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

R50/53 What would you buy instead of a mini?

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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 10:45 PM
  #51  
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Cobra!!!
 
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 11:04 PM
  #52  
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True, true

Originally Posted by asarfati
I think that question also depends on ones marital status. Since I got married I felt like I needed to downsize a little. I was looking at the acura rsx although I didn't really care for the style as much as the integras. I also was strongly considering the jetta 1.8T but that changed when the Mini came out and then I took one for a test drive and it was over after that. It was after that point that I could't think of any thing else but getting that Mini. I love the way they look, love even more the way they drive and can't believe how affordable they are.
We are grandparents and just the two of us in the household. Perfect car for us but sure could not recommend to small family. Replaced a '98 Breeze which was a great car with the Mini. First "sports car" we have ever owned and an absolute joy to drive. For our income and the Mini price it was a perfect match. A lot of other cars have been mentioned in this thread. However, there are not too many in the low 20's price range. I would consider this to be a great car and the resale value is fabulous. It is also encouraging to know that there is at least one of these that has recently hit 100,000 miles. This is great news for a vehicle that has only been on the scene for a couple of years in this configuration. Especially since this owner as expressed no desires to rid himself of his toy.
 
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Old Jul 30, 2004 | 06:03 AM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by asarfati
I think that question also depends on ones marital status. Since I got married I felt like I needed to downsize a little. I was looking at the acura rsx although I didn't really care for the style as much as the integras. I also was strongly considering the jetta 1.8T but that changed when the Mini came out and then I took one for a test drive and it was over after that. It was after that point that I could't think of any thing else but getting that Mini. I love the way they look, love even more the way they drive and can't believe how affordable they are.
I second that there I looked at the RSX and was quite uninspired. It reminds me of the cars of the 80's. But not in a retro way. The jetta has some nice styling on the outside but lacks it in other places.

The MCS is different than everything else on the road. Cute and cool at the same time. Retro and aggressive. With all of its great (love them or hate them) looks it drives better than anything on the road while remaining a funcitional car. It is the best of all worlds which is why we love it so much.
 
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Old Jul 30, 2004 | 06:19 AM
  #54  
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Not to be a jerk, but I assume you knew those three things when you bought the car...

Also, permium gas costs about an extra cup of coffee per week, and service and roadside assistance are included with the car.

The MINI isn't for everyone, but I want to help you enjoy the next 2 years


Originally Posted by CasaMini
Anything that runs on regulars gas, uses regular oil and not synthetic and has a spare tire. 2 more years on the lease and then it's bye bye.
 
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Old Jul 30, 2004 | 09:16 AM
  #55  
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I'd probably purchase an automatic Red WRX wagon so that both my gf and I can drive, yet It can still shovle a little or the new Honda Accord V6 Hybrid
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 10:06 AM
  #56  
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Between a base model Subaru WRX sedan (discounting for about 22K here)
or
Base model Mazda RX8 (major discounting here in So Cal)

You can pick up either base model for about $22,500 after discounts and some careful car shopping


 

Last edited by speltzer; Jul 31, 2004 at 10:10 AM.
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 11:32 AM
  #57  
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That RX-8 doesn't do anything for me....
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 12:05 PM
  #58  
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My second choice was the Chrysler Crossfire.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 12:57 PM
  #59  
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The RX-8 reminds me of a preying mantis, locust, or grasshopper. Only thing it lacks is the legs.:smile:
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 01:09 PM
  #60  
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A friend of mine drives an RX-8 and it's quite a remarkable car. The closest analogy I can come up with is that it is a true 4-seater S2000. Granted, it's not quite as quick as the S2k, but it does have the same sort of extremely nimble chassis and high strung, rev-happy powerplant. It's by a huge margin, the best handling 4-door I've ever been in.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 01:14 PM
  #61  
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If they put another body on the chassis then I would be interested in one. Otherwise, I'll just have to admire it from a distance...a long distance.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 01:16 PM
  #62  
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Well, it does have very polarizing styling ... definitely not for everyone. But it's certainly not as bad as anything from Bangle's pen.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 01:17 PM
  #63  
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Bangle...we hope he never touches the Mini. Can you imagine what it would look like!?!
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 01:21 PM
  #64  
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Like this? <shudder>

 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 01:27 PM
  #65  
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 01:39 PM
  #66  
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Well, I had my choices narrowed to the MCS or a Chevy Avalanche. Decided I could keep my current truck and go for the MCS. I'll get the Avalanche whenever my 95 Chev Z71 bites the dust. Could take a while though... Its only got 193K miles so far...
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 04:31 PM
  #67  
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Very interesting thread. Not many real alternatives to the Mini.

The only two cars I have my eyes on are the Mini Cooper S and the upcoming Porsche Boxster Coupe.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 05:53 PM
  #68  
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Depends.

If you want to stay under $20,000 ish then-
Scion XB
Scion tC with supercharger (might be $20,000+)

Above $20,000
2005 Nissan Altima SE-R

about $30,000 range
Honda S2000
Infinity G35 coupe

about $40,000 range
Lotus Elise
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 06:10 PM
  #69  
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Well, if I REALLY wanted something different...

...I thik I'd opt for a Dodge Sprinter van.

2.7 liter MB Diesel Turbo, 5-speed auto trans, lot of room to haul stuff in the back, standard features list's long as my tax return, but not cheap....

But I think I'll wait for the rumored MINI NuClubman, maybe out in '07. About then I ought to have 150,000 miles plus on my '03 S (just turned 21 months since delivery & 56,000 miles oh my ).
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 10:23 PM
  #70  
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should be able to get a Toyota Tundra for around $25k

or save a bunch of dough and get an XB

Now that I have a family a Passat would be cool.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 10:44 PM
  #71  
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1. R32, beast of a car for what you pay.
2. M3, what a piece of machinery.
3. M5, what can i say, i love the bimmer's.

Of course, the last 2 are simply IF i could afford em. The R32 is so quick, its a pretty good sleeper car, it handles really well, so what else could you ask for? Its also awd.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 10:49 PM
  #72  
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At the time wife was deciding between Miata or Mini.

I convinced her Mini S was a better choice.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 10:50 PM
  #73  
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A R34 would be really nice...if they imported it.
 
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Old Jul 31, 2004 | 11:00 PM
  #74  
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Actually I've been looking at the Suzuki Concept-S today. I'd say it would win me over if the production model, which debuts in September in Paris, comes with AWD, 1.6L turbo, and sequential gear box. I have my doubts though, so a Mini Cooper S will fit the bill.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2004 | 02:31 AM
  #75  
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I'd have to say honda s2000. Even though its kindof torque-less, it should provide the same go-kart handling in a small, light weight, fun package. Plus the seats are possibly some of the best stock seats ive ever sat it.
 
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