I'm currently a senior in college, and with the real world looming on the horizon, I've been giving some thought to getting a more real-world car. Something more practical, but still fun, and still mod-able. It probably wouldn't be for another year or so, but it never hurts to plan. I know for sure that I prefer the pre-2007 body Cooper S. I think the new ones are too big, and detract from the whole point of the car. So there's my introduction. Here's a picture of my current. Obviously it would be pretty tough to part ways with her:

 

Seek professional help at once.

If you have the means to own THAT car as a student, then you have the means to hire a good shrink to get the cobwebs cleaned outta that gourd.


Sorry. Couldn't resist. But, having given up my "impractical student car" for a "more practical car" about 20 years ago, I can tell you with high confidence that, if you part with that M Roadster, you will REGRET IT.

BIG TIME.

I guess that's OK.... we all need stuff to regret when we get old, otherwise you're just another one of those "I have no regrets" people who everyone thinks is full of it...

So, that said, a MINI would certainly be a good "daily driver" while your M becomes the "garage queen"...

 

haha, that would be the ideal, but unfortunately I do NOT have the means to do THAT.

give your cars some credit! I think they are awesome cars, in a class by themselves.

 

Granted, my swap was a TR7 for an Isuzu I-Mark. Not good judgement being practiced, there. The M Roadster for the RIGHT MINI would certainly be a better trade...

And yeah, appropriated modded and tuned, MINIs are very, very capable. And mine is way, way better than my ancient TR7 ever was... it just took me 20 years to get over it...

 

Are you nuts? It does not get much better than an M Roadster. One of the few cars more attractive to me than the MCS.

 

There are still new 06 's on the lot ,some dealers offering a couple grand off MSRP.I think I'd rather have your M also.

 

well maybe I'll wait til I'm married with kids to get a practical car, by which point hopefully I'll be able to afford both.

 

I'm a world class MINI fan and owner...but that aside, Part with that jewel of a Roadster??? If you're a senior in college and can afford that car...why couldn't you buy a MINI for a second car and keep the Roadster?

 

I'm not sure I follow. Just because I can afford one car doesn't mean I can afford an additional car.

Anyways there's plenty to like about the MCS, even relative to my roadster. Gas mileage, ability to hold multiple passengers, ability to hold more than 1 suitcase, etc. Not to mention I'm a dog lover and I'd love to see someone trying to fit their labrador in the roadster with the top on.

Nice to hear you guys like my M though.

 

If you owe money on the roadster - my counsel would be to pay it off before you do anything... then save payments for a year or more. Then buy the MINI... one car payment, just have to insure both...

 

I'm in my fifties, I guess I just assumed that everyone is as careful with their money as I've learned to be. I thought that since you can afford the Roadster, that you would also be able to buy the MINI...a little bit cheaper car than the Roadster.

 

the Roadster is paid for. I have a policy of no car payments. Financing a depreciating asset never seemed smart.

That's like someone saying "I'm torn between house A and house B." and replying "just buy both!"

Anyways I seem to have rubbed some people the wrong way here. Honestly I expected a more ringing endorsement of your Minis here. And for what it's worth, my car is worth less than what I would pay for a 2006 MCS.

 

Nawwwww. You didn't rub anyone wrong. We Namsters give freely of our opinions....sometimes too freely. Have you test drove a MCS? I own a MC and while it's just fine for me. I've driven one of my friend's MCS and it is truely awesome...soooo much power! If you intend to enjoy your drive everyday to your job...it's the best! Let us know what you decide for the future ride.

 

thanks dix. I've test driven the '07 turbo MCS, but never an <'06. We shall see. I just wanted to get in on the forum, and read up while I think about it, so I figured I'd introduce myself first!

JCK

 

<<double post>>

 

Well, I guess it all depends on what kind of driver you are and what roads you're stuck driving on a daily basis. As MINI owners, the one thing that we (IMO) miss is the out-and-out-speed of an M, or in my case my old RX-7. If you're a straight line kind of driver, then the MINI is not for you.

