Am I going Crazy?!

[Turbo224]

So I seriously feel like I am going nuts right now. Earlier this year I decided that I was sick of my Jeep Grand Cherokee daily driver so I decided to sell it. So I have been cruising the R/T as a dd for the past three months trying to decide on a new dd. At one point I almost bought a PT Cruiser GT, but eventually decided against it after noticing how many millions of PT's are out there and the average age of the people driving them. So after trying to think about it logically, I decided that I want a small car that gets good gas milage, is fun to drive, and has a warranty. For once in my life I am considering buying something other than a chrysler product which is something that I would have never thought I could do. I would even consider buying a new car if I thought it was my best option. I dont want to spend more than 25K though, so thats my limitation. So far I have been looking at:

Mazdaspeed 3
Mini Cooper S
Caliber SRT4
WRX
Volvo C30
Audi TT

Honestly I just dont care for the SRT4's looks, so I have pretty much ruled that out. I like the Mazdaspeed 3's, however they sort of blend in a little too much. The WRX would be okay, although I have never really been in love with them. The Mini's are awesome, but only having two doors would suck. The Volvo C30 is brand new, so most people probabaly dont even know what they are. Too bad they are a little out of my price range because I think they look awesome. And the audi TT is kind of cool, but not only is it a two door, it has no space to carry anything.

So, any suggestions? Anyone think they can talk me out of turning to the dark side by buying an import? If dodge had built the Hornet concept I would be driving one, however if they do manage to build something like it, dodge will strip all the cool stuff that the concept had. So there ya have it.

[Bardo]

minis are slow even the type s. i say wrx sti ftw :)

[turbovanman]

What do you need it for? do you want some power or just a dd?

STi isn't a bad choice, and the new SRT4 kinda grows on you, a bit, :o

[glhs727]

the wrx's are junk. and an sti go for about 36K new. used ones are usually trashed. Mini cooper- girls car for sure. Volvo and audi tt I think are over 25K but nice if you are looking for a non-descrip dd. mazda3 is a pretty decent little car. priced right gets good mileage, probably cheap to insure. Caliber Srt-4 hands down has the most hp for the price, but the looks don't appeal to everyone. BTW I have my 2008 caliber srt-4 (15K miles) for sale for $18,900, I love that car but I only bought it to hold me over until my neon was finished. And if you saw the orange srt-4 run the road course at sdac this year, I'm sure you'd have a different opinion of the caliber.
later,
Cindy

[Vigo]

might want to look at the new mini clubman if you like the mini but need a smidge more space.. its got my attention for funkiness value and performance.

with a mazda3, you are paying a LOT more money for that warranty when you get a mazdaspeed 3 when you consider you can buy a base model for 12k and spend the other 12k on performance parts before you get up to 24k for a MS3. i LOVE mazda3s.. but im not convinced id buy the mazdaspeed3 over another base3 + parts.

btw our 2.0 mazda3 gets 30mpg average with the a/c on, and gets between 35 and 42mpg highway depending on conditions. could probly do a bit better if it was a 5spd.

[Clay]

How about something VW? The new Scirocco looks pretty sweet!

[black86glhs]

Put an underdrive pulley on the Mini and it wakes them up something nice! The guy I bought my GLHS races his and it runs pretty well. Being its a BMW, the parts have not been cheap for it, though.
Heck, find a used Toyota Echo and add another gerbil under the bonnet FTW!!:D

[88_pacifica]

So after trying to think about it logically, I decided that I want a small car that gets good gas milage, is fun to drive, and has a warranty. For once in my life I am considering buying something other than a chrysler product which is something that I would have never thought I could do.

Cobalt SS- Turbo FTW!

Starts at $22,995

2.0 I-4 (This Turbocharged, direct-injected, dual overhead cam, ECOTEC 260-hp 2.0L I-4 engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) – standard on SS Turbocharged (available spring 2008) – is the most powerful in its class.(1) It has an estimated MPG 22 city and 30 hwy.(2) The Cobalt SS can go 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds and is over 160 mph fast, covering the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds.)

AND it has a Five-speed manual transmission!!

http://www.chevrolet.com/cobalt/

Pretty damm quick for a bonestocker straight out of the box. Plus, they are already doing aftermarket performance.

[dds78910]

wHat aout a Mitsubishi Evo?

[turbovanman]

wHat aout a Mitsubishi Evo?

There more than $25,000, ;)

[Turbo224]

minis are slow even the type s. i say wrx sti ftw :)

I have to admit that they aren't all that fast, but I dont need a race car. This is purely a dd that will be fun to drive everyday. Oh, and the 07+ with the turbo instead of the supercharger is a night and day difference. They are a blast to drive!


