MF Challenge: What Would You Buy for $40,000?
Since we [published the Ordering Guide](https://www.motoringfile.com/2015/02/07/exclusive-f56-john-cooper-works-ordering-guide/) for the 2015 F56 John Cooper Works, there has a been a lot of debate across the MotoringFile and [White Roof Radio](http://www.whiteroofradio.com) teams regarding the MSRP of this new car. With a base-price of $30,600, we believe the JCW is actually good value compare to a “JCW-equipped” standard Cooper S. However, when you add a couple of technology and convenience options, the final price tag approaches the $38K-$42K range rather quickly. At this point, anyone contemplating a decently equipped JCW – even the most hardcore MINI fanboys – would probably ask themselves whether or not it is reasonable to spend close to $40K on a MINI. Wouldn’t it make more sense to buy a low mileage certified BMW M3 for instance? So instead of restricting this conversation to our little group, we decided to open the debate to the fine MotoringFile readership. Here is the challenge: With a budget ranging from $38,000 to $42,000, what would you buy instead of a F56 JCW? To answer this question, you will have to comply with two rules:
– You can choose to spend your budget on a new or a used car (excluding taxes, title, etc.)
– The car you choose has to become your daily driver
There you have it. Speak your choice in the comments section and tell us why you selected a given car.
UPDATE: Given the average spend for a car in the US, I realize that for many people a $40K car is not in the cards. But the question is not about spending $40K that you have (or don’t have) now, but rather what car would you potentially buy should you ever have $40K to spend on a daily-driver. Think of it as a Top Gear Challenge.
<p>Personally I am having a hard time justifying spending $30K on a MINI. So 40 is way out of the realm of what I would spend.</p>
<p>My two cents… The average price for an automobile in the US is $33k. In my mind a MINI represents more than an average automobile. But of course it depends on what you want out of your car.</p>
<p>Ahhhh, not sure what cars or dealers you frequent, $33K average? Maybe
24K average yes. Please provide published source for the 33K avg. thanks.</p>
<p>Gabe’s correct. Based on a study run by KBB in 2013, the average prices for a new car in the US was $32,086. It doesn’t mean people can afford it…<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/03/12/who-can-afford-the-average-car-price-only-folks-in-washington/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoblog.com/2014/03/12/who-can-afford-the-average-car-price-only-folks-in-washington/</a></p>
<p>I just heard it hit the 33k mark in 2014.</p>
<p>From my research, 2013 most popular sold cars:</p>
<p>Toyota Corolla (total sold in USA 302,180)
MSRP for LE Trim (mid(: $18, 565</p>
<p>Toyota Camry (total sold in US: 404,484)
MSRP for LE: $26,150</p>
<p>Toyota Prius (Total Sold in USA: 234,228)
MSRP for “Four” $28,435</p>
<p>Honda Civic (total sold in US: 336,909)
MSRP EX trim (mid): $21,190</p>
<p>Honda Accord (total sold in US: 360,089)
MSRP EX trim (mid): $25,030</p>
<p>Ford Focus (total sold in US: 234,570)
MSRP Titanium: $23,575</p>
<p>Ford Fiesta (total sold in US: 71,073)
MSRP Titanium Sedan: $17,915</p>
<p>Ford Fusion (total sold in US: 295,280)
MSRP mid level: $30,290</p>
<p>Add to that many people buying Hyundai and Kia.
