u/hokies314

I’m wondering how those compare to the F22 M240i.

This would be my first coupe and first really sporty car. I’m wondering if the GR86 is a little too impractical - it seemed tiny on the short test drive I had and everyone seems to say the F87 M2 is a little too harsh.

The M240i seems to have an option for Adaptive Suspension but they seem to be so rare. It’s also been nearly impossible to find a good M240i.

The car I’m looking for is one that’ll make me smile when I drive it, be comfortable on long drives, be somewhat practical as my only car (go skiing or hiking with it), let me do a couple of track days in a year and also be reliable. (I know the B58 seems to be more reliable than the N55 but the N55 is fairly decent too).

On paper the Golf R seems to be the most sensible but I’m also afraid it might be a little too…not special? Not engaging enough and then I might as well step down to the GTI which can be had new for close to 35k too.

I see some GR86, M2 and M240i all around 35k but the Golf Rs seem to be closer to 40-42k.

Can someone share their experiences with these cars and help me decide?

I am looking at a CPO 2024. Since it is CPO, i expect that the dealer will take care of any leaks and issues etc.
Even with those taken care of, could I trust the Golf R on long drives?

Is this a car where i don't need to think twice about going to New England in any season?

Does that equation change if I want to take the car to HPDE days? Would that stress make the car unreliable?

There's a white touring XT CPO near me, 2024 with 29k miles for 30.5k.

Is that a good deal? No packages were added (no auto dimming side view mirror for example).

I am worried it might have a lot of depreciation in a year or two.

Do you have any favorite spots where you can put up a hammock and relax? Maybe places along the D&L trail or near the river?