When I first saw the mini cooper, I was impressed. It looked a lot better in life than in pictures. I test drove one and I was comfortable with it from the second I sat down. I've never felt that way with any car ever. The more I look at it, the more I want one. That's just looks alone!! No car compares to it except a Porche. That is the "passion" I have for the mini and I don't own one! Now the practical side of me says that a mini wouldn't be the best choice. The Mazda would probably be best for practicality, but with Ford and Mazda, I'm not so sure about the durability of Mazda anymore. On the other side of it, the RSX would be best because I'd get everything I want except the looks of the car. I'm not doing any racing and I'm not into modding very much. The mini Cooper S is about as slow as I could go. If I bought the Mazda, I'd have to mod it unless I got a MazdaSpeed 3.

Just every time I start thinking I should buy a different car, I see a mini and my heart aches at how much I would like one. I know I would love it from the start, but would I love it to the finish? :???:

 

>>When I first saw the mini cooper, I was impressed. It looked a lot better in life than in pictures. I test drove one and I was comfortable with it from the second I sat down. I've never felt that way with any car ever. The more I look at it, the more I want one. That's just looks alone!! No car compares to it except a Porche. That is the "passion" I have for the mini and I don't own one! Now the practical side of me says that a mini wouldn't be the best choice. The Mazda would probably be best for practicality, but with Ford and Mazda, I'm not so sure about the durability of Mazda anymore. On the other side of it, the RSX would be best because I'd get everything I want except the looks of the car. I'm not doing any racing and I'm not into modding very much. The mini Cooper S is about as slow as I could go. If I bought the Mazda, I'd have to mod it unless I got a MazdaSpeed 3.
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>>Just every time I start thinking I should buy a different car, I see a mini and my heart aches at how much I would like one. I know I would love it from the start, but would I love it to the finish?

 

Just sold the 2002 WRX. Just sold the 97 Miata. Just sold the 99 Kaw ZXR. 99 Acura Integra GS-R still in the driveway. Just bought an 03 MC.

The WRX you steer with your right foot. It's all about brute strength, there is not finesse what-so-ever. Great car if you like V-8s. And nothing beats AWD if you have to deal with inclimate weather. 3 years, 37000 miles, not a single unscheduled dealer visit.

The RSX is ugly and uncomfortable compared to the Integra. The view from the drivers seat isn't nice. The engine is uninspiring. At least with the GSR, what it lacks in guts, it makes up for in legs (8k redline.) Looked at them when they came out ... bought the WRX.

The MC has less power than any of my other cars, including the bike. This car is so tossible that I haven't missed the power. To own a Mini, you need to accept that you're part of a particular unique group of people. That's not the case for the 3 or the RSX. If you don't like being singled out, don't get the MCs or the WRX.

For me, cars (and bikes) are emotional purchases. I have a wife that thinks about the practical side. I've tried to think practically and have always been disappointed. You may have over-analyzed the purchase. You've done the work to make sure you're considering good cars, now put all that crap aside and pick the one you're lusting for.

 

well for what its worth i may have one of the highest milage cooper s' around, i am near 60,000 miles on my car and i bought it new with 4 miles on it on september 20 2002 and i have driven it absolutley harder that you would or could belive, ask Ryan(Ryephile) my good freind for proof, we auto crossed the car and have given it all the hard driving it deserves and i must tell you that the car has not given me one iota of engine trouble the onley real issue is the airbag light witch hates to be turned off but i must say that i am very fortunate to have such a reliable car, for me im mini for life, with a lotus and an m3 coming in the future i hope!

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This is my signature. Isn't it really cool? I can make my own catchy phrase up and put it here. Woah. This is really NEAT! Modern technology has graced me with the ability to either make a fool of myself or communicate a message for the common good o

 

I'd go with the mazda 3, loaded for somewhere around $20,000 grand. I'd also like to recommend that you check carsdirect.com, you might be able to get a really great deal through the internet sales. there also might be some 2003 protege 5 left out there, I own one and it's a pretty fun car to drive, they're giving great deals on those cars. I got mine for $13,115 automatic w/ the automanual feature. My protege 5 is assembled from japan, 95% of parts is from japan and the rest is from canada, does that mean anything? i don't know....

 

also by the way chad and ryan i will strangle one of you for messing with my sig, one of you are going to have to prepar to die, ill be seeing one of you soon!!!!!!!!!

oh yes .....very soon.....

 

I've had my '02 Cooper for almost 25k miles, and I've had minimal problems with it! I was able to get the shift-cable replaced before it popped off (recall,) and the only thing that I can think of that currently bugs me is the poor quality of finishing on the interior (ie. the door handles, and the center pillars by your legs in the center.) As a friend of mine pointed out, the finish comes off if it comes in contact with sunblock! LOL... heck of a way to find this out, after an all day auto-x school!
All of my non-MINI owning friends love my car. They swear it is the funnest vehicle they've ever ridden in.

 

Yes, people have had their problems, but that is a big reason this forum is for. I have yet to have any major problems with my MINI. I had a speaker replaced some time back and have a problem with the inside door handle on the drivers side sticking. Other than that the car drives nice and no cracked windshields, or any dreaded getrag 5 speed tranny problems. Both my wife and I drive the car pretty hard and is a daily driver. Sometimes I feel concerned about reliabiliy problems, but I'd feel the same way about any other car. If that's your biggest concern about the MINI I'd say get it.

 

>>I have owned my S since July 02. I have put 83,400 miles on it from vacations, meets, auto-crosses and commutes back and forth to work. If you are wondering about the reliability of the MINI this is about the best indicator you will probably find any where.

You need to post a report on your car! I would love to read what type of problems you have had in that time.