a buddy of mine has an MS3 and loves it. definitely an option to consider, imho.

 

V Dub for da veen.

 

whatever you do, DON'T get the MINI. I bought one on the recommendation of a friend who had one and I had to sell the car after one year because the seats hurt my back so bad! Ironically, the friend who coerced me to buy the car had to sell his shortly after I bought mine because his back hurt too!! The seats feel like you're sitting on a football in the lumbar region. ( And yes, I knew how to adjust the seats properly). The seats in my Lotus were far more comfortable.

 

I was looking at the exact same cars for a dd last year. I ended up getting a Volvo C30 instead.

 

we have a jetta 2.0t dsg and really love the drivetrain. i think dubs are sleepers in the car market and are generally fun and good value. the msp3 is also a fun choice unless you want a sunroof, which i don't understand why they don't put on the car..personal pet peeve of mine.

 

I'd go V dub. I've got 185k+ miles on my '01 wolfsburg and NEVER had a single problem.

However, the mini S is a blast to drive. Really not too impressed with the si, it just doesn't feel as connected to the road as the others.

 

I think personally will get a JCW for now (resale value) and the you should consider BMW 135i s. Boddy of mine have one with a Dinan tune he raced with a 360 Modena. (I know still a little pricey)

 

If you stay stock choose the Cooper

If you want to mod your engine buy the GTI

GTI is really and heavy weight (need some diet)