Going home today, I stopped off at the local Mazda dealer to see if I could snag a deal on a left over B2300 truck.. Mazda has a hell of a time selling them (because Ford makes it impossible for them to be competitive) and this particular dealer at one time had four 2006 model year leftovers earlier this year!!

So I get there and what do I see? A 2008 Mazdaspeed3!! Sheesh, I thought that they had sold the last of those earlier this year as there were only supposed to be 5000 of them made for the model year..

And this one was loaded. with the new Alcantra seats 263HP and 280 ftlbs of torque I had to take test drive having remembered what they were like a year ago.

This this is a bona fide rocket.

****. Now what do I do. Its $5K cheaper than the MINI cooper S convertible. Has the same luxury features, much more versatility, better warranty ( 5 year 60K powertrain) more room inside.

Crap dingle damns... I just HAD to drive it again didn't I?

I just put a 1K deposit ( refundable) down on a '08 Pepper White Sidewalk with black english leather, chrono package, with limited slip.

I got an extra $1500.00 off MSRP as well so the price is 30K before tax/title/license etc.



So now, I have to do some serious decision making. I have to consider the long term with this one since I will have it for at least 4-5 years which for me is an eternity. I need a car that will provide smiles, as well as practicality or at least passable practicality.

and 5K is nothing to sneeze at...

So? what do I do? Am I missing something? My brain perhaps?

 

well, mazdaspeed 3 is the king of hot hatchs right now so..

if you like it, go for it.

 

Do what turns your crank. Mazdasport = more adrenaline, MINI = more refined luxury. 35 years ago I would have gone with the Mazda. Today, the MINI.

 

Go drive the MINI again, and drive it over to the Mazda dealership and park those two cars side by side, then check them both out together. Then drive the MINI back to it's dealership and I"m sure you'll be able to deduct a reasonable answer. That's what I would do.

Oh, please read up on those warranty's, I beilive the MINI's is better (bumper to bumper will cover more in 4 yrs) then the odds of your engine going out from the 4-5 year mark in the Mazda.

 

I came close to buying a MazadaSpeed 3 but the gas mileages is 4 mpg worse than my 98 CRV. Most are getting about 21mpg in mixed driving.

 

The MS3 will likely be a serious consideration for my next car, along with another MCS. It's certainly faster, more spacious, and more traditional than a Mini. However, I believe it lacks some character and soul compared to an MCS.

Regarding the fact that it's 5k cheaper than an MCS convertible, maybe you should compare it to a less expensive hardtop/dual sunroof MCS, since the Mazda doesn't come with a droptop. And as mentioned, figure 21 mpg (MS3) vs 29 mpg (MCS), which over 15,000 miles per year is about 200 gallons. At just $4 per gallon, that's $800 ANNUALLY that you'll save with the Mini (over 5 years that you said you'd own the car, that's a $4,000 advantage to the Mini right there). Savings will be even more as gas prices go higher.

Also consider cost of ownership items, such as free oil changes with the Mini, cost of insurance, resale value (Minis hold their value very well, but Mazdas?), etc... Just because you would save $3-$5k initially on a MS3, doesn't mean that you won't end up with those same savings by the time you've had the car for 5 years...

Good luck with your decision, as it isn't necessarily an easy one!

 

What are you talking about? Sources? You shouldn't even be comparing Mazda reliability to oil pan gasket leaking, mushrooming strut tower, power steering failure engine fires, found in the MINI.

I say if ultimate speed and hatchback storage is your thing, do it. You can easily seat 4 comfortably. MS3's are freight trains on the highway too. Sure they aren't as refined as a MKV GTI or R32, but they sure scoot! Just don't be too bummed you can't get a MS3 with a sunroof. It's not an option.

 

All I have to say is euro cars always make me feel better.
And, MINIs never get boring. plus there is a whole world around MINIS almost everyone looks at my car . ive never looked at 1 mazda.. ; ) the mpg is great too as you know hehe.

 

What the heck. Get both.

 

will you also being going to mini gatherings and participating in the entire mini experience? I know in my area there is no Mazda type gatherings that i know of.

My local mini club has events 2 to 3 times a month and that was a big part of getting a mini again.

 

Well they make both cars don't they, so it's really a subjective decision that only you can make. There is a market for both cars.

