Hello from Amish-Country Pennsylvania.

My wife and I have a beloved 2006 Subaru Forester that is getting up in the miles (215,000 miles and going strong!), so we're doing research now to decide what to get when the inevitable happens and that car needs more repairs than it is worth. We decided to go with a "fun" car. So we're looking at the Mini Hardtop S 4 door (or the F55S 4 door, as I see they're called here). Also in consideration is the VW GTI 4 door and the Subaru WRX (sadly, Subaru is stupid and stopped making the hatch in 2014. So we would have to buy older than I would like. Otherwise, this would be a very, very easy decision for me). I really wish 2 doors were an option, but with potential kid(s) in the not too distant future, plus my 100+ pound shepherd ("Lady"), we really need a 4 door.

I am looking forward to learning about these cars and their quirks. We also own a 1971 MGB, so I am used to quirky.

Anywho, any good reads about what to look for/avoid you can point me to would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

Welcome. I'm also a newbie and have recently acquired my first mini, a F55 S 4 door. My suggestion is to test drive all of the cars you have on your wish list if possible. The four door hardtop is still small, but just practical enough for hauling four people around when necessary. The thing with these cars is you will either fall in love with them after a test drive and have to have one, or your more practical side will win. This car is definitely more joy than practicality.

 

Welcome! When I recently became an empty nester, I sold my loaded 2006 Forester 2.5 XT with 130k miles on it, and with that and about $2000 more I bought a year older 2005 convertible MINI R52 S with half the mileage. No regrets.

0-60, the MINI is probably a touch slower than the Forester due to traction, but it just drives so much nicer, and despite being a convertible is actually way quieter than the Forester on the highway with the top up. The wind noise on the Forester when the frameless windows started to pull outwards was atrocious.

Also, I get about 8 MPG better fuel economy now.

 

Congrats on the new MINI!

 

Welcome. Been over in the MINI on that side of PA as well as they other smaller Amish side of PA . Great roads outside of philly and in that area.

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
Lots of info here to keep it in good shape. An English/German car has many quirks, but many great things too!
I love VW's, but most are built in Mexico now and not too appealing to me, these days!
I understand the need for a 4 door!
I am a gen 1 guy, so I will not have any good info for you on the newer models!

 

Thanks everyone. From my research, since this will be a DD and it is a big deal if I miss work unexpectedly, it looks like I'll have to balance what I want (Gen 1 JCW 2 door) with what life dictates I should have. Maybe I can find a pristine Gen 1 . . . but the more recent years would likely be more reliable. And it would fit my dog and any future child(ren).

We'll see how it shakes out.