I am currently leasing a BMW 323i. I am considering getting the cooper s. Here in Canada a 323i with premium package goes for about $43k. A mini cooper s with premium package and sunroof goes for about $34.
I test drove the cooper s and really liked it but am hesitant, since the BMW to lease is only about $75-100 more a month.
Do I need the sport package?
Do I need the climate control?
All input appreciated.
Thank you

 

Sorry, forgot to ask if anyone has had experience with the mini driving in the snow.
Snow tires a must?

 

Hey Marrlin,

I have no frame of reference with a BMW, but I can assure you that you have never experienced anything like Mini ownership.

• Handling that mirrors BMW (I'm told)
• Comments by virtually everyone concerning the "cuteness" of the car
• Driving in the snow appears to be no worse than driving with any other front wheel drive vehicle
• A lower lease payment than BMW (Depending on your current lease buyout)
• Drive a car that won the North American Car Of The Year for 2003

Good Luck with your decision..
Jim



_________________
Turning head syndrome began on 09-21-02. (Indi Blue)

 

>>Sorry, forgot to ask if anyone has had experience with the mini driving in the snow.
>>Snow tires a must?

I would say that in any area where snow is a given then snow tires a must. If you get the sport package and choose the performance tires, you will certainly need a winter tire. All-season tires do plenty of snow duty but I always put a set of snows on any car I own (fwd or not). You can get Blizzaks and a set of winter wheels at a fairly affordable price from tirerack.com. Check the tire forum for more info on that.

 

Here's my story...

I had a 1999 323i for one year before an 18-wheeler totaled it for me. I loved the car, but I had a lot of headaches because it was a used car, and even though it was "Certified" by BMW, it took many trips to the dealer to get it right (new rear shock mounts, front control arms, rattles in all windows which never went away, replaced driveshaft, etc). I didn't want to repeat this process, so I thought I'd lease a new one.

Two weeks ago I went to the dealership and went over some numbers, and the 325i, even though it's a stretch for me right now financially, was the one I could afford. The 330i was out of the question, but that's what I really wanted (while I enjoyed my 323i, it was lacking a bit in terms of pure driving excitement).

One day later I drove a Cooper S at my dealer...after 10 minutes I knew I had to have this car or I would regret it for a very long time. My deposit was taken and my British Racing Green Cooper S will be here in August! And it's under $25k, almost loaded with options. By all means, go and drive one if you haven't already!

 

Sorry, I forgot that you did say you drove the Cooper.

 

Can't help you out with the snow tires question.

You don't need ths sport package unless you really want the 17" tires. I suggest playing around with the design your own mini application on the mini site. I added just certain options contained in the sport package w/o the 17" tires and saved about $500.
I don't think climate control is necessary in a car this small.

 

MCS v BMW: both are safe; Beemer gets the nod on comfort and convenience; MINI looks much cooler and is less common- has an appeal the Beemer can't touch; MINI's performance more nimble (meaning more fun) than the Beemer; Beemer probably gets the nod on service (loaner car from dealer, etc.); Beemer probably less prone to warranty fix-its than the MINI; Beemer owners really enjoy their cars, while MINI owners love theirs; no movie currently out starring a Beemer v MINI as Italian Job star; snow- is about the driver more than the car-some folks could put a Hummer in a ditch when the roads are slick; climate control not a necessity, but the auto AC looks awesome lit up orange at night; sports seats a must; MFSW a must; sunroof some can live w/out. Finally, have someone take a pic of you standing beside a 323i and then you standing beside a MINI. Compare these, then decide.
If you're still in doubt at this point, get the Beemer.