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Are The New Cars Too Perfect To Be Fun & Exciting?

19 messages,  Last post on Oct 12, 2012 at 4:22 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler

Messages Page 3 of 3

#14 of 19 Re: Amen, brother, but.... [Mr_Shiftright] by hpmctorque

Oct 11, 2012 (1:43 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 11, 2012 8:54 am)
Does the new generation MINI Cooper have as many reliability issues as the first BMW engineered one?
 
Do you still have yours? Would you buy another one?

#15 of 19 Re: Amen, brother, but.... [hpmctorque] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 11, 2012 (3:46 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Oct 11, 2012 1:43 pm)
yep, still have mine.
 
would I buy another one? Not a used one without warranty, no.

#16 of 19 Re: Amen, brother, but.... [Mr_Shiftright] by hpmctorque

Oct 11, 2012 (5:28 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 11, 2012 3:46 pm)
Your MINI fits right in with this discussion, then, assuming it's fun and exciting.
Just kidding, of course, since unreliability and high maintenance isn't the type of differentiator I was thinking about when i opened this discussion. The MINI is one of the few late model cars that fits the bill in terms of looks and driving dynamics, though.

#17 of 19 Re: Amen, brother, but.... [hpmctorque] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 12, 2012 (6:09 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Oct 11, 2012 5:28 pm)
yes, the MINI does create a wrinkle---it isn't too new to be exciting or fun, but it doesn't deliver the reliability one expects from a modern car. Quite frankly, it is plagued by the typical German car bugaboos--electronics, and trim pieces falling off, and grisly repair costs.
 
But you know, with a code reader to keep shutting off the check engine light, and some double-sided tape, and friends in the business---I get by just fine--and the car is a whole lotta fun, so that's some compensation.
 
I can't say that turning it in for an old car, and the privilege of doing my own repairs, is all that attractive an alternative. If I were driving a Camry, it might be.

#18 of 19 Re: Amen, brother, but.... [Mr_Shiftright] by hpmctorque

Oct 12, 2012 (2:39 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 12, 2012 6:09 am)
Okay, we're looking for fun to drive and differentiated, yet attractive styling. I'm wondering whether a new or recent model Civic coupe might be a better compromise than a MINI. Not quite as much fun as the MINI, maybe, but without the reliability issues. I say this because the specs for the Civic coupe are pretty close to the discontinued Acura Integra/RSX, and the price is lower. The Integra/RSX were considered fun to drive and reliable. What do you think, given that all cars require a compromise of one sort or another?
 
I wish Scion had come out with an updated version of the xA, which you owned. It was a neat compact 4-door hatch. Of course, the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ might be the best substitutes for the MINI, since they're RWD. I mentioned the Civic coupe initially because, like the MINI, it's FWD.
 
Your thoughts on these?

#19 of 19 Re: Amen, brother, but.... [hpmctorque] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 12, 2012 (4:22 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Oct 12, 2012 2:39 pm)
The scion/subaru FR-S/BRZ looks quite interesting yes. Might very well become "the Mini that doesn't break".
 
I don't think I could bear the Honda because the interiors are so cheap. But the Si does put out just over 200 HP, which is pretty good on a light car. Also it has the typical Honda generic looks, which is a deal-breaker for me at least.
 
the xA was a great little car with a lot of utility but I can't imagine it being "exciting".

Messages Page 3 of 3

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