Well the lease is up on the wife’s 2005 Mazda 6i this summer. I wanted to get an idea or two from the folks here at A-zine as to their recommendations for replacement. She likes:

Mini Cooper S
Mazda 3 Hatch
Saturn (Opel) Astra

She does not want a Civic or Corolla. Any other suggestions for around 24k or under?

 

Mini Cooper S or a mazdaspped 3

 

i'd personally go for the mazda - exceptional value. the mini is a nice car, but with added options, it can be quite expensive. oh, if im not mistaken, you have to put premium in the mini as well

 

yea...leaning heavy on the 3.

 

Mini Cooper S or MS3

 

Can you wait for the next gen 6?

 

+1.

if not, mazda3.

 

Dude, you can get a used A3 2.0T for under $24k with 10-15k miles. Probably a much nicer car than anything else on that list.

 

I'd go with the 3. I remember when you made a thread about the 6 in 2005. Amazing how time flies.

 

Don't get the Cooper S........you will end up driving it more than your wife...and your wife will be pissed. :wink:


Cooper S or the 3

 

Mini Cooper Clubman S.

I fell in love with them at the auto show. I went to drive one a couple weeks ago, but I was saddened to discover my camera cart was about 4" too long to fit in the back.

 

Cooper

 

Mini Cooper S

 

Depends on her needs.

I love both the Cooper and the MS3, but I would prefer the MS3 if it was my only car. The interior quality is ridiculous.

 

Good one!
I forgot about the Clubman S

 

She wants something dependable.

 

+ 1 for the Clubman.

 

If it is out by July....sure. But I dont think it will be. We thought about that.

 

Sister-in-law's 2003 JCW Cooper S is the funnest and fastest car her or my brother has ever owned. However, it is also the most unreliable car they, together, have ever owned, enough to convince them to stay away from BMW, forever.

 

My Mom just got a 3 hatch and loves it. I drove it the other day and for ~$20k, it's not too shabby at all.

 

I generally thought Minis were relieable...no?

 

Unfortunately, that's not what I've read.

I'd go with the 3 from that list.

 

Yes...depending on the model and year.
CVT models were poor all around (that's why BMW ditched CVT rather quickly)....as were the first couple of years of MINI.
Pretty damn reliable from 2004 on.
The new direct injection turbo engine is excellent.

 

Yo need to look at the big picture.

Any money down?
Any cap cost reduction?
What is the money factor?
Lease terms?
Any disposition fee?

And, what most people forget when buying a car, how much is gonna be for insurance.

Take a look at the Volvo S40 2.4i.

2008 S40: Standard Transmission. 36 month lease at $259 per month plus tax.

Due at start: $995 Down payment (cap cost reduction) first payment, bank fee, $0 security deposit, plus tax, tag, and fees. 10,000 allowable miles per year. $0.18 per mile thereafter.
Offers are subject to credit approval and financed through US Bank. See dealer for details. Not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. 720+ Becon score required.

 

I just bought a new 3 and I freaking love it, I came from an 02 Si so that might something to do with it

 

The next gen 6 looks hot as hell. Drop some roll on something for a year/2yr lease and then jump right into one of those.

My main gripe with the current 6 was the taillights, and that problem is solved in the new CGI's and spyshots ive seen on here in the 6 thread.

Gogo!

 

Not super practical but, how about an S2000?

 

need a little more room...2 dogs and me.

 

Another vote for the 3 here. My daughter has an 07 6 and I am impressed with its quality for the price. Of course, the new 6 might be worth a look if it comes out in time for you.

 

Comparo article: Cooper S / Astra XR /C30 T5

http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGui...ories&year=New

Cooper S winner.

 

Astra has no redline version yet...its also being treated as an ultra entry level car.

C30 is neat but has the most worthless tailgate for a utility hatch I've seen.

Clubman S is the best.

 

I personally hate the interior of the Mini

Makes me remember my family's old cars, including a 70s Hillman

 

Sorry, but the Cooper and Clubman interiors look nothing like the Hillman.




They look quite nice.

 

....do I see blood stains on those mats?

 

2008 Jetta 2.0T Wolfsburg with the DSG.

MSRP is under 24k. I don't think reliability will be a problem with this design, as the bugs should be worked out by now.

 

The C30 is also difficult to get with a manual transmission unless you option it up the gills (the optional interior is much better looking than the standard one) and order it, at which point it's close to $30K MSRP.

AutoWeek loved both the Mazda3 and the Saturn Astra.

Other options:
Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe
Scion tC or xB

 

Mini's are out..test drove one and it rides like shit. Choppy as hell.

 

 

No..that's what my wife said...she is only 36!

 

Tsx