True, true... there are times I think about trading all of mine in ... for an Aston Martin Vantage GT12.

Motor on!

 

I've never had second thoughts about my MINI. Most relieable car I've owned yet, and I'm not even remotely kidding. I'm pretty tired of hearing about people trashing MINI's like they have 1970's FIAT reliability. I've owned everything from (abbriviated list) E21's, E30's, E36, E28's, Volvo 850 Turbo, '94 Taurus SHO, Volvo 240, Forester XT and even an old Corolla. Oh and an 87 Honda Accord LXi too.

Guess which car has given me the MOST enjoyment, which to no surprise is closely tied to reliability? A MINI R56 MCS. No one likes to see their car on a flat bed, fortunately my MINI, with 107K mind you, has been really good to me. I take care of it. It takes care of me. Simple as that.

 

You and me both my friend!!! Sometimes I feel like the only one with a MCS that has been perfectly reliable since day one. I maintain the hell out of my MINI, but I also drive it hard when it's safe to do so. After 107K miles the R56 still has razor accurate steering, handling and braking. Every button, pixel, light or switch still works as new. Hell, even the clutch and flywheel is still original and shifts are snickety smooth and power delivery is linear (Redline MTF with Liqui-moly MoS2).

 

My .02, but let 'em love their rice burners if they feel so compelled. I owned a new Toyota once, only once.

 

I've never understood these posts. You are in a MINI forum, people know they have quality issues but they have a ton of character and drive like nothing else on the road.

With that out of the way... The Si is a great car with a different focus. There is no shame in getting the right car for you. Enjoy it.

 

The other day my wife told me
(You know we have been Madrid for 30years) and I said yes dear we have.
The thing is I feel the marriage and my mini have one thing in common they have both give me pain and joy but I did not divorce my wife and for sure not divorcing the mini. we were Honda people most of our lives my mini treats me just like my wife gives me a headache and gives me the joy mostly headache. LOL. Enjoy your Honda.
I am going to enjoy my wife.....sorry MY mini.

 

Way back in the 80's/90s I owned two 1987 Supra's one turbo and one na. They both were way ahead of there time. They are the only other cars, that gave me a similar thrill, that Mini Coopers have given me. I even wish I still had them! But I have never felt there is a substitution for my Mini Coopers!
It seems like Honda and Toyota are not geared for most Mini loving people!
I hope your new buy keeps you happy! You may even come back, if the Honda, does not provide what Mini is so good at!
Best of luck! We will be here,mif you get lonely out there!

 

A Honda Civic Type R would have been better but a Civic Si is better than a basic Civic and you can mod a Honda just as much as any Mini. In my case I always go from a Mini to a 370Z and then back. Enjoy!

 

In 2015, OP would have had to import a Civic type R. I wonder how he likes his now three year old SI.

 

Sorry to see you go. But remember what ever you buy, a heavy foot cost money.

 

After I posted a reply I noticed how old it was . Oh well...

 

=)