Oh no, I think I'm going to swap the MINI for an R32
 

Resale value is suppose to be good on the MINI and I only have 4.7K miles on mine. I'm thinking of selling it and getting a R32. I don't have to drive a lot so good gas mileage isn't much of a concern of mine. I haven't had any problems or issues with my MINI but I can't think the R32 is any less reliable than the R56.

What's the consensus? :confused: help.... :)

To each his own.

I was hoping someone would talk me out of this... :lol:

Anyone want parts off my MINI? color-matched trim, wheels... ?

throw out the list!!! i might want something =]
you wont happen to let the rear bumper go for cheap will you? =]

buying a vw
 

you might want to look at the gti, or a turbo jetta, vw is very conservative with boost, the new 2.0t engines now have a timing chain too, a ecu upgrade cold air intake and exhaust = 300hp and 30+mpg if you can keep your foot under control, the haldex awd is not as good as audi quattro with the engine in correctly, not sideways

see this is what i want to hear...things that I should consider when looking at the R32. I can read all about the R32 on vwvortex, but I also want to see what people think of the car outside the vw forum. Thanks. :thumbsup:

Once i decide to move on the r32, everything is up for grabs. Are you talking about the stock or jcw bumper?

the jcw one =]

I think the R32 is a fantastic car, and you'd have a blast with it.

I'd wonder about the resale value, though, because (IIRC) the R32 has been discontinued. I don't think it ever achieved the cult status it would need to make it valuable post mortem, and is instead now a dead product line.

I don't know - I think you'll be sorry shortly after you sell the MINI. Just a hunch I have. :wink:

alrighty, for sale ad posted

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uct/710/cat/20

Let's make this work, people. (alright i've been watching too much Bravo...) :lol:

Holla at ya boy!

With no problems or issues with the MINI, and less than 5k on the clock, why are you getting rid of it? Is there something "missing" from the MINI, or is there something in particular that you want that the R32 can give you?

That's a good question, I was quite content with mine until the '09 jcws started appearing and that got me thinking wow, that's a hot MINI. Then I saw the price for one and i was saying to myself....for that price I'd rather have a R32....which got me thinking again about how I had originally wanted one but got the MINI instead. Now that the numbers of new R32s are dwindling and none for 09....trade the Cooper S for the R before they are all gone. I think that's the simple answer to your question.

The only other thing you might consider is dealership/warranty experience in your area. For example, the bay area VW dealers we have frequented (Sunnyvale, Santa cruz, etc) have been really stingy with warranty service. Specifically, they charge to diagnose some problems, even when the car is under warranty. By this I mean, they charge to look at a problem, and then waive the charge if they determine it is a warranty item.

In contrast, my MINI dealer (East Bay MINI) has been great about everything.

Our poor dealer experience has been enough to sour us from even considering another VW.

let me talk you out of it...

R32... Snore...Snore...

Drove it just before I bought the mini... Nice car, love the DSG, but drives like a rabbit.... and it looks pretty boring too...

Check this out:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2...-r32.html#more

Drewster, sounds like your mind is ready made up. Have you driven one lately? They are heavy beasts and I don't think you get much snow out there justifying the AWD.

I was in the same boat and even lined up the deal through the German Military Sales office while stationed in Portugal. I talked myself into justifying the price (which I still think is too high for the car) and did the quick test drive before thowing the down payment on the car...then said no=way. By a rabbit for $18k and throw a turbo on it, replace the suspension and have a sleeper if you really want a VW. That R32 was gonna hit $35k by the time I was done with it, the 135 would be a better justification for that price tag. For $40k you can have a 335. Now your talking a race car. When those turbos hit full boost at 1400rpms, your car turns into a rocket ship. It's awesome.

Anyway, drive the hell out of a VW and think twice. If your bored with the Cooper, you might need a change and I don't think the VW is the way to go IMHO of course!

best of luck,

I wouldn't get the R32. If anything, I'd get the new GTI which will launch next Spring, 2009 in Europe- which probably means Fall, 2009 in the US. The next generation GTI will get 11hp more for a total of 211hp and 258 ft.-lbs. of torque.:thumbsup:

As part of the next generation, they are dropping the R32 in favor of an all-wheel-drive R variant called GTI-R. It will be powered by the 265hp 2.0 TFSI found in the Audi S3.

Keep the MINI...

Thanks for all your opinions & advice. No I haven't made a decision and yes I did drive a R32 before ordering my MINI. :lol:

I still think the MINI is extremely tossable and light, which I can't say the same for the R32. Maybe I'm looking for a bit more comfort and smoother power from an R32. I've driven from San Francisco to Seattle about a dozen times. I haven't driven that stretch of road in the MINI yet but I just don't think it is much of a long distance cruiser.

Waiting two years for the next GTI/R to appear, well timing is everything and who knows what I'd want by then. I could wait those two years with the MINI, or with an R32. :)

Well, as others said, to each his own...

I have the opportunity to drive both on daily basis, since my sister's bf has the R32, and he only lives a block away from me. Anyway, the R32 will give you the more comfortable ride, a bit smoother power, roomier, and AWD. But that feeling of driving the Mini is simply too great for me to choose the R32 over MCS. Plus, seems that you love to do things to your car, where R32 is not exactly very mod-friendly. Don't know if you can be a fan of DSG vs. 6-speed...DSG is smooth as silk, trust me on that. But that also takes a bit of fun out of driving...you also mentioned resale value, while not seeing gas prices going down anytime soon, you might not lose much $$ down the road keeping your Mini...don't think you can say that about the R32. A year later, your Mini might worth more than a 1-yr old R32.

Just got back from a 2300 mile road trip in the Mini, and it was brilliant. Just gobbled up the miles, and was very comfortable. Take a road trip before you sell it.

P.S. I would check out your VW dealer's service track record, I have yet to hear anything good. I too test drove a GTI, but compared to the Mini, it just didn't compare. VW needs to put that thing on a diet!

Pshawww! Just took a look at the R32. From the back it's a Honda FIT! Performance or no, why would anyone want to drive an overpriced FIT-wannabe? Some of life is about self-respect.

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1....r34.1.500.jpg


http://automobiles.honda.com/images/...y/gal_lg12.jpg

You are right, R32 out, Fit in. :thumbsup:

:roll: