I'm looking to get a more fuel efficient vehicle..and I'm thinking of the turbo 1.6 cooper s'. Any thoughts or things I should look for?

 

OMG stay away from Mini

 

Damn there are A LOT of cars that are fuel efficient I can name off the top of my head.

Are you looking for a Coupe? Sedan? Something with lots of room? what else do you want out of the car?

 

I had a Cooper S. It was hands down the worst car I have ever owned... and I have owned 18 cars in the past 24 years. I brought it in for service 11 times in just the first year of ownership. The ride with the run flat tires is horrible. The interior is a rattle box. I also did not get anywhere near the EPA estimated mpg.

 

+1 I also has a Cooper S (SC'd not the turbo). Fun to drive. Horrible to own. From what I know from other turbo Cooper S owners the issues haven't gotten any better by changing the FI system. I got rid of it within 18 months of ownership and am not looking back.

 

Damn..not what I was hoping to see! for me it has to be fun to drive, nicerish interior, and pretty new/low miles. My parents who are helping me just want 30+ mpg and under 22k any suggestions?

 

Well I am partial to the Miata/MX-5 which seeing as you are in AZ wouldn't be too much of a Winter issue. You could also look at CPO'd GTI's which would fit your criteria (highway MPG is 31 for a 2009) then of course you can easily get into a Focus which are actually pretty fun little cars and/or maybe a Civic Si. There are a lot of options at your price range. You should make a list then hit AutoTrader and look within 50 or 100 miles of your zip code and see what results you get. Then narrow your options after some test drives, reading reviews/reliabilty ratings, and of course getting some input here

 

1. Scion FR-S - rumored to start at $21k and get 33+ mpg
2. 2011 Mustang V6 - the new 3.7 engine has 300 hp and 30mpg. You can easily find a used one for around $20k.
3. Hyundai Veloster
4. Used Miata

 

The Mini Cooper's, AUDIS, VWs are all horrible to own.

 

Have you considered a new Fiat 500 Abarth? I believe they are around $22K but of course that is if you can avoid a "market adjustment" which seems popular on new must have models AND can score a base model. Jalopnik just did a review and seems to love the car (sans J Lo ads)

http://jalopnik.com/5890176/fiat-500-abarth-first-drive

 

Audi's and VW's were always hit and miss for me. Had a GTi I loved with no issues, wife's Jetta was terrible. One A4 I had was grand, an A3 went back to the dealer more than an old Jag.

 

Anything Mini (or anything VW/Audi/BMW, for that matter) requires a big budget for repairs and lost time. They do have a very loyal following, though...definitely not because of the ownership experience.

+1 for waiting for the Scion FR-S.

 

Truth.

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Well I'm going to go check out an 08 Cooper S and Mazdaspeed 3 today, the Mazda is a little more expensive but is a 2011, both 6 speeds.

 

MS3... Welcome to the world of torque steer