Looking for some thoughts on vehicle selection.....

[Kozman011]

Do you prefer a manual? That would eliminate over 80% of the suggestions and put you solidly where I was sitting 3 months ago...basically same criteria I had. I ended up with a '19 GLI.

Manual would be nice, but nowhere near a requirement. No CVT though.

 

[MCompact]

I’m 66; my wife says that I never went through a second childhood because I never outgrew my first childhood. It’s a bit more than you want to spend but I absolutely love my W205 C43; since 1983 I’ve owned 12 BMWs but I liked the C43 more than the M340i and M240i that I also considered. To me the M-B is a more engaging and entertaining drive. Just make sure you find a C43 with the AMG Performance Exhaust- it sounds glorious.