First and foremost, I love my MINI. It is a 2005 MCS/JCW with everything available except automatic and navigation. I added the JCW Brake Kit and Suspension Kit back in 2007, so it's pretty well loaded. The MINI stays in the fleet no matter what.

In March of 2008, I bought a leftover 2007 Civic LX. I needed it for my long commute after I changed jobs and was logging 125 per day. I realize that the world is full of Honda Fanbois, but I just don't like it. At all. I expected it to be slow, but I didn't expect the wallowing pillowcloud suspension and the almost non-existent brakes. I drove it stock for less than a week. I put on a set of Si swaybars the forst Saturday I had it and a month later added the springs and shocks. Even so, a poverty model MINI could outhandle and out stop it without working up a sweat. The Honda's no fun, but it's durable (I hope) and it gets great gas mileage, so it will continue to be my daily driver as long as it lasts.

I'm about ready to place an order for a BMW 135i. I think...

If I get it, it'll be Space Gray over Terracotta Brown Leather (football brown and only available as a BMW Priority 1 Option) with M-Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, PDC, Hi-Fi, iPod adapter, and Comfort Access. I've wanted a BMW ever since high school, and bought the MINI back in 2005 because the 330Ci just couldn't accomidate the wheelchair that my mother had recently been confined to. (I lost her to an epic battle with MS on Dec 26 last year.)

I've spent the whole long weekend working on paperwork and other unpleasant duties regarding her estate, so I'm kinda running on fumes now.

I think I need somthing to look forward to over the holidays this year, and I ain't getting any younger...thinking about getting the MINI a weekend toy to keep it company.

Does anybody have a 135? AI want to make sure that it's a good and reliable car instead of some tempremental beast that requires a steady diet of Fabrege Eggs to keep it running.

 

Sorry to hear about your mother. The 135 is a great car I was thinking of getting one when they first came out. Since they have the same engine as the 335 there were issues with the fuel pumps going bad. I think they have addressed the issue. With minor tuning these things are a beast and can walk most cars. You check out 1addicts.com a lot of info.

 

sorry to hear about your mom. you're a great son looking after her.

i was in the market for the 135i but with the issues ive had with the MINI and BMW's hit-or-miss quality i decided not to do it.

espically if you're not going to have any other passengers in your fun car, how about a 2 seater?

 

I'm with you on this one, but I might go a step further (horrors!) Right now I usually drive a 350Z 'vert in the summer, and switch over to the MINI (2004 S with JCW engine mods) in the winter. I don't need a serious snow-machine, but I need to know that if we get an inch or so I'm not stranded, so the MINI ends up being the only answer all winter long - the Z stays up on the lift from Nov to April.

But I'm thinking the 135 (a 'vert for me) may be the ideal solution to consolidate both into one. Power similar to the old 'vette I sold a few years ago, handling as good or better than the Z, and rear-round drivability (with snow tires) like the MINI.

Please post up your thoughts comparing the handling to the MINI's after you get it. I don't want to take a step backward with my next step.

 

The 135i is worth it. I almost got one. Actually I still want one. I just couldn't justify the price that the Honolulu BMW want one for. They wanted like 52k for a base one with an out tranny. Then I found the MINI and I couldn't pass up the deal. Though it doesn't have some options I want. Thats what happens when you buy used. It would be a good buy but what type of car are you looking for? Do you want luxury, sport, econobox, suv (I hope not), or a sedan with some extra room?

 

I want handling, power, and comfort in any car I look at (except for the Honda, all I wanted there was reliablilty and low operating costs). If I go through with buying a 135i, it'll just be used for recreational driving....no commuting, no errands, etc. I just don't like the idea of putting excessive miles or risking parking lot damage to a such a nice car.

 

Then go for it. No time like the present.

 

I have a problem with spending 8-12 grand a year in lease payments, or even more in financing payments, for a car that I'm not going to get every ounce of enjoyment out of by driving it every chance I get.
For something to be a "weekends" car, it has to be something that isn't going to depreciate by much any more, so I don't mind the fact that I only get a couple thousand miles of enjoyment out of it per year. That's why I jumped at my 2004 JCW for 13K - even if I only drive it occasionally, the "Smiles per dollar" are still quite high.

 

i dont think people lease hobby cars... atleast i dont. and hobby cars is a tad different vs dd where depreciation is not considered cause it's there for YOU to enjoy, not the market.

if you're caring about the market price years down the road, then the car is not for you as a hobby car...well that's how i look at it.