Now that we have the Mini our Honda Accord is no fun to drive.My wife wants a Mini of her own but right now she needs room for 5.Her, me ,16 year old who's 5 foot 11 our 12 year old and room for our 3 year old with car seat,Mpg is important and around $25,000 . What do you think?

 

Perhaps when the new 2008 MINI Clubman goes on sale, A MINI with a bit more more room. I know we would like to dump our Sienna VAN and we may seriously consider this as an option for fuel economy, fun, and utility.

check it out..

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=120671

 

2008 Mini Traveler.

Actually I would just keep the Accord, that's what we are doing. We have both a 2006 Accord and 2006 MCS and just trade off. If you want to Accord to be more fun you can always upgrade the suspension and brakes and it'll be a little more fun.

 

I didn't think that the Clubman was going to have three across seating in the US. That still only makes seating for four.

 

id say keep the acord (they are really GREAT cars), but if she wants a littloe mroe excitement, maybe a used TSX, a little smaller than an accord, but very reliable and same chassis as the accord, just a lot more sporty, and IMO better looking

 

it is just me or does that thing (clubman) look like a mini funeral car?

i think the newer accords/civics do very well for daily drivers.

 

Shoot! How do you think my unrestored '48 Chevy pickup compares?

If the Accord is reliable, paid off, and/or in good shape keep it! Painting some bonnet stripes and a white roof might help. I like the TSX also, if you must.

 

I have a 97 accord with 265000 on the clock as my daily driver. After driving my 04 MCS on the weekend, it suck going back to the accord. But it is reliable and a solid car. It has same engine and clutch

 

Keep the Accord and switch off. Sure, the Accord is boring but it sounds like you really need it. It just wouldn't make sense logistically to dump the Honda for another MINI. You would have to get a third car and I doubt you want to pony up the cash for that.

 

Oh yea, another reason to keep the Accord: when you want to go incognito, you're set.

 

BMW 328i sedan....Lexus IS....Infiniti G35 sedan....Audi A3/A4

All will be a lot more fun than the Accord, but offer a lot more room than the MINI.

All for about $30-35k

I've driven the TSX many times....it's an Accord, but slower..and not overly sporty. Looks good though.

 

I'd trade in the Accord and get a Civic SI.

 

Most definitely dump the Accord and get another MINI I'm sure your family of five will love the idea of squeezing in there.

This isn't a serious question ... correct?

 

Chows....think he was asking what could best combine the MINI's fun level with the Accord's utility.

And to the OP, sorry about my recommendations, I completely skipped over the $25k price point.

I'd look at a Volvo S40, VW Jetta GLI (turbo), Honda Civic Si sedan, Subaru WRX, etc.

 

Keep in mind that 3 year old won't be in a car seat forever. You're going to need room for 5 to sit comfortably, not just sit.

 

I have a Honda Dealer 2 blocks away, I stopped in yesterday just to see the room of the civic si, Its much roomier than previous civic ,mpg 's not great 22 city?I had the 3 year old with me didnt feel like trading car seat so I'll test drive later.After test driving the Mini I couldnt not buy it .It'll be interesting to compare.Thanks for all the advice ,I might just end up getting some nice rims for the Accord it's an 03 so it's not falling apart.

 

Mazdaspeed 3 if your wife is ok with a manual.

 

Dude ... keep the Accord. You got a great car, great quality, and will last a long time. Sinking money into a new car is money tossed out the window

 

Wait with an 03 there are some very cheap and quick mods that will make it handle better. You can order the rear sway bar from an 04-up Acura TL or TL-S which will bump you up to either a 17mm or 20mm bar out back. You can also chenge the front sway bar for the TL-S bar and that'll bump you up to a 25mm, but it is pretty labor intensive as you have to drop the front sub frame to do it. Also you can order the front strut bar assembly for the V6 Accord Coupe to replace the little fender to firewall braces. All of this will only cost you about $200 total. I've done all three and it made a world of difference, still doesn't handle like the MINI but it's better than it was. After this then I would consider rims and tires, spring, shocks or brakes and future upgrades. If you have not joined a Honda UBB then try www.driveaccord.net This is the one I frequent.

 

Shoot, my Mom's '98 Accord V6 was no fun to drive before I had ever even driven a MINI! I liken driving it to piloting a vehicle-sized chunk of green jello (yes, it must be green jello).

They are very reliable though, and even the V6 is pretty good on gas.

 

I always thought Hondas were the Stepford Wives of cars. Did everything right. Reliable. And totally devoid of a soul. Sometimes, it's good to be talked back to.