Cory Wolfe

Seeing as I never daily drove the ATS, I'll have to compare the Miata to the GTI. The Magnificent Montego Miata: Purity. No electric nannies or interference between the car and myself. No distractions. Reliability. In a similar time frame and mileage, the GTI required $6k in repairs alone, more than the total cost to purchase the Miata and the sum of its maintenance to date. Handling. 2293 lbs, 50/50 weight distribution, double wishbone suspension at all four corners; It's a smile-maker. Sun's out, guns out. It's all about that roadster life. Affordability. Beyond the savings earned from the low-cost of the car and it's habit of not breaking, overall running costs are dirt cheap. Gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.; This car can be ran on a shoestring budget. The Great German GTI: Power. There's a lot to be said about VW's now legendary TSI engines paired with a DSG. Simply effortless acceleration. A class above. The aura of this car eluded more high-class than you'd expect for a reasonably-priced hatchback. Superb interior materials and fit/finish for the class that still holds well against new vehicles. Look at me, look at me. This is still my favorite generation of Golf VW has ever released. Perfect combination of attitude and class. Niceties. The Miata's purity is nice but some days you just want to be coddled with heated seats, insulation, and a decent set of headlights. Utility. Four totes, two duffle bags, a Chihuahua, and a passenger?! This is not the life of a roadster owner.

I was rather underwhelmed by the specs of the new Forte upon its release, but this GT sounds like a compelling package.

As I near 30, it's a strange feeling to realize that many of you may remember this photo I originally posted here in 2005.

I'd test it out, but apparently Novi isn't in close enough proximity to Detroit.

Thanks, guys. Having my first full week to myself since starting the job has made me realize just how little time I've had away from it.

It's been a while since I've last checked in so here's a short update since my last post. After a little over 2 years with Car and Driver, I am now back on the hunt for employment/trying to get back into the grind as a freelancer. Unfortunately, my position (and a dozen others) was cut two weeks ago due to a restructuring effort. It was sudden and completely unexpected for those who were let go and those who weren't. While I'm sad to leave the company, I'm remaining positive with the hope that better opportunities lie ahead and wish everyone there well. I couldn't have asked for better coworkers. That said, I'm still in Michigan—For now. Josh and I have been mulling over a move to Charleston, SC. The job prospects for automotive digital media there are slim, but I'm willing to try something new if need be. Luckily for us, if we do decide to move, we have a good amount of positive equity in our house after remodeling it. While we love the house and the Detroit metro, the cost of living is absurdly high here. On the automotive front, I still have the ATS (I never did post a complete gallery) as well as the Miata. Josh still has his Murano. The Cadillac, now at 17k miles, has had its share of minor quality issues since purchasing it. Most notably is a rough idle that the local Cadillac dealer insists is normal. I'd like to disagree, but to be fair, the loaner ATS they gave with only 30 miles on the odometer had a similar, but less-pronounced, idle issue. Beyond that, I've had multiple noises in the suspension checked out, the adaptive headlights sometimes aim themselves too high/low and I have to take issue with the interior fit and finish after the plastic cover for the windshield sensors fell off on my way to work one day. Finally, CUE is also as frustrating as everyone has said it is. Sometimes the system is so slow to boot up that I'll be a mile down the road before the navigation loads. On the whole, it's required less warranty repairs than the GTI thus far so I'd consider these fairly minor annoyances. The car is still a joy to drive (I wish I bought one with a manual, however) and attracts attention everywhere except metro Detroit. The Miata, on the other hand, has been phenomenally reliable for its age and mileage. This is especially true after 2 years of solid commuting year-round, including two winter seasons. Since purchasing the car, it's only needed maintenance items (brakes, fluid, filters, spark plugs) up to now. Last month, the catalytic converter finally needed to be replaced and with it, I installed a used cat-back exhaust. It should also be noted that it is due for a new valve cover gasket as it has started leaking, at just under 150k miles. This might be the first car I willingly hold on to for more than a couple years—It's just that much of a joy to own. Finally, I am now the father of two Chihuahuas instead of just one. At the beginning of the year we picked up a brother for Chloe, naming him Enzo. He's a holy terror. So, what's new with y'all?

Thanks! So far the only aspect of the car that I'd consider a downgrade is the transmission, but it's hard to top a DSG. Otherwise, it feels like it has pretty similar performance to the GTI without its harshness. When I initially test drove an ATS, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I didn't expect to like this color combination, either, but it seems to fit the car well.

Thanks! Here's another quick garage pic since today doesn't look any better.

Thanks! I guess it has been a while since I've been on here. Time sure does fly... I've had the Miata for a little over a year now. Anyhow, I traded my GTI in on that ATS yesterday. It's a very lightly used '15 2.0t with 9k miles on it.

Also, long time no see! More pictures to come once the weather cooperates.

I can't wait to actually see this. It looks great, even if it's a bit of a mish-mash of styling cues.

The design is exactly what they needed to do with this model. It actually looks a class above the Equinox for once. The push-button transmission on the other hand... Who actually wants that? It seems like a huge miscalculation with its unergonomic design. Seriously... there are plus and minus buttons for gear selection. WTF.

Any driver of any jacked up truck ever.

Very good looking car. I can't wait to see this wearing Buick badges. I want that wagon in the spy shots.

Thanks, y'all. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was being berated by the elder forum masters for my young foolishness.