[buffalocube]

Hi Everyone,

I've been lurking here while debating the purchase of a Cube. I went for a test drive last week on Tuesday and it looks like I'll be taking possession of a Moss Green SL with preferred package tomorrow. I'm sad to say goodbye to my '03 Mini Cooper (Pepper White) but out-of-warranty repair costs are adding up and trading her in while I could still get good value seemed like the smart move. I've been a fan of the Cube since seeing the 2nd gen. version in Japan a few years ago. I had the chance the see the 3rd gen. in person during my February trip to Japan and knew (despite cheating on the Mini) that I'd have to at least test drive one when they arrived at dealerships in the US.

I just wanted to introduce myself. I've enjoyed reading everyone's input on life with the Cube. Thanks!

 

[coolguy]

welcome, and congrats! do let us know how the cube compares with the mini

 

[GrenZeiram]

Most awesome!

You can't get a better color or package option than what you got!

I'm just partial to the Moss Green SL for some reason...

Congrats!

-Gren

PS- I like all Cubes (colors & models) and think everyone should buy one, or two!

 

[JC_Cubed]

Welcome aboard......

 

[elDizzle_foShizzle]

congrats! post up pics when ya can!

 

[buffalocube]

Thanks for the welcomes. I picked up my cube last night and so far, I love it! Between the Mini and the cube...I don't know that a real comparison is even possible. They are just two different cars intended for different driving experiences/purposes. I'll try to come up with a pros and cons list when I've had the cube a while longer.

There's already a 1/8" x 1/16" paint nick on the rear bumper of the cube. {sigh} Time to get some touch up paint. The chip must have happened some time during transport and I didn't notice it until AFTER I left the lot and got home. Oh well.

 

[JC_Cubed]

I'm being a little obsessive, but I check my Cube for nicks/dents every time I get into it. I know the first one will be disappointing, but I'm trying to avoid it as long as possible......

 

[stevie]

Hi... i m in western ny too...

i m contemplating whether i shld get a cube... any idea how it will hold up in the snow?

 

[buffalocube]

I've never really had any trouble driving any front-wheel drive small car in Buffalo winters ('93 Honda Civic, '03 Mini Cooper). Obviously, if the e-4wd had been an available option here in the US (it is available in Japan), I would have gotten it since it would be nice to have the additional assistance but I tend to just take my time when driving in snowy conditions.

I have become accustomed to driving a 5-speed manual transmission in winter which I have always thought was easier to control in terms of slowing down and avoiding brake usage. I'll have to wait and see (hopefully another 6 months!) to find out how the CVT does. I have noticed that there is an "overdrive off" button in the Cube that will allow for "engine breaking". This function will likely be useful for "downshifting" the car on slippery roads. In addition, the pushed out wheels of the cube (similar to the mini) make for little room for "fish tailing"...no tail to swing out.

Truthfully, if the roads are really terrible, I just avoid driving. I have the luxury of having a walking commute to work and access to everything I would need within walking distance as well. I have snowshoes for the worst-of-the-worst. If I HAVE to drive on terrible, snowy/icy roads, I think the cube will be competent. I may invest in some winter tires but otherwise, I'm not too concerned. There is a lot of "assist" built into these little wagons to prevent losing traction.

My bigger concern about winter driving isn't how the cube will perform, but about jerks in 4x4s that think all-wheel drive equals license to terrorize snow-covered streets. It's amazing how many of the winter weather car accidents you see on the local news are of all-wheel drive SUVs flipped off the road.

 

[stevie]

Ahhh... nice thanx for the info... its been helpful.