Buying a New Car

[CJFusco]

I am going to be buying a new daily driver within the next couple weeks, and I've decided that it's about time I've purchased my first new car. I am just beginning my dual career (English teacher and professional writer), and am making a really good salary (I was lucky to get hired in one of the towns that has the highest pay rates for teachers in the country), but want to limit myself to something in the low-20K range. Something reliable, fun, and with a lot of character.

Obviously, I am leaning hard toward the Mini Cooper S. I am also considering the VW Rabbit, and would consider a BMW 1-series or Audi A3, although those would be a bit of a financial stretch.

Is there anything I should know about the Minis, beyond what's common knowledge? Any owners here on the forum? Thoughts and impressions?

[Porschephile944]

I haven't driven a current generation one, but I have spent some time driving a friend's previous generation, probably a 2002 or 2003. Overall I was pretty impressed, fairly quick, seemed to handle pretty well and has a decent amount of room in it for what it is. I'm 6'1'' and the backseat does become pretty uncomfortable after 2 or so hours. My big complaint would be the driving position, very upright, almost like your driving a box truck. It doesn't have that low legs out position that the 944 has. And the instrument panel is full of weirdness, both in the way it looks and is arranged.

In that price range and performance category I would also suggest driving the mazdaspeed 3. I've heard great things about it, but dont have any first hand experiences with it.

[Jeff]

+ 1 on the Mazda. I have the regular 3 hatchback and it is a blast to drive. Another forum member had me drive his and I was hooked. It drives very much like a 3 series BMW, although it is front wheel drive.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I have a 2004 Cooper. All that car needs is another 60 HP or so, a Cooper S would be a blast. I took it on a BMW club backroad drive and was easily able to gain ground in the corners but fell behind on the straights. Of course, I was following a 400+ whp LS1 240Z and a Z4M roadster. Interior of mine looks great with 65k, so they wear well. Great shifter, great steering, suprisingly roomy interior, it's a great little car.

MS3 is a great suggestion. I would also look at a GTi, Cobalt SS, and WRX. What about a 370Z or RX8? The Hyundai Genesis coupe is also a LOT of car for the money. You could also consider a Mustang GT or Camaro.

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by CJFusco

I am going to be buying a new daily driver within the next couple weeks, and I've decided that it's about time I've purchased my first new car. I am just beginning my dual career (English teacher and professional writer), and am making a really good salary (I was lucky to get hired in one of the towns that has the highest pay rates for teachers in the country), but want to limit myself to something in the low-20K range. Something reliable, fun, and with a lot of character.

Obviously, I am leaning hard toward the Mini Cooper S. I am also considering the VW Rabbit, and would consider a BMW 1-series or Audi A3, although those would be a bit of a financial stretch.

Is there anything I should know about the Minis, beyond what's common knowledge? Any owners here on the forum? Thoughts and impressions?

Saturn Sky or Pontiac Solstice?

My friend has a mazda 3, i totally fail to see what the fuss is about. It's a dog.

[jwasbury]

Our daily driver is an '06 Mini Cooper S...bought new and now getting close to 40k miles. Its been a great car. Very fun to drive, slick 6 speed close ratio gearbox. I did several laps in mine at New Hampshire Int'l Speedway and can say that the car did pretty well in stock trim on the track...the weak link was the stock runflat tires which suck. I've putting some new Yokohamas on mine next week. Can't wait.

I haven't driven one of the newer models (they were substantially redesigned for '07). The '06 and prior S models are supercharged, and from '07 on they are turbocharged.

[pwd72s]

Every mini owner I've talked to can't seem to shut up about how fun the car is.
"Sure, there have been a few problems, had to take it to the shop, but did I tell you how much FUN this car is?" That's the usual line...

[jwhcars]

I bought a Copper S new in 2002 and put over 30,000 fun filled miles just driving it around the back roads of Pa. The car was for the most part trouble free,it had a hesitation quark at times but what a fun machine. I have no regrets spending what I did just for a play car....it was a blast to drive and it helped me maintain my sanity thru a rough time in my life.

[BReif61]

I have a Mazdaspeed3, got it right at 20k. It is a blast to drive; love every minute of it. Highly recommended.

[Tishabet]

My wife has an 08 S with the turbocharged motor, sport suspension, LSD, 6-speed, etc. I occasionally giggle maniacally while driving it...

[jwasbury]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Every mini owner I've talked to can't seem to shut up about how fun the car is.
"Sure, there have been a few problems, had to take it to the shop, but did I tell you how much FUN this car is?" That's the usual line...

Well...they ARE fun.

I know of a certain Bullitt Mustang owner who takes every opportunity to let people know how much he likes his car too

No problems at all with mine...only been to the shop for scheduled preventive maintenance. Yes the stock tires suck, but I still wore them out.

[Pazuzu]

Originally Posted by jwasbury

I know of a certain Bullitt Mustang owner who takes every opportunity to let people know how much he likes his car too.

Who?

The Mazda3 is fun, but only if you get at least the 2.3L motor, and the 5-speed. We have the exhaust on it, and it really wakes the engine up. I can only imagine what it's like with an extra 100 horsies under the hood...
It's also very well built, no squeaks or groans, good interior ergonomics, reasonably good sightlines (no car has good visibility anymore ). Supportive seats, lots and LOTS of room, and pretty nice mechanics (things like, the front suspension taken right from the Volvo S40). Everything was stolen from bigger heavier cars, so it's all way overbuilt for the 3.

The 2010 should be a blast to drive as well, but that front is kinda butt ugly

[BRPORSCHE]

Cj, I am also in the same boat, but have not narrowed my selection down at all. There are just too many cars!

[teenerted1]

if you get any kind of weather...dont forget a subaru. most are in the $18000-$30000 range

[Heel n Toe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REpXf0cmJ64&NR=1

[CJFusco]

Thanks for the input, guys. The Mini is still the #1 contender, but I will take a serious look at the Mazdaspeed 3.

BTW, that video that John posted is awesome.