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....and I always have my eyes open for what the next car will be. As much as I enjoy the MINI brand, I can't say I'm thrilled with the direction they are going...The new Hardtop is a pinch too small, that Clubman concept out there is interesting, and I like interesting, but who knows when or if it will even be built. I like the Paceman look more than the Countryman, but overall, just "liked" the Countryman, not "loved", like I did my '09 Clubman.
I just went onto BMWUSA.com and built an M3 in Yas Marina Blue with 6MT, Executive Package and Heated Seats, and within minutes, an i3 Tera world with Range Extender in Andesite Silver...It's a sight for sore eyes, but I'm fascinated by the technology...WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?!?
I mean, you can totally do the WRX for a reasonable price or the every Popular Toyota 86 twins.
I love the new rex, personally.
Toyobaru twins are nice, but not an ideal practical daily driver.
I've always liked the WRX, and would still consider it, but not my first choice. I'm biased to wagons/hatchbacks, and the fact that it's no longer available in a hatch?
Originally Posted by NBP04TL4ME
That was a pretty quick lease or at least seems so. Last time you gave us a framework to go with. What are your requirements this time?
I'm 2.5 years into the 3 year lease that it is. If I really wanted to, I could get out of it now, but we shall see.
Requirements haven't changed much, still would prefer a hatch/wagon, 6MT is the top choice (except for the very few cars I would consider that aren't available with it), with the exception of an M3, that's just a car I've always wanted. A lot of me prefers to stay unique, which is why I have a Smart Electric Drive, which is also why I would consider an i3 (As I mentioned, I'm fascinated by the technology), or even another CT200h (I got one for my driver, as well as my sister, I like driving it, but do I want a 3rd one?). As much as I don't want to think about it, I am also trying to stay in a budget, and the M3 is a stretch for me at this point. But once again, we shall see!
Last time I suggested a Fiat 500, but I know the reliability hasn't been solid. Have to admit they are somewhat unique and I don't really see a lot of them on the road.
Guess Lexus NX and Volvo V60R are out as no 6MT.
I like Crazy Bimmer's suggestion of a GTI.
Would have to think a little more on it to come up with others.
Last time I suggested a Fiat 500, but I know the reliability hasn't been solid. Have to admit they are somewhat unique and I don't really see a lot of them on the road.
Guess Lexus NX and Volvo V60R are out as no 6MT.
I like Crazy Bimmer's suggestion of a GTI.
Would have to think a little more on it to come up with others.
I still like the Abarth, but when I drove it for the first time, I was mighty disappointed. Also, for me, the driving position was very awkward.
Lexus NX - I was actually considering getting that for my wife, but her lease ended last month and I didn't want to wait (nor get assraped on the pricing because it's brand new), and ended up with the RDX for her. That's not a car I am interested in having as a DD. I like the V60 Polestar, but a few problems - VERY hard to get, no lease program, and no MT.
I would rock an S3, BUT no 6MT. Same thing goes for a TT. Oh well. GTI is definitely a consideration.
Sounds like the GTI fits the requirements almost exactly. What about the Fiesta ST? I would personally never have thought twice about one but the car mags love that car.
Quick question.. How reliable is/was the Countryman?
The reviews are very mixed out there with the MINI brand in general. My car was pretty reliable, though. The only unscheduled stop I had was about a month into ownership, the driver's side window switch was faulty. Other than that, and 2-3 scheduled services, that's about it. I'm due for another service soon, which is for oil and brakes, and that's probably all I'll need before the lease is up. I liked the car, but I didn't love it like some of the other cars I've had in the past.
Biggest issue I had with it, is the fact that's it's about 500lbs heavier than a hardtop, with the same power. The performance for me was slightly disappointing compared to, say, the Clubman I had before.
12-13-2014, 09:21 PM
it's a shame I'm not a fan of the car... 
