2nd Vehicle. Civic vs. Mini vs. Rabbit

[CityConnection]

I am looking to get a second car and was wondering if anyone had any feedback on the list of cars that I have. I am looking for something small in size and on the gas. Manual. Nothing fancy, but if it is fast (relative to its price), that's a big plus. I am looking for $30k CDN and under. I am going to buy within the next 2 weeks or so. It will be siting mostly, just used in case we need to run errands for family to use when needed. Honda Civic http://www.honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Bui...9&WebsessionID={5776C2C0-D9C0-485F-B3DF-77CC349ED849}# Mini Cooper http://www.mini.ca/en/Model_Range/M...NI/default.aspx VW Rabbit http://www.vw.ca/vwcms/master_publi...it_5_doors.html

 

[GQgeek]

I would say a mini because it's probably the most fun to drive, but if your other car is a bmw or something, you may just want somethign with super-cheap maintenance and no hassles, in which case a civic is a no-brainer.

 

[Nataku]

Yeah, knowing what your other car is would be a big help. Personally I'd go with the Civic if you're just looking for basic transportation and not a fun car.

 

[dave]

mini. hands down.

I looked at all 3 a few years ago (decided on something altogether different) and was this >< close to ordering a mini. only problem was lead time for the orders back then was around 3-4 months and I couldn't wait.

even if you look past the style benefits (and I don't know why you would) the mini is in the ballpark price-wise and holds its value FAR better over the long haul. the S is lots of fun but as far as a base model goes the cooper is MILES ahead of anything else in its class imo.

 

[CityConnection]

my current car is a 2005 4runner V8. It is lifted 3 inches with 32" all terrain tires on Procomp rims, magnaflow exhaust and brush guard.

So we are leaning towards a civic. Low maintenance and no problems...

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by dave

mini. hands down.

I looked at all 3 a few years ago (decided on something altogether different) and was this >< close to ordering a mini. only problem was lead time for the orders back then was around 3-4 months and I couldn't wait.

even if you look past the style benefits (and I don't know why you would) the mini is in the ballpark price-wise and holds its value FAR better over the long haul. the S is lots of fun but as far as a base model goes the cooper is MILES ahead of anything else in its class imo.

Only problem is my wife is concerned about the reliability. My father had a benz and had problems, my father have a 5 series and had problems, my sister had an audi and had problems. We want something without reliability issues and easy on the maintenance.

 

[Jekyll]

Honda Fit. It's what the Civic used to be. You can get it in manual or automatic with paddles. As cheap cars go, it's pretty fun.

 

[Asterix]

Of the ones you listed, the Civic is the low maintenance car.

 

[Rover!]

I'd go with the Mini. If you want something that's small and reliable you might want to consider a Toyota Aygo. Lacks power and comfort, but energy efficient, small, cheap and never seems to break down.

 

[CityConnection]

Well, if I go with a Honda I can get most of the maintenance free because I know the service manager. I can also get the cars at a discounted rate... Dont know by how much, but a good deal, none the less..

 

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

Well, if I go with a Honda I can get most of the maintenance free because I know the service manager. I can also get the cars at a discounted rate... Dont know by how much, but a good deal, none the less..

Seriously, while you're at the Honda dealership, at least take a Fit for a test drive. They're cheaper, and a lot more fun.

 

[JayJay]

The Mini would be a lot of fun.

 

[Cavalier]

Civic SI's are a lot of fun....

I have a '99 SI as a second car to my Bimmer, and I love driving it.

 

[turboman808]

If you told me your other car was a corvette then I would say just get the chepaest car for transport you can. Since it sound like you got a fun car for off roading but nothing for on road I would go with the mini. May be a bit more to run but really the only small car in north america with style.

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

Seriously, while you're at the Honda dealership, at least take a Fit for a test drive. They're cheaper, and a lot more fun.

Is there any aftermarket for the Fit? I dont mean "tune" it like a ricer, but just some go fast parts..