And Then There Were Two

"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
08/07/2017 at 22:07 • Filed to: None

I’ve been Craigslist/autotrader shopping for a new to me daily driver for about a month now. It needs to do few things(get to daycare and train station), I want it to do a little more(be fun, look decent with a rack so it can be somewhat useful).

This should be a slightly less onerous ownership experience than my recent Jalop escapades, it doesn’t need to be brand-new-Corolla easy, but not 1980s BMW level of investment.

I had a pretty set price ceiling of no higher than the wife’s car, and preferably more in the $10k range. No set age, but new enough and low enough miles to be worth taking out a modest loan.

It needs a backseat. I strongly prefer a manual. I strongly prefer front wheel drive. No soft tops because Minnesota winter. I want to be able to drive it home after work one night, so no distance buys.

What did I want but ultimately ruled out due to price/age/miles: GTI, FIST/FOST, 328i xdrive. There’s one GTI that’s close to budget, and one FIST.

I’d still consider it I guess, if I found one: Veloster Turbo.

Cars that I may still try to test drive but just on paper leaving me feeling, meh: Mazda 3s, Chevy Sonic 1.4T, Ford Focus 2.0 or Fiesta Ecoboost.

What are the two cars sitting on lots that I think I’m deciding between: 2011 Mini Cooper S and a 2012 VW Beetle Turbo. I’ve driven an older mini, and a couple of mk vi platform VWs ; and right now I’m undecided. I do prefer the Mini’s looks. If the Beetle were anything other than white, I’d be more tempted. Pictures of actual cars..

Why these? They do everything I need, in the most enjoyable package, at a price/miles/age tradeoff that I like. I can put a down payment, have reasonable payments, and never be underwater or anything.

How do they stack up on paper?

Quickness - VW by a hair

Looks - Mini Cooper

Functionality - Beetle, it’s probably a better comparison to the Clubman in it’s size.

Reliability - Nod here seems to be to the VW although the 2011 mini seems to be step up from its past. Double bonus points to the VW because it’s got a CPO warranty.

Just in what I recall of driving cars like them, in my experience the Mk vi platform is more comfortable and the beetle is a comfortable version of it. I might find it too soft. I like the coopers looks, and I think it’s a car I’d enjoy in a bubble(not worrying about family, long term ownership, etc.).

DISCUSSION (11)

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/07/2017 at 22:13

From everything I’ve heard, avoid turbo Minis like the plague.

SonnyQ > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/07/2017 at 22:17

I work as a valet so I’ve driven all of the cars aforementioned. In all honesty I would say to look at the B7 Passat, the room is unbeatable, comfortable seats, nice precise steering, not to mention gas mileage. Its also quite a bit cheaper than a gti and its newer for the price and can be had with a stick if you desire. I’d try to get a 1.8t as opposed to the 2.5 five cylinder. It’d look real nice on some Audi wheels in my opinion.

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/07/2017 at 22:30

While I slightly enjoy the nimble minis, and hate the new beetle. The beetle is a better choice. Have you thought about an 8th or 9th gen civic si, or maybe a fit?

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/07/2017 at 23:03

I vote for the Cooper. Being a 2011 it has the replacement N18 engine which is actually rather reliable and is a vast improvement over the horrible N14 (used 2007-2010) which ruined the entire brand’s reputation. I personally prefer the 1st generation cars as I own one but the late R56 isn’t bad.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
08/07/2017 at 23:07

The N14 which was used from 2007-2010 was a disaster and should be avoided at all costs. The N18 which replaced it for 2011-2013 is a much better engine and is typically rather reliable.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered
08/07/2017 at 23:43

I have thought about a civic si.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/had-a-good-first-day-of-work-at-the-new-job-maybe-this-1797490167

But now that particular car is sold. Fit is a little pokey I think.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
08/07/2017 at 23:56

The Cooper is probably going to be what I go look at first. And if family thinks it’s comfortable, it’s in good shape and they come down on price(it’s at one of those dealers that says “fair no haggle prices” but the price on the Cooper is pretty high soooo...), I may not end up looking at the beetle.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
08/07/2017 at 23:57

2011 forward has typically been better. No timing chain issues, which is the big thing.

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/08/2017 at 00:12

Wouldn’t a 2door be less useful than a 4 door, plus 4 door si’s are usually cheaper than the 2 doors, but have more miles

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered
08/08/2017 at 00:16

Yeah, practicality is good but honestly, my kid doesn’t mind climbing in and out(she rode in the back of a 944 for quite a while pretty happily). That particular SI was a great price though.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/08/2017 at 08:31

My kids were stuck using the jump seats in my truck for many years. Getting something with four doors was such a good decision. It made it easier for them, made for less wear and tear on the truck, and it made it easier on me.