Probably not the best place to compare cars seeing as how I'll get bias oppinions. I'm looking to buy a new car. I've researched these four cars until I could puke specs. I can't decide on which is the best. They all have their problems. Here is my take with pros and cons:

WRX: Excellent acceleration, All wheel drive, 4 door, Good reliability, Expensive, bad gas mileage
RSX: Good acceleration, Excellent reliability, Good gas mileage, quite ugly
Mazda 3: Good gas mileage, cheapest of the four, alright performance
Cooper S: Good acceleration, excellent handling, trendy looks (Good for now, what about in 5 years?), Gas mileage?(listed good, most people list differently), questionable reliability.

I want: Good+ acceleration, Good+ reliability, Good+ gas mileage, not ugly, not beyond $25000. What is out there?? I've been looking for months and can't decide on a car for me.

Please don't respond with "My car has been running great for 10000 miles now!" That's barely driven! There is no way you can say if it will hold up for the long run. Okay, I'm not trying to diss the Cooper at all. I like it a lot, but is it a badly built car? Be honest and not biased about this. I really need to know how you all feel about the long term reliability of your Mini Coopers. Any other oppinions are welcome. Help me decide on a car even if it isn't a Mini Cooper!

 

I can't say much about the other cars but I'll give you my take on my MCS...

I presently have about 30,700 miles after 14 months. There have been problems--probably the ones that you've read about that are making you question the reliability of the MINI. Frankly, I'm a bit worried about life with this car after warranty, but I've got a little under 20k miles to determine how bad I think it's going to be. Mine is a Dec '02 build 2003 and I know that, since then, they've come a long way in terms of ironing out the bugs inherent in a new platform.

I'd say the overall quality of the car is good, just a bit buggy since it's so new. By no means a sure thing.

 

>>
>>I want: Good+ acceleration, Good+ reliability, Good+ gas mileage, not ugly, not beyond $25000. What is out there?? I've been looking for months and can't decide on a car for me.
>>

Get the Mazda, It's reliable, good on gas, not ugly and under $25k.

Also, have you considered a Nissan Altima?

 

Boge - have you driven any of the cars on your list yet? That may well take some of them off of your list...

They're all NICE cars! I wasn't so impressed with the build and interior of the WRX that I drove, but the car handled and performed VERY well. I rode along in a track-prepped RSX, was impressed, but don't know about the stock performance (this one had a vastly changed suspension, full cage, harnesses, etc.). Don't know a thing about the 3 except that it looks cute and should offer some good reliability. Look for the MazdaSpeed version of it eventually, I'm sure.

What are you going to do with the car? Any performance events? Just look cute and enjoy it on the road? Where do you live that you'll want that all-wheel-drive of the WRX.. unless you're more interested in straight-line performance...

I've had my car for a year in April, so I can't comment on long-term reliability, but what made my choice in the car was the feel on the road and on the track. The handling, stock, is GREAT, and with some easy changes, phenomenal. It made *my* heart sing and felt right when I was driving it.

 

I test drove all the cars you bring up and ended up with my mini. No regrets.
Once you own a mini you dont care about anything else.
I almost bought the WRX but didnt want to spend the money for it.

This story kinda relates but you will get the idea.
Last weekend I got to drive a friends Supra that is mega decked out.
Sure the turbo was nice, and the buttons and gauges were all over the place. But NOTHING handles like a mini NOTHING. To me it was about the price, the looks, the heritage, and the smile it puts on my face to just take off in it. Its a well rounded peg to fit in my round hole.... ok that sounds bad.......

anyhow,
dont think that this car is a fad. Its not going the path of the VW Bug. Where in 24 months you saw them sitting in every used car lot. Its not showing that same pattern. And after all, just in 2 years I have been in more min events and driven with more groups of mini's than you EVER saw with VW.

On the flip side of the coin (to not just keep going yay yaya mini yaya yaya mini)
Get the car that your heart tells you to get. Forget the money, forget the reviews.
If you get what you want then a year from now when you can go back and test drive all the other cars again... you will want to get out and get back in what you decided on and own... and drive off!

 

I recently sold my WRX (which was tuned to about 280 HP) so I could buy a MINI Cooper S. The WRX was very reliable and the AWD was fun in certain driving situations, but the tire noise was loud (partially due to the larger aftermarket tires) and turbo lag combined with the AWD got kind of old when driving around town.

