i have worked on a couple verts and driven them. I dont like them at all. But I am also a big coupe person and not a big vert person. Even though you are only an inch or two taller than a leprechaun, i still suggest doing an extended test drive in one before locking in on one. and also do the same with the coupe to get a fair comparison. remember verts are heavier, and have a less rigid chassis than coupes and I know you value the way a car feels while driving it.