R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 I am no longer a MINI Owner

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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 08:48 AM
  #1  
X2Board's Avatar
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From: Torrington, CT
Well folks,

I traded in my S for a Boxster yesterday.

It was heart breaking, but with all the recent problems and MINI USA voiding my engine warranty (long story) it was time to get out. I was driving by a VW dealership and went in to look at an R32 just for the hell of it. I spied a '99 Boxster sitting in the used car lot and after having the car checked out via CarFax and with it's detailed service history, I decided it was time to deal, I was able to knock the price down to 24k from the $26,995 they were asking, I got $18,600 for the MINI which was more than the payoff. So it was a great deal.

I'll be seeing you around and I will own another S someday, but for now don't forget to wave back at the guy in the P car when he waves at you.

X2


 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 08:55 AM
  #2  
sjbartnik's Avatar
sjbartnik
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Sorry to hear about getting rid of the MINI but a Boxster is a sweet ride indeed.

I'd love to hear your impressions of how the Boxster drives/handles as compared to the MINI.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 08:55 AM
  #3  
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Nick_T.
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From: SoCal
Enjoy your new ride - - the Boxster is fun as well as good looking. Never drive with your top up and always wave at other roadsters!

 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 09:11 AM
  #4  
X2Board's Avatar
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From: Torrington, CT
>>Sorry to hear about getting rid of the MINI but a Boxster is a sweet ride indeed.
>>
>>I'd love to hear your impressions of how the Boxster drives/handles as compared to the MINI.
>>

I haven't driven it much, just 30 miles so far, but it feels nice and tight, handles some of my "MINI Special" roads just as well and requires less shifting to keep it in the sweet spot, it does not have the same rush of power as my S with the 19% does, but the power is there with a more linear delivery, I'll probably drive it stock for a while but I have my eye on this
Roock 310 it will be an assault on my savings account, but hey, you only live once.

X2
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 09:17 AM
  #5  
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Stinger
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From: San Diego
I have owned various Porsches for years, and when looking to replace my last 911 looked at Boxsters before buying my MCS. The early ones - pre April '00 are prone to a very serious main seal leak that can go all at once and lunch the engine. I hope that doesn't happen to yours. Most '99s are past the warranty. Unless yours has under 25k miles or so, I also think you paid too much. Get on the Rennlist board and read up on the car.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 09:20 AM
  #6  
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gokartride
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Hope you enjoy your Boxter!!! If I didn't need my MINI's cargo/passenger space it would sure be tempting!

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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 09:25 AM
  #7  
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nice looking cars,but where would I put the black lab navigator

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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 09:29 AM
  #8  
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From: Torrington, CT
>>I have owned various Porsches for years, and when looking to replace my last 911 looked at Boxsters before buying my MCS. The early ones - pre April '00 are prone to a very serious main seal leak that can go all at once and lunch the engine. I hope that doesn't happen to yours. Most '99s are past the warranty. Unless yours has under 25k miles or so, I also think you paid too much. Get on the Rennlist board and read up on the car.

I've been on Rennlist, PPBB and Renn Tech, way before I made this purchase and you are the only one that thinks I paid too much, the car has 33k, which is low for a '99, I am also aware of the RMS problem, but the car is nicely optioned and has a fully documented service history, I have a comprehensive warranty with just a $100 deduct. in case things go south. The car had a PPI at the Porsche dealer and passed with flying colors.

X2

 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 09:30 AM
  #9  
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COOPERation
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From: USA
Sorry to see ya go X2, but you did get a sweet deal...enjoy! :smile:

I recently saw pics of the new and "coming soon" boxster coupe...schweeet!
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 10:04 AM
  #10  
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10851CS
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From: Lakeside, CA
Hay,

Sorry to see you trade DOWN but that is one nice car.

