With my newfound riches, I’m debating buying my very first sports car. Yes, I’ve been a car journalist for over a decade, and the sportiest car I’ve ever owned is a BMW i3. This must change. And right now, two cars are really pulling me in: The OG Audi TT and the OG Mini Cooper S.
It’s become clear to me that these two vehicles are future classics, and given that they’re reasonably small and efficient, they fit into my new suburban LA lifestyle better than would, say, another 4×4. More importantly: Right now, they’re cheap for what they are. I’d say that, on a soul-per-dollar basis, it’s hard to beat the Audi TT and the R53 Mini Cooper S.
I mean, just look at these two.
The ‘Italian Job’ Mini Cooper S Is Luring Me In
Right now, decent R53 Mini Coopers are selling between $3000 and $8000. That’s insanely cheap for a quick, fun, manual transmission car with this much soul.
And I know, you’re heading to the comments right now to write: “DUDE THESE THINGS ARE STEAMING HEEPS.” They have problems. That supercharger will need to be rebuilt, the engines themselves aren’t amazing, the front suspension tends to need love, and they take premium fuel.
But live a little! It’s a supercharged hot hatch that is sure to be a future classic. Spin a few wrenches, say a few cursewords, and then enjoy days on the canyons. I don’t know that I’ll be able to resist the R53 Mini Cooper S much longer. As long as I can find a red one with stripes for under 4 big ones, I’m probably onboard. (The one above on Cars & Bids hasn’t hammered yet; I’ll guess it’ll go for $8-ish, but we shall see).
My wife isn’t sold yet, but I’m working on it.
My First Love: The Audi TT
Is it just me or are Audi TTs on the rise? That’s not to say they’re pricey, but they used to be just a couple of grand, and now a halfway-decent one seems to be about $6-7 thousand here in LA.
Regardless, they deserve the love, as their rounded design is truly timeless. You get a 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive, a great little turbo motor (I’m told the 1.8 is the one to get), and style inside and out.
Yes, like the Mini, there are concerns about a 25 year-old German car potentially ruining one’s life. Will I be replacing a timing chain? Is the water pump going to go out on me? Do I have time to deal with a Piech-era VW product given that I have a baby at home? They are good questions.
I’m personally leaning towards the mini, since I think I can get a decent one for $3500. But people keep telling me horror stories…
Topshot: FB and Cars & Bids
Fiesta ST is kinda German right? Just putting that out there.