However, if you, like me, have a stretch of twisties that you get to drive every day then you will find a big, ear-to-ear grin on your face by the time you hit your second corner. One of my favourite quotes is from one of the guys who was showing off the '02 Cooper at its introduction: "This is the best handling car in the world that does not say Ferrari Enzo on it."

Coopers get respect from all types of car guys. Two of my friends have (REALLY) modded cars - a new Beatle and a Mustang Cobra. And both love my car. That said, both of them will absolutely blow my doors off. But none want to see me race them on a twisty road.

My advice, if you want a car that isn't necessarilly fast, but you'll really enjoy motoring in, then there's nothing better than an MCS.

 

No rubbing wrong here, either.

Very good on your car financing policy - that's an excellent discipline to have and it will serve you well.

My point isn't that the MINI is "good" or even "great" - and it can be a fine replacement for many other cars. I love mine and don't plan to trade it for anything. My point is that in 5-10 years you're going to miss THAT PARTICULAR M Roadster. Not because the MINI isn't good enough, etc. But because that was YOUR roadster that you had at this time of life, and it was a GREAT and (destined to be) CLASSIC car, and now it's somebody elses. That's all. Not buyers remorse, but sellers remorse...

Houses are different, IMHO. A place you live for a while where you have fond memories. But car guys have a visceral connection with some special cars in their lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes we don't recognize it until it's gone... You don't keep all of them, of course not. But when you're fortunate enough to own a classic, you should find a way to hold onto it. 8 out of 10 guys I know who had Triumphs of any flavor in the 60s-80s say in conversation "I wish I'd never sold that car". That's what I'm talking about.

 

Good point. There's always SOMETHING that connects us emotionally to our favourite cars. I absolutely loved my rx7. The engine whine of being able to go to 8k, the dual exhaust that sounded...well...mean. The feeling of a rear wheel drive car. So, in a lot of ways, I've always been looking for something to get those feelings back. Does that mean I would trade Charlie for one...not on your life. He's a much better cornering car, much more reliable and in honestly more fun to drive. Oh yeah, and functional in the snow, too. But the 7 is/was special for me.

Basically, if you love something try like hell to hold on to it. I gues that goes for cars as well as people. MINI's will always be here.

 

Uh, swapping a TR7 for ANYTHING is a good deal!

I still have my MGB that I bought new, but I do regret parting with the MGC and MGC-GT I had. Shoulda sold the ex instead.

 

i'd keep the m roadster

 

Wait a year and get a 135.

 

You have been having fun, but as life changes, adjustments need to be made (not to give up fun, but to have it differently). It looks like you are thinking about this and a Mini might be a very wise adjustment. Obviously, we all love ours. Good luck with this decision.

 

My .02. I have my 03 MCS, slightly modded, my wife has a 03 BMW 3.0 Z4 stock. My car will keep up with hers in most situations, and rides 10 times better. That being said we drive her car on Friday nights out on the town, it is so beautiful! Top down . But will trade her car in before mine . Ps. she still has the runflats, hope it rides better without.

 

I cant believe that you are a senior in college and drive THAT car!!! I was a senior in college last year, and guess what I drove until I got my dream car for graduation (from my awesome husband)...thats right I drove a Geo. Not just any Geo, but one with a perfect a** print in the hood. I absolutely love my MINI, but thinking back to all the cool cars I have had over 20++ years of driving, and regretting parting with some, I think I have to side with the majority here. Keep your car. If youre a senior now, youll either be out of school soon enough (with a job, and $$$ to buy a MINI), or going to grad school, which is only what, a couple more years? Either way, you can too own a mini, but I think you would regret selling that beauty you own down the road (pun intended). Dani

 

Exactly why are you giving up a Z4M Roadster? Space?

See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=80382

Comparing OEM (and yes an 06 JCW), your giving up better handling and in terms of acceleration, including the R56, ... its in another league entirely.

Just curious as to why give this up?