@twesterm

The Mini Clubman is the only Mini I would buy, because of the lack of space in the back seats and boot in the short one. However I'd buy a diesel one, I always preferred them.

Given its lower weight, it should have real city consumption lower than the others (theoric, declared by manufacturer ones are almost always a joke, especially the urban ones).

PS: If the reliability of Ford cars has improved in recent years then this can only be filed under too little too late.

...well, I might be buying a car tomorrow. I'm trading in my car tomorrow for another car that has a bit better gas mileage and can take something other than premium. I love my current car to death and couldn't imagine being happier driving it, but it's just too expensive. Plus, last month I had to have A LOT of engine work and from what I hear, once a car starts going downhill it keeps going downhill.

I've narrowed my choices down to 4 cars:

1. Mini Cooper S
2. Audi A3
3. Audi A4
4. Honda Accord

I like all how all four look and I've driven an A4 and Accord before and love them but I don't know a lot about the A3 or mini. The A4 might be a little high for me and I love the Accord but it's what the fiance drives and I really don't want to be that couple with his and hers cars.

So does anyone have any experience with A3's or Mini's and can tell me if they're good or not? Or perhaps does anyone know of a good place I can find reviews of those cars?

Stronger in what way?

@Kasz216, when you say buy American, do you mean buy a vehicle manufactured in America or buy a vehicle from an American manufacturer?

Every way. Last year Ford was rated the best manufacturer in terms of overall quality for cars by JD Power.

As for what I mean. I just mean American Manufactuer. Those companies are bleeding and they support a lot of American Jobs, that once they are gone aren't going to be coming back. The American manufacturers provide a lot of good Canadain jobs too as some plants are moving up north to provide thm everything except for the healtcare stuff.

The 20 dollar+ starting, full healthcare, major dentist, massive retirment benfits with no college education jobs. With the healtcare and dental covering full spousal and children benefits.

It's basically the difference between being middle class or poor for a lot of people. Hell, it can even be "rich" if your lucky every once in a while. If there is a lot of overtime and you work it you can bust into 6 figures on the year.

Japanese manufacturers provide a lot of jobs to Canadians and Americans too, as a lot of assembly plants have been set up in the two countries. You could even argue that by purchasing a Honda Accord instead of a Ford Fusion, you are supporting more American jobs, as the Accord assembly plant is located in Ohio, where as the Fusion assembly plant is in Mexico.