It's a two-seat go-cart that will probably offset any gas savings with a combination of complete lack of usefulness and fashionable over-pricedness.

You're better off with the Mini, or if you really just want a new car, Fiat is supposed to be bringing the new 500 over. The Ford Fiesta is also supposed to be really nice.

Fiat: http://jalopnik.com/338016/2008-fiat-500

Ford: http://jalopnik.com/5195986/ford-fiesta-first-drive

Ford Fiesta is a fantastic car, and the new model looks great. I drove a Fiat 500 a while back, not bad, if I was looking for one of those, I'd go with Abarth model. If you like BMW, then stick with the Mini.

But you want something fun, Ariel Atom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Atom

Its like accountants took over carmaking( infact they did with Merc, and fucked it)

Merc wasent fucked by the accounts. Merc was fucked by Chrysler. I think the accounts problay saved Merc.

But it used to be, tell someone u had a Merc and it was a big deal.
Now they just think "hmm that baby's pram on 4 wheels" or the "heap of shit cobbled together in South Africa".Same with Jaguar.

Ford was the best thing to ever happen to Jag. Sure the switchgear went cheap....its things like that which make the car the better choice over the Aston.

I agree that the premium names need to be part of mass manufacturers for research and development.But Ford sold Jag off to India anyway.What I diagree with is a car that waters down a name eg the baby Jag that shares so many parts with teh Ford Mondeo.

On Merc, what I mean is that the US side (Chrysler)had a perspective of cut costs+ increase sales and cut quality.In Europe that is considered classic accountant's style of management.
The opposite is product-centric management.

Merc became a terrible product.Dealers were squeezed to fuck and hence started trying to rip off customers at servicing.And the cars became horrifically poor quality.But American cars are
"cut quality and costs" and add some bits and pieces for a lower price".
I was disgusted with what Mercedes had become.

So, buy BMW or Audi.

Or buy Australian, Vauxhall VXR. I own one.

Go Nano!

The first is that the most bugshit crazy people on earth drive VW.

Lucky said he drives one, and I don't think he's batshit crazy.

The only problem with keeping the Mini is the high cost for parts.  I just had to wait two months to get the thing fixed because a part had to be shipped from Europe.  My dad had to buy me a temporary car.  An ugly one too!  A Pontiac Sunfire.

your parents buy you cars and you somehow manage to be up against it?

What part couldnt be found in the USA ? It's not like Mini is a rare.

The pretentious attitude.

So, buy BMW or Audi.

Or buy Australian, Vauxhall VXR. I own one.

BMs are good cars.Like Merc, but the dealers I find are much more professional.
Audis are good, but I'm not fussed on the styling generally.

Aussie Vauxhall, I don't think I've ever seen one in Britain.Or Europe even.

Re mini and parts from Europe.Sounds like the dealer is being a cock, maybe?
Its to do with cutting costs by getting parts in bulk discount shipments  rather than immediate delivery.
I had Merc try and give me a bullshitter saying "Oh that part has to come in from Germany".

Minis a great car BTW

But you want something fun, Ariel Atom http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Atom

Want.

your parents buy you cars and you somehow manage to be up against it?

Man, seriously! I've owned four (working) bikes and four cars, and I've yet to be given one.

The only problem with keeping the Mini is the high cost for parts.  I just had to wait two months to get the thing fixed because a part had to be shipped from Europe.  My dad had to buy me a temporary car.  An ugly one too!  A Pontiac Sunfire.

 What the hell? When I needed a fuel pump for my '67 Chrysler I ended up having to get it from France (which continues to mystify me), but even so it only took about a week. I think your mistake is relying on a dealer/mechanic to get parts for you.

 Nonetheless, sounds like you should look at the Fiesta.

your parents buy you cars and you somehow manage to be up against it?

Pontiac Sunfire

I drove a Fiat 500 a while back, not bad, if I was looking for one of those, I'd go with Abarth model.

 It sounds good, for people who are into compact, FWD cars, but Fiat may have trouble selling in the US considering their reputation here as comically unreliable.

 Then again, Ford has the only decent domestic small car, and the Japanese models have mostly become boring appliances.

That hunday BMW clone is a nice drive. i30 or whatever they called it.

So, buy BMW or Audi.

Or buy Australian, Vauxhall VXR. I own one.

Aussie Vauxhall, I don't think I've ever seen one in Britain.Or Europe even.

Well, I imagine fueling a 6.2 litre is a bit of a stretch at British prices... but they only be available in the UK, RHD market.  I saw a few Monaro's last time I was in the UK, so someone must be comfortable with excessive fuel bills...

It sounds good, for people who are into compact, FWD cars, but Fiat may have trouble selling in the US considering their reputation here as comically unreliable.

I drove a Punto in the UK in 2007, and seriously it scared the hell out of me at 100mph. From what I understand, the 500 is good reliability wise, but would I drive on on an Interstate?

No fucking way.

I once drove my sister's Kia Rio down to Baltimore from the mountains of West Virigina...I think I hit ~115 mph in it with the pedal flat on the floor going down some pretty steep grades.  That was pretty terrifying, but at the same time I didn't want to slow down.

Most cars are fine at the 55-65 mph you're supposed to drive on US interstates, though.

I keep hearing these pundits say that American car companies don't make cars that Americans want to buy. Well, Saturn makes cars that Americans want to buy.

Ha ha!

I keep hearing these pundits say that American car companies don't make cars that Americans want to buy. Well, Saturn makes cars that Americans want to buy.

Vauxhall clones.

I once drove ... Kia Rio

Ouch!

I keep hearing these pundits say that American car companies don't make cars that Americans want to buy. Well, Saturn makes cars that Americans want to buy.

Vauxhall clones.

Opel design.

 I'd just like tot ake a moment to show you my dream ride, one seriously Bitchin' Camaro:




Business up front, party in the rear!

http://jalopnik.com/5352749/welcome-to-kentucky-heres-your-six+wheeled-el-camaro

Take you six months to save up for that, during which time you can grow a mullet and buy a shitload of wifebeaters.

for a pricier vehicle, (meaning pricier than my awesome little mazda), i'd much sooner buy an acura, or step up to a beamer.

That's my problem with VW.  It's paying a premium for a nameplate without any added utility, reliability, features, cheaper repairs, etc. over similar vehicles. 

Same reason I'll never buy a Mac.

owned/drove/bought it for my wife after she totaled her old car and it fucking died two years later.

I will never buy one again.

A wife?

A wife?

I've been married for ten years.