Also most people don’t pay MSRP (unfortunate with MINI a person has to) especially with sites like True Car and others.</p>
<p>Based on the above info that I pulled from each Mfg website, IMO, Avg price isn’t at 33K. Trucks are in a different Category than cars, but I don’t believe total # of Trucks sold in the USA was more than the above total auto from the 3 Mfg. SUV’s sold is high, don’t know how many.</p>
<p>Funny how the “average” is whatever you want it to be when the numbers are cherry-picked.</p>
<p>Nathaniel, I’m not “cherry picking”. That info is from the Mfg, price is mid trim MSRP and those cars are the most popular models sold in the US. I didn’t check Hyundai or Kia or Mazda or Nissan, but my guess is the Avg $$ is also around 25 to 26K.</p>
<p>You can disagree with me, we all have our opinion but to “accuse” me of cherry picking” to counter my on Gabe’s post is kind of making it personal IMO. Just say you don’t agree. I’m ok with that. Saying I’m cherry picking is kind of like implying I’m saying Gabe is being untruthful – and I’m not, just not agreeing with his statement.</p>
<p>I’m not saying your individual numbers are inaccurate, or that you’re lying. I’m saying you’re cherry picking from a much smaller cross-section of cars that gives you a number you like.
I do not disagree that the average of the prices of the cars you chose came out to around $25,000.
I do disagree that by only taking numbers from a handful of cars that your average is somehow more accurate. Especially when those cars aren’t from brands with similar positioning to MINI.
I’m not accusing you of anything other than having an invalid argument against Gabe’s assertion (which was backed up by KBB) that the average price of a new car is as high as it’s gotten.</p>
<p>Here’s an industry analysis looking at average prices and industry trends. Interesting reading…</p>
<p>But, yeah, the average is $32,386 for 2014.</p>
<p><a href="http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/unversioned/img/industry-center/analysis/transaction-prices-final.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc">http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/unversioned/img/industry-center/analysis/transaction-prices-final.pdf</a></p>
<p>I like that the autoblog article is almost entirely about how most middle-income families can’t afford new cars anymore because the average price is unreasonably high.</p>
<p>Perhaps, instead of being above that mark, it would be apropos for a brand like MINI to spearhead a return to affordable and intelligent compact transportation.</p>
<p>I like that idea a lot. MINI won’t do that because it’s really tough to be profitable in that space, but I’m 100% onboard with the sentiment.</p>
<p>When you think about the Autoblog article in terms of affordability and inflation the real takeaway is that incomes haven’t kept pace with inflation. Americans in the bottom 60% have actually lost an average 11% of thier spending power since 1967.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, a base 1967 Mustang would only cost $18,326 in today dollars. Today’s Mustang is far better equipped, but what is being compared is the cost of transportation and not the bells and whistles.</p>
<p>Put simply, the average American can no longer afford the average new car and the new car market has become the almost exclusive domain of the top 40%.</p>
<p>You are forgetting about the large percentage of SUVs and trucks that are being bought. Many of those start way over $33.</p>
<p>And another large percentage is made up of corollas and civics, way less than 33K.</p>
<p>As prices of used BMW 1Ms are heading in the opposite direction there is actuall very little that would tempt me out of current ride (modified 09 128 6-speed). Looking ahead I am watching for the Rocketman and maybe the ’17 Tesla Model III. If I had to pull the trigger on something right now I’d do a low mileage JCW Clubman (black with red roof) leaving enough money to modify it to my liking.</p>
<p>I keep waiting for the 1M to start to dip but it just hasn’t happened yet and is in fact (as you mentioned going in the opposite direction. It’s interesting to consider that BMW sold 700+ 1Ms in the US versus 400 R53 and 500 R56 GPs sold by MINI USA. Yet those cars have clearly depreciated.</p>
<p>Is there some sort of point to be made there? Maybe.</p>
<p>It’s hard to compare those numbers because the 1M is way more rare in terms of percentages. 700 out of 380,000 BMWs sold in the US that year is 1/10th of one percent of all BMWs sold. The 2006 GP had 415 out of 39,000 MINIs sold in 2006 so 415/39,000 is 1 percent of its respective market. So mathematically, the BMW 1M is 10X as rare given the market and rarity is always better for value. This is considering every US BMW buyer (all models) vs. every US MINI buyer (all models) in the given model years because not all US buyers would consider either a BMW or a MINI so I distilled the potential market to brand specific buyers.</p>
<p>I’m sure the 1M is a great car, but honestly I think those prices are absurd. The future price of that car will really depend on how well-received the M2 is.</p>
