[s-cars] Fw:Teen cars Mine vs UrS4 .. Who wins?

[Beer, Jerald S.]

Wow, haven't seen such a spirited discussion since the tors-n  or oil thread discussions! :)

Driving training is number #!, but until EVERY driver gets proper training, I am (and did) put my kids in the biggest tank out there (Jeep Grand Cherokee-should be called the Timex Edition). They then graduated to Audi's, where they could appreciate some of the things we love about these cars.

My kids learned on autos, it was enough to master all the other intricacies of driving with everything else going on, especially driving in congested traffic. After a few months, they were trained to drive sticks. Both can, both simply prefer automatics (not me, but then I am a throwback).. Not everyone is an auto enthusiast or likes to drive stick, but it is a skill I think all drivers should have.

And there are certain situations that you cannot do anything about. Driver stopped at a red light gets hammered by a car skidding on black ice. Stopped driver's fault? Driver rear ended? Stopped driver's fault? Good drivers can often sense impending doom (often comes with experience), but some situations can't be avoided no matter how good you are.

Mini is a great car, BMW quality (which is on par with the other Germans and Swedes).  Interior is a little bland unless you opt for the leather (ask me how I know!). Base car (non turbo) has plenty of power, even with an auto (rented one for a week, no sticks available, but very impressed).  I wish Audi had something to compete with it!!

Regards,
Jerry
91 200tqa (former)
01 E39 M5 (supercharged)
95 320e Cabrio