Mini Cooper S. maybe Mazda 3 5-door?

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 7:40 pm

Have you considered the new Mazda AWD, 6 speed, 278 hp (IIRC) turbo coming out in 06? I have no idea if it falls into the category of car you're looking into getting . . . that's why I ask it as a question. Hmmm, come to think of it, it's probably in a larger class size and definitely more $$$ than you'd want to spend. I guess you can ignore this post.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:03 pm

, yeah the sales guy mentioned that one, too, but at that price and type of car I'd definitely go Legacy GT.

Looking at the cutaway drawing of the Mazda's safety cage I can easily see how much tougher the WRX is in terms of safety also. Guess my subjective impressions while driving the Mazda were correct.

They called me today wanting to see if I'd get the car sooner if they can get me under $300/month without putting anything down (and no trade, of course). I think that's for an '05, though. I want an '06 as if I'm going to be buying a new car I want to get exactly what I want and they didn't have a Strato Blue with a manual there. I'm not getting ABS or the other alphabet soup crap either. If I want that I'll buy Campbells - it's much cheaper. I do want the in-dash 6 CD changer which comes with the moonroof that will probably be my only option as I can't get the Xenon lights without ordering just about every other package (like the ABS/air bag shit, DVD nav, etc). Forgot to ask about trading the 17s for 16s. I think I'll drive one with 16s just to see if it rides different since maybe it will make no real difference and the 17s do look great.

The parts car finally got taken away today! What a blast to watch them hauling it around. FYI: rear struts will not support dragging wheels and not rip right out!

[deep breath] I am not white trash.

Steve

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:18 pm

Only problem with the 06 Legacy GT--no 5 (or 6) speed manual.

skid542 · Post by **skid542** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:18 pm

Sounds like the search is coming pretty good for you and I think you're going the right route getting the 06' the way you want it.

When you mentioned ABS it occured to me that I forgot to tell about the brake tests I did with my brothers. It felt pretty solid and balanced but his ABS does not prevent all wheel lock. If you slam the brakes they will lock but when they do the car kicks out very controllably and really won't get off line unless you want it to. So basically what I'm saying, I think you're wise not getting the abs, won't help you much and just saving you weight with it not there. The 60 - 0 I did was probably around 80-90 ft. I estimate (did it in the same spot I test mine and it was longer but not too much). With good agressive pads I think/feel that the braking would probably be pretty equivalent to a stock SS setup. Just a little more info for your consideration.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:51 pm

Yeah, the car is really pretty nice. For what it is, it's a pretty fun car. I'd bet the Mini handles better, though, as the rear suspension seems a better design and it's smaller, but the Mazda still handles well for fwd and I couldn't get any torque steer out of it at all during the drive. Braking seemed good, but the gas pedal could be a little higher (closer to the brake in height) for heel and toe.

I though just the '06 GT wagon wasn't going to have a manual. As a note on that, they still make the SUS, but I'm not sure if they call it that still. There was a red non-turbo that looked pretty bad ass all jacked up - would make a sick choice for a rally look.

Steve

93Leg-c · Post by **93Leg-c** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:06 pm

Sorry I wasn't clear--you're correct--no manual in Leg GT wagon only (avail in sedan). I was thinking of the wagon when I posted as that's what I'd like to get.

corsair · Post by **corsair** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 12:05 am

"SUS" became the outback sedan, became the outback 3.0R model, pretty sweet, pretty expensive

I know a guy who owns a 3 and he likes it, although he wrecked his last car, he's one of those kids who has parents with too much money and too little good use for it. Anyway I don't entirely trust his driving ability but if he hasn't wrecked it and he still drives like he used to it should be pretty competant and forgiving to some extent. I dunno you drove the thing I'm just guessing.

93forestpearl · Post by **93forestpearl** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 6:23 am

I say check out the Sentra SER Spec-V. 180 lb/ft, six speed, brembos, helical diff, all for in the sub $20k range.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 7:46 pm

Dammit, I drove the Mini and it is a lot more fun than the Mazda and my little nephew loved it. He wanted to take that home over my sister's Maxima. Talking about $4k more, though. It handles better, feels taughter, feels like it will start rattling a lot later. I liked the interior build of the Mazda better, like that will hold up longer even if it may rattle sooner. I also doubt I'll get as good mileage with the Mini due to the relationship my foot will have to the supercharger. Definitely doesn't feel like a 1.6. Clutch in the Cooper S isn't as wussy as the standard car I had sat in earlier. Rides better with the 17s than the Mazda does as well as handle better (as best as I could tell pushing it with a sales dude and my nephew in the car).

I need to get a hold of my friend who's a mechanic for BMW/Mini and see what he says about the reliability side. The Mazda wins a lot of points for price, but money's not much of an issue. Mini does get uncomfortably into WRX territory and then I have trouble justifying it.

Eh, I think I should just say, 'fuck a house', and buy an Elise.

Steve

rallysam · Post by **rallysam** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 9:28 pm

evolutionmovement wrote: I need to get a hold of my friend who's a mechanic for BMW/Mini and see what he says about the reliability side.

Consumer reports survey work of Mini owners found Mini's have WORSE reliability than:
1) Every Japanese make of car
2) Every American make of car
3) Some European makes
4) Even the KOREAN makes!

So basically, there were very very few makes of car with worse reliability than the Mini, and those were a handful of the least-reliable European makes.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 2:11 am

less reliable than a daewoo? no way.

rallysam · Post by **rallysam** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:44 am

Richard wrote:less reliable than a daewoo? no way.