<p>I for one still regret selling my ’02 M Coupe. That was a huge mistake. I’d say you make sure to keep that 1M even if it means putting it in storage.</p>
<p>Without question: 987.1 or 987.2 Cayman S. Owned a 2007 Cayman S as a DD for 3 years, put on 55k miles and loved every bit of it.</p>
<p>Reasons: 1. Plenty of power to enjoy on the street and the track. 2. Great balance and turn-in makes most commutes seem like a lot of fun (not unlike MINIs). 3. Excellent build quality and reliability. 4. Surprisingly good usability with two trunks and lots of storage cubbies. 5. Relatively small size makes it a great city car.</p>
<p>You have to be into the subject matter for sure, but the Cayman S makes a great daily driver.</p>
<p>My $40k problem (as I call it) is the new $90k Cayman GT4. My 1M has appreciated to the point that selling it and buying that damn GT4 (which haunts my dreams) is starting to seem logical.</p>
<p>Then I’ll take a used R50 daily driver with the difference.</p>
<p>It’s not a bad plan. It’s entirely possible that the GT4 is going to be Porsche’s last car produced solely with a manual transmission. Not only is it going to be a killer car, but it’s very likely to retain its value better than any current car in their lineup.</p>
<p>My thoughts as well. Dammit.</p>
<p>Interesting. I thought you were more of a 911 guy.</p>
<p>I’m a car guy :)</p>
<p>Gabe is a riddle, inside an enigma, wrapped in alcantara.</p>
<p>There should some carbon fiber flare in there as well.</p>
<p>The fact that Porsche plans to produce the Motorsport assembled GT4 in very limited quantities assures that it will retain value better than other more readily available Porsche offerings. The Cayman R, for example, has retained it’s value for these same reasons. Limited quantities doesn’t always guarantee value retention, but in this case the GT4 has so much going for it performance, handling and appearance wise that it should do very well.</p>
<p>You’ll enjoy this
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GmLnDmBW10" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GmLnDmBW10</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.porschefile.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.porschefile.com</a> is born! haha. Yeah I want that GT4 too. If I was single I’d be waitlisted already.</p>
<p>I’ve also been drooling on 997.1 GT3s because those prices don’t seem totally horrible. 997.2 would be better, but then we’re getting nutty with prices. You can get a brand new undriven 991 GT3 at MSRP for less than the 997.2 GT3s are going for.</p>
<p>As much as people like to complain about PDK, I’d say 9k rpm 991 with PDK probably won’t disappoint.</p>
<p>You are breaking the rules! The car you choose must be your daily driver :)</p>
<p>Approve.</p>
<p>As soon as I read about the GT4 I knew you’d be wrestling with this decision! Do it – half the fun of owning these cars is enjoying everything that comes before actually owning it. Sell the 1M and experience that whole thrill over a second time with the GT4 – life is about the journey!!! As a side note…I’m still annoyed that I lost $30k (or 27%) on my 1M in 2.5 years of ownership in New Zealand. That was a year ago, and prices have dropped further since. Different markets eh?</p>
<p>Quite a bit different! My estimation is that prices will fall to around MSRP in the next 12 months which means I’d lose about 10k if I kept it for another year.</p>
<p>Yeah…as M2 details firm up and the MSM pick up the story – I imagine a lot of 1Ms will change hands. You know what I would do! Good luck with your decision (the things that keep us up at night eh :P)</p>
<p>I’m going to give you the same advice you gave Todd; don’t sell it.</p>
<p>I spent 40 on my 2011 fJCW when I bought it and if I was planning on buying another I’d certainly have no qualms about tacking a few thousand more on for the latest iteration. There aren’t too many competitors that can match the JCW’s performance to fuel economy ratio. I think that’s still pretty true. I think the new engines will finally make this an even more compelling car.</p>
<p>Love my GPII, but there are many new contenders out there that could give Mini a run, including some nice offerings from Audi (the new A3, A4 or used “S” models), VW GTI’s (including the hot Golf R model), Ford Focus RS & ST, Benz 250cla, or even the Subaru WRX STI, just to name a few…and, as Chulander pointed out, there are many used offerings that are just a few years old from Porsche and others that are very attractive.</p>
<p>The WRX design study from 2013 very much had my attention, but I find the production model to be a big disappointment.</p>
<p>Agree…they should consider returning to the 2 door variant of yester-years.</p>
<p>my F56 s what pretty close to 40k , so I guess my Answer would be a f56JCW fully Loaded</p>
<p>So for $40K a MINI is the only car you would ever buy?</p>
<p>The Evoque would be my next pick… Or if they ever come out with a Rally Edition Countryman</p>
<p>I had that debate already and bought a new 328.</p>
<p>Cooper Roadster.</p>
<p>What would I buy for the $40k?
