Mark_is300

Go with the MCS. I have an 04' and the car is great to drive (almost as fun as the S2K).
BMW service is also better than VW's around where I live.

ElTianti

The Civic Si gets no love? It

Saint_Spinner

After much thought, I'd love to have a an A3, but sadly, the hatch version won't make it to the US. A girl at my school had the previous a3 3-door and it was pretty sweet. It had mexican plates on it....so for now, I think I'll wait for my other two choices to compare: Upcoming Audi TT and the Alfa Romeo Brera. By then, the next gen. of the MCS should be out too (along with the new GTI). Oooooo the future looks bright

basscase

Uh, what about the next-gen GTI? It's coming soon (fall?) and it's supposed to be a big improvement. It has the same engine as the A3 and it's lighter. Also, it will be available with the Audi TT DSG, which is regarded as the best sequential manual tranny out there.

http://autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=100993

JSR_AP2

I'd take the MCS over the Mk4 GTI. I've driven both (tho, both in their earlier years of release, not any of the recent ones, but nothing has changed in overall design) and the MCS handled much better. Both are tq'ey and fun as a daily, but when pushed, the MCS is more composed and confidence inspiring. I actually really want a sport hatch for my daily also, but can't afford another car. If I could tho, I'd get an S54 M Coupe over any other currently available choices. One of my dream cars.

Saint_Spinner

*edit* nevermind..found this great article on the DSG system:
http://automobilemag.com/reviews/0305_audiTT/

I think I'll have to wait and see

aggie

The USA A3 is a 'hatch', but with practical/comfortable/adult 4 doors. To me that is a benefit but others may disagree. Audi specifically is going for the 4-door hatch market considering the USA failures of BMW and Mercedes with a 2-door hatch. I think Audi will easily reach their 9000 per year goal, but I wish it was significantly cheaper than the A4.

AbusiveWombat

Since you don't mind girly cars, how about a mazdaspeed miata (mx-5)? It will out handle both, drives the right wheels, has more power out of the box, and likely more aftermarket support.

SavesTheDay

in which case he might as well wait for the new miata coming out in the late summer/fall, then in which case he might as well get a used s2k . J/k The MS miata is a great choice, and with the new one coming out, there will be even further reductions. The mini, to keep it on topic, is a great car and unique car, useable and sporty, you really can't fail.

mvf4s

[QUOTE=ElTianti,Jun 8 2005, 08:18 AM] The Civic Si gets no love? It