If you had to replace your MINI with an Asian (super reliable) car, what would it be?
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3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 279
Likes: 10
From: Santa Fe, NM
And Honda fuel economy and reliability thrown in.
But...safety features are very important.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: DFW
The car was as fun as a roomful of kittens, could be quite competitive autoXing, could haul a good bit of stuff, got good mileage, and was on the whole very reliable for that time. (With a few exceptions, mostly owner-induced. Oops.) I just couldn't justify dumping double the "value" of the car into it for a new engine, and continue to daily drive it on my local roads with the insane people we have here.
I about killed him. 
The water pump needed replaced at 29k...that's it so far...but is IS a European car. Basically I'm going on my experience with Euro vs. Japanese cars.
Of course I am generalizing here, but:
European cars:
Are like a torrid love affair...making mad love one night, and throwing dishes at each other the next. Can't live without them, and can't live with them. (I've only been able to afford, until the MINI, used Euro cars that are out of warranty.)
Japanese cars:
Are like living with a very nice, reliable appliance...very little excitement...just give it some fuel, and it works. Nice in some ways, but YAWN. Lexus is the epitome of this (at least they used to be)...driving one is like being on mind-numbing drugs in a padded white room.
Of course I am generalizing here, but:
European cars:
Are like a torrid love affair...making mad love one night, and throwing dishes at each other the next. Can't live without them, and can't live with them. (I've only been able to afford, until the MINI, used Euro cars that are out of warranty.)
Japanese cars:
Are like living with a very nice, reliable appliance...very little excitement...just give it some fuel, and it works. Nice in some ways, but YAWN. Lexus is the epitome of this (at least they used to be)...driving one is like being on mind-numbing drugs in a padded white room.
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 779
Likes: 4
They certainly are going to use more gas than a Mini, but not enough to matter that much, assuming prices for gas stay under $5 or so. As to maintenance costs, I'd match a GTI to a Mini any day of the week and twice on Sundays. I'd call it a toss up between the two. Both are going to cost more than a Japanese car like the Mazda 3 though. Mazda 3's are interesting because Mazda is really pushing hard on the mileage front - I think the new Skyactiv models are now pushing right at 40 mpg highway, better than the Mini.
If you like the GTI, I think it is a great choice. And if you don't mind the $35K entry price the Golf R is looking like an incredible package. But don't overlook the Mazda 3 which is a very nice car too.
- Mark
Last edited by markjenn; Jan 25, 2012 at 08:21 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
I wouldn't buy an Asian car.
Today, Ford and it's subsidiary companies like Mazda, Land Rover, and Jaguar are making a lot more reliable cars with very modern designs, stellar electronics and voice recognition systems, excellent quality control, better mileage performance across the line, and better safety records.
I'd probably go Maxda Miata MX-5 or Ford Shelby GT Convertible.
Today, Ford and it's subsidiary companies like Mazda, Land Rover, and Jaguar are making a lot more reliable cars with very modern designs, stellar electronics and voice recognition systems, excellent quality control, better mileage performance across the line, and better safety records.
I'd probably go Maxda Miata MX-5 or Ford Shelby GT Convertible.
NSX, S2000, Miata, Integra Type-R, BRZ, R32 GT-R, R34-GT-R, Impreza, 300ZX, FD RX-7
Then maybe a swapped EG6 or EK9
If you think Japanese cars are only "just a little exciting" then you are crazy.
Then maybe a swapped EG6 or EK9
If you think Japanese cars are only "just a little exciting" then you are crazy.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 136
Likes: 16
From: Queens, NY, spend a lot of time in Central NY
I wouldn't buy an Asian car.
Today, Ford and it's subsidiary companies like Mazda, Land Rover, and Jaguar are making a lot more reliable cars with very modern designs, stellar electronics and voice recognition systems, excellent quality control, better mileage performance across the line, and better safety records.
Today, Ford and it's subsidiary companies like Mazda, Land Rover, and Jaguar are making a lot more reliable cars with very modern designs, stellar electronics and voice recognition systems, excellent quality control, better mileage performance across the line, and better safety records.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
My high school friend had the AE86. It wasn't the fasted car. But that thing can turns HARD!!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: I live in Webster, NY (just east of Rochester)
How about a Hyundai Tiburon? I had a 2000 Tiburon for a couple years, until my son totaled it (walked away unhurt). Bought it @ 7 years old with 73K on it and hardly put a dime in it, VERY reliable. It handled nice and was fun to drive. My niece currently has an '03 Tiburon GT that she bought 2 years ago. It now has 115K on it and is still rock solid. The only repairs it has needed to date is a battery cable and a windshield washer pump. Great cars, wouldn't hesitate getting another one.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 172
Likes: 1
None... and I'm Asian!
Keyword here is "replace." In addition to my R56, I would love to have a Japanese car as a daily driver.
Japanese auto manufacturer's have yet to offer a compact car that offers the same experience as a Mini (The NSX is an exotic super car, while the Evo and the WRX are four-door saloons, so they are not even in the same class).
I had a tweaked CRX, which was loads of fun to drive, but unlike the Mini, it didn't have pedigree.
There is no shortage of Japanese performers, but I've yet to find one that would tug at my heartstrings quite like the Mini. You can try to rationalize it all you want, but it's really about feelings.
If we are rational when it comes to cars, we'd all be driving Corollas!
Keyword here is "replace." In addition to my R56, I would love to have a Japanese car as a daily driver.
Japanese auto manufacturer's have yet to offer a compact car that offers the same experience as a Mini (The NSX is an exotic super car, while the Evo and the WRX are four-door saloons, so they are not even in the same class).
I had a tweaked CRX, which was loads of fun to drive, but unlike the Mini, it didn't have pedigree.
There is no shortage of Japanese performers, but I've yet to find one that would tug at my heartstrings quite like the Mini. You can try to rationalize it all you want, but it's really about feelings.
If we are rational when it comes to cars, we'd all be driving Corollas!
I've owned 2 MINIS, LOVED them both...
But I owned them under warranty...and now, dealing with a lower income, I'm wondering if I should replace my 2009 MC with something Asian/reliable before the warranty runs out. The replacement budget is maybe $15k...ideally $10k.
Makes me sick to think about it. But...what would be your best idea for an Asian replacement? Ideally it would possess the exact same qualities of a MINI (impossible, I know <g>):
Fun!
Fast/Quick
Great MPG's...30+
For me, while it is less practical and less fuel efficient, a Miata comes to mind.
Others?
But I owned them under warranty...and now, dealing with a lower income, I'm wondering if I should replace my 2009 MC with something Asian/reliable before the warranty runs out. The replacement budget is maybe $15k...ideally $10k.
Makes me sick to think about it. But...what would be your best idea for an Asian replacement? Ideally it would possess the exact same qualities of a MINI (impossible, I know <g>):
Fun!
Fast/Quick
Great MPG's...30+
For me, while it is less practical and less fuel efficient, a Miata comes to mind.
Others?
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
1) Keep the MINI and keep it maintained.
2) Buy a VW diesel
...
90) Buy a Vespa
91) Take public transportation
...
99) Walk
...
100) Go Asian
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: South Central Minnesota
I've owned a few "Foreign" "Import" cars '81 Datsun 310 Gx, '90 Honda Accord Hatch, 91 Mazda B2600i Pickup and had nothing but Excellent luck with them all. My current Winter Driver is a '94 Toyota 4x4 Pickup. However, if Push comes to shove, and forced to choose I would get a Subaru WRX just because of the Northern Climate that I live in. The AWD coupled with 200+ Hp options would be an Great choice here in Mn.