I am in the midst of compiling my "short list" for what my next car will be. On that list is a MINI. I went to CarMax and took one for a spin to see if I liked it and came away with some questions. I hope you will be kind enough to answer some of them.

1. I found the Cooper S to be a bit anemic in the power department. What kind of horses can I get out of the Mini S with bolt on aftermarket additions. I would be willing to spend some money, but am not that interested in tearing apart the motor so bolt ons would be about the most I would do.

2. How do they do in the snow?

3. I see different references to R53 and R56. I know these are different body designs but what year do they change off?

4. If you were going to buy a used mini, what year would you select? Why?

5. Can the things in the center console be moved around a bit to fit an aftermarket GPS? That is to say can the ***** for the windows and such be moved down to make room for a double DIN stereo/GPS?

6. Is the MINI GPS worth getting? As I would be gettting a used mini an OEM GPS will be really hard to find, is it worth it?

I will come up with more questions, but those are good for starters. below is the rest of my short list (in no particular order).
1. Audi A3 (good bolt on power options).
2. Audi A4 (same as above)
3. Mitsu Eclipse V6 (good stock power, great upgrade options).
4. Infinity G35 Coupe (same as above).
5. Nissan Altima Coupe 2008 3.5se.
6. Porsche 911 Turbo cabrio (ok I am dreaming on this one, WAY over my price range).

 

I couldn't get past the " I found the Cooper S to be a bit anemic in the power department." sentence.

 

Sorry if that was offensive, but it was my honest opinion. When compared to the v6 eclipse and the G35coupe I found the power to be lacking, even with the S and a manual. It just didn't throw me back in the seat the way the other cars did. I am not trashing the car in any way, infact it is on my short list of cars so that should tell you my overall opinion of it.


Now I don't find this to be a huge problem if I can "add a little bit" by bolting on after market upgrades. I suspect it will not take much effort for me to be happy with the power.

 

The answer to your model questions is R53 is pre-2007, R56 is the 2nd generation 2007+. This will effect a lot of your questions/variables, etc. I think the aftermarket is just getting off the ground for the R56, wrt your HP question. I'll let the experts take over from here!

 

If you are comparing to a G35, a MINI will seem a little weak. It should with a 1.6L vs 3.5L.
You can get more with some easy additions to an S, you need to read the site some more and will see the basic pully, air intake and header (maybe one-ball). However 1.6L is 1.6L.
The MINI is not about just speed, it is more about fun.

 

In my test drive it felt like a REALLY fun car, I enjoyed it.

ROUGHLY what WHP am I looking at with your basic upgrades? Pully, intake, exhaust, modded ECU.

I saw one "kit" that promised 205 HP at the wheels from an after market vendor, which would be perfect. I saw one TWerbo thing that mentioned 350HP or so safely, but I find that hard to believe. ANd that would be WAY too much IMO.

 

What is a "One Ball"? That sounds vaguely disgusting...

 

From your list of cars, it looks to me like you're all over the map on what you're looking for in a car. If it's outright power you're interested in, then by all means, get the biggest bang for buck you can get....like maybe a Mustang. Of your shortlist of cars, every one of them handle differently. They are all built for slightly different lifestyles. If you want a car that's nimble, and has a good balance of power and handling with a good dose of efficiency, then the MINI belongs on this list. However, the MINI is front-wheel drive and some people would much prefer a RWD or AWD car so you might want to look elsewhere.

If it's good highway cruising with great power but unique looks and avant-garde design isn't up on your list, then possibly one of the others. If a reputation for reliability is important to you, then maybe one of Japanese brands. I don't think anybody can advise you on that. Those are your decisions. You'll have to take a serious look at where you are, and what kind of typical roads you'll be driving yourself on.

However, if you've decided on a MINI but you just want a bit more power, I'm sure somebody like Fireball Tim can do something about that for you. You just have to have the wallet for it. Just remember the MINI is an FWD car and once you get up over a certain level of torque and horsepower, there are issues with keeping all that firmly planted on the road. Since you're looking at a used MINI, there are a lot of good bolt on options to bump the power up (Pulleys, CAI's, Exhausts, engine heads, suspension bits, etc). As for a new generation MINI, the parts are coming. Alta has started releasing upgrade parts now so others are coming along also.

 

One ball is just triming down the stock exhaust system. You can read about it here.

 

I came from an Infiniti G35 with 298hp. I don't really feel like I lost all that much going to the MINI S. However, I am not an overly aggressive driver.

What the Infiniti had on the MINI was more room (obviously), a better stereo system, and a lot of "standard" features that are extras on the MINI.

On your used question - MINI's don't lose much value in the first couple of years, so if you want nearly new (like I did) you might as well buy new.

 

One pet peeve I have is when car people (mostly sales men - not dissing anyone on this board) try to peg you in one type car or another. Just because I like car X does not mean I will like all the cars that are like X. IMO that is a stricly marketing ploy.

Of the cars on my short list, each is there for an entirely different reason. Each car offers something different that I like in cars.

I like the MINI because it is a REALLY fun car to drive. It has lots of head room and has a certain "pizazz" to it. The cons are it is a bit underpowered stock.

