So last week I was in an accident with a lifted SUV (I slid into its rear.. actually under it) MINI was towed from the scene and looks awful. No airbag deployment but the engine block is cracked in half, the engine mounts are cracked and the tranny needs to be replaced. And the SC is crushed.

The mechanic is recommending to my insurance it is totaled. Haven't heard official word yet, but seems like bad news. Thoughts on that? Would YOU want it back?

Anyway, assuming it is totaled brnigs me to the reason for my post.

I'm looking at new cars again now. Here is the info that is most pertinant then I want some opinions. I'm 25, live in Va Beach, not single but don't need space for kids right now, but could very well in the enxt couple years - the female half drives a roomy Honda Accord V6 so that may not matter.

Given that info, and my obvious enjoyment of driving and tweaking vehicles (hey, i owned an MCS) which would you consider.

I'm putting them with the price I have been able to negotiate for ones that I have already done so.(assuming no down payment - which will change) I dont like all of these, but I am COMPREHENSIVE!

Pontiac G6 - $346/month
Nissan Sentra Spec-V $360/month
Scion tC 377
Mazda 3 402
Ford Mustang 2005 411
Toyota Matrix XRS 415
VW GTI 1.8T 419
PT Cruiser GT 429
Didge SRT-4 436
Nissan Altima 3.5SE 443
Cooper Convertible 450

 

I doesn't hurt to be complete, but what a difference in those options! Next, I am very opinionated about cars and that rules out (for me) a lot of the ones you listed....
I would leave the VW, Mazda 3, Matrix, and Coop Convert on the list...

I drove a Mazda 3 and it seemed very cheap on the inside and the shifter was terrible. However, I have heard a lot of folks change the shifter out and they are happy. I like the Coop convert best.. I don't know that much about the Matrix, but it is a Toyota...didn't they only come with auto at one point? I wouldn't have an automatic, either.

Going from a Cooper to a PT Cruiser would be awful, I would think! The change in handling alone would be tramatic!

 

Have you heard of the Acura RSX Type S? It's easily the best car you can buy under $25,000. Yes, I know the MCS starts at 21-grand, but let's be realistic. With options, the S is almost a $30,000 car. At least mine was at $27,700. I used to own a 2003 RSX Type S, and I miss that car a great deal. I love my Cooper, but if I could afford to buy a 2005 RSX Type S to go along side it, I would in a heartbeat. I would take that over any of the cars on your list, and after test-driving one, I'm sure you would, too.

 

I say go with an 05 MCS non-convertible or if you want the change swing over to the VW GTI.

 

I want a manual also - but like I said.. I'm complete. There is a wide array of cars there. I don't really have a favorite to drive.

The PT Cruiser is one i WOULD NOT get. I think the one that seems the "biggest bang for the buck" seems to be the Scion tC. You can do some strange things from the dealer to help the softer suspension and otherwise it seems ok. The shifter would need to be replaced with a shorter throw.

The mazda3 drove fine, but it did seem cheap on the inside. The matrix was ok, but im not thrilled with the styling.

 

Test driving the 05 MCS was a treat with the new gearing. But I want a change. I've been driving a MINI since the beginning of 03. That's enough time for now, I think! I wont be surprised if I end up with an 05 mcs though.

 

Sorry to hear about the accident!

You don't really think we're going to tell you to get anything other than the MINI, do you? (Two years is "enough" to drive one????)

 

haha... it isn't "enough" you know that... but I like change and different stuff - that's why I chose the MINI in the first place.

I hadn't considered the type-s, didn't realize it was that "cheap" I'll look into that one too.

I don't expect my replacement to be more fun than the MINI, just a new toy to play with and mod!

 

If you're going GTI, get the VR6. There's less after market for it but I've driven the VR6 and like the strong low-end as compared to the 1.8T.

I'd go with a new MCS as well. I love my '05. Personally, I thought the GTI VR6 and the MCS were completely even in my eyes. I went with the MCS because it was a bit more eccentric.

 

Personally, I wouldn't touch anything domestic. I like the Mazda3 styling (and have always liked Mazdas - I own a '94 Miata) but have never driven one. GTI - not unless you can wait for the '06 (not sure when they hit the dealerships). Altima - Passat ripoff. Sentra - um, it's a Sentra. Pass. Matrix? Scion? Might be good, but Toyotas have always bored me. High quality, but dull.

My vote: '06 GTI or MINI (Cooper - Cooper S - cabrio version of either - take your pick).

