is good too (I think Hyundai is producing very good cars these days, especially when compared to the crapboxes they used to put out). The 3 series is good, but I don't think it beats the Golf in the fun aspect. Over here, it's also a lot more expensive to insure, so that factors in as well.
 
Attention all car loving Snails. I'm looking for some advice / feedback / suggestions. Sorry it's kind of a long post.

Here is my situation. As many of you know, I own a 2003 Nissan 350z. I love the car a lot and it's great to drive in the summerish months (Mid March - Late October). The other months of the year and during the summer sometimes I drive my other car, a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country. It's good for transportimg people, stuff, etc but not much fun for driving. Only positives are heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start :)

I talked with the wife and she gave me the go ahead to look for something else, with one caveat. The new car will replace both the van and the 350z so I could drive it year round. I figure I can sell the 350z in the $5k range, with just a couple thousand of equity in the van to get one car I will enjoy. As an aside, my wife drives a 2008 Pontiac Vibe which our oldest son will inherit later this year as he turns 16 in July. She'll be getting a new car as well (leaning towards a Subaru Impreza hatchback or Mazda 3 hatchback).

Max price:
$30,000 (before cash from 350z and van trade in)

Uses:
Autocross
Rare track day
Daily driving - I'm not afraid of a stiff ride (insert childish comment here)

Requirements:
Manual
4 seats
Fun to drive

Preferences:
Rear wheel drive
Newer (2012-)

Absolutely not:
Convertible

Cars I'm considering, in no particular order:
Scion FR-S - But not the BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Infiniti G37 Coupe - Similar to 370z, but weighs nearly 2 ton.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
Chevrolet Camaro - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
BMW 3 series - Not sure I want to be a BMW owner
Mini Cooper S JCW - Too small?


Cars I'm not considering:
Ford Focus RS - Price
Volkswagen Golf R - Price
Subaru WRX/STi - I'm not completed against these, but they aren't on my short list
Mazda RX-8 - Not big on the rotary and wouldn't want one pre-2010. 2012 is last year.


I'm looking for feedback, both personal and observatory in nature. Please be specific if you can to your pro's and con's. Thanks!
Pontiac G8.

Edit: Ninja'd above.
 
I suggested a G8 mostly because apparently you're getting rid of the Chrysler aswell. That means you no longer will have a vehicle to transport people or lots of stuff. And a G8 is quite large, without lose it's sportness.

If you don't need it, i think the Genesis might be a good choice indeed. Not sure how it would perform in winter/snow.
 
@CoachMK21 Out of the choices I would say the Genesis Coupe is the best choice, if its the R-Spec I hope

- 2012 has 306hp v6 but 2013 has 348hp v6...most powerful in your choices
- R-Spec comes with Brembos
- 200 lb lighter than g37
- Hyundai's are generally valued packed with alot of standard features
- Hyundai has 10yr warranty
- Looks unique
- Not as common
- Wow...thats a Hyundai factor...from the non car enthusiasts

Why not others?

G37 is like another 350z
Frs underpowered, small and cramped..basically a 2 seater/ not much tech and goodies
Mustang...only if it were the 2015's
Camaro....poor visibility
3 series....well you cant go wrong lol..thats a great choice...but maintenance is expensive
Mini...also to small
Veloster...not a competive fwd hot hatch compared to rivals

Focus ST
GTI Both good choice


Thats just my analogy :)

A good detailed breakdown. Yes, I'd be looking at the R-Spec Genesis.

The FR-S is popular around Rochester and several others autocross them, so that's both good and bad. I like being the only 350z (or maybe 1-2 others) at an event. I've seen only 1 other Genesis at an autocross. Maybe that's because they aren't suited to it?

The hot hatch gives me mixed feelings. I know they are good cars and are versatile, but there is just something in me that wants rear wheel drive. I'll have the summer to test drive a bunch of these before I make a decision sometime in the late fall, early winter this year.


Scion FR-S, It is fun, practical and did i mention FUN!! It also has a huge aftermarket industry behind it if you want to upgrade / modify anything. A friend of mine has one that we have quite a bit of work to and it is great to drive and race.

Everyone I've talked to in person loves them too. Just not completely sold yet.

I suggested a G8 mostly because apparently you're getting rid of the Chrysler aswell. That means you no longer will have a vehicle to transport people or lots of stuff. And a G8 is quite large, without lose it's sportness.

If you don't need it, i think the Genesis might be a good choice indeed. Not sure how it would perform in winter/snow.

And I value your opinion on it. I'd want to be able to fit 4 people in it. It would probably be a limited amount of time. Mostly picking up 2 kids from practices and getting back home. Currently, I make one of the kids run home if I have to get both :) We live a less than 1.5 miles from school.


One drawback to the Genesis is 19" wheels. Tires are freaking expensive. I'd realistically need 3 sets of tires and rims. Autocross only, all-seasons and winter. Sometimes I wish I would just own a NA Miata with 15" wheels. Tires at more than half the cost.
 
@CoachMK21
Ever considered a used Porsche 911 Carrera S or 4s (996). I have seen them for sale within the 30k cap.
Pros:
- In to Porsche club for motorsport
-Performance
-relatively reliable(from what I've read)
-Very lightweight
-4s version is awd giving it all weather ability
Cons:
-Some do not care for the look
-Costly if repair is needed.
-stick with the 996 era cars. (From what I've read, that is when they offered the 3.6L watercooled engine which statistically showed to be pretty reliable)

Just a thought.
 