Honestly I’d love to get a beautiful E30 M3 and I’ve always been fond of my old 2006 JCW or GP</p>
<p>Z06. End of discussion. Next.</p>
<p>I’ll probably be looking to get rid of my E92 335 and pick up an e39 M5. 2000-01 MY cars can be had for 13-14K. I’d do that, plus another 6 in mandatory maintenance, and pocket the rest.</p>
<p>Unless I was earning 95K to 100K a year, I wouldn’t spend 40K for a car. I’m having a enough trouble deciding and debating if I want to spend 29-1/2K on an F56 S Hardtop (2 door).</p>
<p>Especially since MINI doesn’t sell below MSRP. The only options I’m choosing are must have’s like 6 sp Auto, Auto Dim Rear view mirror, Car Alarm, rear fogs. Because my enjoyment of music while driving, maybe the HK system.</p>
<p>My 2004 R50, $22K and it had all the options that I really needed.</p>
<p>Anything more than 26K is too pricey for me, that’s why I’m back and forth on 29.5K for the F56 S.</p>
<p>Well I’ll answer this question in 2 parts.</p>
<p>Daily driver:
1) Ford Focus RS
2) Golf R
3) WRX STI
4) Audi S3
5) BMW 228i track pack? (maybe more than 40?</p>
<p>Fun / 3rd car
1) Used Cayman S
2) Used Lotus Elise
3) 1987-1989 911 Carrera 3.2
4) 996 911 Carrera 4
5) Beat up 996 911 turbo?
6) Audi TTS
7) Used M Coupe with S54 2001-2007</p>
<p>I’m sure there are other cars I’m not thinking of, but these are a good start. I do think the JCW price is a bit high, but it’s premium and it’s a fun to drive car. With that said I think the car needs to be better dynamically behind the wheel almost like a discount Porsche quality driving experience before it can justify that price.</p>
<p>How about finding a super low-mile, excellent condition R53 for 10k, and spend 30k to make your own the Ultimate MINI? 😉 Do a full body paint job, fabricate parts, redoing the interior, bunch of custom parts, etc.</p>
<p>I guess I already voted…..last year I bought a 328 Sport Wagon Sport Line, with Premium package as an exec demo car (that brings it down to that price point with some negotiating). I can’t say anything bad about the car. I can say that I miss my 04 JCW that I traded in for it, but I don’t miss worrying about what the next repair was going to be. The new car has taught me that faster doesn’t equal “funner”, but the X drive has been very nice in the winter weather and its immensely more practical and even just about as good on gas.</p>
<p>For the record I had a very hard time justifying the purchase of a car this expensive to myself, and actually feel self concsious in it sometimes…..but you only live once.</p>
<p>As a longtime MINI owner….the JCW would not even make my top ten.</p>
<p>Apples to apples…Golf-R is the obvious direct competitor.
