Most Exciting Small Car?

[The Chad]

(i.e. the best shitbox thread)

Hello,

I currently drive a Honda S2000, and I love it to bits, but it is a lease that will be expiring this year (in the fall, so being a convertible I should probably try to get rid of it in the spring if I want to profit any from any transaction). I'm graduating this spring and while I hope to have a job that pays well, I also want to make a serious dent in student loan debt in the first year or two I am out, while saving up some cash to buy what I really want (probably an E92 ///M3).

So I want / need something in the meantime that I can live with daily. Since the United States is inundated with small cars as of late (mainly imports from Europe), I'm hoping to get some global insight into fun, small cars.

I may make a poll in this thread after I get some ideas bouncing around but I have thought of a few options.

#1, Buy The S2000. My residual is $16k and some change, which is about what I'm looking to spend on a new small car. Obviously, I know the service history of my own car, and the car has been a tank. Don't drive it in winter, and I would like to consolidate down to one automobile so living in Ohio would necessitate the need for snow tires. Also, there is a pin-hole sized wear hole in my convertible top that will probably get worse so I can either replace the soft-top, or buy the fixed hardtop and use that. Both are probably priced similarly. The prospect of winter driving scares me as the car has no traction or stability control, and even the littlest bit of snow brings the car to a halt.

#2, Buy Something Else. If I'm getting a new car, I'd like to have some creature comforts that I have not been able to experience on the S2000. I also would like it to be safe and have some geeky-tech features (maybe auto climate control, maybe HIDs, maybe iPod integration).

Possibilities include a Toyota Yaris, smart fortwo...

Ideas anyone?

[ahpadt]

Mini or Lotus Exige/Elise?

[jayhawk]

Hands down, a fun, small car would be a MINI turbo. If you want stick with RWD, keep the S2000. AWD, I would go with a G11 (2002-2007) Impreza WRX.

[The Chad]

Originally Posted by jayhawk

Hands down, a fun, small car would be a MINI turbo. If you want stick with RWD, keep the S2000. AWD, I would go with a G11 (2002-2007) Impreza WRX.

Mini turbo would be fun, and all I'd really need would be the xenons, the LSD and that's it. Problem is I'd be tempted to spec it out into the Lexus price range.

I haven't completely grown to the new WRX yet, and I don't want something that someone else has beat on. I dunno.

[British_Rover]

MINI Cooper S with Sport package minus the sport wheels and the LSD.

Don't question it just do it you won't regret it.

[Labcoatguy]

Honda Fit's been getting rave reviews all around from both pros and friends; one step or two below the Mini, but worth a look, they say.

[Shawn]

If it were available in the US, I'd say a Fiat Punto Abarth:



But since you're in the US, I'd say a VW Golf/Rabbit... but anything in that segment is going to be good, VW probably has a more quality feel though.

[Ottobon]

Originally Posted by Labcoatguy

Honda Fit's been getting rave reviews all around from both pros and friends; one step or two below the Mini, but worth a look, they say.

Honda has much better economy, room, is lighter, as safe, and is cheaper, plus its inconspicuous. I know that its thrashed all the other small cars in its price-range for "fun factor" so far as U.S. Market goes. The fit is genuinely supposed to be a hoot to drive.

May be a little behind the mini, but the mini is overpriced, has a horrible exhaust note, and it will arguably be extremely out of fashion very soon (read: retro)

If your looking for a old Used car i can recommend CRX HFs or pre 1984 VW Diesels (learn to tune the injection pump and their much quicker, still slow, but much quicker) With all that said the VWs aren't extremely safe by modern standards, probably better then most 80s cars, but not really that great when you think of the fact many U.S. cars weight 3x as much.

I personally have had both a 86 Turbo Jetta and a 82 Rabbit Diesel (N/A with a good tune) and i vastly prefer the Rabbit. It doesn't have as much power, but it has the same powerband characteristics as a 5.0 mustang, so its ready to rumble no-matter what the RPM. The fact that the Rabbit Chassi is genuinly fun helps too . Plus the rabbit actually has a rather entertaining exhaust note, my car has no muffler and it sounds like a growling terrier being hurled through the air.

Originally Posted by Shawn

If it were available in the US, I'd say a Fiat Punto Abarth:

But since you're in the US, I'd say a VW Golf/Rabbit... but anything in that segment is going to be good, VW probably has a more quality feel though.

Your being dumb, a VW GTI is heavier and less economical then a S2000, so i don't think its exactly the right thing to be looking into, if he said "more practical" then it would be fine, but this is about economy vs. excitment.


With that said, old Fiats are supposed to be the epitome of exciting but tiny cars.




