Jim Sorensen

I bought a 968 for a daily driver. A good used one isn't that expensive and bulletproof. Plus it's a Porsche!

sullic

I went for a GTI. I was trying to keep the costs down, so while I prefer the A3's looks, I went the GTI route. I wanted something I could put 4 people in, and haul some stuff when needed, so it fit the bill best.

Money no object, A3 for me. The only issue I have with the A3 was the back seat is too low for most adults. But it looks great.

All your choices are good. Depends on your needs.

I will likely upgrade to a small SUV when the Diesels come out in a year or two, so I can have more room and great mileage.

texas911

GTi.

Jakeman

None of these cars are reliability queens, that's for sure. As other's said, it depends on your priorities. I'm not a fan of the Bangle designs and the A3 is a station wagon (we already have a C320W). So, that leaves the Mini and the VW. A toss-up unless you need an automatic car. Then, go for the DSG.

It's fun to give meaningless advice,

J

jpcourt

Here is my order;

1. BMW
2. Audi A3 2.0
3. Mini Cooper S
4. VW GTI

Le Chef

Mini, preferrably MCS. Why do you need anything bigger? I'm always amazed when I drive a friend's MCS how much fun it is. All the other choices are bigger and heavier and conventionally boring. But if you're really driving in the city then go for a Smart with the targa top. The car is a hoot and you can park it anywhere!

Renn 951

You can chip the Audi 2.0T and get about 250 hp out of it

Phil G.

1. Audi
2. BMW

But, depends on whether you're using the car in the winter in a snow climate - if so, Audi #1.

Paul523

The Mini would be my choice- a hoot to drive.....and for parking as LeChef mentioned. The small footprint--definitely a plus in SF.

rebe1

1. Your Porsche
2. BMW 335 sedan/coupe

911Dave

I can't stop thinking about this statement, and what it says about Porsche owners and their cars (not all of them though). I mean, these cars are built for longevity unlike 90% of the rest of the marques. I say drive it as much as you like. Remember that it's going to depreciate steadily no matter how many miles you put on it. My view of it is that I paid an awful lot of money for a car because I love driving it. I would never limit my enjoyment of it because of concerns about depreciation. When your final day comes I doubt you'll look back and think "boy, am I glad I didn't drive that Porsche too much...good thing I saved it for the next owner!"

soc_fans

Thanks for all the response guys. The car will definitely be an Auto. I have not tried VW and Audi's DSG yet but i have heard many positive feedback about the transmission. BMW definitely has some advantages which it has free maintainence and warranty whereas other manufacturers do charge certain maintainence fees such as oil service. Do they offer Automatic transmission for Mini Cooper S?

I will schedule a test drive for all these cars this weekend and decide what to do. My 997s is an 05s and it has 24k miles on it now. I feel that i'm driving her too much (Well i can't help it as she gives a grin on my face whenever i'm driving )

Appreciate all the suggestions from you guys. Thanks once again!

soc_fans

Gd point sir! Thanks for the advice. I will test drive the cars i listed first and see how it goes.

dndodd

+2 on the A3 with DSG.

Add a chip from APR and a rear sway bar from H&R. Nice quiet daily driver. 250+ HP and 300 FT lbs of torque and it gets 28-31MPG on the HWY. More civilized than a MINI.

YA911Fan

Well, since you want an auto, I withdraw my MCS recommendation. Yes, there is an auto version (CVT, I believe), but auto takes all the fun out of driving any car so why bother with a Mini.

I'd buy something from Honda or Toyota in that case. They're ultra-reliable bulletproof transportation of the highest quality -- far superior to the Mini.