Choosing EV based on handling, performance, styling....

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miatadan

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I am probably in the minority in choosing EV based on it's driving feel, handling, performance instead of range / distance.

If budget was not be an issue, choice be easy Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT but trying to stay within $45950 before $5000 EV rebate.

Because some dealerships out of town 3.5 hours , not easy to choose.

Nicest 2 within price limit is the Mazda MX30 and Mini Cooper SE based on reviews and if push budget Tesla Model 3

Dan
 
The Tesla Model 3 is eligible for the rebate, even though it is realistically over the $50,000 cost. I don't know when the Mazda MX 30 will actually be available - a lot of cars are in the works, but Canadian availability might be a long time away.....they say it's a 2022 that will be available this fall, but I don't hold my breath on promises like that.
 
I bought my car largely based on your criteria -- with an underlying requirement of over 200 mile range -- and landed on the Kona. It's really fun and agile. Not as fast as the Taycan, but quick enough to pack a punch when you hit the accelerator.
 
I’m with you MiataDan, the Taycan is the sh*t. If money were no object I would have one in my garage. It’s also not too bad for range.

The Kona has Torque for sure but it is not a great handling car. Average at best.
 
I disagree. For a compact SUV the Kona's handling is great. Yeah, a Porsche with a 6-figure price tag handles better. In other news, water is wet.
 
Bruce M. said:
I disagree. For a compact SUV the Kona's handling is great. Yeah, a Porsche with a 6-figure price tag handles better. In other news, water is wet.
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I would agree with you that " For a compact SUV the Kona's handling is great. " but not compared to a car. If you read the reviews on the Mazda MX30 and the Mini Cooper SE, they say the handling, driving dynamics much better than other electric vehicles in the affordable range but the main drawback is electric range limits it to city driving only.

I drive the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV for 2 hours, and yes the smoothness, full torque from zero was nice but could not get used to sitting up higher and handling around the corners not like a car.

Dan
 
Bruce M. said:
I disagree. For a compact SUV the Kona's handling is great. Yeah, a Porsche with a 6-figure price tag handles better. In other news, water is wet.
Click to expand...

No qualifiers, the Kona simply is not a great handling vehicle. It’s a great car, impressive tech, comfortable but not fun to drive unless you like straight lines. I’ve driven and owned plenty of average cars that handle way better than the Kona.
 
We bought a 2022 Mini Cooper SE a couple weeks ago and freakin love it. Yes the range is low in the 100-120 miles but for our family it’s a 4th car with now 4 drivers in the house (2 teenage drivers). The handling and fun to drive fun levels are legit. It’s a full on Mini Cooper S, but silent and almost zero emissions. Complete win for us.

Drove 45 mins of all backroads today and got just under 5miles/kw while having a blast carving up the twisties.

Yes it’s small but my 16yr old daughter who is 5’2” has no issue sitting in the back seat. Granted I’m just 5’7” so may not fit for everyone out there.

My wife who hated my 2012 GTI, yes she is crazy, and who drives a Ford F-150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost V6, loves the Mini. It’s become her go to ride..although she loves her truck. She probably likes them because the rides are both on the stiffer side.
 
MiataDan, there is another EV that gets praise for its handling. It doesn’t have great range, maybe 150 miles on a good day, a VW E-Golf. Probably have to buy used and be okay with older tech and a compliance car vibe. That said reportedly fun to drive.
 
I second @mikeg0305 recommendation of the Mini Cooper SE. Took delivery of the 2022 a week ago. Same circumstance as him - 4th car at house with 2 teen drivers. But the Mini is mine! Unbelievably fun to drive, and range is not an issue for my use of it. Just plug it in every night and good to go. Corners and accelerates like a beast. $7,500 tax credit helps with depreciation hit.
 
While I love the handling, acceleration, cheaper ‘filllups’ and doing my part to improve the environment....you know what I unexpectedly love?

Free battery topups.

IMG_6275.webp



Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs
 
Clamps said:
MiataDan, there is another EV that gets praise for its handling. It doesn’t have great range, maybe 150 miles on a good day, a VW E-Golf. Probably have to buy used and be okay with older tech and a compliance car vibe. That said reportedly fun to drive.
Click to expand...
Good idea. Much better than a Leaf , IMHO.
Cheaper than a Mini Cooper SE.
Autotrader.ca has a 2017 with only 18.5K kms for C$23,000
 
Decided to go with original plan to get the Tesla Model 3 SR+.

Since having my driver's licence I have owned 9 different Mustang's, 3 Mazda MX5 Miata's and 1 VW Jetta Execline.

Did not like how the driving dynamics of FWD.

Most people choose a vehicle based on how practical it is, room inside , range but for me driving dynamics is first, handling. Also quality of stereo important and I am concerned if stereo in Tesla is decent.

I remember my old boss complaining that the Mustang only had room for a tank of gas and your ***.... I replied exactly, no chance this being extra delivery vehicle.

Wish it was not $2600 canadian for the red paint.

Will wait few months to do actual order in order to pay off credit card while I do not have car payments.

Dan
 
You already put in an order for a Mach-E, and now you want to buy the Tesla. You said you were laid off with your job, and now saying that you have credit cards that you have to wait to pay off. And you said you are not looking for a long range car, as you only need it to drive around town.

Are you sure you should be looking at a brand new BEV given your current financial situation and needs? There are much cheaper used BEV options that would better suit your needs, for less than $10K CAD.

I am a private pilot, and nice to dream about getting our own private jet, so we can fly off to Hawaii whenever we want. But the diff with me, is that I know it is just a dream.
 
When I was at dealership ( Ford ) few day's ago, I drove the 2021 Ford Escape hybrid as the PHEV was not in stock. About a month ago traded in the 2019 VW Jetta Execline and paid balance balance off between what I was offered for trade in vs balance of loan at VW Finance. When I had traded in the VW, Ford Credit approved credit for 2021 Ford Escape ( PHEV ) Titanium version which came to net price of $45149 + tax after the $2500 EV rebate and $750 delivery allowance, interest rate 1.99% with $2000 deposit when vehicle arrives. Since I did not like how the SUV drove compared to car, they know that the Mustang Mach-E would not work for me as it is a crossover/suv. So it is cancelled.

The Tesla Model 3 SR+ is $47990 + tax, no options
The Tesla Model 3 SR- is $41389 + tax, no options
both prices above is with $2500 deposit

I am on furlough until May 20, which is 3rd time since pandemic , which is not the same as laid off as I be back to work on May 20.

I only have balance on 1 credit card, so thought with no car payments, good time to pay balance off even though credit was approved with current balance on my 1 Mastercard.

So I do not feel I am dreaming
 
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Not likely placing order until late fall to December as I do want to check VW ID4 Pro RWD and Mazda MX30. Seems more options now than even couple years ago.
 
Some have mentioned purchasing used BEV, but this means higher interest rate in general and no $5000 EV rebate. As well as damage to paint and interior as a lot of people do not take good care of their cars.
 
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