Personally…..I would rather go base A4, 335i or C300 for the 40k</p>
<p>Surprised nobody’s mentioned the i3 yet … I’d be really tempted by that car (quirky looks and all) if my commute weren’t outside its range.</p>
<p>Good call. The i3 is a fantastic product that would work well for most people. In many ways it embodies the MINIs mantra better than anything post classic Mini.</p>
<p>And therein lies the problem. The i3 is a fantastic little car in many ways, and is selling quite well in Europe, but so far it hasn’t gone down well in the US.</p>
<p>The limited range is an issue, but also the technology used will quickly become obsolete, and its residual value will drop alarmingly.</p>
<p>Here in the land of Venture Capital, seems that the i3 is in a tough spot. If it’s the main car, they have a Tesla, if it’s the secondary commute car, seems the FIAT 500e is the one that is hitting the fun/small electric point. There are about 5 500es for each i3 in the area. The i3 is a really good offering, but it’s about 10k more than the 500e (or the other little compliance cars), and that’s a 35% bump in real price, after the 10k in incentives….</p>
<p>Approve.</p>
<p>Bring on the residual value drop. I’m ready to grab one up as soon as they become affordable.</p>
<p>Most people in the US must be thinking the same as you Jason, judging by the disappointing sales of the i3 :-)</p>
<p>That 60 secs Super Bowl ad for the i3 @ $9m per minute was pure ‘desperation selling’. As one professional commentator said, “The first 30 seconds was OK”.</p>
<p>BTW, in Europe most i3’s are leased.</p>
<p>If I had the cash to buy one I would have instead of my F56. Unfortunately I just couldn’t make it work at the time. Buying one used could be scary too, lord only knows what kind of maintenance costs would be associated with it. There’s so much insane technology in those things.</p>
<p>So, with $40k, am I the only car junkie dreaming about buying the 4 to 6 used/classics/fun rides that I’ve always wanted?</p>
<p>I mean, I’ve already got an ’11 R56S that I love and an awesome low mileage ’08 R52S, so to add to the garage…a really nice low mile NA Miata for about $8k, plus a pretty cool Triumph GT6+ locally on Craigslist for $8k, plus a…no, wait…not a Miata, that really nice old English white ’64 MGB on CL for $10k, plus…OK, a decent classic MINI of some sort for, what, $15k? Plus…hmmm….still have $7k to spend….wait, need to bump out the garage to fit the new toys…</p>
<p>The car you choose must be your daily driver :)</p>
<p>Approve.</p>
<p>OK, so assuming I have no car right now and need a daily driver…that’s easy!</p>
<p>The MGB for $10k, the GT6+ for $8k, the nicest lowest mileage R53 I can find for $10k as the daily driver, and still another $10k to play with for another toy. Maybe a nice used Ford Ranger pickup for weekend duty?</p>
<p>Have you seen how cheap you can get a really nice low mileage R53 these days? Wow!</p>
<p>Cheap R53s is a post unto itself. Totally agree. Who’s been looking? What have you seen?</p>
<p>I know a great one that just went for $7,000.</p>
<p>I think there is a column there somewhere, Gabe.</p>
<p>My reference point is the energy around low mileage NA Miatas on the Miata.net message board. Look for the Pricing and Dealer Discussion folder — just skim thru. Any time a low mileage car, especially a special edition, gets posted, the energy and passion around it is palpable. There is a deep raw passion for these early cars.</p>
<p>I expect that the MINI community will eventually get to that point with low mileage well-optioned R53s. We know there are still a lot of them out there. Just do a search for R53s on Autotrader and you’ll see quite a few under 50k cars for $10k or less.</p>
<p>Hang on a minute, you still haven’t got to grips with the rules of this game. Alex highlighted them at the start:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>We are allowed a budget of $38-42K to spend on ONE car of our choice, either new or used.</p></li>
<li><p>That ONE car has to be our daily driver.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Don’t worry, you’re not the only one to drop the ball, Gabe also dropped the ball, and he’s the Boss! :-)</p>
<p>Meh. My rules are more fun. Plus it is my cash, and my dream. I being honest on what I would do in this dream scenario — and my goal was to get some more of the classic car geeks to come forward with their dream garages for $40k.</p>
<p>Too many people think it is impossible to get into the collector car game. I was hoping to prove that for the price of a single JCW, you can fill a 4 car garage with some really fun stuff!</p>
<p>That said, I did succeed to a point. I do LOVE your choice of Nash Rambler Rebel, Nick! Awesome selection!</p>
<p>Glad that you approve :-)</p>
<p>Tough choice, maybe a low mileage sure to be a classic like this beautiful 2001 M5-http://fisherimports.net/index.php/vehicle?vid=5-300l1418169064 or a brand new Miata with all the options?</p>
<p>Some fun stuff from eBay Motors…..</p>
<p>2010 CTS-V $38.5 (OMFG are those fast!!!!)
