... Thanks to the extremely poor service I got from the Mazda dealer today (in Alhambra I might add). I currently have a Mazda3 hatch and we just got my wife a PW/W MCS 6-Speed and I must say that the Mazda just drives like crap in comparison. I don't even miss any of the extra gadgets my GT has.

I got back in the Mazda today after 2 calls to Mazda roadside assistance for jump starts and drove it and was could not believe how soft the brakes and clutch felt in comparison to the MINI. It's not a bad car, it's just built like crap and has Ford quality dealers who jerk me around.

Soooo, I'm thinking about getting an '09 MCS to replace this Mazda or maybe even a base MC. I think the clubman is pretty ugly (no offense) so even though I could use the extra utility, I would prefer just to get a normal coupe.

Anyone think it's completely impractical to have 2 of the same MINI? I guess it's kind of weird to have matching cars, but the MINI is the nicest car in its price range that isn't a Mazda or VW (Bad service with both those brands). The A3 is out of our price range since we'd 'need' an s-line. I heard the '09 WRX is supposed to get a healthy power and features boost, but would likely get half of the MCS's mileage and I have no idea what Subaru service is like. Any other suggestions?

 

Only two...next you'll need a classic

 

Nope nothing wrong with two in the family. I am awaiting the arrival of our first mini and am already making plans to possibly get another in 5-6 months. Did the same with a couple of corvettes and jeeps.

 

Yeah I'd love a classic, but that'll have to wait until I have a garage someday. Though, I'd likely rather get another bmw 1602 (my first car), that was loads of fun.

 

Nothing wrong with being a 2 MINI family, we've been one for 3 years now.

 

We were almost a 2 MINI family (adding a Clubman to the mix) but alas, my sister decided to go with a Jetta TDI. It was down to the wire, but V-Dub won by a hair.

I test drove along with her for both, and quite honestly, the TDI was a better choice for her. She has much a more practical personality when it comes to cars, and the TDI fit her needs better in terms of power, fuel economy, and comfort level with VW. And man was that trunk cavernous for a sedan. Overall I was very impressed by the TDI's quiet engine, power, and ride. It is also about $2K cheaper than a comparably equipped MCCa.

As for VW service, I am completely with you (Mom has a 2004 'Reg and she was literally put through the ringer for a bad TPMS) , but all things said sis had a trouble free 2001 Golf, not a single warranty-type issue until 75k when her water pump died on her. I guess it all depends on what car (not what brand) you get.

 

Nothing wrong, after I bought my first GP I found and bought a second. I've since sold one of the GP's and am awaiting my 09 JCW. Go for it, you only live once. Cheers

 

The name says it all I say "go for it"

 

I agree... Just picked up MINI #3 Wednesday (waiting for a good time for picks of the triplets). That makes a '95 Cooper, '05 MCS, & '08 MCS in a two car garage... still have room for the lawnmower and stuff.

 

You've a tiny lawn I'd imagine.

 

Very nice all, thanks for the positive reinforcement. I think I'm pretty set on another MINI anyways, they're just such a blast! I guess the question I must answer to myself now is to get a stripped one to save cash or get a more loaded one than what we have since I'd be paying for most of this one with the sale of my Mazda (~15k ish). Then again, going all out on a JCW sounds great too... But regardless of which I get, I'm sure it'll be a helluva lot more enjoyable than my Mazda!

DrewN: Yes, some VW's are definitely more reliable than others, but they all get serviced by the same idiots at the dealer. No offense to anyone who is affiliated, but they're such a pain in the **** to work with!

 

Wow you got another? Grats! ok which one comes to the Dragon next year?

 

jeffc-what kind of wheels are those on the MINI to the right in your sig?

 

I would recommend a Prius if you need extra carrying capacity. It is a great car. As you can expect, with a MCS and Prius, we are not the oil companies most ideal family

 

Go for 2. We have a hard top and a convertible.

We even have brought home a big screen tv, night stands for the bedroom. You would be amazed at what can fit in a convertible with the top down. Of course , your car might then be taller than it is long, but a passenger can hold onto most things that might fly out at highway speeds

 

We are on a 1/4 acre with a walk out basement so a hill- don't ask me to show pictures of the lawn- I'd rather drive my MINI or Mini.

You'll be seeing Sue's MINI... that way each one has the Dragon experience (although we might end up taking both blue ones- Penfold with 65,000 miles needs a rest).

I can't think of anything more fun than walking into a garage and wondering which MINI will I drive today Although it took over 100 miles before I was able to use my key (Sue and the MA had programmed it for metric!)

 

we got a pretty stripper Clubman on the way and the MDX get parked for when the extended clan needs to be shuttled (wife is fifth beer in a six-pack of kids, so there are tons of nieces and nephews...) Figure the gas savings alone is about half the payment....

And we have a one year old and a 3 year old....

Matt

 

Yeah, I do !!!

It's more practical to have THREE.

 

It works for us. Clubbie is a hoot!

 

Now we have a '62, '75 Clubby Estate, an '04 S, and a Clubman S. That's enough for now...

 

Warning!!! Some people just can't stop at two MINI's

I use the big truck for my heavy hauling .

 

Sounds like a good idea!! We just ordered my wife's MCS and I'm already thinking about one for myself...

 

As much as me and my wife love our MCS, I wouldn't want more than one (unless it was a classic or a project car), it would make it less special. Not to mention as fun as it is to drive, with a family, I need something a little bigger and more practical as my other car.

 

I wish I could justify another one. I really do require my pickup truck, and I'm driving a E-34 530i as my "beater ride", I love that car....200K and running like a top, I'm going drive it until it dies.
Then I'll put another Mini in the Driveway.

 

Absolutely!!