@CoachMK21
Ever considered a used Porsche 911 Carrera S or 4s (996). I have seen them for sale within the 30k cap.
Pros:
- In to Porsche club for motorsport
-Performance
-relatively reliable(from what I've read)
-Very lightweight
-4s version is awd giving it all weather ability
Cons:
-Some do not care for the look
-Costly if repair is needed.
-stick with the 996 era cars. (From what I've read, that is when they offered the 3.6L watercooled engine which statistically showed to be pretty reliable)

Just a thought.

I hadn't considered the Porsche, but mostly because one of my friends (who has a revolving car fetish - he sold his 911 and got a 1998 twin turbo Lotus Espirit) autocrossed one last summer and it was a donut making special. It was a really awesome car, but you had to be on your toes 100% of the time or else you were sideways, hoping to not get that snap back correction. I do love Porsche's though. If I get get a GT3 for 30k, haha stop dreaming right.
 
Attention all car loving Snails. I'm looking for some advice / feedback / suggestions. Sorry it's kind of a long post.

Here is my situation. As many of you know, I own a 2003 Nissan 350z. I love the car a lot and it's great to drive in the summerish months (Mid March - Late October). The other months of the year and during the summer sometimes I drive my other car, a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country. It's good for transportimg people, stuff, etc but not much fun for driving. Only positives are heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start :)

I talked with the wife and she gave me the go ahead to look for something else, with one caveat. The new car will replace both the van and the 350z so I could drive it year round. I figure I can sell the 350z in the $5k range, with just a couple thousand of equity in the van to get one car I will enjoy. As an aside, my wife drives a 2008 Pontiac Vibe which our oldest son will inherit later this year as he turns 16 in July. She'll be getting a new car as well (leaning towards a Subaru Impreza hatchback or Mazda 3 hatchback).

Max price:
$30,000 (before cash from 350z and van trade in)

Uses:
Autocross
Rare track day
Daily driving - I'm not afraid of a stiff ride (insert childish comment here)

Requirements:
Manual
4 seats
Fun to drive

Preferences:
Rear wheel drive
Newer (2012-)

Absolutely not:
Convertible

Cars I'm considering, in no particular order:
Scion FR-S - But not the BRZ
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Infiniti G37 Coupe - Similar to 370z, but weighs nearly 2 ton.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
Chevrolet Camaro - Not really a fan, but I'll consider it
BMW 3 series - Not sure I want to be a BMW owner
Mini Cooper S JCW - Too small?


Cars I'm not considering:
Ford Focus RS - Price
Volkswagen Golf R - Price
Subaru WRX/STi - I'm not completed against these, but they aren't on my short list
Mazda RX-8 - Not big on the rotary and wouldn't want one pre-2010. 2012 is last year.


I'm looking for feedback, both personal and observatory in nature. Please be specific if you can to your pro's and con's. Thanks!

@CoachMK21 Out of the choices I would say the Genesis Coupe is the best choice, if its the R-Spec I hope

- 2012 has 306hp v6 but 2013 has 348hp v6...most powerful in your choices
- R-Spec comes with Brembos
- 200 lb lighter than g37
- Hyundai's are generally valued packed with alot of standard features
- Hyundai has 10yr warranty
- Looks unique
- Not as common
- Wow...thats a Hyundai factor...from the non car enthusiasts

Why not others?

G37 is like another 350z
Frs underpowered, small and cramped..basically a 2 seater/ not much tech and goodies
Mustang...only if it were the 2015's
Camaro....poor visibility
3 series....well you cant go wrong lol..thats a great choice...but maintenance is expensive
Mini...also to small
Veloster...not a competive fwd hot hatch compared to rivals

Focus ST
GTI Both good choice


Thats just my analogy :)

I second the genesis coupe R-spec. It's what I'm looking to get this year :cheers:. Also looked at the base WRX
 
Last edited:
It's scary how much I agree with this post. In defense of the Mini, it has 228 HP, 236 TQ at 2800 lbs.




The Genesis is a nice looking car and fast. I'm definitely considering it, even though it's a Hyundai. If I did get one, I'd have to remove the 152 mph max governor :)


The Hyundai clutch leaves much to be desired.
Feels like an older Subaru Clutch. Klunky & plasticky feel, accompanied by an H pattern that does its best to resist gear changes?!??
Feels so rough, & unrefined.

I test drove one last month & It's clutch was the total opposite of the buttery/smooth mechanical gear changes that I get from my Audi or from the 2014 focus ST that I test drove that same evening.

I didn't like the focus either. Fast, cool, but handling that would never inspire confidence in me.

--- here's the interesting part....:odd::drool:

The guy who moves the cars around at that dealer tried to tell me that the Genesis has a special safety feature which allows the engine mounts to detach - and raises up the engine
1-2 inches in the event of a crash, to protect the driver.

I liked the sound of that because I'm all about safety,👍👍:banghead: but then I went online that night to search more info about it and couldn't find a single word about what he mentioned.:ouch:

If that turned out to be true, id be interested in finding a reasonably priced Genesis as my next DD.
They can be had very cheaply
 
I drive a 2013 Mazda CX-5, I really like it, its got a great suspension for a crossover/suv class, power is only slightly lacking, and the awd is really good in the snowy months, but probably not the best trackday car. If anything it sounds like a decent car for your wife, or if you/she want something a little smaller, the cx-3 is basically the mazda 3 hatchback raised a bit with cx styling, and available in AWD (the mazda 3 is fwd only).
 
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