GTI, Mini Cooper or.. Something else?

[Drako]

Sure! The Mini is a cute car! After awhile, the charm starts to wear off, though.

For one, I wish that they would have got rid of that stupidly large center speedometer and put some logically thought out radio controls and an extra storage console there instead. It's just a huge waste of space in a car that's small to begin with.

This.

Put the gauges in front of the driver FFS. This is the main reason I loath the Prius as well. Who thinks putting driving related readouts out of the drivers line of sight is a good idea?

 

[Kadarin]

STi/WRX?

 

[Arkaign]

For everyone suggesting these nice turbo cars, remember, he is going to live in a place where he will probably almost never have the chance to see more than the top of 1st gear (and that would probably be impossible most of the time).

It's not like LA where you often have the chance, particularly after hours, to get some speed up. In NY proper you're good and f*cked most of the time, and during the day it's a 10-30mph slog almost everywhere when you're not actually stopped completely.

 

[patrick409]

I just bought a 2012 GTI. Oh man, what a great car. I think this guy's video review sums it up pretty well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akpdx-6IbVU

I'd pick the GTI over a base Golf/Mini. You probably won't be able to really fly in day to day driving in the city, but I think you'll still get to do it enough. I lived in NYC for about 11 years, and definitely went on a lot of trips out to Long Island/Jersey/Upstate NY where I had the chance to go fast if I wanted. If you're driving at night, you can probably have a bit of fun on the FDR or BQE as well.

 

[thomsbrain]

I would get the GTI. It's by far the most well-rounded car in that class. My only concern with it would be long-term reliability. I know VW has made progress since the horrors of 10 years ago, but I still don't put "VW" and "200,000 miles" in the same sentence, especially if you get the DSG. That said, you are comparing it with the Mini, which is also not going to be a car for the ages, and has a terrible interior design and back-breaking ride. So between the two, it's GTI all the way, bonus points for the five-door.

I would look at the Civic Si if I wanted to trade the GTI's turbo and interior for reliability and resale.

 

[_Rick_]

You should look at importing. There are so many fun small cars in Europe, it's a shame that only the Golf is available.
The Polo GTI for example is much closer to the original Golf GTI, than the current piece of lard. The Seat (Leon (Ibiza FR/Cupra) and Skoda (Fabia VRS) versions also are great little cars. then there's the Seat version of the Golf, which is at the least prettier, and also somewhat more affordable, at least over here.
The Abarth 500 (C) and Abarth Punto Evo are fun little runabouts.
The Renault Sport Twingo, Clio and Megane are pretty much the trifecta of hot hatchery.
Myself, I got a Suzuki Swift Sport, which was a great deal, for a fun little car, that's still fast enough to be illegal as soon as you wind up third gear. It compares well to a Mini Cooper, only being slightly more of a true hatchback, thus higher seating and bigger boot.
Finally, there's the Citroen DS3 racing, which is probably not available new anymore, but also a fun car, and a bit of a looker.

Now, clearly those will be somewhat harder to source, and to service, but I felt a bit sad about this thread, with there being so many fun cars available and only the two most boring being in the running here.

The (already mentioned) ST Fords and GM VXR/OPC Corsa and Astra are of course also options for fun little cars with reasonable price tags.

 

[Sulaco]

, ugly on the outside and inside (cheap plastics on the inside and weird printed fabrics)

Dude, seriously? I agree with the exterior of the MS3, but...

...has to be one of the gayest seat patterns/interiors in history. Sorry, but when your seats look like dozens of Scotsman were sacrificed and their kilts used to upholster your interior, you've lost the "weird printed fabrics" argument card.

That said, the MS3's isn't much better, but at least it isn't plaid.

 

[manimal]

You should look at importing. There are so many fun small cars in Europe, it's a shame that only the Golf is available.
The Polo GTI for example is much closer to the original Golf GTI, than the current piece of lard. The Seat (Leon (Ibiza FR/Cupra) and Skoda (Fabia VRS) versions also are great little cars. then there's the Seat version of the Golf, which is at the least prettier, and also somewhat more affordable, at least over here.
The Abarth 500 (C) and Abarth Punto Evo are fun little runabouts.
The Renault Sport Twingo, Clio and Megane are pretty much the trifecta of hot hatchery.
Myself, I got a Suzuki Swift Sport, which was a great deal, for a fun little car, that's still fast enough to be illegal as soon as you wind up third gear. It compares well to a Mini Cooper, only being slightly more of a true hatchback, thus higher seating and bigger boot.
Finally, there's the Citroen DS3 racing, which is probably not available new anymore, but also a fun car, and a bit of a looker.

Now, clearly those will be somewhat harder to source, and to service, but I felt a bit sad about this thread, with there being so many fun cars available and only the two most boring being in the running here.

The (already mentioned) ST Fords and GM VXR/OPC Corsa and Astra are of course also options for fun little cars with reasonable price tags.

Welcome to the forums!!


I have thought about importing a car for years but the costs just kill it for us here in the states.

 

[JCH13]

That said, the MS3's isn't much better, but at least it isn't plaid.

Mazdaspeed3 1st gen was selected for "Wards 10 best interiors" in 2008, and the 2nd gen was selected in 2010. They're doing something right... :whiste:

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Mazdaspeed3 1st gen was selected for "Wards 10 best interiors" in 2008, and the 2nd gen was selected in 2010. They're doing something right... :whiste:

Maybe that's where mazda's money went? Bribing wards? You can't possibly tell me that expanse of drab gray hard plastic and bargain bin fabrics is better than anything VW puts out.

Almost everyone who took a ride in one of my VW's thought it was a much more expensive car than it actually was due to the interior.

The plaid is actually a design trademark of the GTI, was actually one of my favorite parts of the car. Its super high quality fabric that doesn't show wear, hold stains, didn't make me sweat and didn't remind me of some mid 90's korean econobox when I looked at it.

 

[JCH13]

Maybe that's where mazda's money went? Bribing wards? You can't possibly tell me that expanse of drab gray hard plastic and bargain bin fabrics is better than anything VW puts out.

Almost everyone who took a ride in one of my VW's thought it was a much more expensive car than it actually was due to the interior.

The plaid is actually a design trademark of the GTI, was actually one of my favorite parts of the car. Its super high quality fabric that doesn't show wear, hold stains, didn't make me sweat and didn't remind me of some mid 90's korean econobox when I looked at it.

There is no gray plastic in the Speed, but there is silver and black plastic. The seat/door insert/steering wheel fabric is leather and alcantra, hardly bargain bin. I happen to like the interior. VW also does a good interior, but it is not THAT much better, if at all. When I test drove a GTI I wasn't blown away by it.

 

[Sportster71]

Are there any better options within the same price range than the GTI? anyone owns the cars mentioned in this thread?

Go to your Nissan Dealer and test drive a Juke, For under $20,000 you will have a small hatch with a turbo that seats 4. Best bang for your buck, by far.

 

[Sportster71]

You should look at importing. There are so many fun small cars in Europe, it's a shame that only the Golf is available.

Before you import you must be 100% sure that the car meets the emission standards of your state or it could cost you twice the price of the car to get it to USA specs.

Just ask anyone that imported a Skyline!