2006 Maserati Gran Sport $39k OBO
1988 Porsche Carrera Convertible $38k (seems a high price)
2007 Corvette Z06 $40k
2012 MB E350 Sedan $38k
2013 MB SKL250 Cabrio $38k
1968 ProTuring Camero Frame-Off Just Finished $40k
2012 Audi S4 $38k
2002 MB G55 $36k!!!!!</p>
<p>If I didn’t have to feed the kids I’d find some more!</p>
<p>Nicely done.</p>
<p>Well, after reading more comments and seeing some would choose a used car, the one car I always liked the 128i/135i. I really liked it looks, the lines, just everything about it. A 2012/2013 with low mileage. The 2 series just doesn’t do it for me. The front reminds me of the muppets Gonzo beak.</p>
<p>I’ve looked for a 2013 128i (non SULEV) with low mileage for around 21/22 K, but they are still selling for around 27/28 K. To much for me for a 2 or 3 year old used car. Plus BMW maintenance costs get high.</p>
<p>A very apropos topic for me. Over the past 12 years I’ve owned 5 Minis with the last one being a 2013 R56 FJCW. It’s MSRP was in the upper $34k range and that’s without leather. After 12 months I began to get a bit Mini fatigued and started to investigate what could replace my ride. The new car had to have a manual transmission available and after much research I narrowed it down to 3 cars…a 2015 C7 Corvette, the 2015 Mustang GT, and a 2015 BMW M235i. After waiting 8 weeks for the build and delivery, I recently picked up my new BMW M235i. Yes, it exceeded $40k, however, the 228i (rear wheel drive) very seriously optioned, falls under $40k. For that matter a used 2014 M235i without options will make the cut as well. I am not going to compare the M235i to my former JCW In any category except one…what you get for your money. Without intending to offend anyone, I feel that Mini needs to give the customer more content in their vehicles if they really believe their Mini is a premium vehicle.</p>
<p>$40k for a regular production MINI? In my opinion the new Golf R is the better value…. if I go “used” (and ignoring practicality) then it may as well a Porsche Cayman</p>
<p>VW Phaeton W12 for around 12K, then use the rest of the money for gas and maintenance.</p>
<p>I almost blew mild out of my nose on that one! I’m still laughing!</p>
<p>Since I plan on buying an F56 JCW, this is certainly an interesting thing to think about. The rule says it has to be instead of the JCW, so here it goes.</p>
<p>The used options are limitless, but I would prefer new just because you never know what problems you might be inheriting. For something brand new though (and yes Nick Dawson I know this will make you happy :)) it would probably be a Golf R. As much as I don’t like the styling (or lack thereof) of it it is a pretty impressive car.</p>
<p>I priced my JCW out based on the information from the other article and came just shy of 36k, with one thing I am waffling on that will bring it just over.</p>
<p>At the $40k range, I’d be considering a barebones i3. You get a massive tax incentive and one of the coolest cars ever released IMHO.</p>
<p>$12k in Illinois. Makes it hard to pass up considering how beautifully designed it is.</p>
<p>Right, I just wish it was a straight reduction in the sales price of the car instead of a tax credit. Unless I’m misunderstanding how it works. Otherwise I would’ve bought one instead of my F56.</p>
<p>Yeah, but then you’re talking about direct price subsidy and that’s a whole different can of worms.</p>
<p>Yeah, but then you’re talking about direct price subsidy and that’s a whole different can of worms.</p>
