I have a 2002 Acura RSX... but lately I've been really considering getting a used Mini Cooper. Acura is no longer making RSX's and it would be good to sell now while the demand for RSX is still fair.

Has anyone gone from an RSX to Mini Cooper? If so, how does the Mini Cooper compare?

I appreciate all feedback and help. Thanks

 

I bet you'll be happy in a MINI. Have you driven one yet?

 

Yeah, i've driven a few already and like how it feels. The only thing i'm worried about is not having enough space... But I hardly ever drive people around and usually only keep a briefcase in my car. Has space ever been an issue?

 

We have perfected the art of fitting a WHOLE lot of crap in our MINIs. As long as you only have 2 humans, you can fit a TON of stuff. If you have 4, it gets a little cramped.

 

No Worries on size

If you can afford it and think you'll enjoy it then go for it!

 

Afford the purchase price or maintenance?

 

buy a classic mini and put a honda vtec motor in it....that you'll have the best of both worlds.

 

Purchase Price and if you become so addicted (many MANY have) mod budget can be the killer! Just a few more HP, brake just a little latter turn just a little tighter, look just little more unique it adds up very quickly. Plus if you're like me you won't want to stop driving so 36k in a year carrys a decent gas cost. I just passed up the service warranty and will do my own oil changes now, I still have 15k under warranty, I've had a few bugs worked out but never doubted the MINI to get me where I'm going. Warranty repairs for me have been things like, heated seat not working in the dead of summer.

 

I went from Integra to MINI. No comparison... the MINI is WAY more fun.

Leaving Target the other day with a lot of groceries, my wife turned to me and said "who needs an SUV when you can have an MUV?" Fold the rear seats down and there is quite a bit of space.

If you can wait a few months you might want to consider a 2nd gen MINI.

 

I would switch for that reason alone!

 

totally agree on this one...One day we fit 3 humans, my gigantic garfield and tons of groceries in our mini oh! and a plant.
We never think about not being able to fit something in the mini.
I've fit furniture there.
I've fit suitcases I brought my sister that moved to Dallas.
Also we were never conserned of the comments of a baby sit not fitting in.
Excuse me but a baby sit fits ok!!!
Get the mini, you'll love it!!!
I sold my spacy ford focus for a mini.

 

Thanks for your helpful replys! Keep them coming and I really appreciate it

 

Just get an MCS, at least.

 

 

For four springs running, (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006), I have taken my MINI on 8-week cross-country roadtrips, basically living out of the MINI. You would not believe how much they hold with the backseats down or even removed.

 

Gromit801 is probably right about getting the S...it does have a bit more get up and go than the MC, BUT having said that, the MC is a fantastic car in its own right. I don't think you could go wrong either way!

Chuck

 

OT-- but inquiring minds need to know...

Clo, it's really none of my business, but how do you swing so much vacation? I want you to handle the negotiations the next time I look for a job! What's your cut, and can you make the employer pay it?

Rawhyde

 

I went from an Integra to my MCS. No contest whatsoever. I really liked my Integra--she was speedy and sexy and fit an amazing amount of stuff--but she never made me smile like Logan (my MCS) does. I never used to like driving--now I'm always the first to volunteer.

My MINI is way sexier, way more fun to drive, and while I'm only a month into ownership, I haven't missed the extra space. Like the Integra, there's much more cargo space in the MINI than it looks like from the outside.

For passenger space, the MINI manages to be much roomier than the Integra. My husband hated riding in the Integra, because he never felt like he fit, but loves being in the MINI. Same thing for backseat passengers--I always got complaints in the Integra, but either don't get complaints or get fewer complaints in the MINI.

I test drove an 06 RSX when shopping for my MINI, and found the rear visibility to be atrocious. Do you notice the same problem? Somehow the Integra --> RSX redesign placed rear pillars right where I need to see. I don't have this problem at all in the MINI.

Keep us posted on what you decide!

 

True, it never even crosses my mind. Just pop the seats down and load stuff in.

