I'm gonna be in the market for a new car soon (just sold a building). My JCW Coupe is 6 years old. I was Jonesing for a 2020 JCW Clubman with the 300HP all loaded up. But no dealer near me has one like I want, and they are over $50k (I imagine prices for cars on the lot are dropping quite a bit lately for obvious reasons though). I'd like it to cost more like $40k out the door (minus my trade). What's a similar make/model, Audi, BMW, VW, Acura. I'm open to suggestions for a small car with good performance and a ride not as harsh as my Coupe. Thanks in advance!

 

Audi S3? Only comes in sedan, not wagon.
BMW 228 Gran Coupe? Basically the same car underneath, but again, not a wagon.

In my opinion, the Clubman JCW is in a class of its own. Compact, premium, AWD, turbo wagon, with a TON of character? I'm at a loss.

 

VW Golf R?

 

I knew I was forgetting something....

 

I don't need it to be a "wagon" like the Clubman, nor do I need 300hp. My 210 HP JCW is plenty fast. I'd like it to be a little bigger and ride a little more gently than my Coupe (which is more of a track car IMO). I wonder when they're gonna start making Minis in Oxford again this year.

 

Our 2019 Golf Rabbit GTI is not as luxury as the MINI, but it's cheaper, easier to work on so repairs should be cheaper simpler if needed. 2019s came with 6 year warranty as well, that is gone for later models I think. The AWD Golf R would please me greatly if I had to have a new car. You don't have to use the extra HP, but it is nice to have it.

The ride is a lot nicer than any MINI I've ever been in. And that is with 18" tires.

 

I'm leaning toward an Audi 3 series coupe, a Lexus RC 300 coupe, maybe Mercedes CLA 250 coupe. They all list in the low 40's with decent equipment. I imagine new car dealers are willing to cut the prices a lot at this time just to get something off their lots right?

 

I've been shopping around and nobody seems too desperate yet. Though I'm not the best negotiator.

Of the three options you listed my preference would be the Lexus. Sadly I believe the Audi A3 is four door only. I do think you would be remiss to be shopping low 40s and neglect the Golf R, at least drive one.

 

Its not on your manufacturer list but same family as Acura. Honda civic Si list 25,200 205 hp real limited slip sport suspension with active shocks, don't ride bad at all. 2 doors are best looking in my opinion but the 4 doors people really like if they want a 4 door. In your price range is a Civic Type R list 36,995 some of the dealers liked to add some exta price to that but given current virus and lack of sales would guess they would not do that or take it off. 305hp monster suspension might be a little stiffer then the Si but wow what a lot of performance for under 40k.

 

First. There is nothing like a MINI.

Have you looked at the Veloster N?

 

Have you looked at Alfa Romeo's? Not a Mini replacement but very unique, nicely balanced, lighting fast steering (your state will have rear drive models too). As long as they don't go under/dealer closes.

 

FWIW, I’m super happy with my cpo 17 clubman. If you can hold onto the coupe and let that be your speed fix, a non jcw clubman could fit the bill in other departments. Go test drive an S. Ditch the RFTs and you should be pretty comfy.

 

I'm gonna wait and check out the redesigned Acura TLX later this year too.