[spudw]

This was my list prior to the 1er, pretty much in order of preference.

1. Mini Cooper S
2. BMW 328i
3. Audi A3
6. VW GTI
4. Merc B200
5. Impreza WRX

While these choices are still on the table, the 1er, as a package, pretty much blows them all away from my POV.

The Merc and the Audi are officially off the table - too soft. The GTI and Mini Cooper S are my lower-cost options, just in case I need them.

The 328i is still on the table, but we have a Honda Odyssey, so space for the family is not an issue for the second car.

When the time comes, I'll shop around and test drive everything on my list, but I already know nothing's going to touch the 1er...