Other reasons to buy a Honda Fit:

What truly set the Fit apart was its handling — not a pretense of handling but the real deal, with springs and struts that allowed one gentle rebound and no more, the only car here that felt happy storming the switchbacks. We later confirmed this when the Fit sailed through our lane-change test 6 mph faster than anything else here — faster, in fact, than a Corvette Z06.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...onda_fit_sport

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_10_best_cars

But we kept going back to the Fit Sport. At first you want to drive it because it looks neat. Then, after utilizing its fantastically thought-out interior, you respect it for its usability. But in the end, it’s the driving that wins you over, with sharp handling, an excellent gearbox, proper heel-and-toe pedal placement and a top-notch interior. It’s also the most fun to drive.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=2

The winner: the Honda Fit Sport. It combines excellent steering and handling with a fantastic interior package.....Of the three, it's the one you'll want to drive and the most capable of performing the cargo- and people-toting duties. The Fit is the right choice for the enthusiast who wants a car that handles twisties as well as it does chores, saves gas, and eases your budget.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/price.html

Safety Fit for a King
http://www.motortrend.com/features/a..._safety_rating

If 3 completely different Mags coming to the same conclusion doesn't convince you I don't know what will.

[Suedschleife]

Suzuki SX4 Sport any good? Shame you guys don't get the Swift Sport and the SX4 Turbo/WRX is not yet decided on.

[Shawn]

You're arguing that a Honda Fit Sport is more fun to drive than a Golf GTI? And you call me dumb?

Originally Posted by Ottobon

Your being dumb, a VW GTI is heavier and less economical then a S2000, so i don't think its exactly the right thing to be looking into, if he said "more practical" then it would be fine, but this is about economy vs. excitment.

With that said, old Fiats are supposed to be the epitome of exciting but tiny cars.

[Labcoatguy]

He's just saying that the GTI is heavy, unlike the Fit. No need for Elmo187-style sniping, guys.

[Zuhaib]

Lets cool everyone. No need to call people stupid just because they suggest a car. Anyways, my 2 cents.

You mention your #2 option and say you would consider a Toyota Yaris and Smart ForTwo. Those I dont think are as sporty as other cars available, and not even have the creature comfort. But they are good for the price.

A car that might fit your #2 requirement is an GTI, and this not just a plug as I have one. Yeah its as heavy as South Africa (JC Said that), but damn you only really notice it in braking. It handles great, has a nice ride and can be had with a lots of toy (HIDs standard, Auto AirCon, Navi (I would skip that), iPod and etc). Its also very safe and very pratical something i doubt you can say for an S2000. You can actually make trips to costco with this thing.

Again the downside is its not as sporty as an S2000 and its FWD vs the RWD on the S2000. Also the cost new is going to be north of 20k. I dont know if the used market is that rich of GTI's as Fifth Gear makes out as in the US the first GTI was 2006MY and there was a limited number of them.

Another option is an user 350Z but i have no idea. Also A WRX, but again your going to be looking 2nd hand as they both are way north 20k new.

[Phinn]

Suzuki Swift Sport FTW if you could get hold of one.

[vegasrebel29]

Originally Posted by Ottobon

General Honda Fit worship

Good god man, are you a Honda salesman or something?
Also, DON'T BUY THE GOLF. It's not the same product they get in the Vaterland.

[Buba]

Originally Posted by jayhawk

Hands down, a fun, small car would be a MINI turbo. If you want stick with RWD, keep the S2000. AWD, I would go with a G11 (2002-2007) Impreza WRX.

Well said, Sir!

[The Chad]

I couldn't buy a Golf knowing that there is a GTI and an .:R32 out there that I'm not driving in. As for the GTI, I do like the car; it's more practical than what I have now . I suppose practicality should carry some weight in this argument but the last time I looked at a GTI it was sitting next to a .:R32 in the showroom and the GTI looked "cheap" in comparison side-by-side.

I don't believe the Honda Fit is a good looking car, but I want fun factor more than looks. I also value fun over pure horsepower alone. So if it's as fun as some are claiming, it might warrant a test drive.

I quite like the looks of the Fiat, but alas, not available here. Same for the Suzuki Swift.

I do need something I can live with everyday, and it's hard in the S2000. Not so hard I don't do it, but hard nonetheless. I wish we had the options you guys across the pond do.

Compared to a Civic Si is the Mini really in a different league? I live over an hour from the nearest dealership so I haven't gone for a test drive of the new MCS but it looks like I need to just to see what I'm missing.

Good ideas so far guys. I appreciate all the input.

[Austere]

I'd go with a Yaris. It's not as much fun as a Mini but it's a lot cheaper than one. I'd hazard to guess that it would be cheaper to own and maintain as well.

My sister has a Yaris and it's fun to drive. The gearshift is a bit clunky but it's very precise and although the engine isn't very powerful it makes up for it by being fizzy and rev-happy. It's fun to rev the hell out of it and throw it around corners. It's also very spacious and comfortable - Not just for a small car but comfortable and spacious full stop. I'm about 6' 2" and I think there's plenty of room in it, even in the back seat.

[Polly]

Exciting small car = Clio V6

[unknownspeedster]

I got a mini cooper S, every time i drive it, it makes me smile....really zippy but the price is a huge factor its expensive for what it is, but id never say id think twice about buying it if i had to do the process all over again. also if you get a chilli pack cooper you get the xenons and auto-climate as well standard and the 10-speaker hi-fi audio and other features.

[NooDle]

Mini Cooper (eventually S)

VW Golf Mk V GTI

New FIAT 500 Abarth (drool)


there's tons of choice. Also, small cars rock!