Mini Cooper in Route Across the Pond

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joey D
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I wouldn't get the V8 LS, to hard on gas and like I said I'm not looking for something overly fast.

I still need to drive some other cars, but right now the Mazda is winning out. It would be the Grand Touring 5-door model, in white, with the Bose and Moonroof package on it. It comes to about $22,700 or something with taxes and what not.
 
Nearly $23K for a Mazda 3? Wow, for that kind of cash you should be looking into larger, and arguably better cars. Leaving the sport-minded models out of the mix, you can get a pretty nicely equipped Ford Fusion or Saturn Aura for that price, or if you prefer, wait a few more weeks for the Jetta SportWagen TDI and get 60 MPG on the highway.

I was thinking of a $15-16K Mazda3 I guess, but they just don't build them that way anymore...
 
Oh God I'd probably kill myself before I got a Fusion...I hate those cars. The Aura on the other hand is something I forgot about, it was car of the year here in NA so something has to be good about it.
 
You can get a pretty nicely done XR with the 252 BHP V6 for right around $23K. Whether or not the sex-tastic Moroccan Leather fits in there is beyond me...

Although, it would be interesting to check the used car market. There has to be an XR demo car for a pretty good price...

I dunno, but I'm a sucker for a mid-size car with a stick, so that would be what I'd shoot for. Problem is, those kinds of cars are disappearing quickly. The Fusion is the only American car I know of that is offered that way, and the Accord really is the only other car in the class for a reasonable sum of money that can be had the same way.

The good news is that there are a lot of great options out there, which ends up making your job more difficult... But at least you know you've got a far better chance of spending your money on a good car than you would have ten years ago...
 
I was thinking of a $15-16K Mazda3 I guess, but they just don't build them that way anymore...
Except they very much do. Joey’s talking about a completely outfitted 3 (sans nav system, I think), including leather, heated seats, an expensive audio system, a moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, leveling Xenon headlamps, etc. (Almost all of that is impossible to get on a Rabbit. And you can’t outfit a midsize sedan with anywhere near that many toys for 23 grand.)

Conversely, you can be like me and get one for between $15k–$18k. Mazda caters to whatever amount of gadgetry you want.
 
I'm aware that they do, but its seldom seen around here. I can only think of maybe one, maybe two Mazda3 models I've seen stickered for less than $16K. Personally speaking I don't need much over my current car... So "standard" features such as power windows, remote locks and ABS are all luxuries to me. Although, I do genuinely find alloy wheels and a spoiler something I always look for. Damn VW and their Wolfsburg packages...

According to Mazda, getting exactly what I want (3i Sport in purple with ABS, A/C, spoiler, and fog lights... Same stuff on my Jetta now) would be $16,440. Not too bad.

A VW Rabbit (2-door, I know) with the same level of kit (interestingly enough in Sage green) would cost me $16,293.

The wildcard in my book is the Mitsubishi Lancer ES. About $17K gets you a pretty decent car that not only looks cool, but apparently drives well too.
 
According to Mazda, getting exactly what I want (3i Sport in purple with ABS, A/C, spoiler, and fog lights... Same stuff on my Jetta now) would be $16,440. Not too bad.

A VW Rabbit (2-door, I know) with the same level of kit (interestingly enough in Sage green) would cost me $16,293.

The wildcard in my book is the Mitsubishi Lancer ES. About $17K gets you a pretty decent car that not only looks cool, but apparently drives well too.

I can't understand why everyone lauds the 3's driving abilities; I've driven dozens of 3i's and they're no better than your run of the mill Corolla. I swear Mazda's sporty image convinces people the things are sporty. Perhaps - hopefully - the 3s is different. I haven't driven a Rabbit but I've driven tons of new Jettas including one yesterday and they are fantastic drives. I'd love to drive the new Lancer. I hear it's slow.
 
Well, obviously the 3s is going to have a bit more gusto than the 3i, but as I recall, the 3s outperforms the Rabbit without much of a problem when it comes to sporty driving. What I love about the Rabbit (and even the Jetta) is that they can hang with the sportier models when they need to, but are twice as comfortable any time else. That Germanic idea of what a car should drive like ruined me... And its why I love my VWs so much.

