KingpinSVT
Hard-core CEG'er
My decision came down to this, a MS3, Civic Si, or Mini Coop S. New and used...
Mine came to the same choices (and the Volvo C30), but I didn't have any interest in the Cobalt. The underpinnings are appealing, I've just never been a huge fan of the design. The new ones certainly deserve some credit, they are cool little cars. The A pillar pod is about the coolest thing I've seen on any of the "boy racer" models.
Pete's right on the Mini. Add that to the fact that the nearest dealer to me is 60+ miles (with spotty service history) and I didn't bite.
The C30 is great, but once you get what I consider to be necessary options (like cruise for cryin' out loud) the car priced itself out of what I was looking for ($26K+).
The MS3 was my second choice, I just decided that probably wasn't the best long term choice. Fun as hell though!
Enjoy the new ride!