I decided to go for the MCS because it's a tighter feeling car that is cheaper to tune (to a certain point). Plus, it's smaller, so it will be easier/quicker to clean

I haven't driven the RSX or the Mazda 3, but I know the Mazda 3 is actually a relatively big car - it's a couple inches longer than the WRX!

_________________
'04 MCS IB/W on order with the Scorpion exhaust & 16" SSR's wrapped in Yoko's standing by!

 

fueledbymetal, you sig just kills me. I was the same way.... exactly.

 

>>Probably not the best place to compare cars seeing as how I'll get bias oppinions. I'm looking to buy a new car. I've researched these four cars until I could puke specs. I can't decide on which is the best. They all have their problems. Here is my take with pros and cons:
>>
>>WRX: Excellent acceleration, All wheel drive, 4 door, Good reliability, Expensive, bad gas mileage
>>RSX: Good acceleration, Excellent reliability, Good gas mileage, quite ugly
>>Mazda 3: Good gas mileage, cheapest of the four, alright performance
>>Cooper S: Good acceleration, excellent handling, trendy looks (Good for now, what about in 5 years?), Gas mileage?(listed good, most people list differently), questionable reliability.

The MINI look will be more than played out by five years from now, while any one of the anycars you mentioned will look just as nondescript then as it does now.

>>
>>I want: Good+ acceleration, Good+ reliability, Good+ gas mileage, not ugly, not beyond $25000. What is out there?? I've been looking for months and can't decide on a car for me.
>>

Good acceleration pretty much rules out the MCS, although yesterday someone mentioned that the CVT was a "vastly different car" and a "very, very quick car". I never knew that, nor had I ever heard before that the CVT was the performance leader of the MINIs. Anyway, you might be better off with a Mazda.

>>Please don't respond with "My car has been running great for 10000 miles now!" That's barely driven! There is no way you can say if it will hold up for the long run. Okay, I'm not trying to diss the Cooper at all. I like it a lot, but is it a badly built car? Be honest and not biased about this. I really need to know how you all feel about the long term reliability of your Mini Coopers. Any other oppinions are welcome. Help me decide on a car even if it isn't a Mini Cooper!

I get the impression that you're concerned with reliability and quality engineering. As an MCS owner who owns it not as a toy but as a daily driver, I believe you should seriously consider the Mazda.

 

I have owned my S since July 02. I have put 83,400 miles on it from vacations, meets, auto-crosses and commutes back and forth to work. If you are wondering about the reliability of the MINI this is about the best indicator you will probably find any where.

 

If all you can say about the Cooper's looks is that they're trendy, I don't think you really get it. You'll probably be happier with one of the others.

 

boge -

for what it is worth, i have an MCS on order, but i also have the mazda (my son's car). i am aware of the problems that are inherent with the mini, but my primary reason for getting the mini was more a blend of "fashion on wheels" statement and the fact that my mini is my everyday "fun" car. my passion for getting one has probably blinded me to some degree, but it will be interesting to see how tolerant i am (as far as reliability is concerned) after having bought japanese for so many years.

on the other hand, my son's mazda (5dr version) is a wonderful car to drive.
it could use some more horses, but the handling and the creature comforts in his car are wonderful. recently, i borrowed his car for a long distance trip and the handling at high speeds was very inspiring (85-90 mph most of the way). this is my son's first new car and we picked his up loaded for a tad over 17k.

i think it comes down to passion versus practicality. i realize the mazda is probably a more practical car, but like i said, i have a passion for getting the mini.

hope this helps,
spirit16
---------------
coming to a road near you: 04MCS,EB/W,fogs,MFSW

 

If you can't look at the MINI and immediately know that's the one you want, then get the Madza. I've owned a Mazda MPV and a Mazda pickup, both great vehicles.


spirit16,

Your color choice and option choice look great. In my opinion you got just what's needed to make your MINI the best value possible.


R.E.


:smile:

 

This is an interesting question. I was in the "Must Have a MINI" Club. The first time I saw one, I knew it was the only car I really wanted.

That being said, I've been wondering lately about teh competition. Is there any? I think the WRX is too expensive to really equate. And the Mazda 3 is not in the same class really. The car I wonder about most is the RSX-S. It looks very Japanese, but it seem to have a lot of performance for the money.

And what about the Golf GTI? I looked at one when I happened to be at the VW dealer for my Passat, but it didn't really move me.