Earl
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 10:29 AM
  #11  
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minihune
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
Too bad you could not keep and drive both MCS and Boxster.
Sorry to hear you sold your MCS but now someone else can also enjoy it.
Safe motoring to you and let us know how you are doing now and then.
Cheers.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 10:44 AM
  #12  
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From: Torrington, CT
>>Hay,
>>
>>Sorry to see you trade DOWN but that is one nice car.
>>
>>Earl

I tend to think of it as a lateral move I will need a "winter car" so another MINI is defintely in my future.

X2

 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 02:08 PM
  #13  
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theWrkncacnter
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From: North Topsail Beach, NC
There's only a few cars I'd rather have than my MINI, the Boxter is probably one of them. Good choice!
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 02:27 PM
  #14  
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speltzer
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From: so cal
Nice choice! you got a sweet deal and low mileage. The warranty was a must. Have you priced Porsche parts and service lately? It's highway robbery !!! My dream sports car is the classic 911. Love that car...But the Mini is simply the most "bang for the buck" right now. I love it. 10,000 troublfree miles so far.




You must join this club...

Here is the hyperlinkwww.pca.org/

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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 02:34 PM
  #15  
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From: Chicago
Sorry to hear about the MCS issues but congrats on the Boxster. Having driven one several times I can understand the attraction :smile:
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 02:40 PM
  #16  
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From: Boston, MA, USA
Just think of all that garage space you just lost.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 03:42 PM
  #17  
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The_Beastmaster
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>>Just think of all that garage space you just lost.

Perhaps it is better to think about it this way. It's like marrying off your daughter. You don't lose a daughter, but gain a son in-law. In this case, you don't lose a car, you gain a vehicle where you don't have to deal with dealership bozos!

Speaking of dealership bozos, our local dealer had a cruise this morning for a "select" group of owners. Notificaton of this event went out via e-mail. I wonder what makes you part of the "select" group?

 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 03:55 PM
  #18  
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From: Long Island, New York
Congratz dude :smile:

Great choice....I'm a big time boxster fan.
Nice ride...looks sweet

All good things... please keep in touch

 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 07:06 PM
  #19  
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BuckDodgers
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From: Ohio
If ya gotta go ... go in style. And I like your style.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 07:24 PM
  #20  
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dave
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From: California
There was a time I lusted heavily after the Boxster (less than a year ago). I totally understand the decision. Have a great time with it. :smile:

Please stick aroun NAM and say hi from time to time. Let us know how it's going.

Dave
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 07:26 PM
  #21  
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fishey72
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From: Asheville, NC
A very respectible choice given your situation....at least not a PT bruiser....because they say it is faster....
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 07:43 PM
  #22  
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Nice car. Enjoy it in good health!

Try to report back on the "fun" factor compared to the MINI.

regards,
Red
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 08:02 PM
  #23  
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From: Dallas
Nice Boxster! I had a Yellow S a couple of years ago. It was a great ride. The Boxster's six has a nice amount of torque so it allows you to be a bit lazy when driving. If you take it to Porsche to get it serviced get ready to lay out some serious cash. My first service at 15K miles was nearly $400. That included oil, oil filter, pollen filter, air filter, and some nice washer fluid. The best part was the Jetta loaner. You might want to take a look at a short shifter. The stock unit is down right horrible. I think I installed a B&M it tightened and shortened the shifter nicely.

One last thing if you think people disliked you when you had your MINI get prepared to become acquainted with some seriously hateful people. I had people flipping the bird and cussing at me the first night I picked mine up (I was just minding my own business driving down the road).

Motor On!
 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 08:42 PM
  #24  
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macncheese
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From: New Jersey
X2,
Was losing to the Boxster at MINICUP II that traumatic?

--
Cheese

 
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Old Apr 25, 2004 | 08:43 PM
  #25  
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ZAMIRZ
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From: La Jolla, CA
Congrats on the new purchase. MINIs are great and all, but a Porsche is a Porsche (even if it is a Boxster, j/k).
 
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