What do you need it for? do you want some power or just a dd?

STi isn't a bad choice, and the new SRT4 kinda grows on you, a bit, :o

Purely for a dd. I wont modify this car at all. All I want is for it to drive me around for cheap and provide enough power to be enjoyable. As for the STI, I think it would be out of my price range. They are pretty cool though.


the wrx's are junk. and an sti go for about 36K new. used ones are usually trashed. Mini cooper- girls car for sure. Volvo and audi tt I think are over 25K but nice if you are looking for a non-descrip dd. mazda3 is a pretty decent little car. priced right gets good mileage, probably cheap to insure. Caliber Srt-4 hands down has the most hp for the price, but the looks don't appeal to everyone. BTW I have my 2008 caliber srt-4 (15K miles) for sale for $18,900, I love that car but I only bought it to hold me over until my neon was finished. And if you saw the orange srt-4 run the road course at sdac this year, I'm sure you'd have a different opinion of the caliber.
later,
Cindy

SRT4 certainly would be the fastest of my choices. I just cant get past the looks. Sometimes I see them and think, they aren't THAT bad. But other times I look at them and just shake my head.


might want to look at the new mini clubman if you like the mini but need a smidge more space.. its got my attention for funkiness value and performance.

with a mazda3, you are paying a LOT more money for that warranty when you get a mazdaspeed 3 when you consider you can buy a base model for 12k and spend the other 12k on performance parts before you get up to 24k for a MS3. i LOVE mazda3s.. but im not convinced id buy the mazdaspeed3 over another base3 + parts.

btw our 2.0 mazda3 gets 30mpg average with the a/c on, and gets between 35 and 42mpg highway depending on conditions. could probly do a bit better if it was a 5spd.

All good suggestions. The Mini clubman is kinda cool, I may go testdrive one and see what I think about it.


How about something VW? The new Scirocco looks pretty sweet!

Actually I looked at them a little, but every VW owner I have ever known has had problems with them. Thats a pretty lame excuse I know, but I have just nevr cared for their cars.


Cobalt SS- Turbo FTW!



Haha, I could never buy another american car other than a mopar. Plus dont care for their looks.

Thursday I have work off so I may go test drive a couple more cars just to be sure.

[88_pacifica]

Haha, I could never buy another american car other than a mopar. Plus dont care for their looks.

Thursday I have work off so I may go test drive a couple more cars just to be sure.

Make it a point to just drive one and post back up what your "findings" are. Feel free to pick it apart too. I hate to say I'm like Sherm(SRT Caliber) on this, but until you drive it you wouldn't believe how quick she is... ;) :nod:

[LANCER#319]

I say find a low mileage used SAAB 9-3 Aero from 2005 and up. Maybe look at a V6 Turbo version from the 2006 and up model year. When 2 years old they go for peanuts and most come with a long warranty 50-100K miles depending on which year you purchase. As a daily Driver I have zero complaints about mine. Even though mine is the heavy convertible version she scoots quite well with the V6 Turbo and the seating comfort can't be beat by anyone on the market.

It will not be the gee whiz look at me boy racer that you will have with the SRT4 models; but it will be a roomy, extremely comfortable, Powerful, and very quick DD that the cops won't give two thoughts about.

Here is my 2006 Aero:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b182/92TGL/Hirsch%2019%20inch%20wheels/100_1275.jpg

[Vigo]

wHat aout a Mitsubishi Evo?

way too pricey but what about the new lancer ralliart? turbo and awd without some of the top end stuff at $26.5k... a little over the 25 limit.


used mazdaspeed6s are a good option too, around 20k and can touch 30mpg on the highway, turbo, awd, good styling imo. pretty quick.

[Turbo224]

So I stopped by the MINI dealer on the way home from work today and test drove another mini. I do have to say that i really really love the minis. I didnt mention this, but what I am looking for is a modern day version of my Omni GLHT. I want something small and fun to drive. Thats sort of why I am staying away from any of the larger car mentioned like the mazda 6. I am going to try to stop by and drive a Madaspeed 3 tomorrow and maybe a Caliber SRT if I have time.

[Mopar318]

So I stopped by the MINI dealer on the way home from work today and test drove another mini. I do have to say that i really really love the minis. I didnt mention this, but what I am looking for is a modern day version of my Omni GLHT. I want something small and fun to drive. Thats sort of why I am staying away from any of the larger car mentioned like the mazda 6. I am going to try to stop by and drive a Madaspeed 3 tomorrow and maybe a Caliber SRT if I have time.

