I wanna retire Sprog II as my everyday driver at around 50-60k miles. I'm at 22kish right now, and thats in only 11 months. So I'm thinking by spring/summer 2005 it may be time to get a second car, and let the Mini get modded up for racing and for nice day blasts.

I do come from a wealthier family, and I have the opportunity to be making a good deal of money after I graduate with a motorcycle company my dad and I plan on starting up, but I'm really not the type who likes to spend a lot of money. I just want a condo with a 2-car garage, and just a couple cars to have (in comparison, my family altogether has 14 cars... I don't need all that, lol). I just want some nice, but inexpensive cars, a good girlfriend, and a decent place to live. Don't need anything extravagant. Heck, I plan on decorating with pretty much all IKEA.

There are a ton of cars out there that I'd like to have, but lately there are so many nice ones coming out with the performance of cars that cost 2, 3, 4+ times what they cost. Good examples would be the STi or EVO.

I mean, dream cars would be an Aston Martin Vanquish, or even just an Elise... but I don't really see myself spending any more than $30k for a car in the forseeable future. I'm 13 weeks away from graduating from college, I can't be thinking big like that,

So, I've been looking for cars in the $15-$20k range, and not ruling out used at all. I figure in a year or two I could buy a used version of a current car I like for quite a bit cheaper, so long as I find one in good shape (I'm **** with car condition).

I've pretty much narrowed it down to two.

First would be a Jetta sedan. I used to have the 115 hp engine in the Beetle I traded in fro my first Mini, and while it was acceptable in the beetle... I think it'd be a bit too underpowered in the larger and heavier Jetta. The TDI is a good idea, but with as cold as it gets up here in the winter, I'd worry about the fuel gelling, so thats out. All thats left is the 1.8T (I hate V6's, and the VR6 is too expensive anyways). That puts me in a GLS 1.8T. Nice car, but it rises above my $20k cap, and doesn't come with fog lights, which is a huge thing for me. I like the styling, but it is starting to get pretty dated.

I recently found out about the Mazda 3, and I think I've fallen in love with it. Both models, the i and the s both seem decent enough, but I think I'd rather go for the s because of the cooler interior and extra 17 hp. It comes with a 2.3L 160 hp NA I-4. Its power to weight is 17.5:1. The Jetta has a 1.8L 180 hp turbo I-4, power to weight of 17.5:1. Odd, no? Compare that to my Mini right now with a 1.6L 180hp SC I-4 (180 hp is an estimate... pilo intake and magnaflow exhaust, I think its close to accurate in dyno hp). Power to weight for the Mini is 14.7:1. Naturally I'm looking for something close to the Mini in power... but the Jetta and Mazda are identical. I think the Jetta may have a few hundredths difference, but thats negligable.

The more I look at this Mazda the more I like it. My only quip is that the ABS comes in a $800 package along with side airbags, which I don't care for, and don't feel like spending the money for... so those're out. This will be more of a winter car, so ABS would be nice, but I can do without. The Jetta has ABS stock, and traction control for only $230. The M azda does not offer traction control, but again, I can do without. So, a Mazda 3 s 4-door with a 5-speed is under $17k. Optioned a bit will bring it a smidge over $17k, but most of the options I don't need. A number I like... something I think I could afford even without a cosigner. The Jetta GLS runs $21.5k. Mazda also gives recent college grads $500 off.

Performance between the two are similar... jetta has about a 16 second 1/4, mazda is mid-15's. Jetta's 0-60 has been reported between 7.7-8.5, though I think its probably more like 7.5. The Mazda's 0-60 is low 7s. So, performance is similar. But, anyone that knows me knows that I'm not a fan of turbos, as over a long time they're pretty hard on an engine. Not saying a supercharger isn't, but from what I've head the turbos are worse. The mazda is naturally aspirated, which I like.

So. I think I'm sold on the Mazda. I stopped by my local dealer today and took a look at a few... they were supposed to be open 'til 3 on sundays, but I guess they stopped being open on sundays period... so, I didn't get to drive one. But, seeing one in person just makes me like 'em even more. They look very similar to the 6, but I think they're a bit slicker looking. Only thing I don't really like is the rear end, but I can deal. Maybe tomorrow between classes I'll swing by again and try to drive one.

Lemme know what you guys think, is the Mazda the right choice? Anyone have one yet?

 

Excellent choices there...my vote is also on the Mazda. My cousin had a Mazda Protege5 wagon. Great car, it handled as well if not better then the mini. It was good on gas and had good power. The Mazda also saved my cousins life. He was in a terrible accident on the freeway...long story short he hit road debris rammed into a semi and flipped it. My cousin and his passenger survived all thanks to the Mazda.

I saw a few Mazda 3's at the LA auto show, I really like them. Here's one I saw there:

 

Glad yer cousin's okay! Cars are so much safer these days...

Doubt the handling is better than a Mini, but I know its good. Have to see how the 3 handles.

 

Sounds like your mind is made up, but 2nd car choices really depend on what you need the car for.

I own a Jetta TDI wagon. Fuel gelling is not an issue. I don't where people get this from... Oil companies add anti-gelling agents to the diesel in the Winter. The only time you might have an problem is in the Fall when some stations may still have Summer fuel in the tanks. I buy fuel from a station that does a lot of commercial sales (50 ton dump trucks) so the fuel doesn't sit in the tank long. I've also started the car in sub-zero temps with no problems. VW has diesel technology down.

Unless you really just want something different, do what tontobird did: buy a second MINI!

 

kudos to you! I really don't understand the mentality of "living beyond one's means". So, you're perspective on life is refreshing. Especially, coming from someone so young. As for the cars. I REALLY like the Mazda3 sedan. The hatchback just doesn't look right to me. But the 3 is a heck of a deal for the money. As for the diesel gelling in colder weather. I don't think that's totally true. Maybe I'm wrong. But, diesel is much more prominent in Europe (from what I saw when I visited there a few years ago). They have a much colder climate than the majority of the US. So, I'm pretty sure that they've figured out a way around that prob....

 

No, if I get a second Mini, it'll be to put in a trailer along with the bikes when we start touring 'em... something besides the dually or a bus to drive around in... and it'll be a classic RHD Mini, decked out like Charlize's in the Italian Job. I want a second car so I have something with a useable rear seat. I tore mine out, hehheh.

Went and test drove a 3 today. Very SOLID car, good "thunk" to the doors when they shut. Not much ***** at the low end, but it is a NA car... but it gets you there. Doesn't thrust you into the seat a la Mini, though. And its very quiet, even when you're outside of it. COOL luminiscent guages, nicely designed interior, comfortable seats... I'm 6'1 and I had the seat pretty far forward, so I fit in it a lot better than I do in a Jetta. Think I'm sold, maybe in 2005.

 

>>Doubt the handling is better than a Mini, but I know its good. Have to see how the 3 handles.

OK maybe not better then a mini but it handles pretty damn good for a wagon!

 

I won't disagree to that. I've heard so many good things about the Protege5... just needs more bollocks.