IMO Mazda 3 is a good choice, much better than a Honda Fit.

Just avoid making any more test drives in Mini's and you should be fine

I drove my Wifes Mazda 3 on and off for a year to fill the need for speed.

When she tired of my borrowing it I did two Mini test drives, then I had to buy one.

 

Okay, I have to tell you, that I looked at a Fit (as per the wishes of my mother and fiancé) when I was "shopping" for a new car. Let's face it, I knew I was getting another MINI. Anyway... our Honda dealer and Toyota dealer are right next door to each other so I figured I'd go test drive the Fit (sport version?) and a Toyota Matrix XRS. I was expecting the Fit to be a fun little car with about the same get up and go as my R50 and I thought I'd actually like it pretty well. Conversely, I thought I would utterly hate the Matrix.

Well... I had it allllll kinds of backwards. I drove the Matrix first, and to my surprise, it was frickin' awesome. A close competitor to my MCS in my "shopping." However, I was EXTREMELY dissappionted in the Fit. Everything felt like cheap plastic that was going to break if I touched it the wrong way. The gearbox was crap. The acceleration was UTTER crap. The suspension... CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP!!!!

I dunno, maybe the Matrix ruined it for me, but I would never even consider buying a Honda Fit. IMO, you'd be better off with a Yaris or a Sentra.

 

Congrats Coney! Sounds like you made a great choice for your lifestyle and budget.

I was in a similar quandry- Fit or Cooper Hardtop. Was convinced to get the Fit due to overall practicalities and flexibilities. Very impressed with the many interior configurations. I was leaning towards the Fit, my wife the Mini. We could fit (sorry) the mountain/road bikes, etc. I might also point out that we've had great luck and success with our 03 Honda CR-V, which will be going to our son for college next fall. (The new CR-V was also a *great* option, but the Fit stirred me for the mpg.)

Without question, the Fit made the most sense. Even though we're empty-nesters, the Mini's 2-door and tight seating could prove challenging with passengers.

We test drove the Fit, and like several posters before me have said, it lacked oomph. The rear hatch had paint missing on its underside. The welds on the window frame looked like bird-droppings (my wife is the one who picked up on this...). Reeaallly plastic-y interior. The car's looks, while not at all off-putting, did not stir us at all. At all. But it sure is practical.

So two days ago, on my 50th birthday, we pulled the trigger. Welcome home, Peppa. Our new pepper white, black-roofed, bonnet-striped, iPod ready Coop. LOVE the look, the build quality, the passion, the stir, the community, the buzz, the hug. Well done, Mini Marketing! And thanks Nick Alexander.

We'll just throw the bikes in my Tacoma when its time for a ride.

The mini is my son's dream car, so when he graduates in a few years, who knows - a JCW for the Mrs.??

Cheers to you all,

Kdubber

 

Oh yeah, after a bit of soul-searching, we opted for the sunroof too!

Kdub