What do you guys think the competition for the MCS really is? Beetle Turbo? PT Cruiser Turbo? RSX? I wonder.

 

Replace the Mazda 3 with Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V and those were the same cars I was looking at before I got my MCS. I had formerly owned a '98 Integra GS-R which I loved, making me pretty attached to the Acura brand. The Nissan was pretty much out after the first time I drove it, just not impressed. The RSX was fun and I loved the seats it came with and the 200hp VTEC but the handling was really lacking. The brakes specifically were weak and it broke loose all at once at the edge of its cornering threshold which turned me off immediately. So for me it came down the WRX or MCS. The WRX was a steeper bill every month, but let's face it, you get more car for that money, (4 doors, a trunk, etc). The deciding factor turned out to be this: I realized that both times I test drove the Cooper S I had a big stupid grin on my face and immediately felt comfortabel bombing into corners. Any car that can do both of those was for me. I have felt a little twinge every time I see my friends with their 300hp Scoobies running 13's without breaking a sweat, but I love my car.
I just wanted to check in since you are facing the same dilemma I did about a year and half ago.
Oh yeah, I have almost 27,000 miles on my car.

 

>>This is an interesting question. I was in the "Must Have a MINI" Club. The first time I saw one, I knew it was the only car I really wanted.
>>
>>That being said, I've been wondering lately about teh competition. Is there any? I think the WRX is too expensive to really equate. And the Mazda 3 is not in the same class really. The car I wonder about most is the RSX-S. It looks very Japanese, but it seem to have a lot of performance for the money.
>>
>>And what about the Golf GTI? I looked at one when I happened to be at the VW dealer for my Passat, but it didn't really move me.
>>
>>What do you guys think the competition for the MCS really is? Beetle Turbo? PT Cruiser Turbo? RSX? I wonder. :smile:

R.E.

 

I considered the RSX-S as one of the several other cars when i was purchasing in July of last year...

What made my decision.. the same as a couple other people said... I actually was excited to just to test drive the MINI each time I was going out to do so..

Hell, i still get excited to drive it -and it isn't only because of the looks or the fun handling.. it's the whole package as far as "Fun Driving" goes..

I don't look back at all and think i made the wrong decision, my next car will be a MINI too

 

The FWD GTI is probably honest competition since it is in the same class, same goes for the New Beetle 1.8T and SVT Focus. The WRX isn't in the same class, but the fact is that SCCA class doesn't matter driving down Main St.
My opinion:
The WRX is pretty much always going to be faster. It does a sub 6sec 0-60 right out of the box. On the plus side, I don't think people equate the two. You have to compare cars that, to the untrained eye, are similar. Like...
The VW GTI. Any GTI can get really nasty, really quick. But the real danger is the R32, which would pretty much own own an MCS six ways to Sunday if they are both in similar trim levels.
The SVT Focus. Most people don't even know what an SVT car is. Stock vs. Stock we should win this one (road course, street) but if you don't you are going to have to listen to people say "You got beat by a Focus? And that's no fun. Same thing goes for the PT Turbo and the Beetle 1.8T.
Among the cars I discussed, I would much rather (let's just hold this to an image standpoint) be seen driving a Cooper S than a Focus, PT Cruiser or New Beetle. The Golf is a toss-up with the edge going to the MCS for the styling and, shall we say? Panache.
Turbo kits for the Civic EX are cheap and very effective. It's the easiest thing in the world to hot rod a Honda now. But girls dig the MINI.

 

Since 4-doors are in the mix, what about the TSX? IMO, it looks a lot better than the RSX.

 

>>If all you can say about the Cooper's looks is that they're trendy, I don't think you really get it. You'll probably be happier with one of the others.


in a nutshell that raps it up quite well!!
good point

 

co-worker has RSX. My MINI S is faster and corners better. Reliability? They're both under 15,000 miles with no problems.

I like the interior of the RSX, but it is totally different than the MINIs. Side by side, stock, the RSX sits higher and doesn't look as sporty. Now that my MINI is lowered, there is no comparison.

RSX sunroof, when open, is quieter than MINIs at freeway speeds, though.

RSX has more storage space, if that is important.

If you autocross, the MINI seems to be a better choice.

 

Mazda reliability? Last I checked that was pretty much an oxymoron, especially since Ford took over. I was not very happy with fit and finish on my '02 Miata, and the several other newer Mazdas that I have had the chance to drive lately have not impressed me at all.

