Understanding there may be a bias towards the Mini, but what is your opinion on going with either of these two vehicles? The Mini loaded out will run around 32K, a certified pre-owned BMW with Sport, Cold weather package will run around 30 (and could probably talk 'em down from there).

Drove my friends '98 3 series, was solid and quite fun, but not much experience with BMW...

So what do you think? Certified Pre-Owned 3 Series Convertible, 325 or 330 with (~30,000 miles), or new 07 MCSC?

Thanks for your insight(s)

 

Some random thoughts:

I was kinda making a choice like this a few months ago. The lease on my Z4 was ending. I liked the MSCS. But I also test drive a new M3 and a new E46 330ci w/performance package. The Mini is more fun in many ways - lighter, easier to throw around. And the fact that I was started to get fed up with the poor customer service from my BMW dealer, and the lack of loaded M3/330i's (since the new ones were coming out shortly) swayed me towards the MINI. But I do miss the perfectly balanced 3 series, and the great inline 6 engine, and RWD. And I do sometimes wonder why I paid $38k+ for this little car. Sometimes. :-)

I love BMW. Before the Z4 I had two 3 series (a 2000 323i and a 2002 330i). I am sure I'll buy another 3 series one day. But personally I don't trust CPO cars or ones out of warranty. Everyone I know who got a CPO one had problems, and many people I know who have had one out of warranty complain about the outrageous prices you pay to fix minor things that suddenly break once the full and maintenance warranties expire. Unless you find a dealer, they'll find an incredible number of minor things that need to be fixed, adjusted, replaced, etc, and it'll cost quite a lot.

I hope the 1 series comes to America soon.

But let me confirm that I do love the MINI cabrio, and I hope that my financial situation lets me keep it for a long long time - and also allow me to pick up a new 335i in a few years.

 

For my 2 cents, it is also an image thing. I'm not sure my clients would be too keen on me driving up in a BMW, which is percieved as the more expensive vehicle. Also, I think the concensus tends to lean more toward the Mini being a fun car - I know I grin like an idiot while motoring. On the other hand, I did not even test drive anything by BMW before purchasing my Mini, so I can't really compare. I do like the new car with warantee and maintainance paid for - these BMWs and Minis are a lot more expensive to maintain and repair than my old toyotas and hondas....

 

I'm coming out of a 1994 325 vert and I was considering a cert pre-owned 2004 330 ci before test driving the MINI. For my 2 cents, I wanted a different feeling car. When I drove the new BMW it was "OK". I drove the same car for 12 years and wanted something different. The MINI just felt different-more fun. In spite of smaller apperance, I think interior room is about the same and when you drop down rear seats in the MINI there is actually more storage space. The MINI feels more like a "sports car"(handeling, lower to ground, etc) Just more fun. Front wheel drive offers different feel and better snow driving(I think-it hasn't snowed yet). If you are an enthusiest and just enjoy the car as you take your daily ride I think you will appreciate the MINI for what it is-pure fun.

 

Only problem for me is the 3 seems to be almost a cliche...the mini, different. Have to test drive the 3, tho I cannot imagine it would paste a smile on my face the way the miniS (and my unfortunately gone, WRX did). Have an Element for the winter, and a Camary for gadding about town...so this Mini or 3 will be for fun weekends and sunny days.

go go global warming

 

I say that the best bet would be the Mini Cooper S Cabrio. Its an amazing car!

 

For what it's worth, insurance on a MINI is shockingly cheap compared to other 'sporty' cars like an Acura RSX, Subaru WRX, Civic Si, etc. Insurance on our '06 S cabrio is just a few dollars more than our '03 Honda minivan, and unlike the Honda, our rates have actually dropped a few dollars over the years. I carried full coverage on a '93 Civic Si under the same carrier for 10 years, and my rates NEVER went down. Both MINIs and Bimmers are great cars, but an entry level MINI costs half of an entry level BMW, and I think that difference will reflect in operating costs over the years.

 

Forget the BMW conv't, I don't see to many BMW owners drive with the top down... There must be a reason. I love the 1 push button that gets the MCSc top to do it's thing. You don't have to hassle with anything. If you want to do at the stop light you can start the windows going down and the sunroof to open(now that's 2 buttons)and when you get to the stoplight,within a few seconds the top is down. I even put my top up on the freeway in heavy traffic because I didn't want to smell the trucks exhaust anymore.
07 technologies are going to be better than 04 .. BMW owners are you know @#$% ? and MINI owners are cool...

 

I'm sure to get hell for it, but ever since the new 3 (E90/92/93), & the new 5 (E60) came out I feel like the E36 and E46 look SOOO old and outdated... It almost feels like there is an evolutionary step missing. Get a MINI - truly a fun/original/different little car... The 3 series is so... well overpriced for starters... and repairs once it goes out of warranty - ouch...

I had a manual 4dr 325 E90 lease carwith all the options when I worked for BMW's design studio and while it drove nice it was ridiculous how expensive the car was if I had had to buy it: $46K!!! For an entry level mid-size sedan (sure it had all the options, but $46K!!!)

That's DOUBLE the price of the MCS we ended up buying and I really don't think that any 3 series (including the latest ones) are twice the car an MCS is.

You get what feels good to you of course, but this is my opinion.

-e

 

BTW, a co-worker had the car you're considering... the convertible top leaks (she had a brand new car) and the backseat feels even more cramped than the one in the back of the MINI.

 

Your test drive opinion is key here of course, but beyond that, I would personally choose the newer/low mileage one over CPO. I have heard some people's bad experiences with CPO cars and would suggest that if you are considering it be sure to have it inspected for prior accidents, mechanical issues and such.

 

I think it also depends on how long you are going to keep it. Repairs and maintenance on a 6-9 year old Bimmer are going to be a killer, but if you're only going to keep it for a couple of years, you might be OK.

 

ChuckyTLC has a good point, although I would add that after owning it 2 years, you would have a 4 year old Bimmer (out of warranty) to unload and that might prove to be a difficult sale for that very reason...

-e

 

My wife has a 2k5 325i - the last of the E46's with Sport/Comfort/convenience etc packages.

Its a hell of a car, really, really solid, fairly quick, super comfortable and IMO very stylish too.

However, almost every time we go anywhere, we take my MCS.

The BMW is insanely good, it make no fuss whatsoever about anything, but it is almost zero 'fun' compared to the Mini