So I've only been waiting for the Clubbie for about a month, the ship got diverted, extended the wait another 10 days, so I decided to look what else is out there for comparable money.

I love the idea and the implementation of the MINI, but I don't understand the $30K+ price tag, or $33K with tax and fees price tag. I went on AutoTrader and eBay and searched for 2008 3-series and Lexus IS under $30K. Turns out you can get either one with around 10K miles and not even have to look hard.

So why the hell should I pay $33K for a MINI when I can get a 335i 6spd for $29990 Buy-it-Now?

 

I guess it really depends on how much you like BMWs - personally, they leave me cold. You are also comparing somebody else's used vehicle to a brand new vehicle. In the end, only you can decide what makes you the happiest.

Good luck with your decision.

 

After a 2-day driving school at the BMW Zentrum in South Carolina I learned to like the 335, even with auto, so I'm pretty confident that I'll be ok with the car, but...

Mentioned my "issue" to a Russian friend of mine, one of those people who thinks that MINI is a clown car, and he said that there are plenty of 3-series and IS driving around town, but he's never seen a Clubman, so maybe it's worth extra $3-4K just to drive something unique. Good point - I've always driven relatively rare cars.

 

I am with you, i look at how much i spent on my car in 06, then add the dinan package and look at what i could have purchased..... i would not do it again. I love my car do not get me wrong, but i would have loved to have waited and looked at even a new 1 series coupe.....

i have to say that their is a difference in build quality, and that alone is a big reason i would rethink the whole thing! Not trying to poo poo the mini, as i said i do love mine just gotta be honest