I am thinking of trading in my car for a mini, yes its not rear wheel drive which really sucks but i drove the mini. My first impressions are damm its like gocart... WOO was it fun i was wondering how is the handling compared to the rx8, I know its a liitle slower but off the line it goes. The rx8s 3rd gear not much can compete with its 3rd gear. 3rd gear is a little under 100 which is great. What sucks is The dealer would not let me have as much fun with the mini as i wanted to but it was nice. I was thinking of buying a 2005 with lsd cooper s base lighter the better what is a good price and any deals going on

 

Depending on where you live, MSRP is a good deal. Many dealers on the west coast are charging over MSRP.

 

Also, if you have more than one dealer nearby, try them for a test drive. Some will let you go my yourself, and others, the salesperson (AKA MA) will actually encourage 'spirited' driving!

And as said above, MSRP is more or less standard. With MINI, you usually have better chances scoring a deal by receiving free/discounted dealer options.

-Paul!

 

Unlike Mazdas and other "mainstream" cars, MINIs are typically sold for not less than window sticker MSRP and in some cases added mark-up.

MINIs continue to sell briskly with no incentives and very little advertaising, hence dealers are in no need to haggle down their prices to move them out.

 

i was able to take the MINI out twice by myself when I took a test drive, so you should be able to do the same.

Also, look into the special editions coming up with some JCW factory install, special seats, and more to come.

 

Thanks guys, My one ? is does it out handle the rx8 or is it close or not a chance....

 

Some handling is subjective, but Road and Track lists the Mazda RX-8 as being capable of going through their slalom at 68.4mph. The Mini can do it in 69.5mph. To me the Mini feels very stable and is one of the best handling cars out there. In fact, look through Road and Track and see what other cars beat 69.5mph. Not many, and it wasn't that long ago, the Mini was the only car Road and Track tested that was capable of even hitting 69.5mph through the slalom, beating out Ferrari's, Porsches and the such. Loose the runflats and it would be much quicker. The 69.5 was on the heaviest stock wheel Mini makes, as well as on awful runflat tires. I don't see many other cars running through the slalom on runflats either. I would opt for the 16" wheels. And if you are looking for performance only, you are on the right track on getting it stripped, to cut down the weight. Good luck, they are really a very fun car.

 

Are you from Florida?

 

I actually drove an RX8 before I chose to go with my MINI Cooper S, so I'll add my $0.02. The handling on the MINI, to be honest, feels a lot more connected than that on an RX8, and that's saying a lot! My S with the sports suspension handles with authority at even unreasonable speeds . Plus, the MINI is a bit lighter, which just adds to the agility. It goes without saying which one I chose , but I would really recommend getting a complete feel for the MINI before making the final decision. I am confident that you won't be disappointed.

 

Dan, I am in Florida. For completeness, I bought my MINI for MSRP (plus accessories) in West Palm, at Braman.

 

Hey dan its Danny( used have the 2001 eclipse Gt) I am also jakes friend..

 

I like the RX8, but the mini has always been the car i wanted to get. The mini has power, cornering, and the best part is the fun factor. No other car i have ever driven (including Porsches and Corvettes) have lived up to the fun that this car is to drive. I cant even explain why, but there us something magical about the Mini.

Also, i heard that there is a very bad low end power band in rotary engines. Is this true?

 

I can atest to the 'spirited' driving test drive. My MA said "have fun" when I took a brand new 05 MCSA for a test drive about 2 months ago.

Yes the car you be lucky to pay @ or just under MSRP. The accessories have alot of profit in them so your more likely to get a break on those.

 

That's what I thought. Get the Mini. with a couple mods, it is faster then the RX8, and handles better also. did you come up to NJ yet?

 

There is NO reason at this point to pay over sticker price. If the dealer you're talking to is marking it up go elsewhere.

 

That is totally true. You can get at MSRP no problem.

 

We have a 04 RX-8 (MT w/all packages) and an 02 MCS. The 8 is a very nice car but I will take the MINI any day. I recently tracked the 8 at New Hampshire Int'l Speedway and it did very well but overall the MINI is a much better handling and much more fun vehicle.

 

no not yet i will be in Nj on May 10- May-- 13th i wanted to stay longer but my i have work.