<p>I’m almost stymied that nobody has mentioned some of the most obvious choices for under $40k: Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S, Huyundai Genesis R-Spec, and the new 2015 Mustang GT Performance Pack.</p>
<p>The rules are:</p>
<ol>
<li>A budget of $38-42K to spend on ONE car of my choice, either new or used.</li>
<li>That ONE car has to be my daily driver.</li>
</ol>
<p>So here are my used and new alternative choices:</p>
<p>USED – 1957 NASH RAMBLER REBEL</p>
<p>The new 1957 model debuted as a high-performance vehicle that combined AMC’s lightweight 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase Rambler four-door hardtop body with AMC’s newly introduced 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 engine. This was the first-time that a large block V8 was installed in a mid-size car in the post-World War II marketplace. General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler offered no intermediate-sized cars whatsoever.</p>
<p>The ’57 high performance Rebel, which was capable of 0-60 MPH in 7.5 secs, was only in production for one season, and a total of only 1,500 were made. Today only 50 are known to survive worldwide, and only one exists in the UK, and is currently for sale! The asking price is £24,950 (US$40,000) See attached photos.</p>
<p>NEW – 2015 MK7 GOLF R</p>
<p>Unquestionably, the benchmark ‘C’ Category performance car currently on sale today. This “Landmark in performance car design”, as Autocar described it, will not only despatch all FWD ‘Johnny-come-latelys’ with aplomb, but is also a ‘giant killer’ capable of humiliating the owners of Supercars many times its price.</p>
<p>The MK7 R is a car that is capable of transporting five adult occupants, comfortably and serenely across vast continents, will withstand daily commutes, is king at track day events, and will not look out of place arriving at a formal ‘black-tie’ function. At $36,595 MRSP it’s the bargain of the year! With the first NA allocation sold out within eleven hours of going live, some very bright American car buyers were quick to snap them up.</p>
<p>CONCLUSION</p>
<p>Is a 1957 Nash Rambler Rebel a viable daily driver? Well, I work from home and spend the winter months abroad, and consequently my annual mileage is unusually low. The answer, therefore, is yes. With only 50 surviving examples of this glorious piece of 1950’s Americana automobile extravagance, a car ahead of its time and predating the ‘muscle-car’ phenomenon, it has to be worth preserving. Cars are meant to be used, not wrapped up in cotton wool and put away!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I have to choose just ONE car and so it has to be the MK7 Golf R.</p>
<p>The new 2016 MINI Cooper Clubman, a 2015 Ford Focus Titanium Hatchback, or a VW Golf 1.8T with a manual.</p>
<p>I know I just went through this in the past 6 months. I bought a 2012 CTS-V Wagon for under $40k with 21k miles. Under B2B still and powertrain for 5 yr 100k.</p>
<p>You got a great car there, at a great price. Enjoy it till you have to sell it because you’re about to loose your license. Those suckers are deceptively FAST. On some mid california 2 laners, there may have been a time or two I’d glanced down to see triple digit speeds, at what felt like 60-80……</p>
<p>Yeah even stock still my wife had no clue we were cruising one time at 130-150. Good tunes jamming and we were rocketing down the road with no close objects for prospective, it is deceptive for sure. :)</p>
<p>Considering I paid the upper end of what you’ve set for a price here for my JCW Coupe, I think my answer is obvious as to what I’d choose. :-)</p>