Fairly small, and FUN to drive would be a VW golf gti, or an R32. R32 are excellent in handling, and over all comfort. The gti is something thats going to be easier to grow with.

[2.216VTurbo]

I thought when I saw you in Vegas during Mopars at the Strip this year you said you were still in school? Mom and Dad must be awfully good to you:D...

[Turbo224]

I thought when I saw you in Vegas during Mopars at the Strip this year you said you were still in school? Mom and Dad must be awfully good to you:D...

Yeah, I am still in school, however mom and dad cut me off when I was 16. I work 50 hours a week and go to school. :thumb:

[iTurbo]

I would go for the Volvo C30.

[88_pacifica]

So I stopped by the MINI dealer on the way home from work today and test drove another mini. I do have to say that i really really love the minis. I didnt mention this, but what I am looking for is a modern day version of my Omni GLHT. I want something small and fun to drive. Thats sort of why I am staying away from any of the larger car mentioned like the mazda 6. I am going to try to stop by and drive a Madaspeed 3 tomorrow and maybe a Caliber SRT if I have time.

tsk-tsk.... Not one mention of fitting a GM test drive in there. No love for the "General" I guess. :(

And to think we thought you were going to give them all a "fair shake".... :thumb: :D

[Vigo]

how bout more detailed impressions of the mini and also post back about the ms3 if you drive one!!

with the MS3, GTI, and Mini you are getting badass interiors that the caliber just wont approach. The Gti;s seat in particular are cool to me. Im still skinny.

[WickedShelby88]

Yeah, I am still in school, however mom and dad cut me off when I was 16. I work 50 hours a week and go to school. :thumb:

self made man FTW! definitely be picky on your next vehicle choice as it sounds like you will have it for a while.

[Turbo224]

how bout more detailed impressions of the mini and also post back about the ms3 if you drive one!!

with the MS3, GTI, and Mini you are getting badass interiors that the caliber just wont approach. The Gti;s seat in particular are cool to me. Im still skinny.

The Mini is an absolute blast to drive. The turbo spools instantly and the suspension is superb. The turbo is only available in 07 and newer though. Obviously the Mini handles better than anything else I have looked at. Like you said, the calibers interior could pass for a minivan when you are sitting in it.


I would go for the Volvo C30.

If only they were about 5k cheaper I would be all over one. They are very unique which I think is cool.


tsk-tsk.... Not one mention of fitting a GM test drive in there. No love for the "General" I guess. :(

And to think we thought you were going to give them all a "fair shake".... :thumb: :D

Haha, sorry. I just dont care for the look of them. I have read multiple reviews on them and it appears that they handle very well and the motor is plenty powerful. I just cant drive something that I dont think looks good. No offense. :thumb:



Anyways, I stopped by the local dodge dealer today with the intent of taking the srt for a test drive. After looking over the car I just couldnt do it. I could care less what the driving experience is like if I think the car looks ugly. I stopped by the Mazda dealer after that and looked at the mazdaspeed 3. The more I look at them the more I like them. I have to admit that buying a four door would be a lot mor practical and functional in the long run. The dealer was kind of an --- though. They wouldn't even let me test drive one. I guess I understand because im sure a lot of people want to drive them. I am going to try to go test drive a used one before I make up my mind on them. I also stopped by the Mini dealer and talked about ordering one. They only had three Minis in stock, so obviously I would have to order a brand new one. The problem with that is it can take up to 10 weeks for an orderd car to arive! Lame!

[Vigo]

next time tell him the car you're already driving is faster and you're still alive so STFU and let you drive it. :D:thumb:

[Turbo224]

next time tell him the car you're already driving is faster and you're still alive so STFU and let you drive it. :D:thumb:

Haha. Actually I did. I mentioned that I am used to drving cars that are faster than the 3 and he glanced over at my car and looked at me like I was an idiot. Clearly he wasn't worth wasting my time on. I am sure if I would have flashed the cash I had in my pocket for a deposit he may have changed his mind, but the good thing about buying a Mazda is that there are plenty of Mazda dealers in town that I can shop for a better price, so I figured I would try a few other dealers. I only have one option if I were looking for a mini, so that sort of limits me.