Trendy looks on the MINI? Hokay... trendy since 1960 maybe...

WRX? Too soft handling and chintzy inside. AWD is very nice, but it wasn't enough to keep me in my old Evo 8, much less a poorer handling WRX or STi.

Honda? Isn't that Japanese for "sheep" or "herd animal"?

There ya go, lots of opinions, I have more if you need em... heh

 

you might add the SVT Focus into the mix. Road and Track rated it a better bet mostly based on cost $20k vs $25 for an S but the actual performance was too close to call. In their opinions at the end of the article, both authors thought the MINI was more fun primarily due to aesthetics and heritage.

Also, lots of tuning available for the SVT engine. The $5k difference in price was all the stuff that came standard on the SVT: leather, 17" five spoke, upgraded stereo, sunroof, blah blah. The looks, IMHO, are polarizing. Either you like it or you don't.

Just another choice...

 

Considering that im a MCS and WRX owner and considered the RSX-S and
now considering the 3, i am in your same ball park when it comes to cars. :smile:

Here are my honest thoughts:

1. MCS - great package, great fuel economy, no need to modify, just dealer
options and Im happy with it. Cargo space is very small but have another
car to carry people and luggage and commute on.
my MCS was $27.5K with the options.

2. WRX - factory form ...not good. handling sloppy, acceleration is better,
styling was ugly. I spent about $13K to where I am now. I have no
real 'complaints' on my modded WRX. very fast, quite agile...tranny
could use some help though especially while cold. Otherwise, great
weekend car. It gets very expensive very fast on the WRX hopups.

3. RSX-S good, but just another Honda... would need at least $5k of
modding to get it to where a sportcompact should be. Styling not that
great. Interior was nice, but bought the MCS instead because i didn't
want to spend any more time and money modding cars.

4. 3 - probably the best overall package as a commuter and fun car.
If i only had budget to buy one car, I would get the 3 over the others.
Its affordable, great looking interior and out, decent cargo space, plus,
the tuners will have inexpensive lowing kits, etc in the near future
guarenteed!



fueledbymetal- your signature continues to crack me up.

 

RomhoG, kenchan,

I'm glad you enjoy - it helps make the wait more bearable!

 

>>Considering that im a MCS and WRX owner and considered the RSX-S and
>>now considering the 3, i am in your same ball park when it comes to cars. :smile:
>>
>>Here are my honest thoughts:
>>
>>1. MCS - great package, great fuel economy, no need to modify, just dealer
>> options and Im happy with it. Cargo space is very small but have another
>> car to carry people and luggage and commute on.
>> my MCS was $27.5K with the options.
>>
>>2. WRX - factory form ...not good. handling sloppy, acceleration is better,
>> styling was ugly. I spent about $13K to where I am now. I have no
>> real 'complaints' on my modded WRX. very fast, quite agile...tranny
>> could use some help though especially while cold. Otherwise, great
>> weekend car. It gets very expensive very fast on the WRX hopups.
>>
>>3. RSX-S good, but just another Honda... would need at least $5k of
>> modding to get it to where a sportcompact should be. Styling not that
>> great. Interior was nice, but bought the MCS instead because i didn't
>> want to spend any more time and money modding cars.
>>
>>4. 3 - probably the best overall package as a commuter and fun car.
>> If i only had budget to buy one car, I would get the 3 over the others.
>> Its affordable, great looking interior and out, decent cargo space, plus,
>> the tuners will have inexpensive lowing kits, etc in the near future
>> guarenteed!

My goodness, you'd lose the MINI for a 3??!! How's the 3 handle? I haven't driven one, so I wouldn't know, but I do know this: on looks alone, the MINI has no equal in its price class. I posted this earlier on another thread, but here it is again:

Put all the new cars in the 18-22 K price bracket for the regular Cooper and the S. Then put the JCW S in w/ all the cars in the next price bracket- another 4-6 K. Evaluate the cars in each category for speed, handling, appearance and features. You want more power than an S? How about equal or better handling? How about a car that looks good to go with all that? I'd bet the deposit on my S coming later this year that anyone doing this will put the MINI #1 on their short list. The only real argument, IMO, is whether a regular Cooper, an S, or a Works S is the best choice. Find me a better car for the same price that makes me smile as much as my MINI and I'll buy it.