I've been out testing a few more models. I wanted to find an Altima 3.5SE with a stick to drive but only two out of the 20 dealerships within 35 miles of here had them, and the one that I chose to visit was a complete waste of time (as in, my treatment there was so poor before even exiting my vehicle on the lot, I simply left). Since it has been so difficult to find a car like I would equip it, I have decided against the Nissan. Out of the three dealerships I visited, the only MT equipped car that was present was a year-old 4 cylinder model that had come back to lot after its buyer's financing fell through. The ergonomics of that vehicle were unsatisfactory.

Last week, I tested a Mazda6 S Sport Sedan. I was impressed. It was almost as roomy as the Altima but its control layout was not just comfortable, but even oddly familiar. The suspension was very tight and engine was strong on its power band. However, I didn't how it sounded under heavy loads and the low-range torque was so lacking that it felt more like a 2 liter I4 turbo than the 3 liter NA V6 it is. And the shoulder room was lacking. The post behind the driver's seat interferes with the driver's space when the seat is all the way back, and when the seat is pulled up to avoid that, there is simply not enough leg room to operate the pedals. Despit that, it was a very satisfying driving experience and easily replaced the Altima on my short list before the terrible experience at Puente Hills.

And I have once again tested a Mini Cooper. The last time I drove one, it was the base model. This time, it was an S and it had over 20000 miles so the dealer actually encouraged me to push to its limits. I was once again impressed. After slugging up to about 5 mph, it steadily builds in speed at a ridiculous rate, and doesn't even really seem to tell you. It just eggs you on to go faster. In the top end of third, I glanced over at the speedo as I came through a broad surface street turn and found I was going about 75. The turn was marked 30, and there was absolutely no skidding felt. It offers more driver's space than almost any other vehicle on the market, leaving me just as comfortable as I was in the Magnum, oddly enough, and the only car I can think of that felt more spacious was the VW GTi, and that includes trying on a Forester, riding in my buddy's Jimmy, and driving my dad's 8 year old F150. I think it really is my top choice. It's comfortable, fast, and very grippy. The only drawbacks I see are the limited space (I would approach it as a 2 seater sports car, in all honesty) and high prices (the dealer where I test drive said their standard markup is $5995 over sticker). If I can find one how I'd equip it -- only options being cloth seats, chrono package, metallic paint (racing green or space blue, both with silver roof), and probably hood stripes -- I'd be looking at an MSRP around 22,000. If I can hook myself up with one for around 23, I'll probably do it.

And I think I'll try to find an RSX Type S just for one more comparison. But I gotta say, I am leaning strongly toward the Mini at this point, and it would have to be a hell of a car to convince me otherwise.

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What are you wanting in a car anyways? Endless acceleration? A Mazda 6 Series is not made to be sporty. Its a semi-sport sedan that can fit the needs of a small family. The Mini Cooper is a death trap. The Altima wouldn't be a bad choie, but I'd aim for the new Maxima since I find it to be quite attractive looking and they have very nice rides.

I'd aim for a I-4 anyways. Given the fact that gas prices aren't going to do anything but rise within the next few weeks, with no settling in the forseeable future, buying anything that gets under 30mpg to me seems stupid. I just bought a 98 Civic LX and love it. Its nothing grand, I wasn't expecting anything grand. It gets me from Point A to Point B, looks decent, and has decent pickup for a 1.6L car.

Don't expect so much from one car, since none of them are perfect for anyone.

I don't expect anything to be perfect. But I do know what I want and for a solid half a year's pay, I'm going to make damn sure that's what I get. And here's what I want:

-enough room to prevent any major occlusions. This one's a killer due to my size.
-manual transmission
-quick and comfortable power.
-a firm suspension, preferably RWD and 50/50 weight balance.

Ergonomics are absolutely critical. I won't buy a car that isn't comfy. I also won't buy a car without a stick. I hate the lack of reliability that all automatic transmissions present, and absolutely refuse to put up with the road disconnect that torque convertor create. And unless you've driven the freeways around here, I don't expect you to understand my need for acceleration and handling. It is not uncommon for a 6 lane freeway to have cars within 50 feet of each other in every lane while moving along at 85+mph. A good suspension and powerful engine are my best survival tools because I am simply not within the specs presented for mandatory safety devices. And for the record, the Cooper has a better crash safety rating than an F150. Mileage isn't critical to me, as long as it better than about 20 city/25 highway.

And the ride on the Mazda6 is more suitable to sporty driving than any other factory equipped midsize I've driven. The engine is quite suitable for spirited driving, but is peakier than I prefer since I grew up on big cubes.

The bottom line is: I have tried about 8 or 9 cars and the only two that have truly impressed me as being worthwhile cars to own are the Mazda6 and the Mini Cooper, and both of those are already compromises. The Mazda lacks some driver's space (but makes up for it in handling, power and overall driving experience) and is FWD. The Mini has very little space in the backseat and trunk, and costs a bit more than I believe it should, and is subject to ridiculously high dealer markups but is probably in the top 5 most fun cars I have ever driven (including the BMW M coupe, my nova, and my brother's 350Z)

[ 08-28-2005: Message edited by: WillyTrombone ]

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Try an Accord with a V6, though it will have to be at least an '04 model (I believe) to get a manual. The '99 that my parents have is pretty comfortable, spacious, and has decent pickup. I felt safe when I'd punch it to switch lanes when I was in heavy traffic.

Stear away from the new Chevy Cobalts. I test drove one of them the other day and hated it. It had a very lucklaster 140hp engine in it, low acceleration, no pull, and horrible interior design.

Also, I have every intention of getting a new car so all the Hondas and Toyotas are out based on the fact that they are either too small, ride poorly, and/or offer no stick.

Like I said, I've been doing a lot of testing and now it's coming down to whether I can find a Mini for a decent price or whether I'll settle for a Mazda6. (and if that's the case, I'll probably weigh in the MazdaSpeed 6 and RSX Type S)

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tough choices.

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30mpg? Can't recall the last time I had a car that got that. 17-20 is what I get these days. Damned Yanks and their smaller gallons.

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When our CEO drove his mini to work I said who's gay car is that? Everyone looked at me like I had said something just terrible. Of course I knew it was his car ahead of time. They are gay and ugly looking IMO.

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RB - BMW's are sweet. But small. In the shape I'm in now, I wouldn't be able to drive that M coupe my parents had. I expect the 3 series is similar, if not just a little bigger inside, but still not likely big enough. I did consider a 5 series, but just couldn't find an adequate price/mileage buying point.

[ 08-29-2005: Message edited by: WillyTrombone ]

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quote:

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Originally posted by Cacophonous:
Steph's Saab gets 30 MPG and does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 13 seconds. I finally got to drive it when we went to Mackinac last week. I found the only way I can stretch my legs (I'm 6' 2") is by using cruise and putting my feet under the pedals. Other than that it was a blast to drive.

When our CEO drove his mini to work I said who's gay car is that? Everyone looked at me like I had said something just terrible. Of course I knew it was his car ahead of time. They are gay and ugly looking IMO.

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Hey, just because I said SAAB drivers are assholes is no reason to say Minis are gay. I'm talking about the original Minis anyway, not those new, gay knockoffs.

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