As for the Lancer, I keep meaning to drive one, but I never have the time to go to the North side of town to do it. I'm friends with two of the guys at the VW/Nissan/Mitsubishi dealer, and I'm sure they could get me the keys for a half-hour...
 
if you have half a brain and already have a car then you will leave your money in the stock market and not buy a depreciating asset where the money could be gaining in value.

at work, whereas im just about the only person who doesnt have a car payment in my dept, im also the only person who has reasonable disposable income to spend on things like travel and enjoying life. my co workers have lebrons fancy new sneakers, nice phones, expensive name brand t shirts and so on. they buy lunch on just about a daily basis, have no problem getting expensive haircuts and so on, but they never go anywhere, their version of a fun weekend is staying home and buying cheap tickets to dodgers games. coz thats about all they can afford.

i dont have a cell phone, i wear old rugby jerseys and soccer t shirts most of the time, wear cheap name brand shoes (i buy for comfort, not style. i stick to name brands coz ive gone down the generic route and thats a mistake i wont make again.) i cook my own food (im single. no mom or girlfriend in picture to cook for me) and take a sack lunch to work most days. i drive an old reliable 1990 mercedes 300E. i didnt buy it for any status/ style points. i bought it coz i used to wrench on them as an apprentice motor mechanic way back in the day. they are relatively simple, roomy, capable, cheap to run but expensive to repair. i do most of my own work. i bought it knowing it needed near- future expensive work (cylinder head gasket leaking. redid cylinder head while there), did that and have spent all off $3000 on it in 4 years with it. avg monthly cost of $62.50 so far. compare that to a car payment. and every month that i dont spend any money on repairs, that avg gets lower. this cost doenst include maitenance, as maintenance (oil change, tuneups, brakes, etc) is required for any car, new or old. just repairs.

a car is a tool for getting from point A to point B. its not a chic getting tool, and frankly doesnt make me think any less or any more of you for having it. although, if you still live in an apt (or worse, at home!!!!!) and your car payment is nearly as much as your rent, then i might disparage you.

you leave that $20K in the market at 8% a year and you have exponentially more money in 25 years than if you put $30K in that same account at the same rate in ten years time. i dont have to show you all the links to all the finanacial sites that echo what im saying.

i put as much as i can in my 401K plan. it sometimes appreciates at a snails pace, but this year alone its appreciated 33% including my normal contribution. and the year isnt over yet. 33%. 8 months. it had been slow, at about 3% until about february when company stock started climbing from about $50 per share to its current ~$60 per share. it helped that i shifted some funds (20%) from a stable value fund (read as very slow growth, but you dont lose your money!) to company stock at about the same time.

im fortunate to be able to loan myself money from my 401K. i pay interest on it, but since the account is mine, the funds are mine, its a loan taken by me, underwritten by me, with interest paid to me. by taking half my available balance to buy a boat, motorcycle, invest in a business, whatever, i add half that interest payment to my balance over the 4 year loan. so at 10% i add 5% value to my acct by simply paying it back. ive made sure to keep my contributions the same and not cheat myself of the time value of money.

one guy in my dept has about the same balance as me, but has had his account longer, and has worked full time longer than i have. ive only started working full time in the last year, and by aggressively putting money in it, ive caught up and surpassed him in less than 5 years. we both put our contributions mostly to company stock.

food for thought.

for the record, in addition to the 300E, i also have a 76 BMW 2002 and a 69 BMW 2002. the 76 was a daily driver, casual cruiser, but im taking its drivetrain and installing it in the 69 which will be a track rat/ daily driver. im planning to get a BMW R1200GS Adventure later this year or early next year. so i do still manage to enjoy my vehicular life. i just dont pay much for it. nor do i see the need to. only collector cars appreciate. i invest accordingly
 
read OP, skipped to end and posted. went back and rearead thread.

If you own your Blazer, keep it and drive it into the ground. Own appreciating assets - your stocks will serve you far better in the long run than a car.

+1rep

glad im not the only one letting common sense prevail.
 
Go. For. The. LS. V8.



'Nuff Said

You know, I've come to realize that the LS V6 is also a pretty decent package. It doesn't have THAT much less BHP than the V8. I invite all of you who like the LS to read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_ls

I'm actually changing my pick in my topic from "V8 only" to either.

I've always liked LS V8s, the newest ones are gorgeous and i'd have to assume they're fast even though they're heavy. About a block away there's a white one that I like alot. Unfortunately I've never been in one at all. :indiff:

You should take one for a drive, they are fan-freaking-tastic. Ford REALLY dropped the ball on this one by not marketing it correctly. Such a brilliant car to die a silent death.

I wouldn't get the V8 LS, to hard on gas and like I said I'm not looking for something overly fast.

The V6 is almost as quick and more importantly better MPG--that is for 2003-2006 models.

Ladies and gents THIS is the one American saloon that deserves to sit amongst the Europeans...
2003-05_Lincoln_LS.jpg
 
The main reason I want to ditch the Blazer is the amount of problems I'm having with it. It's going to need a new transmission within the year, something is up with the engine, and it needs brakes again. I don't want to dump money into it...I would rather just get something new-ish.

I'm getting closer to loving the LS, I got a chance to drive one today since my buddy's dad has one. It's the V8 and it's an awesome car.

I think I'm going to look at this:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ors=&transmission=&max_price=20000&cardist=20

and this

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ors=&transmission=&max_price=20000&cardist=22

On Monday.
 
