Kia Rondo Replacements

[kevm14]

I assume Carmax is also sold out of Number 3 decals, then. Assuming they haven't moved onto #8 by now....too soon?

And research indicates Jr is now #88 for some reason...

[Bob]

Here's a crazy idea considering the cheapness of the FR-S/BRZ:

Sell Elise for ~$30k
Sell Rondo for ~$5k
Buy FR-S for ~$12k
Buy ATS-V or some other top tier performance sedan (M3, C63) for ~$40k

Net cost $17k, or roughly the same as going from the Rondo to an ATS Premium

Advantages: get a daily driver that is really fast and fun (ATS-V), FR-S has back seat that can fit my daughter for next 5-6 years and could be used as my daily driver to save fuel and mileage on the ATS-V
Disadvantages: no longer have Elise (sentimental loss, regret later when they continue to appreciate and my ATS-V and FR-S are worth nothing), FR-S not as fun as Elise

[kevm14]

Yeah that is a crazy idea. Crazy like a fox!

Bill loves these out of the box buy/sell plans.

I mean, a plan where you get an ATS-V seems like a fine plan. That car really only has one flaw: needs a V8 soundtrack.

Do you think you'd be THAT much happier with an ATS-V over a CTS Vsport?

[Bob]

Having driven neither of them, I can only speculate. I assume the ATS-V has a little bit more of a performance edge to it. It also traps about 5 MPH higher than the VSport. I could also buy a V2 Wagon and be assured there will be no depreciation (similar to the Elise).

[kevm14]

The depreciation hedge does factor into the decision here, if it is a priority.

I think the ATS-V will feel significantly more athletic but that the CTS Vsport is the hands down better family car. And frankly significantly more upscale inside and out, FWIW.

Driving them would let your gut sort it out - may make the decision easier (i.e. "I really need the excellence of the ATS-V and am willing to put up with depreciation, small size, and price to get it"). Or something else.

[Bob]

I guess it comes down to if I am going to give up the Elise, I want another real performance car to take its place.

[kevm14]

Performance is a generic term though. From a straight line standpoint, all of the cars in your list except the ATS V6 are significantly faster than the Elise, and ATS would probably give it a run. But from a chassis standpoint (body control, steering feel, response, confidence, fun), performance means something else, and with those criteria, I have no doubt that the ATS-V wins that. And it's pretty much the fastest compared to your list of 5, tied with the V2. You get the speed and the best chassis of that group, for a price premium. Hence your crazy idea.

[kevm14]

How have you not driven that SS yet? Waiting for the weekend?

Or was it bad and you are afraid to post?

[Bob]

I don't really have time during the week. I may try to go tomorrow if I can sneak out for a while.

[Bob]

That SS is already gone! Apparently there is some serious demand for these in the used market.