Well, I've finally snapped. It got to me when I pulled out of the dealer, after being there to fix a leak coming from the high-mount brake light and cold-start problem, when another windshield went... doesn't help that this morning I still had the cold-start problem.

In any case, I've decided that once the warranty expires, I can't deal with the weekly/monthly trip to the dealer. So, very VERY , but I've got to sell her.

Maybe you fellow MINIacs can help me choose a new beast to burden.

Three choices thus far, please feel free to add if you have any other suggestions:

A) STI
B) Evo
C) ?? 04 MINI ??

I posted something similar over on a WRX forum, and a guy that owns an 04 MINI and an STI, basically said that if he had to choose a fun car, the MINI would be it. Problem is, I also have to start thinking practically. My wife-to-be drives a New Beetle. So between that and the MINI, there's about 18 cubic feet of cargo space... actually, the MINI ain't bad, but in most instances, its only a two-seater.

So, let the suggestions/comments fly. Thanks in advance.

-Chris

 

Remember that the rear seats in the STI don't fold down.

What about a WRX wagon for increased practicallity?

 

I'd get a new MINI. I haven't had any problems with my '04 S (knock knock), and the newer models seem to be much improved.

Both the STi and the Evo are less compliant in the daily driver role, even though they do have more performance to offer. There's also the matter of cost. I don't think either the Mitsu or Subaru would be more practical. Although the MINI is smaller, it has plenty of room for two.

Honestly, I can't think of a better car under $25K. Can you?

 

I didn't know that the STI's seats don't fold down... hmmm, guess I would've found out during a test drive. I'm not too keen on the WRX wagon... maybe because its a "wagon."

Any other sedans out there that I can use for AutoX that aren't through the roof $$$?

 

hello there, I'd say get another MINI especially if you realy like them like I do. I have an 02 model that has been very good to me. Your first sounds like it was a bit unlucky, but that happens. The other cars you mentioned are cool too, but there also competition to me good luck man!

 

>>I didn't know that the STI's seats don't fold down... hmmm, guess I would've found out during a test drive. I'm not too keen on the WRX wagon... maybe because its a "wagon."
>>
>>Any other sedans out there that I can use for AutoX that aren't through the roof $$$?


on that note, GET ANOTHER MINI.

 

The only other car in the range I would consider is the VW GTI 1.8T. My daughter owns one and it is incredible!!!! You afford it to yourself to test drive one at the very least.

Good luck on your search. :smile:

 

Get a new MINI either a '04 and 05. I have a feeling that you will not be happy in any other car, no matter how much more "practical" it will be.

'04 MCS = 8,300 troublefree miles
'02 Cooper CVT = 23,000 troublefree miles.

 

I really liked the Acura RSX S. I would have bought it but really wanted the MINI.

 

>>The only other car in the range I would consider is the VW GTI 1.8T. My daughter owns one and it is incredible!!!! You afford it to yourself to test drive one at the very least.
>>
>>Good luck on your search. :smile:


The only advantage of the 1.8 GTI is straight line performance. Handlingwise the VW GTI has a very mushy suspension (Can't hold a candle to the MINI) and the solid rear axle in the current MKIV platform doesn't help either.

 

The above comments about the 1.8T Golf don't apply to the AWD Volkswagen R32







_________________
:: David Bunting :: North American Motoring :: Report a post to a moderator ::

 

>>Volkswagen R32
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>>
>>
>>
>>
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Nice car for $30K but not impressive according to the latest comparo made by Autoweek. The MKIV platform is really showing its age, even in the R32.

 

Besides... who wants to pay $30K for a what still is a mundane looking Golf?

 

Storer,

Sorry to hear about your problems. I don't think you have to wait for the warranty to run out.

The MINI keeps a high resale value. You can sell on the open market whenever you like and then maybe consider a 2005 MCS with Limited slip differential. I think from a performance standpoint that combination makes the most sense and you'd hardly have to do any other mods besides picking which option packages to get and any appearance mods. I'd suggest keeping the 16" wheels if that is an option.