 

I wasn't going to get in on the switch-MINI mongering, but I can't resist. MINIs actually have more rear-passenger room than RSXs from my experience in sitting in the back of my buddies type-S. Also, the MINI is going to have a lot more useable power for around town . . . I was driving the type-S and when you hit the fun part of the power band in 2nd gear you're already going fast enough to get a speeding ticket (8k rpm is pretty wild though).

I, personally, would wait until the new 07 model comes out as RSX demand should still be strong enough, and the 07 will have all the new get-up including a new (very tunable) turbocharged engine.

good luck making your car decisions . . . I was glad that I went with MINI.
cheers

 

I went from a RSX Type S to a Cooper and didn't have all that much trouble... The horse power was a bit less on the Cooper, but after I figured out I didn't have a Vtech, I was in great shape!! I loved my Cooper with all my heart and miss her dearly!! But Oompa takes care of me now, so I still love my MINI...

Another reason I got rid of my RSX is because the people who own MINIs are alot more enthusiatic about thier cars... The OK RSX group wasn't all that fun... Now the MINI group is awesome!! So there is my .02!!

 

Hi,

I was in the (un?)fortunate position of having to replace both my car and my wife's car this year. She bought the '06 RSX Type S and I bought the '06 MCS...

I really like them both; I've been a Honda guy for quite a while, but none of the Hondas (or Acuras) I've owned quite match the 'fun factor' of the Mini. In the past 6 months we have owned the two cars, here's my take:

• The RSX has proven more reliable; only had it in the dealer once to replace a defective molding strip. My MCS has been in twice, going on number three (nothing really major, but a nuisance none the less)
• We do find the RSX has more rear-seat leg room, but is actually a little more difficult to get into the back seat. But if we need to take passengers, we usually opt for the RSX due to the leg room.
• Raw performance, the RSX wins for now. Once I make a few mods to the MCS, that may change.
• With the back seats down, the Mini seems to hold more stuff, only because it doesn't have the sloping hatch profile of the RSX.
• Visibility MUCH better in the MCS. Like a previous poster indicated, the RSX really has some visability issues. Of course, this can be compensated for with careful driving.
• On a longer trip, MCS for sure. I just don't find the RSX very comfortable for a long trip.
• As I mentioned above, from a fun-factor and head-turning standpoint, the MCS wins.
• Gase mileage is close. We seem to get a little better in the city with the RSX, but on the highway we get a little better with the MCS (29 vs. 31).

I would also encourage you to test drive the MCS. Note that I have compared the RSX to a MCS, not a base MC. If you don't need/want the performance aspect, the MC is a great choice. It will be a "gentler" ride than the MCS or RSX, which may be important to you for longer trips.

As an aside, I haven't heard that Acura is ending the RSX for good. I was told by the dealer it was being redesigned using the new (2006) Civic platform for 2007 (08?). Did you hear otherwise?

Hope this helps!

 

honda's get govt 5 star crash ratings but insurance companies give them horrible safety ratings.

There are tiers for liability discounts. honda compact sports coupe's across the board get 5% liability discount. mini gets 30%. Hummer 1 gets 40%.

As far as people ACTUALLY getting injured in a serious accident, the honda's are terrible. I spoke with my state farm agents on the matter and stopped the idea of buying a honda/acura sports car in general. Those tables on safety are accurate as they explain how little bodily damage actually occurs to the occupants in a real accident.

So, driving a mini hatchback (didnt check the convertible), you are certainly safe in an accident. Honda's last long engine and parts wise, but they crash like an empty can of coke.

I was shocked by this info. mini has only 4-5 stars on impact. It is apparent that you can build a car for real safety or you can build a car that passes synthetic crash tests better for marketing purposes only.

 

Thanks for all of your help... I'm really leaning towards a 2004 Mini Cooper. This will give me a lot newer of a car too.

 

Great and objective comparo, 200-ok. On your 3rd point above, what kind of performance are you referring to, acceleration, handling or both?

Thanks!