back to a stick: choices

[nostatic]

Ok, so I have control issues. I can't take driving an automatic any more...no matter how cool the DSG is. So I'll wave goodbye to a chunk of money, but I gotta have a clutch. Easier to trade it in (otherwise I have to pay it off, deal with title, etc), so the current candidates are:

Audi A3
Subaru WRX Wagon
Mini Cooper S

The VW has been ok (10K miles on it), but there are some issues. I have to admit that I've gotten spoiled by the nice interior though...the Subie is pretty cheap/spartan by comparison. The A3 is on par (and is the same platform, albeit built in a different factory with some different parts). Cooper might be a tad small. I'm still diggin' hatchbacks as I can haul my music gear, head to the beach, etc. WRX is about 4K cheaper than the A3, but the A3 would have leather and is arguably a much "nicer" car.

Anyone had one of the above and loved/hated it? I'd ponder another GTI like mine with a 6 spd as well.

[kaisen]

So your leg has healed well?

[Joeaksa]

Always wanted to try one of the Subaru's...

[JeremyD]

After driving a Mini Cooper at a local autocross - I'd have to vote for that car - The subie's a cheap car - and it shows. The A3 does not impress me.

[JavaBrewer]

Just submit already...you know you want to...

Todd....Todd....Oh Todd...

[nostatic]

David, I'll have to kill you now.

No, no Aprilia. I'm staying on 4 wheels for the time being. Leg has been healed for quite some time. Not 100%, but have been doing track days in the 911 since November. Loaned the GTI to the ex while her Audi was in the shop and drove the 911 for a few days solid. pita as a daily driver because of the roll bar, but remembered how much I love to shift (yes, even in LA traffic).

I drove the WRX and just for grins an STI. Geez...the STI is the *****. It has gobs of go and just feels planted/solid. But no hatch (rumored to be an STI hatch on the way next year or the year after...total redesign of the Impreza for '08). The WRX is more versatile, as I can toss whatever crap in it and go pretty much anywhere (snow, sand, etc).

The A3 is fwd which doesn't send me (just like the GTI), but handles well and is quick (and stops better than the GTI) and well appointed. Also thought briefly about a used TT Quattro, but not really enough room. The Audi just has a bit more of a refined/sophisticated vibe to it.

Have yet to drive a Cooper. That's next on the list.

[BGCarrera32]

In the price range you are looking at how about a 1 or 2 year old BMW 3 series wagon with a 3 liter and a stick? Its got space, refinement, zip (not WRX zip but not a slug either...)

I drove the A3 and really liked it (I thought), then drove a 3 series sedan last weekend and the Audi was no contest. The BMW is screwed together better hands down. My daily driver is an A4.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Since you're considering an A3 you might want to consider a new Volvo C30. I like the look a lot. Not for everyone but I like 'em. 218HP, about 235 FtLbs Torque and 0-60 in about 6.2....until someone comes up with a chip!

I'm sort of guessing the yield on a relatively mild chip could be 230-240HP and the 0-60 could drop to 5.5-5.7 0-60 times. That is stock 951 Turbo S territory. Plenty fast enough for me.

[Moses]

Originally posted by nostatic
back to a stick: choices

Mini Cooper. No doubt. Bigger on the inside than you think.

By the way, your father spells it "choiches".

[nostatic]

Is the Volvo here yet? I have to admit that I really like the car...then again I'm a sucker for old 1800 wagons.

I thought about a used 3-series wagon. I'll have to check one out. I do like the idea of rwd (or awd) rather than fwd.

[JavaBrewer]

The TT coupe has no interior room, the cab even less. I'm still not 100% digging the turbo and my 225TTC has the GIAC chip for another ~30HP. It's quick, and honestly a great DD, but the power lives between 3-5K RPM, anywhere else and the car sits there. However the 32mpg 4cyl is nice on for the DD grind. The back seats are not working for my kids anymore either. A used commuter, maybe a 60K mile 3 series or a Mini, and a 84-89 911 fun car are on my list for 2008. You'll be surprised at how much interior room the Mini has.

[Shuie]

Drive the Cooper.

[Dan in Pasadena]

The C30 is supposed to be available in the Fall.

Personally, I just found out I am going to be a grandfather for the first time (Maybe I should start a thread) and there is a slight possibility I would consider selling my 911 to be able to commute the 30 miles to my son's house frequently once the baby is born. If I have to have a high mileage and safer car for the baby the C30 would be the car I'd choose. But I've got the time to wait, you may not. But if I buy one it will strongly remind me of my old, tiny, '78 silver Honda Civic 5 speed...which ironically was the car I had when my now-26 year old son was an infant.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Dave, My girlfriend had a TT 220HP coupe and I thought it had a lot more interior room than you would ever think from looking at the outside. I bit hard to get in because of the arched shape of the door opening but once in, a really fine car. Plenty of oomph and with the rear seats folded down a lot of storage space. But I agree the back seats would not be useful at all for regular usage by anyone over 4 years old!

[Nostril Cheese]

Am I the only one who was disapointed with the Cooper? I wanted to like it so bad, but the clutch was stiffer than my Carrera, and you really have to spool it up to have any fun..

When I drove the GTI with DSG, I found it the other way around, No top end on that thing. Also, the automatic mode feels like the clutch is slipping.

BMW 3 series? Joy.

[Porschephile944]

What about a mazdaspeed3. I don't know the specs off hand but its something like 260hp and 260pd-ft. Interior is also decent. Haven't driven one, but I've heard a lot of good things about them.

[Dan in Pasadena]

What this thread points out so far is there ar e a buch of smaller sports coupes or sedans that are really fun, fun little cars. Excellent idea on the Mazdaspeed3. I'm going looking for them now, excuse me. Be right back.

[Moses]

It's more money, but the BMW 335i is an AMAZING car.

[cantdrv55]

I'm selling my 2005 MINI...cheap, under blue book. The car is still under warranty. No complaints about it at all - love it lots. My wife is pregnant and that is her daily driver. She is sorry to see it go but pretty soon she won't be able to handle driving a stick.

The only drawbacks to my MINI is that it is Liquid Yellow in color, it's not an S and does not have a sunroof. Otherwise, it's got everything else; great A/C, Harmann Kardon audio, cruise, dual climate controls, iPod aux adapter, sport suspension, run flats, the list goes on.

Anyway, go drive a MINI. I think you'll really like it but I have a feeling you might be a tad too tall for it. If not, you might find that you'll want an S.

[Jims5543]

Just remember when you drive the MINI that they have crappy run flats.

My 1st 2 changes to my MINI were Wheels/Tires and rear swaybar.

I put on a set of 16" Kosai K1 rims with Falken Azenis tires and that alone transformed the car into a go kart, more so that it is out of the box, then I added the sawy bar and it just kept getting better.

Go drive a MINI you'll be impressed.