I like the Eclipse V6 because it has (3.8liter v6) GOBS of power and is the only car I actually giggled when I test drove it (I am a large 38 year old man and NOT prone to giggling). Cons are it has NO head room, my head rubs on the cieling. And the cockpit is a little cramped feeling, though better than some other cars. Great power upgrades (can do around 380Whp with a Super Charger kit). Torque steer is insane, even if left stock.

I like the G35 because it has adequate power and has a high amount of "luxury". It has less "Fun" than the cooper but still has quite a bit. It has slightly more headroom than the Eclipse, but my head still rubs on the cieling.

I like the A4 also because it has a lot of "luxury" and has headroom. It's power is a bit limited (1.8t or 2.0t) but that can be fixed easily with some bolt ons.

I like the A3 because it has some "luxury" and has a "Pizazz" all it's own. It has less headroom than the A4 but my head doesn't rub if I adjust the seat exactly right. It has the same power as the A4.

Anyways, I like each car for a different reason. Each is in a different "class" but to me they are all on the short list.

 

I speced one out on the MINI site and it came to a grand total of $42k. I guess I got a bit carried away with the options

I am seeing MINIs selling for about $22k with a lot of the features I want, that is right where I want to be on the MINI.

Oboviously I expect to pay more for a G35 or an A4/A3.

 

Actually I think I discovered the reason behind this...
A guy here at work has a MCS and he took me for a ride. Apparently I must have had the ACS (anti skid control) turned on. When he turned his off it made a WORLD of difference. He was getting rubber in 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd. That is cool. It could still use a LITTLE more power but it is by no means anemic.

 

1. Well looks lik eyou figured that out, but yeah I can't think of many cars that don't have power add-ons
2. No clue, just purchased this summer, and well, I live in Los Angeles so I don't plan on much snow driving
3. Isn't it R50 is pre-07 MC, R53 pre-07MCS and cabrios, R56 is post 07 except 07 cabrios
4. It comes down to the price on the lot, but check the 1st gen section for info on anything to look out for
5. The 07 doesn't seem to allow any movement, but MINI offers a portable GPS, it's similar to a TOM TOM or Nuvi portable, and they offer a clamp for it to go on the dash. The pre-07 models may have options now check the 1st gen audio section.
6. Don't have one so don't know and to be honest I have driven for years without GPS and I still feel it's a gimick, nothing beats having a living breathing navigator as a co-pilot.

Oh, and I forgot, Welcome to NAM regardless of your final car decision, to behonest I woudl love the Porsche too.

 

Before a MINI means anything to you, you have to want a MINI. I bought a MINI because I wanted it. If you think a MINI is underpowered, you'll never be happy no matter how much money you throw at it. If horsepower is what you want go buy a Z0-6 and burn rubber all you want. Owning a MINI isn't about high horse power or screeching tires, it's about driving a well balanced car that's quick and fast enough for just about anyone and having fun driving it. I've giggled behind the wheel of that Turbo Porsche you want, but I smile everyday behind the wheel of my MCS R-53

 

just my opinion:


I had a 350z with lots of goodies, the torque was great obviously more powerful than the cooper s. I dont regret selling the z and gettin the mini. Its always fun to drive I can toy around and still know I have gas still in my tank the z or g arent very good on gas at all. It has a lot of features if you search properly. The g and z have great aftermarket parts but all very pricey and you'll never feel as confident in the twisties as you would with a mini.

 

You can't ignore feeling cramped and not being able to sit up straight. I'm big, too (6'1" 265 pounds). I have a stiff back and can't even get into some cars that would be a kick to drive. The Eclipse, for example. I'd start with pruning the list down to the ones that feel good and see what choices remain.

My 2007 MCS feels very good. I do not screech tires, but I am well aware of the desire for power, and there is no end to it. If you have fun in the Mini, get the Mini. I look forward to every time I can find a reason to drive mine.

 

Thanks Guys...
I apprieciate your comments

 

I've only had my MINI a couple of months now, and I'm so sold I can't imagine even wanting another car!

Before I made my purchase I looked at almost everything out there...I'm really convinced I made the right choice....really love my little car.

Good luck car shopping...but I can't help asking you....what are you thinking???? Just get the MINI!!!

 

I sold my 05 G35 (with about every Nismo part you can buy) to order a MINI, and am glad I did. The new (2007+) ones offer a nice amout of power and will have room for more! It is way more fun to drive than the Infiniti, even though it was pushing 350 HP. It just has more driver engagement.

I've driven the A4, G35 , and 911 on your list, and would be happy to help with any of those, but can't speak to compare the rest. I'm a complete nerd about the G35, so shoot me a PM or something if you want an unbiased opinion. Remember, you can go to each cars boards, but you'll mostly on get only favorable opinions and a lot of bashing on the other cars you are considering. Good luck!

 

I would encourage you to make sure you drive a 2007 S and see if your opinion changes. I didn't see in your post what year you test drove, but there is a definite difference between the new 07s and previous years.

 

Regarding a used MINI, the '05 and '06 seem to be the most sought after. The final years of a new model, bugs are addressed and improved transmission.
Where do you live? The availability of twisties should factor into this decision!
Also, track days in the MINI are a blast, I'd never lived until I took El Kabong through the Esses at Road Atlanta!
Good luck with whatever you decide,
Annette