Small Sedans
Posted by Nathaniel.
Here’s a good topic of discussion…
I’ve been browsing cars since it looks like a new 2008 Audi TT isn’t going to be in my future. I’ve come up with a list and I’m currently taking votes and suggestions for other things to consider.
The current list: (in no particular order)
Mini Cooper S
Audi A4
Saab 9-3
Runners up:
a BMW 3-series
some sort of Lexus
Does anyone have ideas on what other cars I should look at? And are there really no good American cars being made?
February 27th, 2007 at 5:07 pm Using
My vote is for the Audi TT. or failing that, how about the R8?
Nick can tell you all about the joys of Saab ownership.
The only really helpful comment that I have is why are you not looking at Volvo? The S40 may not be super-sexy but it’s not a bad ride.
Also, do you even fit into a Mini? (yeah yeah, I know, they’re pretty big, but it’s still kinda funny.
February 27th, 2007 at 5:13 pm Using
Oh, and regarding you final question, no. The closest thing to an American car that I’d recommend is a Lexus, since Toyota is now within 12% of Ford in terms of American jobs . (I made that statistic up but I can’t be far wrong?)
oh, and let’s go back to that R8 for just a second. mmmmmmm….
February 27th, 2007 at 5:15 pm Using
I’m worried about a TT being a Ronald McDonald car for me. It would be immensely fun though. The down side is that it’s about $10K more than I want to spend.
I’m thinking about the S40 (or the V50, it’s wagon brother) but I’m not sure that I want to have two Volvos and the headroom is kind of limited. Plus, the XC70 at least doesn’t really drive the way I want my new car to drive. I want something that’s exciting and well heeled on the road. The XC70 is more ponderous and secure… then again, it’s really a big car.
There’s a road north of my house here with about a million dealerships in a row, so I can hit Maserati, Audi, Volvo, and Saab all in one go. (I’ll be driving right past Hummer and Toyota).
February 27th, 2007 at 5:16 pm Using
I’ll think about the R8, although I’m pretty sure I don’t have $100K to spend. Could you imagine being able to drive that thing around though? I just imagined Chris doing his “shlong” arm gesture.
February 27th, 2007 at 5:21 pm Using
Actually, Maserati is out. Kirsten’s in Florence right now and she forbade me from getting an Italian car.
February 27th, 2007 at 5:27 pm Using
Okay, the R8 big photo link works now. You are exactly right with the “shlong” comment, but man that would be fun.
Random concerns from a realistic perspective:
(1) What’s the reliability for Mini Coopers?
(2) Can’t go wrong with an A4 in terms of sporty+safe+not-too-shlongy.
(3) Good point about the S40/V50, no need to double-up with the XC70.
(4) I did a search for American sport sedans, and it’s a joke. Sure the Caddy XLR is a nice car, but, well, it’s kinda sad. Here’s the full list of reviews from nctd.com, and I’ve copied and pasted the last couple years. ouch.
2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe
2007 Chevrolet Corvette
2007 Dodge Charger
2007 Ford Mustang
2007 Hyundai Tiburon
2007 Jaguar XK
2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
2007 Mini Cooper
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
2007 Pontiac Solstice
2007 Porsche Boxster
2007 Saturn Sky
2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
2006 BMW 6 Series
2006 Chevrolet Corvette
2006 Dodge Viper
2006 Ford Mustang
2006 Hyundai Tiburon
2006 Infiniti G35
2006 Lexus SC 430
2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
2006 Mazda RX-8
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-class
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
2006 Nissan 350Z
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2006 Porsche 911
2006 Porsche Boxster
2006 Subaru Impreza / WRX
2006 Volvo C70
2005 Audi TT
2005 BMW 6 Series
2005 BMW Z4
2005 Cadillac XLR
2005 Chevrolet Corvette
2005 Chrysler Crossfire
2005 Ford GT
2005 Ford Mustang
2005 Honda S2000
February 27th, 2007 at 5:37 pm Using
That is sort of an ouchy list. Not a lot of terrifically interesting cars. Well, I wouldn’t mind an RX-8…
I have a feeling that the Audi is the right choice to make. I need to go sit in one though. The Saab is up there in the running too, they seem to be a good value although I wonder a bit about reliability. I loved Saabs when I was 13 though.
I have a feeling that Minis have decent reliability since they’re really BMWs now.
February 27th, 2007 at 5:38 pm Using
Here’s the real question for people. If you could have any car (not SUV, not truck) under about $32K, what would you get?
