Actually, if I had about $22,500.

**drool**

My only problem is that I really like being in a pickup and seeing over everything (most everything). Also, I’m 6’2” and there’s the clown-car factor to consider.

That said, MAN I like these things.

Yeah. That goes right alongside my Miata fantasy ...

Now, I wouldn't call this a miata-grade fantasy. It's actually a really good and sensible car for many people...

I start picturing a baby-seat, Justin, Jackie, and two dogs in there, though, and things get a little impossible, however. (No moreso than my current ride, however.)

And NO, that baby-seat thing isn't an announcement -- I just like picturing a baby-seat in my vehicles.

Wishful thinking, I guess.

I was thinking more in terms of the "Fitting the Body into the Space Provided" sort of thing.

Yeah, I've long been a believer in small cars (from an economy and ease-of-use standpoint). I've had a VW Beetle, a Jetta, and a Honda Civic, and would consider something that size for the next vehicle so long as (a) I fit in it, and (b) it's heavy enough to be safe on snowy pavement (my Saturn SC is light enough that strong breezes can send it spinning).

The quesiton of what sort of actual carrying capacity I need for my commute car beyond fitting me is TBD. I go back and forth on the matter, determined only that I'm not going to get a Sensible Sedan (shudder).

I've sat in them: they're surprisingly roomy. Shockingly, when you think about it. They have some excellent packages for winter and 'sport' driving, and just a slew of neat things to add to the mix.

I can see your argument for a commuting vehicle -- nothing says my car has to be the one to take on long trips, certainly.

Also, nothing says that just because I only have a five minute drive, I can't have an economical car.

Bah. It's all moot for me at this point anyway, and I really do like my truck.

Y'know, I almost asked ...

Coolness aside (and they are cool, no question), it sure would be nice to park.

Hmm. It is cute. However the expression "Ten pounds of **** in a five pound bag." Comes readily to mind. (**** could be sh*t, could be V*rg, either way pretty much the same.)

I'm looking for a new car.

Something for cross-country or multi-timezone trips.

I like the new Cooper Mini, sat in one here in PDX.

The new Saturn Ions and 2003 L Series are nice looking.

Yeah, but they say it can seat 25, and this models even bigger than what they got that into. No seriously, they say it will seat someone who is 6'4", but i'd have to actually get in it and see what it's like before I'd run out and buy one.

Anyway, I'm looking seriously at an A4 one of these years...

I've seen Ronin about 35 times and I so want an A6 or A8...

I'm a subscriber to the UK car mag Car, and I wish we could get Seats, Skodas or even Citroins over here.