I love my MK6 GTI, but bored of the DSG - What Car to Get?

[MrGTIandRfan]

While the DSG is a great gearbox and shifts amazingly quick, I'm considering changing to something with a manual.

I would not be unhappy with going with a manual MK6 GTI, but given I will be changing cars, it gives me the opportunity to look at what else is out there. I've reached a crossroad where I could either continue to mod my MK6 DSG GTI or trade up to something different.

Looking to stay within the VW group, so I'm swaying towards an 8P S3, especially if it's the limited edition model from 2008.

Other options are a MK2 TT, but the combo I want (quattro/VR6) only seems to come in DSG. I've also considered a Bimmer e46 M3 but the servicing/maintenance/insurance costs are a bit scary.

I would like to switchover with minimal change over costs. So, pretty much looking at things around $30k.

[Finance_Analyst]

Depending on where you live and your driving, a clutch will be a pain the behind in stop start traffic and hills. But that is the old man in me talking

[Njay]

Can't go wrong with m3 e46, just get a good ppi done, parts are quite expensive but you can always save a bit buying overseas and find a good mechanic who won't rip you of.

Could also consider b6 s4 in manual as well

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2

[ParaBul]

I have a Mk6 GTD with DSG (bought for work reasons), and a manual E36 M3.

The GTD has several plusses:


low down torque of the diesel is great fun around town,
the fuel economy is great for a daily driver,
and the DSG is great when I want to drive in auto mode.


But these are the only points I can think of that really compete with the M3. Take away the diesel benefits, go to a manual gearbox, and a GTI wouldn't make my short list - the M3 is clearly in another league.