Since there is nothing glaring about either as a reason not to buy [e.g., that's a lemon car or troublesome year] all you are really asking is someone to make the decision for you. Kinda like asking "Should I date this person, marry her, what do you think?" In the end it is what pleases you.

I'd get the MINI. It probably will hold its value longer than the Mazda.

When gas gets to $8 a gallon [about 18 months?] the MINI getting 25 to 32 average MPG will be a real savings.

And as you can read from all the posts in here, and will experience, the MINI is a fun car to drive. Why not have fun while being chained to the car.

And consider praticality. All things being equal, neither car is impractical, so why not tip the scales toward buying the MINI. If the MINI was only a toy and weekend car [it's not], then the Mazda makes more sense. But the MINI is both fun and practical. That's a rare combo to find.

And since I have the MINI cabriolet, be warned that the soft top adds about 110% to the fun factor of the MINI. Be prepared to be the most popular person at work and in the neighborhood. I have new friends I never knew existed.

 

 

and I forgot to mention how practical my mini is. It routinely hauls stuff for landscaping projects (bags of dirt, mulch, and a tons of flowers...lol.),weeks worth of Groceries, Wedding gifts, and Lord Farley the basset hound.

 

Mini's are way cool but the MS3 flies. If you're not getting a soft top it would be too close to call for me, 'cause there's no such theing as too much power...

 

Dunno i drove the mazda and disliked the tubo lag.

 

My Cooper (with the seats down) swallowed a set of S-lights (with tires) and had a little space left over "to boot".

 

A Mazda gets lost in a sea of cars, a MINI does not. I mean prior to owning my MINI I never went ooooh did you see that Mazda go by... but maybe that's just me

 

You'll never regret opting for the Mini! Go for it - you won't even look back. Good luck in your decision - you sure don't want any should of, would of, could of hanging over your decision

 

Thank you very much, all of you for your encouraging words.. I have to also look at the finance aspect of this decision as well. If the fun wears off and Im paying for a very expensive car, it won't be a happy time for me.

That being said, it was brought up to me that all cars after 3-6 months become just a payment..

What sayest thou to that?

Thanks, I must admit, this board has some of the nicest people I have ever met on a car forum!

 

I really need to get a picture of my english bull dog. His name is Dozer and he just adds to the looks I get when he jumps out of my new mini. The car is a head turner, and I really think it's much easier to fix in the long run. I just don't see the Mazda being that way. I also know from doing dent repair, the mini is solid where as the Mazda is not. jmho...

Take style, economy, and performance and you have a pretty hard 1,2,3 punch to beat. This all reminds me of when I was looking at a BMW and a Volvo. I bought the Volvo Race Wagon. I was upset with that choice from the minute I drove it off the lot and came up to a BMW.

 

This dog requires a MINI

 

Only you can be the judge of how your car will be perceived in a few months. Everyone is different, or are you just looking for people to coo in on how much they like their MINIs?

From a financial perspective I think the MINI is better spent money, whereas the Mazda will depreciate at an average pace, maybe about $2k to $3k a year.

If you ever had to sell the MINI due to job loss or whatever, you can rest easier at night knowing you won't be taking as big a hit than if you had the Mazda. If you need to unload the car, the MINI will sell fast. The Mazda will not.

 

I wouldn't get a MS3, my brother had 2 brand new and they both developed a turbo seal leak within 20k. At first he thought he had a lemon so he traded it in for a newer one and the same thing happened. This may be the exception to the rule, but from my semi-personal experience I think the cars are crap.

 

"That being said, it was brought up to me that all cars after 3-6 months become just a payment..

What sayest thou to that?"
Whomever sayeth that was a phool and a varlet (or varmint or whatever).
First sat in mine in Feb of '02, drove it home that day, and I'd still rather be drivin' that car than doing just about anything else. Payment, indeed! And what? Your kids are just overhead for gettin' the girl of your dreams? Pah!
If you have to think about it that much, get the MS3. That way you've got the rest of your life to regret it.
Sorry, sometimes I get a little carried away. Carry on.
p.s. I like the dog.

 

Sources for what? should I put "in my opinion"? That gets old man, c'mon.

I'm saying to the OP ......the odds of your Mazda engine going out between the 4th year and the 5th year of ownership are about "nill" which means highly unlikely.
That would lead to my next point, I don't believe the Mazda 5 year powertrain warranty should outweigh the MINI 4 year bumper to bumper warranty, they are written completely different. In my opinon of course.