[88_pacifica]

Haha, sorry. I just dont care for the look of them. I have read multiple reviews on them and it appears that they handle very well and the motor is plenty powerful. I just cant drive something that I dont think looks good. No offense. :thumb:

To each their own... :thumb:

[Vigo]

i know none of us gives a crap about consumer reports but they listed the cobalt as having the lowest ownership happiness rating of any car they surveyed.. 43%. prius was highest at ~93% :p

[mcsvt]

MS3 is a good choice, they do tend to blend in though. I think that is part of the draw of that car.

Mini S in clubman trim would be fun, as you NEVER see them around. Could be cool to order one too, then you get exactely what you want.

Sounds like you've already picked some good one :nod: The MS3's weren't moving so well a couple months ago, you could get a killer deal on them. Not sure about the current market though.

[mcsvt]

MS3 is a good choice, they do tend to blend in though. I think that is part of the draw of that car.

Mini S in clubman trim would be fun, as you NEVER see them around. Could be cool to order one too, then you get exactely what you want.

Sounds like you've already picked some good one :nod: The MS3's weren't moving so well a couple months ago, you could get a killer deal on them. Not sure about the current market though.

[Turbo224]

Well, I can just not make up my mind. I have narrowed it down to the mazda and the mini though.

I test drove a speed3 today and liked it. Even though on paper the mazda is much faster, it certainly didn't feel all that much faster than the mini. It handled well, and the fit and finish is still pretty nice. Overall I think the mini is higher quality and handles better. I like the look of them both a lot, and they are both fun to drive so I am pretty confused.

I think the mini is more fun to drive, but the mazda seems like a much more practical choice since it is a four door, and has more cargo space. The mazda also has a better warrenty, but the mini gets better gas mileage.

In the end it looks like I would end up with about the same monthly car payment, and the insurance would cost about the same. That being said, I would be ordering a brand new mini which would take close to 2 months for it to be built and delivered. The Mazda would be used which I could buy when ever I wanted. Any suggestions?

[rx2mazda]

Mazda FTW!!!!! Mini is a girl car no matter how fast or well it handles, period. Plus i'm sure the mazda has a better crash test rating which should be important. Also, just like you have to order and wait for your car, get ready to do the same thing for parts!!! This, my friend, is a no-brainer. Mazda.................pay no attention to my screen name,lol

[black86glhs]

Mini isn't a girl car....GEEZ. :D
Seriously, I don't know about Salt Lake, but here it isn't terrible getting parts for the mini. Flip a coin.:p

[2.216VTurbo]

There are a few Mazda Speed3 guys areound here, 5-6 of em will show up at the cars and coffee show. The 3 sure seems to be mod friendly, these guys have intakes/exahusts/larger coolers. I gotta think they are making nice pwer gains relatively easily. Hmm, kinda like some little Dodge cars of the 80's:eyebrows:

[sherm1123]

i know none of us gives a crap about consumer reports but they listed the cobalt as having the lowest ownership happiness rating of any car they surveyed.. 43%. prius was highest at ~93% :p

Funny, I was just reading Car and Driver or Motor Trend at the doctors office and they were road racing/testing a bunch of new cars and the new Cobalt SS came in dead last; the Mini Cooper even beat it! I was very surprised, but I guess they are only fast in a straight line.

If you are ruling out the CSRT :( , then my vote would be to try the Mazda 3and see if you like it. As one of the previous posters stated, the base 3 is a great buy and no slouch- faster than a stock GLHT anyway. My wife owns one and my daughter just bought a new one a couple weeks ago, nicely loaded for $15,500. Just my thoughts... Good luck in your search.

[Subliminal]

Do you have to trade your weiner in before you get the Mini Cooper, or does it just kind of shrink away on its own?

[Vigo]

*imagines subliminal's car packed in the middle of a crowd of angry mini's on a road course losing place after place..* :p

[Turbo224]

Do you have to trade your weiner in before you get the Mini Cooper, or does it just kind of shrink away on its own?

I would expect to see a comment like that on some sort of a Viper, mustang, or muscle car forum, but a TD forum? Last time a checked, an omni or especially a minivan isn't exactly the most "manly" car on the road. But some how you wouldn't see anyone on this forum say something like that about either of those cars. To each his own I guess. :confused2:

[Clay]

I would expect to see a comment like that on some sort of a Viper, mustang, or muscle car forum, but a TD forum? Last time a checked, an omni or especially a minivan isn't exactly the most "manly" car on the road. But some how you wouldn't see anyone on this forum say something like that about either of those cars. To each his own I guess. :confused2:

I would expect to see a sense of humor around here, but I guess I can be wrong too. ;)

[2.216VTurbo]

I thought it was a funny post actually. He coulda added a little smiley after it though;) Damon, EDIT!:D