I think there is one flaw in your model choice:

Cadillac CTS

With the 3.6L V6, the performance is hard to beat. Yes, I realize I'm beating the GM drum again, but wasn't the CTS considered better by some anyway?
 
I like the CTS, the only problem is they hold their value better so I will have to pay more for a car with less miles on it.
 
Very true I suppose. I wouldn't buy one without the LY7 3.6L V6, and those are the most difficult to find the way I like them (sans-automatic).
 
I'm also thinking about checking into a Mini Cooper...not the S, just a normal Cooper. They get 32 mpg and I can get one pretty tricked out.
 
The main reason I want to ditch the Blazer is the amount of problems I'm having with it. It's going to need a new transmission within the year, something is up with the engine, and it needs brakes again. I don't want to dump money into it...I would rather just get something new-ish.

I'm getting closer to loving the LS, I got a chance to drive one today since my buddy's dad has one. It's the V8 and it's an awesome car.

I think I'm going to look at this:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ors=&transmission=&max_price=20000&cardist=20

and this

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ors=&transmission=&max_price=20000&cardist=22

On Monday.

Two awsome cars. The first one has a good warranty and low miles. Check the insurance and if its affordable I'd definately say go for it.

I'm also thinking about checking into a Mini Cooper...not the S, just a normal Cooper. They get 32 mpg and I can get one pretty tricked out.

Mini Coopers have the highest resale/residule value of anything on the face of the planet. I've seen used ones sell for more than new ones.

Thank you I haven't laughed that hard in such a long time..... :)

So instead of making a frankly pointless post with no actual content why don't you explain yourself?
 
I'm calling my insurance agent tomorrow, I can't imagine it's overly high since the safety rating is good and it's not super fast. If I got one though I would have to buy some winter tires for it since RWD, snow, and myself don't really get along to well.

And it's good to know about the Coopers.
 
a car is a tool for getting from point A to point B. its not a chic getting tool, and frankly doesnt make me think any less or any more of you for having it.

ummm i think most of us here are car crazy...some of us rather have a nice car than a nice house..and i disagree with cars being a chic getting tool..i didnt buy my cars to impress girls...i bought it to impress myself! besides why would i want a girl who only likes my car?
 
Agreed, I'm not out to pick up women with my car. If I wanted to do that I would have to get a hypercar. A Clarkston quote works here...

"Supercars are for G-forces, Hypercars are for G-strings"

But anyways I just want something I enjoy driving since I spend so much time in a car.
 
You could get a used MKV GTI for around $20K.

I would recommend a WRX though. Those cars are fast.
 
ummm i think most of us here are car crazy...some of us rather have a nice car than a nice house..and i disagree with cars being a chic getting tool..i didnt buy my cars to impress girls...i bought it to impress myself! besides why would i want a girl who only likes my car?

Re-read. He said a car is not a chic-getting tool.
 
I'm calling my insurance agent tomorrow, I can't imagine it's overly high since the safety rating is good and it's not super fast. If I got one though I would have to buy some winter tires for it since RWD, snow, and myself don't really get along to well.

When I checked the insurance rates last year the LS V8 was rated a 22 I think (maybe 21?). The V6 should be less--but who knows. I'm seriously considering getting one myself. I'm pretty much torn between the LS, P71 Crown Vic, Audi A6 2.7T, or if I can afford it a CLK430. I'd have to find a really good deal on the others on my list before I'd choose something else over the previous four I mentioned. I still want to buy the Prelude from my boss @$200/mo for a total price of $3,000~4000. The next two weeks will determine what happends.
 
I went and drove both of those LS's today and they were both great. I still don't know though, I would like to drive some other cars to see how they compare. Right now the LS is in the lead of cars I would like to get, even if they are a few years old.
 
The GTi is an awesome car but brand new they are so bloody expensive for whatever reason.

Any thoughts on Volvos?
Joe,
You can drive a new V-dub off the lot for under 20 grand.
At least according to the commercials.
You may not be able to hit GTI level, but it is a new car with a warranty etc.
However, if you want ultimate comfort, forget German cars entirely.
They are great tools and toys, but they are not the most comfortable.

Check out used Infiniti G35's.
Plus, creature comforts out the hoo ha...
The sedans are getting down in price, and with the advent of the G37, I expect they'll go lower.
Plus the sedans are available with AWD if you look abit.
 
That's true, but the under 20k cars don't come with much. If I'm going to get a car I want it loaded up with some goodies. I could though get a VW that's a year or two old and just rock that. I don't know I need to have another go at a Jetta that isn't so basic. I'll probably like it better.
 
Check my edit about used Infiniti G35's
Used Lexus and Acura Sedans are nice, and some are well under your price break.
 
The G35 would be out of his insurance budget I'm sure. They are quite high.
 
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