Well we are still under warranty, so right now just spending $ to build it up and not done either...crazy!

 

I looked at GTIs, being that I've owned a few VWs (both watercooled and aircooled) in my past. I just couldn't do it because of how common they are these days.

 

I was looking for light "fuel efficient" sporty cars that were fun to drive, could handle extremely well, and were mod friendly. I was almost ready to purchase a 94 honda civic dx and modify it. It was cheap and fit my taste. But the mini won out, and I'd have to say this forum helped.

My old ride was a 2000 Durango R/T with the 5.9l v8. Awesome car. Handled extremely well, even for an SUV. But filling with premium every 250 miles for $70-$90 a pop just sucked.

The other car in our driveway is an 2007 Acura TL for the lil lady. I was in love with that car until I got the mini.

 

It's been fantastic seeing the responses to this post!! Even after realizing that it was in '1st Gen MINI's', which isn't the correct forum (for me--I hope that's okay!) as I soon discovered after posting a few times! I saw the '1st' and, automatically, I thought it was '1st Gear'! Anyway, it's cool to see how many MINI owners also have Jeeps out there or had/have considered them or had them in the past. I think both brands appeal to people with a certain sense of adventure about them. Those wanting to get out there and experience the world a delightful and energizing way. Perhaps that's cheesy, but I feel, very true! Anyway, I saw the Beachcomber model a year or so ago and I was so enthused to see this sort of hybrid of both concepts that I have both fallen in love with. If the Beachcomber comes out before I'm able to also afford another car (aka the Wrangler), it might just be the triumphant winner. I'm still lusting after Jeeps though, hoping I made the right choice with the MINI (it's too late for regrets now! Ha!). Can't wait to get out and enjoy mine.

 

I didn't shop for anything else, I wanted a MINI!

Dave

 

Same here. I decided I would get one in 2002 and as soon as we needed a third car I bought my '06. Never considered anything else.

Dean.

 

now there's a guy with his head on straight! i'm going to consult with you & reelsmith the next time i'm car shopping.

 

I wasn't even shopping for a vehicle when I bought mine . I drive by a carmax dealership every day and I saw it pull in on the truck. I called my fiance told her that if she wanted to be on the title too that she needed to come to carmax. Never looked back!

 

For me i looked at a
Audi A3
BMW 135, and a
MazdaSpeed 3.

Bought a R53!

 

I also considered:

Chrysler Crossfire hardtop

Suzuki X90

I did get a 2003 MC/s.

 

Volvo C30 T.5....might be my next purchase.

 

The only reason I own a car is because the MINI exists.

 

I checked out a '97 Prelude in mint shape, which is what I have wanted since I was 17. The dealer couldn't get me financing on it, and i didn't have $10k in cash, so it just wasn't doable. I also looked at an '08 Tiburon, a '98 Integra, and an '04 Mustang GT.

The Tiburon was pretty nice inside but it felt a bit gutless in the corners. The Mustang had a shockingly cheap feeling/looking interior, and I didn't really want to spend the cash to keep a V8 full of gas. Integra was beat up.

I hadn't even considered a MINI. I was looking at the used lot at Toyota, checked out an S2000 out of my price range and an MX-8, also a little more than I wanted to spend. The dealer suggested the '06 Cooper. I was skeptical I didn't really think it was my style. He took me out for a very spirited drive before letting me take the wheel (hadn't learned to drive stick yet, really.) and it felt good. Short, quick, great handling. Everything I knew i'd miss once I sold my sport bike! (Honda CBR600.)

They needed to move it off the lot so I got $6k off the sticker. I checked around MINI dealerships and other lots, all selling comparable models with higher miles for the original sticker price or higher. So far I'm loving it, although I sometimes wish it was an S when I'm highway driving!

 

S2000
RX8
E36 M3
Audi S4
Swapped Civics (K series engine)

I am happy with my choice

 

I came from a F-150 and can honestly say that there was nothing else that I was interested in when I was shopping for my 2002 MCS. Placed the order the fourth week of March 2002 and took delivery in October 2002. Everything built just the way I wanted.

 

The serious decision was between the MINI and TT Quattro. But the TT optioned the way I wanted it was over $40K. I figured for that I could get the MINI and add the items I wanted and still be ahead.

 

Cross-shop??? Why try? There's nothing else with the MINI's character: handling, fuel mileage, comfort . . . When I drove one, I had to have one. (Now on my second, looking to my third )