If the Mini didn't exsist, what car would you buy in it's place and why? I'm looking for alternate vehicles. I have my mini on order. I've researched quite a bit before deciding on the mini, but I just want to take one last look at what is available to make sure I've chosen the right car in case I seem to have overlooked a cheaper car that would do just about as good for me. What car would you choose in it's place?

 

Depends on your price flexibility.

If you're interested in a less expensive alternative, take a look at the Scion tC (the latest one). I saw one at the dealer but didn't test drive it. Plenty of power, interesting features, exceptional fit and finish (it's a Toyota...) and very good standard equipment for the price point. I'd definitely check it out if I was in the market today.

 

I'm not a fan of American stuff usually but I would consider a Focus SVT Zx3 or Zx5.

 

VW R32 nimble like the mini ..all wheel drive....can easily mod to make fast...almost as fun as a mini

 

R32 would be good, but I don't know what the pricing is like compared to MINI or a Focus.

 

I agree 911

I drove one.... I really liked it
It's as fast as my MCS was b4 any mods.
It seems to be alot of car for the $$$$$ and you can't beat Toyota for reliability.


Peace,
D 8)

 

Lotus Elise.

 

Kinda depends, but I've considered-

Golf R32, Subie WRX wagon, Golf TDI, Infiniti G35 coupe

 

VW Golf 32 ---->$30K
Lotus Elise ----> $40K+

Nah thanks. For the money the MINI is hard to beat. I guess the Scion tc is OK but it is still a souped up Euro market Toyota Avensis (Camry).

Take a look at the Pontiac GTO...RWD, 6-speed manual, 5.7L V8 with 350HP stock, built in Australia like a tank, gorgeous interior, materials and fit and finish all for $30K. Those cars are catching dust at Pontiac dealer's backlots and they are willing to discount.

If you want brutal power, great handling, in a "sleeper" looking car with a Corvette engine and room for 4 adults (The seats are simply awesome), the GTO can't be beat.

But a stock MCS is still $10K cheaper than a GTO. The MINI offers safety, technology, looks, value and resale that very, very few or almost no other car in its immediate price range can't possibly match.

 

When I was comparing the Mini to other cars I had it narrowed down to four cars including the Mini. The Scion TC, VW GTI 1.8T, Dodge Neon SRT-4 (Only because of the raw power!) and the Mini S. My goal was to get a car that got 30+ highway mpg and was good on the resale market because I only plan on keeping it for a couple of years. I drove them all and of course the Mini won hands down. My second pick would definitely be the Scion Tc because of the price and resale on Toyotas.

 

RX 8 or R32

 

911 huh? sure I like it, but can I afford it? NO. My boss at my
previous company had a 911 turbo bright red, forgot which year but
it was super super super fast. My car felt like dogs after that run
and was in a withdrawl for several weeks.

I asked him not to bring the car to work any more. hehehe. :smile:
Then he shows up with a brand new 500SL with Bilstein aftermarket
sus and Lorinser wheels. then I quit the company.

If the MINI was not available, I would've just went my original route
and got a FR coupe (G35 Coupe 6MT). Since I had a modded FF and
AWD, my next goal was to go FR, but then the MINI popped up so I
said heck with FR, going FF again. I'm glad I did. I'll be getting
the G35 sedan probably next year (not to replace my mcs).

 

I'd still be driving my '00 VW GTI 1.8T if the MINI hadn't come along.

 

For 20-25K, the alternatives are limited IMO. I'd probably go WRX...

 

Well I'd of got a Volvo S40...:smile:

I just love them...:smile:

 

I'd either still be in my previous ride, a 2000 Golf GTI VR6 or in a new R32. Of course if I didn't need my car for anything more than the occasional blast 'round the race track, I'd be in a Lotus Elise.


Remember LOTUS stands for Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious.


To paraphrase Packard's marketing slogan, "Ask the man who used to own one!"

 

WRX Wagon or Saab 92-X Linear Wagon

WRX = 24,295 base price
92-X = 22,990 base price

Can't compare them to the base Cooper S though when it comes to pricing.

 

I'd save some money and get a 90-97 Miata and turn it into an SCCA Spec Miata. Then I'd take the extra cash and probably get a used 00-04 MR2 Spyder for SCCA Solo II use.

Man, that sound like more fun than just the Mini since I don't feel like putting a rollcage in the new Mini!!!

 

VW R32. I might trade up next year if I can find one at or below MSRP by then.

 

I agree with the above suggestion of Scion and Mazda... but beware of the long term awkwardness of the Miata. Wife's Miata is a pain and 1/2 to get in and out. Driving it is even more cramped if you haven't had your left leg amputated yet! There is simply no room for people with left legs between the door handle and the steering wheel. And I top off at 5'9".
Volvo S40 is a good pick too.

But talking fun factor and style, let's not forget Audi's A4 and TT. TT with a drop top ain't bad. Even the Crossfire convertible dont look too bad, but of course it's American. Reliability?

Pricewise, let's remember that Minis roll off the lot beginning at about $18G and can push $40G (loaded S Works Convertible with oversize cupholder!)

 

Anything that runs on regulars gas, uses regular oil and not synthetic and has a spare tire. 2 more years on the lease and then it's bye bye.

 

i test drove the mazda miata, the wrx, and the celica before the mini... after checking out all possiblities... i think i would've went with a classic red miata, hardtop and the 6 spd manual version... the miata is the only car of the three above that even came close to the mini in pure driving enjoyment..

the wrx had tremendous power.. but i didnt like the way it delivers it

celica has no power, but a sweet as hell top end that none of the three can match

but it's handling that i was after and miata was the closest to the mini in terms of that

 

BMW M coupe. Only a two seater but if I didn't already have one that I could afford to keep I wouldn't get a MINI 1st. They are fast as $hlt, put a huge grin on your face whenever you drive one, and since only like 2,600 were sold in the US they are fairly unique.

Then again you can't get one new but hey ;-)
Patrick

 

If there was no such thing as a MINI when I was looking it would have been the WRX. GTI 1.8T's are nice, but they are blah. The 9-2x is fantastic, because it's a WRX, but with Saab exterior, interior and cachet. The only problem: it's only available as a wagon. Boo!
I haven't read everything that has been written but...hasn't anybody mentioned the Focus SVT yet? This is a serious oversight if not. Those cars are hot.

 

I think that question also depends on ones marital status. Since I got married I felt like I needed to downsize a little. I was looking at the acura rsx although I didn't really care for the style as much as the integras. I also was strongly considering the jetta 1.8T but that changed when the Mini came out and then I took one for a test drive and it was over after that. It was after that point that I could't think of any thing else but getting that Mini. I love the way they look, love even more the way they drive and can't believe how affordable they are.