Yep, only the TDI got the 6 speed; the other non-TDI models are stuck with the 5 speed. I also greatly enjoyed the torque on my TDI 6 speed, and it was as engaging as my current Accord 6 speed.

Wait - the M3 didn’t do enough to ease his midlife crisis?

I see nobody suggested he get the “sportier” dual motor AWD Tesla Model 3? Lightly optioned, it’s still within $60,000 budget. And with 0-60 under 4 seconds, it could still be pretty fun as a daily driver.

And THIS is why my wife insists that the sporty car always be a manual; not because it’s cool or fun or “engaging”, but simply she wants to f*#@ with the criminals.

Until you get fired by your employer because you were caught on video and now it’s playing on CNN as part of a “race relations special” - with no mention that you were a victim of a crime.

Like replacing the OEM shift knob with something in Klingon?

Truly tragic that most of the buying populace cannot even afford a $30,000 vehicle, yet the AVERAGE care is $34,000. Yes, I know about the 7 year financing plan to make monthly payments manageable - but that’s the point: you need 7 years to pay off an “average” car - this is not like 7 years for your dream car, this…

Thankfully, we can always go aftermarket and stick the plain horse logo on, total sleeper.

And keep in mind you can join the 450hp club with just the BASE Mustang GT for $35,000, doing sub-4 second sprints bone stock.

“A base Mustang GT starts at $35,355... but good luck finding one.”

Agreed, that’s why the base stock Mustang GT for $35,000 (also does 0-60 in under 4 seconds) is such a great deal. Forget these “special editions” that does little beyond massaging some old school memories - get in the seat of a 2019 Mustang GT with no options, and after 5 minutes you’re there without spending $15,000…

Sunshine states require tinting, period. Having lived in Vegas for a time, it’s the difference between instant death when entering a parked car or just lightly burning your thighs.

So, the safety manager got a lateral promotion while everybody else got fired? Figures.

With autonomous driving probably 15 years away and EV cars taking over in 5 years, it was just a matter of time before cars were no different than microwaves and toasters: just another tool doing its job.

Because everyday cars are covered by Consumer Reports, which I believe is killing it in the “consumer Joe Average” space.

If Trump has his way, then your vision of electric would be delayed to 20 years, especially since many political pundits are now predicting another term for Trump is 50/50 despite bad press. The people who consume Fox news appear to have the numbers for a re-election.

Let’s look at the most recent Trump logic:

I assume the short list includes Mazda 6 and Accord?

EXACTLY. Why can’t all the automakers with a 7-speed use the dogleg (that’s you Porsche).

Somehow, I doubt the hair would be an issue: