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What European Car Do You Wish You Could Buy In The USA?

Agent00J submitted on 06/13/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:49 PM
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[74] user comments | category: Misc News

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What European Car Do You Wish You Could Buy In The USA?

The fact is that although we are exposed to some incredible cars here in the USA, there are still cars out there available to our friends in Europe that we wish we could drive here. Rumors continue to circulate suggesting the return of Alfa Romeo to the American landscape, however that still leaves a lot of cars out of the mix for consumption here in the USA.

Let's face it, as gas prices continue to climb, the reality of smaller more efficient cars and diesels become an easier sale for dealers, however very few options exist. As enthusiasts fuel efficiency and fun to drive must coexist to satisfy that need to enjoy driving while being fiscally responsible.

So the question is this, what European car do you wish you could buy in the USA? My number one choice would be the Peugeot 207 GTi. Although I have never driven, or for that matter seen this car in person, pictures suggest a car that combines an exciting exterior with a engine predisposed to satisfy the enthusiast.

A close second would be the new Fiat 500. Combining the charm of the Mini with a economical engine, this car would be the perfect choice for running errands as well as a night out on the town.

Be it Peugeot, Citreon, Alfa Romeo or Fiat, Europeans are fortunate to be able to drive a whole bunch of cars we don't get to enjoy here in the USA. So go ahead and throw out several suggestions as to what you'd like to see on American soil.

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What European Car Do You Wish You Could Buy In The USA?

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jeffy210 - 6/14/2008 9:24:06 AM

+1 Boost

For me it'd probably have to be the Renault Laguna, and any of the Mercedes with the V8 diesels.

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hao420 - 6/20/2008 12:04:31 AM

+1 Boost

Toyota alphard and Nissan elgrand????«

hao420 - 6/20/2008 12:05:18 AM

+1 Boost

Add one more,Toyota century......<

nsmatt - 6/14/2008 9:35:33 AM

+3 Boost

Anything Alfa. 8C Competizione anyone?

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t_bone - 6/14/2008 9:41:45 AM

+3 Boost

The turbodiesel Smart car. You know, the one that actually gets the sort of mileage you'd expect from a tiny car.

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DieselRules - 6/16/2008 7:01:36 PM

+1 Boost

Come buy a used one from Canada.
I'm pretty sure you can legally import it.

delan - 6/14/2008 9:50:56 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

VW Crossfox. so cute!

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DieselRules - 6/16/2008 7:02:49 PM

+1 Boost

Take a trip to Mexico and drive one back.
You don't have to go to Europe!

Star - 6/14/2008 10:01:08 AM

+3 Boost

C-class Mercedes or 3 series BMW with small diesel engines.

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Htay7500 - 6/14/2008 11:35:18 AM

+7 Boost

don't go out much?

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damikco - 6/14/2008 2:20:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Let me geuss..... you read consumer reports when you are in the restroom.

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damikco - 6/14/2008 2:20:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Let me geuss..... you read consumer reports when you are in the restroom.

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MercedesBenz00Z - 6/14/2008 4:10:37 PM

+6 Boost

This is what happens if you have no friends.

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Homer007 - 6/14/2008 5:04:37 PM

-9 Boost

Michael Taylor has a good point about the reliability that's looms around european car makers like a black plague for 20-30 years now without hardly noticle improvement! TAke a Look at a Toyota and they average what? a 2-3 million miles and still purrrs like a kitten while others ended up in a scrap yard rusting away. Get real here.....

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Star - 6/14/2008 5:51:29 PM

0 Boost

Homer007,

You mistaken Toyota for Mercedes. I have to remind you that Toyotas are the rusty tin cans people throw away after 2-3 years of use, NOT the built like tanks German cars that last forever. EVERYBODY knows Japanese cars don't last. Well, except you and MichaelTaylor apparently.

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toolatetorace - 6/14/2008 6:19:04 PM

+1 Boost

right you are star The Germans and the American have more experience in making their cars more corrosion resistant . Raeson being that they offer rust warranties on the body panelsand they see fist hand how much salt is put on the roads Go look in a scrapyard and see what arrives first . The cheap econo-boxes from domestic and import and the Japanese are corroded to point where the structeral integrity is many times compromised

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Agent63 - 6/14/2008 10:01:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

This character known as MichaelTaylor back at it again with yet another dumb comment. You envy what you can't afford so shut your trap and keep driving your Toyota Echo and Yaris. You only dream you can own a Lexus. IF/WHEN you do you're comments still aren't credible because you're mind is out of this world. You are the most misinformed person on this website by far.

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ChicaneShooter - 6/15/2008 8:10:58 AM

-1 Boost

MTaylor may be a bit extreme in his love/admiration of toyota products. but HE IS NOT WRONG so stop picking on him.

the fact is, euro cars DO TRAIL japanese ones in reliability. even euro magazine surveys confirm this! further, the american brands so many detest, ALSO better the euro brands in reliability!

note this is just addressing reliability, NOT engineering, styling, etc. where americans do trail both europe and asia in the former; while arguably being on par and leading in the latter. (but styling is highly subjective and people have differing tastes, so there is NO 'advantage' anyone has here.)

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ErichHartmann - 6/15/2008 11:50:06 AM

+2 Boost

ChicaneShooter,

Actually the reliability and quality of European cars has improved greatly. Look it up on ADAC etc.

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CBOTGuy - 6/14/2008 10:28:11 AM

+3 Boost

Would like to have seen BMW bring the 5-door 1 series here. Also, a diesel-powered Rabbit/Polo. The Peugeot 308s look really sharp -- would love to get into one of those Stateside. The Euro's get a lot of great looking econo-cars in general.

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MercedesBenz00Z - 6/14/2008 4:11:01 PM

+2 Boost

and I bet you have never been to Japan before.

ChicaneShooter - 6/15/2008 8:19:13 AM

-4 Boost

well I'VE been to japan (albeit many years ago).

the Kei cars are indeed the MOST ADVANCED city cars on the planet. who else offers dohc turbocharged 660cc cars? the competition in this class is intense, and the product offerings reflect it. (one of the dominant players, Suzuki, has all their motorcyle engine technology to draw on.)

even MB has to power their Smart with a MITSUBISHI engine!

ErichHartmann - 6/15/2008 11:50:56 AM

0 Boost

The Smart is not equipped with a Mitsubishi engine.

rok_altima - 6/16/2008 12:31:21 AM

+2 Boost

Kei cars are far from having great value, design, and quality and hardly even advanced. What Kei cars do are provide cheap and basic transportation to the Japanese people. They were invented because Tokyo ( capital city with a population of over 12million and a metro population the largest in the world of over 35 million) inacted an ordinance to bar people from buying cars unless they owned a parking space, or they could buy a car if it were under 3.5 meters. Thus Kei cars were born; to be light weight, small, and fuel efficient. They use high amounts of interior plastic and things like manual windows and locks. Their small wheels and light weight would make them flip over easily and could barely handle a curve. They are small city cars and nothing more.

Htay7500 - 6/16/2008 10:36:21 AM

+1 Boost

to add what you said rokaltima, they were also free from any sort of taxes. the bad thing about them is that they aren't the best for hwy driving and as mentioned, can be flipped over easily. I barely find them advanced given that they have a restricted power limit and displacement. as mentioned, it is only great for cheap reliable transportation around the city.

IS3andME - 6/14/2008 10:43:47 AM

+3 Boost

I have a fantasy Alfa...a Alfa Guilia (GTA) coupe to combat the 1-series, with a high revving V-6 ( a Ferrari designed 5 valve per cyl. engine) or a inline 4 (like half of a Ferrari V8) and weighs less than the 1 series. That would be hot and the enthusiast market would snatched that like it was on the Mcdonald's dollar menu.

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Bmw8ter - 6/14/2008 11:27:05 AM

+1 Boost

Probably something of the Alfa Romeo variety. I don't care how much they might suck because they look good doing it.

....or a 535d

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Htay7500 - 6/14/2008 11:31:41 AM

+3 Boost

renault clio sport.

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Htay7500 - 6/14/2008 11:38:13 AM

+1 Boost

clio rs.

Htay7500 - 6/14/2008 9:36:54 PM

+1 Boost

and a mondeo.

AlexTx - 6/15/2008 3:51:29 AM

+1 Boost

ABSOLUTELY!
Or the Megane RSR26....
The now out of production Clio RS V6 Evo2!!!

Htay7500 - 6/15/2008 11:19:20 AM

0 Boost

I'm not familiar with the v6evo2. but the rsr26, oh yes. I'd take it over the GTI/mazdaspeed3/etc.

AlexTx - 6/15/2008 7:20:57 PM

+1 Boost

Htay7500, the Clio RS V6 Eo 2, was the second version of the Clio V6. The first one was a phenomenal cars but had some issues (as far as driver's stand point) on brakes, shifter and steering.
The 2 version came out late in the previous body style and completely corrected these issues and looked even better as it was a refreshed Clio...
AWESOME car.....

I love the GTi, but that RS 26... no other hatch can touch it...

ktu01 - 6/14/2008 12:23:51 PM

+2 Boost

I like some of the Opels, the new Insignia, Astra GTC (with panoramic windshield), Astra hardtop cabrio.

Ford Focus or Ford Mondeo.

I know some of the Opels are here as saturns, but I wish GM just brought them over instead of modifying them and badge engineering them for the US market.

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Chip - 6/14/2008 12:37:22 PM

+5 Boost

Ford Mondeo, Audi S3 and the diesel BMWs.

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henbmw - 6/14/2008 1:01:30 PM

+3 Boost

S4cabriofoxone - 6/16/2008 10:19:07 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

An S3 Sportback would be amazing.

Monk - 6/14/2008 12:58:42 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Mondeo, diesel BMWs & Mercedes & Smart

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DROOPYSAKK - 6/14/2008 1:47:20 PM

+5 Boost

chip read my mind with that one, i also wouldnt mind a seeing an alpha spider or brera either.

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Threepoint1415926 - 6/14/2008 1:56:56 PM

+3 Boost

Pagani Zonda... Or was I suppose to pick one I can actually afford? In that case, I'll have something Alpha, or a Mondeo or one of those big German V8 diesels.

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Rupert - 6/14/2008 2:20:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

You don't want the 207 GTi - it's slow and handles like a boat. Dead steering too.
I'd say the Focus ST or Megane 225 were much better choices.

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damikco - 6/14/2008 2:21:24 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

none

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AMGZING_fanboy - 6/14/2008 2:45:32 PM

+5 Boost

definitly FORD MONDEO!!!

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eric452 - 6/14/2008 3:12:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Peugeot 206
bmw 318d
bmw 520d
euro focus

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eric452 - 6/14/2008 3:12:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

vw sirocco

budfrogS4 - 6/16/2008 11:27:34 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Not sure why you got deboosted...good selection. I'd add the 335d to the list (even tho it's supposed to come here soon!). +1

enp83 - 6/14/2008 4:52:43 PM

+1 Boost

Dunno but I'd ride the s... out of an Aprilia RS125

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Bill - 6/14/2008 4:57:10 PM

+1 Boost

I would love to have the Citroen C5 over in the US. Now that is a mainstreamer that would be a serious threat to the Camry, Accord and Mazda 6. Value, quality, comfort and lots of features make it already a very good car in Europe as I understand it.

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noname00 - 6/14/2008 5:26:33 PM

+1 Boost

The Golf Diesel would be nice, or the European version of the Ford Focus and Honda Civic (petrol and diesel)

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StickShiftCamry - 6/14/2008 6:15:17 PM

-5 Boost

none, cuz most of the ones we don' get r slow diesels any way.

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Matthew1 - 6/14/2008 10:01:17 PM

+1 Boost

Slow diesels you say?

You don't even live in Europe so from now I'd follow the advice if you don't know -don't say it.

maintainer06 - 6/14/2008 10:50:23 PM

+1 Boost

I really like the looks and performance of the TVRs.

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/14/2008 11:47:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Not even Europeans can buy one of those any more, I'm sorry to say.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/14/2008 11:47:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

For me:

BMW 335d, 635d
Audi S6, RS4 and RS6 Avants
Mercedes-Benz E420 CDI
Jaguar XKR-R

For the public:

Ford Mondeo, Focus
Most luxury diesels
Honda Civic Type R

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528i - 6/15/2008 6:42:08 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

RS4 avants?? I think we have them over here.