I don't remember if they listed Daewoo... I think they might have only listed Kia and Hyundai

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:15 am

But what does that mean? What do they qualify as reliability issues? Cup holders are weak? The thing I don't like at all about Consumer Reports is their lack of specificity. Also, if they're counting the first year or so of production on a brand new vehicle (not even a carry over platform), then of course there will be more issues. Not to excuse the car - I'm just being objective and would like to talk to someone who works on them every day. I'll probably end up with the Mazda due to the price difference, though the way I've been racking up overtime the Lotus is looking more and more realistic. Damn my sense of resposibility!

Steve

Yukonart · Post by **Yukonart** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:42 pm

Legacy GT sedan, if you need manual. You will NOT be disappointed.

When I'm not boosting all the time, I can even get 20mpg in the city, and 26mpg+ on the highway.

tris91ricer · Post by **tris91ricer** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 7:59 pm

evolutionmovement wrote:But what does that mean? What do they qualify as reliability issues? Cup holders are weak? The thing I don't like at all about Consumer Reports is their lack of specificity. Also, if they're counting the first year or so of production on a brand new vehicle (not even a carry over platform), then of course there will be more issues. Not to excuse the car - I'm just being objective and would like to talk to someone who works on them every day. I'll probably end up with the Mazda due to the price difference, though the way I've been racking up overtime the Lotus is looking more and more realistic. Damn my sense of resposibility!

Steve

Why not go all out? If your credit wouldn't be THAT stretched by getting a Lotus, f'n do it! I mean, how many chances in this life are you going to have to buy a Lotus? At least you'd be able to say you had one HELL of a car when you were younger.
Many mortgage companies, just like the one I work for, have manual underwriting (Good thing) and access to Zero down and gift funds programs, such as the Housekey program, or the nationally-know Nehemiah Fund. (www.getdownpayment.com)

Credit is EVERYTHING my man...

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 10:03 pm

With my family living in public housing, I have better things to spend my money on than a toy car. What I'm going to do is get a house with my family that's not a stretch to afford then buy a condo, fix up sell, rinse repeat up the ladder. The book's also going to finally be funded and I'll be starting a few side businesses with whatever place we get. I'll never have kids and the Loti will still be there so I have no rush. If I die before then, who cares? My family will have had a chance plenty of others had and I didn't. It would be a nicer legacy than the selfish prick who drove a nice car. The good thing is that I haven't had to kill anyone for this (though I'd prefer it to 18 hour days like the last two in a row and then waking up at 5 again).

I'm going to drive the Mazda another time and probably get that as that gives me more money for house/condo/tools/wagon/biulding my own car. It's only the difference of a little over $100/month, but that money would be better going into other things or the wagon since it's more fun than the Mini anyway (well it was before the last few months of age and no maintenance caught up).

Steve

skid542 · Post by **skid542** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 11:32 pm

Steve, I think you're making a wise decision. Not just good, but wise. Keep us posted and you'd better be ready with some pics when you get it

.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 5:58 pm

I pick up the 06 Monday. I had to get the fag package as it's standard now (ABS, EBC, brake assist).

Steve

Tleg93 · Post by **Tleg93** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 6:11 pm

18 hour days...ugh. I thought I had it rough.

skid542 · Post by **skid542** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 6:23 pm

Hell yeah, bummer about the package but I'm sure you'll still be happy. I was wondering how you were doing with it. Did you get the 5 door?

corsair · Post by **corsair** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 6:32 pm

What color, Steve? Can't wait to see pics of the new pimpmobile. Its nice to see you have your priorities in line and you are still looking out for the family, that's really admirable.

wiscon_mark · Post by **wiscon_mark** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 7:03 pm

Don't let ford ruin the Mazdas for you. you can avoid ford influence as long as you don't get the Mazda 6 with the 3.0L 6Cyl engine. The Mazda 3 is completely a Japanese creation, and reliable, fun, and fuel-saving in that respect.

Avoid a neon, it will not last very well past 100k

The SER is supposed to be a hell of a car

scottzg · Post by **scottzg** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:18 pm

wiscon_mark wrote:
Avoid a neon, it will not last very well past 00k

fixed it for you.

wiscon_mark · Post by **wiscon_mark** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:19 pm

ha! I was being conservative in case there were any Chrysler fans around

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:29 am

I got the 2.3 5-door in strato blue. I'm getting the clear shield stuff on the front too. I could've gotten it yesterday if I'd not picked such an in-demand color. I'm excited to be able to take the Legacy off the road and do some way overdue work to it (like the whole front end which is very scary especially with the way I drive through Boston). It'll be nicer to pick up chicks with also.

They tried to sell me all kinds of warranty crap, but all I got was the free lifetime wheel/tire/labor replacement deal as it's only $5/mo and I'm likely to use it with the carpet-bombed roads around here. Ended up just getting the standard 17s as they look good and this warranty should help if there's an issue with potholes. I don't know how these cars take bad road pounding. I know Subarus are like tanks and most other cars seem not to be, so I'll try to avoid hitting shit instead of not caring like in the Legacy.

I hear this is the same chassis as the cheap Volvo. Funny thing is, after spending some more time in one, I'm still convinced the old Legacy is a better car. Chassis design, build quality, engineering, durability (educated guess) so far seem to go to the Subaru. And I like the Mazda, I just love the Legacy, which is what I wanted - I don't want two cars I love until I can get an Elise.

Steve

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Mini Cooper S. maybe Mazda 3 5-door?