Yup, more waffling...

[3LOU5]

Originally Posted by FC

....
What I really should get is a motorcycle. But I'm not into them and it's simply out of the question.

Smart move.

I've seen some of the worst drivers in the nation in your area.

[FC]

Originally Posted by John V

You're welcome to come drive mine anytime.

Thanks for the invite. My best friend lives in Philly and I'd like to go visit him this spring to meet his 1yo girl and for him/his wife to meet our son. If we do make that trip, I'd like to go down to DC since my wife has never visited. Then I'd hopefully get to meet some of you guys.

...Or if my wife has to go to DC for work (but that is rare).

[FC]

Well, I just configured an MCS with a lot of comfort/performance options (including JCW motor), and it hit 31.5K. Yikes.

My 2008 MINI Cooper S
Base MSRP* $21,200
Destination & Handling $650

paint
Laser Blue Body Color $500
White Roof/Mirrors $0

package
Cold Weather Package $500
Heated Powerfold Mirrors & Washer Jets
Heated Front Seats
Convenience Package $1,500
Comfort Access System
Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction
Comfort Bluetooth with USB/iPod Adapter
Universal Garage Door Opener
Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps
Center Arm Rest
Premium Package $1,500
10-Speaker. Hi-Fi Sound System
Automatic AC
Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof
Sport Package $1,500
Sport Suspension
Dynamic Stability Control
17" Crown-Spoke (Performance)
White Bonnet Stripes

performance
Front Fog Lamps STD
Xenon Headlamps w/Power Wash $500
Rear Fog Lamp $100
Limited Slip Differential $500
6-Speed Getrag Manual STD

cockpit
Sport Seats STD
On-Board Computer STD
Anthracite Headliner $250
Leatherette: Black/Grey STD
Interior Surface Checkered STD

TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $28,700

accessory**
Mud Flaps front and rear axle (installation not incl.) $62
Driving lamps (installation not incl.) $510
Black Rubber Floor Mat (front) (installation not incl.) $55
Black Rubber Floor Mat (back) (installation not incl.) $30
JCW Tuning Kit (installation not incl.) $2,100

TOTAL ACCESSORIES ** $2,757
TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED* $28,700

TOTAL COMBINED $31,457

[lemming]

drove a 335i (step), G35 (auto) and a CTS 3.6DI (auto) today.

the 335i was pricey, but nice. didn't come with jacksh*t as standard equipment which irritated me. interior was the worst of the group, IMO. engine is probably the most fun of the three. brake feel was great. steering feel was so-so.

the G35 had so-so steering feel. brakes felt good. even with an upgraded interior and the lowest price (by far) --the car still blah'd me.

the CTS was the biggest surprise. i really enjoyed driving it. the 3.6DI has a lot more midrange power than i would have thought, esp. having driven the 335i in the same day. great steering feel and this was the CTSx. brake pedal was excellent. interior was, by far, the nicest.

just thoughts --GMO/S means the CTS 3.6DI 6sp (with obligatory LSD), full leather, sunroof and lots of other niceties is below the G35.

[John V]

Whoa whoa whoa whoa.

The CTS3.6 has an LSD available?

[IndyMike]

Originally Posted by FC

She actually wants a last gen MCS, only because she is obsessed with Electric Blue paint, which is no longer available. I'm not letting her buy an inferior used MCS simply because of a color, especially when I'd be driving it most often.

Where do you get the idea that the R53 is 'that' inferior to the R56? And whose car is it going to be, yours or hers?

Certainly there are those who feel the R56 is not 'that' demonstrably better than its predecessor, and aethestically in many areas has in fact regressed.

And I, too, drive the frau's car more than her, but it's still her car and she gave the final thumbs up on options and colors.

IMO let her test drive both generations, and you do the same as well. But since it's going to be her car I'd say let her make the final call.

Just my 2 bits, and experience in 19 years living with 'the Warden'.

As for your 'toy' car, it'd be impossible for me not to lean heavily toward the Elise. Boxster's are superb, but face it, they're a dime a dozen even here in the non-luxury Indy metro area. And in megalopolis's you can't swing a dead parrot without hitting one.

Elise's are more exclusive (always a plus in my ledger), and they don't reek handling wise either.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by John V

Whoa whoa whoa whoa.

The CTS3.6 has an LSD available?

option y43

[Sharp11]

Originally Posted by FC

-This car purchase will have to follow THE PLAN and will have to take place a year from now (ok, maybe late '08). She refuses to greenlight a crazy car purchase while she ......

So in other words, there's no dream car budget.... should've guessed



Ed

[equ]

Originally Posted by stuka

FWD

I really don't get minis, at all. I guess I'm so surrounded by them that they are the corolla around here. I call bs though, the RoW actually has a whole slew of mini competition with lots of little hatches running around. In the US, only mini is smart enough to acknowledge that market.

I agree with stuka on this one. Fwd + that interior + lotsa marketing = -3

I'm still hoping plaz will cancel his order and you'll come to your senses.

[Sharp11]

Originally Posted by equ

I really don't get minis, at all. I guess I'm so surrounded by them that they are the corolla around here. I call bs though, the RoW actually has a whole slew of mini competition with lots of little hatches running around. In the US, only mini is smart enough to acknowledge that market.

I agree with stuka on this one. Fwd + that interior + lotsa marketing = -3

I'm still hoping plaz will cancel his order and you'll come to your senses.

Have you driven one? They're fun, feel like BMW's and look good.

Ed