Is the residual on the GTI such that you don't want to purchase the car at the end, or do you have to keep leasing?

Have you looked at the new STI's? How about a Legacy, or a regular WRX wagon?

I just drove an 08 STI yesterday and was very impressed by just how much that car has grown up, compared to the previous generation. It actually rode a little softer than my Si. Subaru nailed the ride/handling tradeoff on that car.

I have a friend at a dealer in town here that has 2 "used" 2008 R32's with <100 miles on them, selling for 28k each, if that suits your fancy.

Just throwing some ideas out there.

 

I'd love an STi, I drove it before and liked it. Too rich for my blood though.

I considered the WRX, I love the new design, but something about it just doesn't do it for me. Not to mention the lease programs are crap right now.

I didn't consider buying my GTI, I haven't check to see what the residual is, and that's because I don't want to buy it.

The R32 thing is tempting, but "if it don't got a stick", I'm not interested. If it was available in 6sp, I would have gotten that over the GTI I currently have.

 

Yowza, looks sick. Both of those have the aero kit too, which the one I'm looking at has. Only thing that bothers me is the fact that on a Cooper S, the Aero kit gives you body color front and rear bumper, side sills and wheel arches. On the Clubman S, it gives you all of the above except the wheel arches . I would probably have the wheel arches painted. Meanwhile that white one looks fkn SICK. I don't think that's a factory color, otherwise I'd be all over it. All they have is the cum-stained Pepper White

Also, I do plan on lowering it, just not sure how low, I'd rather wait to see if I get it first to see how low it is before anything to determine how much of a drop I would actually do. I've been researching it a little and would probably go for the Eibach Pro Kit, as that's what I have on my GTI and I'm satisfied with it. I would also change the RSB, but it seems like there's a heated debate on whether a 19mm or 22mm RSB is better for street use (Stock is 17mm).

 

CM looks like a clown car - a limo for midgets. to be honest, im surprised that thing sells at all. and for 30k i would go slightly used for something more upscale.

 

Yeah I hear that. I made an offer on the one I drove yesterday. Dealer wanted 31, I offered 30 OTD, reasonable for a used STI, as new ones similarly optioned were selling new for 32 OTD in December, and got turned down.

I've seen base cars at asking prices of 27k ish with 10-15k on the clock.

I'm with you on the proper manual transmission as well, which is why I haven't picked up one of those two R32's.

 

I don't like the Clubman due to the design of the rear lights.

 

I must agree... the rear lights is one of the parts of the CM that turns me off the most. the longer wheel base is the other... just seems... I dunno... not as well proportioned like the regular mini.

 

It is Pepper White... http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...&postcount=246
http://motoringunderground.com/forum...&postcount=167
http://motoringunderground.com/forum...&postcount=165

The white is on Cross coilovers and the other is on H&R springs.

 

Pepper White is hot! Put down the Bong.

 

Will there ever come day when you dont say something completely stupid?

 

here we go again...

stupid? its an opinion on a highly controversial design...

 

Anyone want to clue me in when the mini became a controversial design? News to me...

 

Nice try, but we are talking about the Clubman, specifically. Do some internet research on related articles, and see how many hits you get.

 

Controversial Design?!?!?!

It's been very well received by the automotive press.

Were not talking about the TL here.....

 

There is nothing "controversial" about the car.

 

How about the MINI Crossman for a controversial design?!

The only design aspect of the CM that might be controversial is the size. Aside from that The design is true to MINI IMO. Same goes for the R56 but cars always seem to get bigger with each successive generation.

 

I agree with the gang.

There's nothing controversial in regards to CM's design.

 

That white CM with tint and BBS wheels is drop-dead gorgeous!

 

Actually, the first two have the same wheels... they are BBS replicas (Rota MC's) The only one with genuine BBS's is the bagged Hot Chocolate Clubman.

 

Keep the GTI.

 

It looks very white in the pic you posted here. The pepper white in proper lighting looks like a creamy ivory/white, and this is probably an accurate pic showing the color:

 

Cloudy day pics FTL......in sunlight is a better pic. ^^ The above pics almost looks like the "Sparkling Silver" color instead of "Pepper White"

FWIW Pepper White Rocks in any lighting condition.

 

^ +1, Pepper White is one of my favorite colors. I like the creamy hue in the paint.

This guy has lots of nice pics of his Pepper White R53:
http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...ad.php?t=11862
http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...&postcount=297

 

 

So what do you think of it so far?

 

I like it. A lot.

But I need an armrest, like pronto. Within the next month I'll be adding the armrest (Like this week-ASAP), hopefully satellite radio, and a set of Eibach springs and changing the RSB. I also purchased from some dude on a Mini forum a module he made to default the "Sport" button to turn on every time I start the car instead of manually turning it on every time I start the car. The throttle response is soooo lagged when "Sport" isn't activated, and I end up remembering to turn it on every time I start up when pulling off the clutch with minimal throttle like I always do. Problem is, with the minimal throttle I'm pushing to launch, when sport is off I need to throttle in a little more, but with "Sport" on, it's just right.

I didn't drive much though, about 50 miles on Friday and didn't go anywhere today. I'll be driving all over tomorrow and let you know more soon!

 

Congrats, youll love it.

 

Kinda agree.

Never been a fan of the clubman. I like the GTI better in terms of looks.

But I know the feeling of wanting to change it up a bit. Congrats on the Mini! Im sure its a blast to drive.

 

Haha you pulled the trigger!! Congrats!!!

 

NICE Toy!!

 

That's the understatement of the year. You are my idol! And I also understand the feeling, it is a strong one and life is short.

Glad you like the new toy, Shoofin. I told you you'd already made up your mind.

 

You know what, neither have I, and I do like the look of the GTI better too...This whole time I was looking for a Coupe. It wasn't until I realized that the Coupe would be too small for me that I considered the CM. BUT the more I look at it, the more I like it. It's different, and I like different ('member my xB in yelow?!?). I just have to get used to the very different seating position, and feel of the clutch and shifter. In the drive from the dealership to my office, I noticed the clutch required a lot more effort than the GTI, so much so that my knee got stiff by the time I got to work. It could be the increased effort or the knee just acting up on me again (3 past surgeries on the clutch knee).

Now all I gotta do is drop it and I'll like it even more!

 

Nice! Congrats, I love it!

 

Gti, ftw....

 

Rear sway bar ordered last night, springs to order later today...

 

I say keep the GTI only because I think the Clubman is

EDIT: But congrats on it! Let us know how you like it.

 

Looks fantastic!!

Post some interior shots when you get a chance.

 

i like the look of CM.

 

Tints done today (35%)...

 

Looking good! Now where are the interior shots?