I personally don't think that there is a better overall small car as the MINI whether MC or MCS, CVT or manual transmission. Maybe it isn't the most powerful or roomy and maybe not the absolute best value but definitely it is extremely fun to drive.

I'd expect if you got another MINI it would be more trouble free than your current MINI. Just talk to any of the recent owners to see how they are doing.

One thing you can ask yourself is this. Is this car just for utility? Carrying things around, having room for more than four people, needing to use it for long distance commuting and getting good mileage? If so then buy with utility in mind and live with it. Are you getting something that you can use for autocross or on the track? If so then a stock MC or stock MCS with LSD are good choices if you want to be the most competitive right off the bat. If you are looking for a practical yet fun car to drive and love to motor in that makes a statement about yourself then consider a MINI.

For me, everything else is either too expensive to own and operate or too BORING.

 

I've always been a Dodge guy before my MINI but I love the lines of the small VW's, very clean and neat, I hate busy cars (think Santa Fe's).

 

Having sold my VW Mk IV GTI VR-6 to buy my MCS, I appreciate the R32 for what it really is, an Audi S3, for the American market. This is an AWD, German Tour de Force. Comparing it to an Evo or STI does not do either the VW, Subaru or the Mitsubishi justice. Apples and Oranges folks. Two are homologation specials, one is a Grand Touring vehicle.

 

Thanks for all of the posts. I actually used to have a 96 VeeWee Jetta, which I loved. A friend is actually selling a relatively new (<1 year old) GTI because it's not as responsive as he would like.

Man, I really love my car... why does it have to be such a PIA?!!!

What stinks are all the mods I've done are all for not. I think that only thing I could keep was my Whalen. Besides that, I'd have to start all over. And $2500 is hard to come by when you're getting hitched...

Decisions decisions decisions... I just keep thinking, "You only live once!"

 

MCS long term test from Autoweek:

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=04794148

VW R32 review:

http://www.autoweek.com/search/searc...2&record=2

 

>>Thanks for all of the posts. I actually used to have a 96 VeeWee Jetta, which I loved. A friend is actually selling a relatively new (<1 year old) GTI because it's not as responsive as he would like.
>>
>>Man, I really love my car... why does it have to be such a PIA?!!!
>>
>>What stinks are all the mods I've done are all for not. I think that only thing I could keep was my Whalen. Besides that, I'd have to start all over. And $2500 is hard to come by when you're getting hitched...
>>
>>Decisions decisions decisions... I just keep thinking, "You only live once!"


How does a new '05 Base MCS with LSD and JCW Kit sounds like?
:smile:

 

And maybe that's my dilemma. I followed my heart when I got my MINI... and I feel totally let down, and this certainly isn't another experience that I care to repeat. I know its only a car, but it definitely hurts that every time I turn around, its back to the dealer.

But I guess if Bimmer hs finally worked out all the bugs (including the 15,000 rattles), then maybe I shouldn't be afraid to take the plunge again and follow my heart.

 

Any thoughts on going all out and getting an RX-8?

4 doors.
9k redline
(let that last one sink in a moment)

Just think of the smiles. Zoom zoom. :smile:

Btw, this was the only competition for my MINI short of a Lotus Elise, but thats a little out of my price range.

 

It became the same for me. My dealer is 139 miles exactly each way. I was taking it in about twice a month. It was way too much time to be dealing with problems for a new car. I lemon lawed mine and was really torn trying to talk myself out of another MINI. I decided until there was a closer dealer and one a bit more competent I would move on to something else. I ended up a getting a car that everyone on here says is ugly but at the same time I never liked the looks of the outside of the MINI. It was the inside that sold me. Well and the way it drove.

 

Get a 05' MCS.
My friend said the WRX looks like a bag of **** holes.
I sorta agree.

 

Test drive alot of cars. See what appeals to you from a comfort and practical standpoint, as well as possible auto-x use. I thought about going to a JCW MCS....but like you said, life is short. I enjoyed my time with the MINI, but there is more out there....

 

I reccommend a Mazda 3 5-door. Sporty enough, looks GREAT, and you can haul stuff with it.