February 27th, 2007 at 6:03 pm Using
Well, I’m not much of a car person, but I’d totally go for a Mini Cooper convertible if I had the money.
I have to admit, though, I do love hatchbacks for ease of loading/unloading. Perhaps once I stop worrying about moving, I’ll progress to a sedan (or the Mini). Right now, I’m terribly in love with my Aveo. Though, damn, imagine what I could put INTO an Aveo for $32K.
February 27th, 2007 at 6:09 pm Using
*shudder* Now the image of a chromed-out Aveo has been permanently seared onto my retinas. Please, make it stop.
As above, I think I’d end up with the Audi. Good point about the (BMW) Mini, but in the end do you want trendy and neat or classy? This to the guy who simply has to have every new Mac gadget, but you get the point.
Finally, points to Holly for suggesting the convertible. Not practical for Baltimore but would be fun - I guess it depends on your parking situation at Stacy.
February 27th, 2007 at 6:48 pm Using
haha I have an aversion to “chromed-out” anything. I was thinking more along the lines of creature comforts, not eye candy.
A convertible isn’t practical for Baltimore? Too easy to steal? Or just too dangerous to drive with the top down?
February 27th, 2007 at 7:13 pm Using
People have lots of convertibles down here. However, I’m not a convertible kind of guy. I much prefer the swooping lines of a real top on my car and don’t want to put up with the extra road noise.
I hardly get every new mac gadget! Admittedly, I do end up with a lot of the small gadgets (shuffles etc), but I’m still using my same PowerBook G4 that I’ve had for years now. And I don’t think I’m going to get an iPhone. (at least not right away)
February 27th, 2007 at 7:57 pm Using
Well the last bit I was going to post just got deleted after I bumped the wrong key. So, here is an abreviated version of what I was writing.
I’m not super up on new cars anymore, but here’s my 2 cents off the top of my head (w/o looking at reviews etc).
The 9-3 is pretty dope. If you want, come drive mine. The new Aero has a 240 hp V6 which is sick (I think it’s a GM motor but whatever). But the new ones don’t change much it seems after riding in one last week at the dealer. I definitely like it for what I paid, and would part with mine if you were interested (for ~half the sticker). Plus my pops has another one in CO for less money almost exactly the same with the other wheel package.
I like the A4 and the new 3-series. Maybe consider a 1 or 2 year old one? Lots more car for the money. Especially with the 3 if you buy the last body style. I’m a big fan of the 330ci. Both probably match your personality better than the other choices.
Other cars that may or may not fit the bill but could be used as a basis for comparison.
Chrysler 300 - looks good w/ huge chrome wheels … won tons of awards. takes the right personality
too)
MB New S-Class - Super pimp but super
Acura TL - sick … for a Honda
Infinity G35 - big fan, but heard they aren’t enough fun for the money … get a:
350Z - nice when loaded
Saab 9-5 - sick but probably will see new body style soon…
Saab 9-2X (Aero) - all the benefits of a Subaru but a little more luxurious. Plus it’s fast!
VW - GTI = sick but tiny, Passat = nice but not sure about newer ones.
Ones I really like though are:
Cadillac CTS (V!!) - love it
Lexus GS & IS (not sure how I feel about how the ES looks) GS = PIMP, IS = pimp
February 27th, 2007 at 8:00 pm Using
you’ll note that i didn’t say that you do get every new gadget, just that you “have to have” them.
either way, I stand by the general sentiment.
I’m impressed you’ve resisted getting a Macbook (Pro), well done?
February 27th, 2007 at 11:27 pm Using
You could probably ask Ralph about the Mini - he’s definitely driven that thing through two winters now, so I’m sure he can speak to it’s reliability on the 2-3 years span.
Other than that, I’m of absolutely no help in this discussion.
February 28th, 2007 at 10:33 am Using
I’m really just looking for ~200 hp, and the Saab is coming up really strong on paper. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the least expensive choices. With the expensive paint and heated seats (which are about the only options I care about) the invoice is around $26K new. As long as it handles at least as well as my passat, we might have a winner. You really like yours Nick?
The Audi would be just dreamy though.
The only problem is that the new engine is supposed to be pretty good and only came in in the second half of 2006, so it’s not really going to be available on the used market.
That actually brings up a question… am I crazy to want a new car with only 15 miles on the odometer that only knows my ass? I generally keep cars 7 or 8 years (small number statistics at this point). The other choice I suppose is to go to certified used route and get something that came off lease.