GTI vs. Mini vs. Mazdaspeed3

[SeatownE30]

We have a Mk5 GTI, and it has been an excellent car. No issues with it. Fast enough to put a smile on your face every time you drive it. Great handling. You won't miss the LSD, because it's very planted and you don't get a wheel loose that often (normally it's when you're pulling away from a stop light and turning at the same time). Ours is also a 4-door, and it has a baby seat in it all the time. Very usable for that purpose, because it is somewhat tall, so there is plenty of room to install/remove the baby :D ... and the hatch is handy when you go to get groceries etc. I really like the Mk5 GTI.

I agree with the above. My pick is the GTI, they've had 6 generations to get it right. The original pocket rocket! :)

[325ix]

Have you tried looking for a legacy GT?

Those are pretty hard to find in a manual if I remember right. I do like the 4th gen a lot. The one we have is a nice car, if a bit boring.

[pogokat]

legacy gt

the legacy gt is actually the car I started out looking for...would still love to have it, but they are very hard to find with low miles---actually they are hard to find at all

[325ix]

My parents have an '08 legacy sedan. It is a nice looking car. Their's is an auto with the n/a flat four though. I have never driven a slower car in my life. It is decently fun on a mtn. road and they are great in they snow.

[SpeedRacer85]

Mini

[Ayman]

vespa

[ak-]

I've driven all three owning the GTi the longest.
I'd get the speed3.

The VW is fun, but I got over it pretty fast.

[LuckyHenriksen]

MKV GTI or GLI hands down

[Sindako]

A 5-Door GTI would be a good Choice .
My Brother has a 3-door GTI , and it's Really Good and Powerful .
But for you as a Fanily Use , get the 5-Door Version , although it's more expensive , but it's still good .

[wannaBMthree]

Check out the December Issue of Car and Driver at the grocery store.

2013 Ford Focus ST vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
Slot-Car Skirmish: The Ford Focus ST lines up against the original hot hatchback, the Volkswagen GTI.
ST > GTI

Unless you're all about comfort, then by all means:

GTI > ST

[wannaBMthree]

Best new car under 30K

[evandael]

go drive a GTI mang. it's not going to blow you away in one respect but disappoint you in another.. it's a car that does everything well.

[pogokat]

drove a 2008 wrx sti today and a 2012 git---same price...the wrx was racecar fast...but felt cheap...the Gti was niiiiiiicee...tight steering, good space---i hate the rims, but other than that, it wins in finishing..

that said, found a killer ms3, so am probably buying that next week.

anyone want a prius? I'll give you a r3v deal: starting price 290,000 dollars---then after i read all the offers for 15 shipped, I'll sell it for 12 grand