I was primarlily referring to acceleration. (Honda really engineers their engines to get everything possible out of them, IMHO.) But I'd probably give the RSX a slight nod on the handling also, just because it hugs the ground a bit more.

Again, I think with a few basic mods the MCS can be almost on par, at least from what I've heard from others (haven't jumped there myself yet.)

 

Quick question...Have you priced out the used 2004 compared to a new 2006? I did a brief comparison when I was shopping earlier this year. To me, it appeared the Mini's held their price so well that I could pick up a brand new, comparably equipped, Mini for a few grand more than the used ones.

That being said, I didn't try to negotiate with any sellers. I was just going by the asking price...

I wonder with the newly designed 2007 coming out if there will be any dealers motivated to move the few remaining 2006's???

 

there is a much higher demand for 2006 cars than for 2007's. Some salesman I spoke with are really depressed that they have to sell the new ones. They just cant claim they look nice anymore. interior or exterior wise.

2006, if you want to get new, is probably going to be the best of all for retaining value over the years. It has the most problems fixed without the body being made to look doofy and more sedan like

 

^^^ Quite a bit of assumptions.

-

 

I don't own an RSX but I have an 02' Honda Civic DX that has been excellent for reliability and fuel economy. Not the most exciting car but it has been enjoyable in it's own way. We leased the car and when the lease was up I really considered whether I could move up to a MC or just keep it and maybe pick up a used MCS later on. Well we ended up purchasing out the lease and I'm thinking now that I'll keep the Civic and look for a classic Mini. I've never had any problems with the car and since I started autocrossing it I'm starting to see a new side to the Civ. There's no denying the need I have to get some kind of Mini, I've dreamed of owning one since I was a kid. My wife says when I turn 50 I can get a Mini, that's 13 years away, I'm thinking maybe 2-3 years, if I can hold out that long.

Hey I'm in second gear, nice.

Rus'

 

ah, a business person that is successful is only successful by making accurate judgements and isnt afraid to clearly state the obvious.

why does a 69 roadrunner outsell a 68 or a 70? why does a 1965 lincoln continental outsell a 64 or 66? Obvious answer: its the best looking one by far. Best looking is not at all subjective contrary to wishy washy beliefs.

2006 is the car to get for bragging/investment.

 

How about ... getting it now? youre not a kid anymore !

I made sure this fall that I would get the car now that I would look for in nostalgia later. I just turned 31 too. At 18 I bought a medium maui blue camaro with silver ground effects and a stick shift. One never needs to wait till your old for fun now. My heartfelt suggestion.

 

YOU Say you are leaning towards an 04, be very careful on how much you pay for it. some used are priced higher than a new one.

another thing you must know is that any MC 04 or older has a Rover transmission.....they were changed to Getrag on 05 which has a bit taller gears.

 

And I thought sound conclusions are based on concrete data. Must be another of my wishy washy beliefs.

El Jefe, I'm no business guru, nor am I smart, but I would gather that a smart business person would consider the hidden and confounding variables that influence demands, purchase and sales. The '69 Plymouth Roadrunner had very few cosmetic changes from the '68, but it boasts several excellent engine choices, such as the 440 Six Barrel, putting out 390 hp. It also had three 2-barrel carburators, and a lift-off fiberglass hood. This 440 engine put out very similar performance numbers to the more expensive 1968 hemi, even at a lower engine speeds, meaning the cheaper 440 was nearly as fast as the previous year's Hemi. My wishy washy belief is that many factors influence the transaction of a product, and most successful business people I personally know in the Silicon Valley will tell you this.

Anyway, I was refering to your comment: there is a much higher demand for 2006 cars than for 2007's. While this may or may not be true, I'm wondering where you found your data.

rfrman7, I definitely recommend investigating a new Cooper. You may pay a little more (roll it into your payment plan), but you'll get a brand spanking new car that usually comes with a peace of mind. Good luck !

 

I went from an Accord V6 to a Cooper. While Honda/Acuras are very solid, reliable, and fast they lack the personality and fun factor. Also, I love how MINI owners are so enthusiastic and passionate about their cars. My friend just bought an RSX and he really likes it but I rode in it the other day and wasn't overly impressed. Its definitely a nice car, but it just felt too sterile and not at all as connected to the road as I'm used to in my MINI. And if you can't get a Cooper S, I'd still highly recommend the Cooper its still very fun to drive (for those of us who can't afford or just choose not to drive an S).

 

I leased a 2002 RSX S Type for three years and recently bought a MCS convertible. I had zero problems with the RSX and was happy with the performance. My initial feelings about the Mini are:
MINI is a little quirky and has odd placement of some controls.
Road feel is better in the MINI
I think they are similar in acceleration....I will know more after I break it in.
MINI has a unique look....RSX was nice but normal looking.
Zero trips to the shop with RSX....Crossing my fingers with MINI