I could have bought anything on your list, but ordered an MCS cabrio, so my bias is obvious.

 

New '05 MCS -- how modded was your car? Can't you get back the stuff you added that wasn't damaged? Doesn't most of it fit on the new ones?

Used VW R32 -- I almost traded my Saab Viggen and '93 Miata in on one of those things. 6 speeds, huge brakes and the best exhaust sound this side of a V8 Ferrari. But, thankfully, the wife put her foot down.

Maxda RX8 -- there should be plenty of aftermarket stuff for it now and if you're not too tall those rear seats have got to be at least as roomy as a Mini's

Not helping you narrow the field, am I?

I too was thinking about a Mustang instead of a new MINI because of the current issue of Road & Track. But, when I looked at the specifications table and saw that even the heavily modified ones didn't brake any better or have a better slalom time than a stock MCS it seemed like the Mini was the sensible choice.

Hunter

 

I absolutely love the Mazda3. Every time I see one I can't help but remark at how good they look. I test drove one when my MINI was totaled. It was going to be just as expensive and have just as long of a order/delivery time as a Cooper. I decided to get another Cooper, but I still really like the Mazda3

 

PT Cruiser.

 

Argh! So sorry about your accident, and glad that you are okay.

Best thing is to go test-driving, sdanaher, to get a feel for all of them. It will be very hard to give up the MINI's handling. Good luck and keep us posted!:smile:

Clover

 

Yeah, you wonder why it took so long for someone to make a truly attractive affordable compact. It really is a great looking car. Kudos to Mazda. After some stumbling over the last decade, I think they're back on the right track. IMO their current designs blow anything by Honda/Toyota/Nissan out of the water.

 

My sentiments exactly - drive them all then go back and drive a new Mini and see what you think is the most fun

If you are considering a used car I would have to say to check out an M Coupe, they are awesome (and yes I'm biased, I have one as my garage queen

 

Don't forget - there is a new GTI this fall with a new 200-hp turbo 4. And new styling which may or may not appeal to you (I saw the new Jetta over the weekend and it's friggin huge!).

The tC has got the bang-for-the-buck title at this point, plus there are lots of mods available. (Actually, I suppose the SRT-4 has the title, but it's awfully boy-racerish and is a clumsy handler) The new RSX is supposed to be really nice, too, from what I've read in magazines.

 

Don't forget the Prius. Perhaps after driving that one you will end up with a MINI.

I have no trouble imagining the accident you were in, but it must have been horrifying for you to experience.

Best wishes.

 

Get a Cooper!


or wait for the Nissan Azeal (its the Scion tC killer)

 

WHAT

 

yeah.. I couldn't tell if it was a joke or not...

 

2 weeks ago I bought my wife a honda Element. Ok.. now wait a minute before you start gaging.... The element has had all the ugly plastic cladding around the vehicle painted to match the body. ( medium gray ). Has a billet grill, and just put 18" chrome AR/casino wheels. In the two weeks, I have had nearly as many of the cool comments about it and how it looks like a whole different truck all one color, as I get with my MCS.

It is actually a blast to drive, and has a 5star crash rating in all catagorys. For a young driver, rates should be good. I will post a few picks when I get back to AZ.

 

I think the GTI sounds the best to me out of that list.:smile:

$402 for a Mazda 3??!

 

Pontiac G6 - $346/month YUCK!!! Are you kidding?
Nissan Sentra Spec-V $360/month Powerful little car.
Scion tC 377 Nice car, but felt a little underpowered.
Mazda 3 402 Not something I'd consider.
Ford Mustang 2005 411 Love the cars looks. Big Mustang fan, but gas prices are on their way up.
Toyota Matrix XRS 415 Not a bad looking car. Lots of room.
VW GTI 1.8T 419 Felt underpowered and was disappointed after the test drive.
PT Cruiser GT 429 Nice looking, havnt drove one so I cant comment on it.
Didge SRT-4 436 Cheap interior, Very fast. Really considered one.
Nissan Altima 3.5SE 443 Nice car, but you have an Accord at your disposal. Very similar car.
Cooper Convertible 450 I think were all going to be a little partial to the cooper.

Good luck.

 

Don't underestimate the Mustang GT. It's a terriffic package even with a solid rear axle. I'm surprised you didn't check out the RX-8 when you drove the Mazda 3. There are some good deals to be had on them and they are a little bit different. Personally I'd consider it as a MCS alternative. But they do have notoriously poor gas mileage. And has been commented, gas prices they are arisin'.