Htay7500 - 6/15/2008 11:22:35 AM

+4 Boost

nope. only s4 wagons. the rs4 only came in a cabriolet or sedan.

atomicbri - 6/15/2008 7:00:45 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Would definitely like to see all the brands for sale in the US, just to spice it up! Fiat's 500 is a must in the high gas price times. Next would be VW's Polo with Bluetech Diesels, also would love to see the Citroen C4 coupe and Honda's Euro Civic here as well. Then of course the car that should have been here all along, the current Euro Ford Focus. This Focus is so beyond the current one still on sale in the US it is sad and pathetic.

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ChicaneShooter - 6/15/2008 8:32:48 AM

+1 Boost

MAYBE the euro focus. i used to own a 2000 domestic model, and was fairly satisfied with it, EXCEPT for all the recalls, and low resale value.

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ChicaneShooter - 6/15/2008 8:41:00 AM

0 Boost

to bring everyone back to reality however, IF any mfgr decides to export here, bringing the cars to american standards and requirements; setting up dealers and distributor infrastructure; etc. etc... the cars will most likely NOT BE PRICE COMPETITIVE.

and you can thank Dumbo Dubya for flushing the dollar values down the toilet for that!

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bimmerfan25 - 6/15/2008 9:11:07 AM

+2 Boost

why would anyone want to drive a citroen, peugeot or fiat? I'm from europe. you don't drive those cars because you want to, you drive them because you can't afford anything better

that little fiat would be a hit though compared to the smart, mini etc

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robertb - 6/15/2008 11:17:45 AM

+1 Boost

For my commuter car I'd love to have the BMW 123d 5-door hatch.

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Redwood - 6/15/2008 4:35:31 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

BMW 123d coupe or 5-door hatch.

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rubenkincaid - 6/15/2008 8:41:36 PM

+2 Boost

159 Alfa Wagon
(if they ever return to production) a TVR Sagaris or Tuscan
Fiat 500
Nissan Micra

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xlr8 - 6/16/2008 12:41:39 AM

+1 Boost

ford escort cosworth- ive always wanted one lol.

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amazinBimmer - 6/16/2008 7:06:24 AM

+3 Boost

alfa...8c

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Whelan - 6/16/2008 9:49:48 AM

+2 Boost

Ford Escort Cosworth (#1 choice)

Ford Ka (with the turbo 250!)

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M35MT - 6/16/2008 1:03:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Diesel Range Rover Sport

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DieselRules - 6/17/2008 1:34:30 AM

+1 Boost

which engine is in that?
Sounds awesome!

Rupert - 6/17/2008 7:11:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

It's a 3.6 twin turbo V8. It's so good that Land Rover dropped the 4.4 V8 petrol from the Range Rover as sales virtually stopped after the launch of the V8 diesel.

DieselRules - 6/16/2008 7:17:01 PM

+2 Boost

What I'd LIKE is an A8 TDI
But its really too big for what I NEED.
However,
What I'd BUY is an A6 Quattro Avant with V6 TDI (preferrably the twin-turbo that will also appear in the Porsche Cayenne).
And DSG Tranny.

PS: My wife wants a Q5 TDI :)

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DieselRules - 6/17/2008 1:32:58 AM

+2 Boost

And (of course) the Nissan Patrol (Diesel)
and Eurovan TDI and Toyota HiAce van with big diesel and 5-spd.
and Mercedes vans (with CDI diesel power)

and the Audi TT TDI Quattro! :)
but the A5 3.0 TDI is roomier and more practical......
its so hard to decide.

Kenneth46 - 6/22/2008 3:01:13 PM

+1 Boost

Unfortnaly it´s not so much cars we wich to have from US. Cadillac are not seling so well in Sweden even it´s a SAAB 9-3 with another body. Dodge it´s trying to put some models in EU, but they are wery low quality compared to similiar models, every carmagazines have doing thumbs down. Chrysler are selling quit good with their 300C, but it´s a odd design and could be gone next week (who´s remembering 300M?)Voyager has it´s own market and will be until some will compare, nearest is Renault Espace and VW bus. Chevrolet trying to market some Korean or something cars, not for car-enthusiasts. Those who realy like americans are enthusiasts who love 50,60,70,s big cars. I´m a car fan and last time i wanted an american car was Chevrolet Caprice in 80,s. Some retro models are comming up soon Challenger and so on. Mustang have sell som ex here but with their stiff rear axel you cant drive seriously in EU above 100 mph.

I will still enjoy my Rover 75 some time more.

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