It's Down to Two!

I've test driven 5 Cars this week - The Mini Cooper and four Toyota models - Matrix, Camry hybrid, Prius and Venza.

The result is... uncertain. Sigh.  Well, I've narrowed it down to the Mini and the Matrix.  The Camry was a little boring, the Venza was HUGE, unresponsive and clunky, and the Prius - while kinda cute and full of snifty gadgets was a little slow to accelerate, not as cute as the Matrix and I have some concerns about the traction control.

 So - the two remaining contenders are...

1. Mini Cooper

I *really* liked this car - it was zippy and responsive and so much fun to drive.  It had lots of space for the driver and passenger, it wasn't cramped or squishy.  The console and controls were weird, but nothing I couldn't get used to.  I loved how it drove - it seemed really stiff, but it wasn't.  It was weird, it seemed o know where I wanted to go and I almost didn't need to do anything.  I really, really liked this car.

The drawbacks?  It was a little noisy and the ride was a little rough - although given that I'm coming from a Camry, this isn't a surprise.  It wasn't worse than Darren's Yaris, and I liked the Mini better.  The other drawback is cargo space and two doors.  There isn't much cargo space - there is enough for our daily activities and the odd weekender to Edmonton.  But not much else.  The back seat will also likely be rather cramped for Lochlan when he sprouts into a massive teenager.  Then again - I'm not sure any car would fit him!!  I was comfortable in the back seat with Darren in front, and Darren was fine with me in front, so assuming Lochlan say behind me - he should be okay.  The two doors is a bit of a concern given that we are still using car seats.  Lochlan can get in and out of his carseat on his own, but we still need to buckle him up.

So I'm going to test drive it again on Monday with Lochlan and see just how annoying it will be.  Then we'll see.

2. Toyota Matrix

I really liked this one as well - it was sporty, zippy, fun to drive and doesn't look like a boring sedan.  It had 4 doors, hatchback with plenty of space and it was reasonably quiet and had a nice ride.  On paper, it's the one I should get because the only thing I didn't like about the Matrix was that it wasn't the Mini.

It's cheaper, it's more practical, yet it's still fun to drive.  Gah!!  But it's not a Mini.  Damn.

Over the course of writing this post, I've gone from thinking I'll get the Matrix to thinking I really want to get the Mini.  ARGH!!!!  I'm not ready to make this decision yet.  Grrrrr... as much I as did want a shiny car, I wanted to figure it out on MY terms.  Not be forced into a decision.

In all honesty, neither car is the wrong choice.  They both have excellent safety ratings, excellent reviews, excellent maintenance records and are not costly to maintain.  With the stuff that really matters, they both win.  So really it's just which one do I prefer and which one will make me happiest.  I don't want to spend the next 10 years cursing the Mini for being too small, I also don't want to spend the next 10 years wishing I had bought the Mini.  So I'll do one more test drive of the Mini on Monday and then decide.

In the meantime I'm going to take the day off... hang out home with my boys, play some computer games and get some M&Ms.  This decision can wait another day.

*P.S.  The car has definitely been totalled, insurance called on Friday to let me know that.  In addition, the other driver's insurance will probably accept full liability, which is great.  I would be sooooooo cranky if I had to take any liability for this accident.  I need to phone the adjustor about a few things... maybe I'll leave him a message today.

*P.P.S  I am *trying* to enjoy this process... and mostly failing.  Darren tells me not to worry, I will be excited and happy when I have my new car and this is all sorted out and done.

*P.P.P.S.  Our insurance company has been great, we'll see if that continues with the offer they make me, but they have handled all the details and made this process as easy as possible. I think maybe we'll keep them!

*P.P.P.P.S  Now I am going to go watch TV or something... have a great day!

Comments

[Thomas]

I hate to confuse things even more, but there are quite a few other good cars to consider.

1. Honda Fit. Excellent reputation and very roomy for its size. And it's fun to drive. Highly rated by Car and Driver magazine, and many online car websites. Sold in Europe as the Honda Jazz.

2. Mazda 3 Sport. Another car with an excellent reputation, and it's also much more fun to drive than, let's say a Corolla or a Civic. It also has a nicer interior than the Fit, Civic or Matrix. Highly rated by Car and Driver magazine, and many online car websites.

3. Nissan Versa. While not really an enthusiat's car, it handles well, it's well built and it's rated highly. It has a larger interior than the Honda Fit and is more comfy.

4. Hyundai Elantra. Yes, Hyundai. They've made a quantum leap from just a couple of generations ago, and are now competitive with anything from Japan. The suspension tuning is geared towards Toyota-like comfyness, so it's not as fun to drive as the Mini. But they're very competent car at a pretty good price.