... coming from a Japanese car forum, I would expect the same.

care to share a link to the discussion about the same topic on the Honda forum?

 

I had a '98 Integra GS-R, that when pushed hard (and high revving), it was primo fun. But daily driving, stoplight-to-stoplight, normally driven, wasn't nearly as fun as the MINI. And I don't recall eyeballing the car over my shoulder after parking it like I do with my current car.

 

So, did you get that CIVIC Si after all. I went through the same process, but MCS I tested in 03 had Michelin PS2's and mitigated some of the twitchyness and buttoned down grip levels as opposed to Run Flats. MSC I was sold.

 

My friend just sold her 2006 Civic SI coupe because she couldn't stand the lack of rear vision because of that "big trunk", she bought a new 08 Mini cooper and loves everything about it over her "big bottom girl".

As you have discovered the Mini keeps pulling you back by something that doesn't come out on camprsion spec sheets etc............. character. You want to like the Mini because the Mini wants you to like it. Here's a journalists quote that I think sums up the Mini:

"For the price of a Mini Cooper S, you could buy an Acura RSX Type-S or a Subaru WRX, and either of those cars would be a more reasonable, practical choice. But since when did car nuts become reasonable or practical? How many people have purchased a motorcycle for its excellent fuel economy? The Cooper S is a good value because it is two barrels full of monkeys. It's not unlike a ride on a quick go-kart. It's a rousing game of air hockey. It's a trampoline. It's the infectious laugh after hearing someone fart in church. If we didn't value that highly, we wouldn’t be driving a car like this!"

If you are looking for great commute gas mileage try a MC.

 

It's one of the reasons I like to park so far away from where I am going ...so when walking back to the car I have lots of time to take in the eye candy.

Dean.