Greetings all,

It's been some time since I've posted on NAM. I've been tied up in grad school for the last couple of years and I've also been MINIless since I sold my modified 02 MCS just before I started school.

Anyway let me get to the point. Now that I'm ready to buy a fun toy again my budget is increased to the 35-40k range. That gives me a lot of really great options, alll with their own pros/cons. Anyway here is my short list:


2011 MCS JCW - loaded up to 40k
BMW 135i used
BMW Z4M coupe used
BMW 2006 M3 used
Porsche cayman s used
Nissan 370Z touring used
Audi TT 2008+ used
Subie WRX STi 2009+

I don't have any kids and won't any time soon. Whatever I buy will be a daily driver. I'll have a daily commute of 15-20 miles (one way). Napa Valley/Fairfield/Vacaville California area.

I'm about 98% sure I'll end up withanother MINI in my driveway, but some of my other options are very tempting so I want to make sure I give them due dillegence. Please help me weigh the pros cons. Thanks everyone.

 

Everything on your list is used. So it boils down to, do you want new or used?

 

Sounds like you're dead set on a Mini but if you want to invest $35-$40K I'd go for a new (lightly optioned) 128I or 135I.

 

Man at $40 large the MINI is anything but a good deal. For that kind of money you can buy a lot more car.

I love my MINI, but only about $25 large worth of love.

Good luck on your decision.

 

Hey Biggripper -- every car you listed is worthy of a driving enthusiast's money, and the size of the car shouldn't have anything to do with "value" when you are buying a sports car. However, you should consider if a sporty body (i.e. Cayman, TT, Z) is worth the trade off of loosing storage/passenger room. The JCW is a very sporty ride, as it's a serious sports car cloaked in hatchback bodywork, which is actually pretty practical. The BMW/Suby coupes even more so. I had a friend that had a hard time getting his golf gear in a 350Z. Something to consider: since this will be a daily driver, you might want to ask how the car will fit your daily lifestyle. All the best with your new ride!

 

All good choices, but only you can make the decision. I'm not sure I would want to spend 40K on a MINI, but it's your money.

 

Do what I did....look....look...and again look for a gently used MINI that fits mostly what you want. Then after purchase start customizing. I finally got the MINI I always wanted but at a price I didn't think I would get it at.

 

aLL GOOD CHOCE.... good luck

 

I would go for a lightly used certified 135i or Cayman S.

 

Thanks for the thoughts everyone.
After further consideration and discussion w my wife I think I have narrowed it down to the MINI the Subie or the 135i. I just need to have a somewhat functional rear seat and some actual cargo space.
I'm not a fan of the idea of spending nearly 40k on a MINI. I actually would prefer to buy used or even better CPO, but with MINIs vast array of options it makes it extremely difficult to find the one that you want i.e. Finding one that has every gadget and option only to find it is automatic or the wrong color. I've been looking for months.

I could certainly consider cutting some options from my dream MINI to get the price down (ie no nav and no jcw aero kit). I've also looked at what options can be added later (suspension)

Again, I've had a MINI before so I'm pretty sure it's the best fit for me. Also, I'm a big fan of hatchbacks. Based on that, it's down to MINI vs Subie. I guess I'll need to see if I can drive a JCW and a the STi on the same day and get a feel for the two cars. I haven't driven a MINI since my 02.

Sorry for the ramble, folks.

 

I was in the same boat as you a few years ago, but since I was looking for an open car, the other cars on my "short list" were a year-old Lotus Elise or a year-old Porsche Boxter 'S' (the convertible BMW 1-series hadn't been released at the time). I ended up going with a new convertible MINI 'S' optioned to the tune of about $36k and have never looked back.