When I was shopping for a MINI in early '05, I was also looking at some other cars just for $#i+$ and giggles - VW Golf & Mazda RX-8 more closely than others, but there was never any comparison. I wanted a MINI.

 

Probably would get a Subie WRX non-STI and just go crazy on the engine mods..... it still wouldn't be as fun as my baby

 

I was looking for something as recent as last month. I was looking at the Audi A3 and the Porsche 996.

Most likely, I will buy a used e46 m3 w/smg after the E90 m3 comes out. If it's a monster as some predict, the e46 m3 could become a real bargain.

 

I think the BMW 330i is a good alternative to the MCS, a CPO 540i 6 Speed is rather impressive too! The GTO is a nice alternative if you can keep it fueled up, and if you can find one with a manual transmission.

If fuel consumption and price are major factors, I like the diesel Beetle. A buddy of mine and me did a long and harrowing search and found him a 5 speed TDI Beetle with Option Pkg 2. It's a great car. Practical, plenty of room, well equipped, and fantastic mileage.

Even though I have a MCS, I'm not a fan of many small cars. So far, there are only two that I'd consider owning....MCS or Diesel Bug. One pegs the fun meter, the other one is still a nice car that is really cheap to operate (I bet you can guess which is which!)

I tried the Focus SVT, S2000, Miata, SRT-4, and the WRX STi. I didn't care much for any of them.

Let us know what you wind up getting

Rawhyde

 

When i was looking into the MINI i was interested in a few cars, but after driving a MINI i was hooked. I looked at the Scion tC, nice but too plain on the inside, no personality. I would probably get a VW GTi if i couldnt get a MINI, but i almost got a WRX before the MINI and im glad i didnt, they are fast and handle well but the quality of the interior trim seemed cheap. Something else that recently caught my eye was the Mazdaspeed 3. 263hp?! that not bad at all.

 

Miata. Nothing comes close to the Mini's handling in the price range besides the Miata. I love the rear wheel drive and the weight distribution!

 

I am rather surprised that only one person mentioned the Mitsubishi Evo, and that mention said "but I wouldn't own one." The RS model has everything but that stupid wing and wierd little "nubs" at the rear edge of the top, which I don'y like anyway; and it has a 5-speed instead of the 6-speed manual, which, with the turbo, is not so bad anyway. Am I missing something really horrible about this car, or is it generally just not Mini owners' cup of tea? Faster than the MCS, as nimble if not quicker (see R&T's list), a true 4-door with a real back seat and trunk, and (the RS) well under 30k -- what's not to like?

I love my 04 MCS, but I really am considering an Evo for the "next car." If that is crazy, please save me from myself.

 

I considered an EVO as well but it would be more of a toy car plus I didn't like the fact that the steering radius is huge. You might have to back up while making a u-turn when other less powerful cars wouldn't have to. A friend has one and he gets 15mpg in the city. Now that it's modded it goes real fast but it is even more of a gas guzzler.

As far as the RS, I am not sure of the features now, but in the past it was missing some options and I believe sound deadening as well. And the ride really rough. The MR was the model with everything and tuned bilstiens to go along with it. For the price, the RS is tough to match, but it does lack some creature comforts.

This is for the Evo VIII. I am not sure how the IX is.

Here's more information on the RS. I hope that answers your question.

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=1809

 

First of all, nothing compares to the everyday thrill and excitement that comes with my MINI. But if for some reason the MINI didn't exist;

The Mazda RX8 would be a very close consideration. The handling, performance, price range per features, its purity of motoring spirit, and its ability to rev and accelerate would closely match what I have in my MINI. Not to mention the small size and agility.

I never considered the WRX or the EVO simply becuase of style and size. I love those cars and have much respect for them, but they didn't fit the roadster sports car type genre I was looking for.

If I had a little more money to spend, then the Lotus Exige or the Elise would be my second choice. No explaination needed here...

Third choice would be the VW Golf R32 or the GTI (2 door version). Its in the same catagory of "hot hatches" the MINI is in. Like the RX-8, it has comparable performance, features but lacks a bit of motoring spirit. It doesn't have that extra charm like the MINI.

Last but not least, I would consider a Nissan 350Z. Sharp looking, and simply built for speed.

On the pratical side, a Mazda 3. Slightly considered due to price and features. But my rational side would have chosen a car other than this.

 

I'd just keep my Z3.

 

One word: Veyron.

 

Interesting question...one of the things that drew me to the Mini was it's balance. Fun, performance, style, and practicality all in one neat, tiny package.

But if I had to consider other cars...

Mazda Miata (new gen) - Cloth top. None of that retractable hardtop silliness. If I wanted sheer driving fun, well, I can't afford a Lotus Elise...

Mazdaspeed3 - Not quite as engaging as the Mini, not quite as stylish, but it has a sweet engine, pretty good handling, and 5-door practicality...

BMW 330i (E46) - Having driven an M3 coupe at BMW's performance center and an M3 convertible through the winding roads of west Austin, I know that I can never, ever own one. Too much power delivered too quickly for my lead foot. I would be arrested inside a week. But a low-mileage E46 330i...that I could do. It's not that I don't like the new E90s...I just like the E46 better.

 

my new ride

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...y/294e3d67.jpg

 

A pre '66 VW Bug....with a turbo 2.1L street screamer, ready to ****** the front wheels off the ground!

Or a 1303 Super beetle, turned into a porsche chaser!

I will have one of these 1 day....

 

I would definatly have to say a mmini S haha.

otherwise an sti or gti? hmm

 

Thanks. Very interesting info. The ride issue doesn't surprise me. I suppose the mileage problem shouldn't either. It would be interesting to compare the two models to see how much diff the Bilsteins and the 6-speed make. For he difference in $$ I could add the Bilsteins (I hope). One thing about the lineup (this is for the EVO IX) I found interesting is that you can't get many "options" on the lower end models. For example, you can't order the 6-speed on the RS.

 

If MINI's had not been available when I bought mine in Oct'04...
I'd would've looked for a:
Nissan Skyline R32 (used to be imported/legalized through MotoRex)
...or a...
3rd gen Mazda RX-7

The Skylines used to go for about $30K depending on condition, year and mods; getting parts would be a pain, though... RX-7's can be had for $15K in great condition, and made bulletproof for another $5k. Hmm, makes me want to sell my MINI... or a kidney.

 

Wasn't Motorex charging more then 30k for an imported R32? And it's right hand drive! That's just strange to me. You could buy a Lexus SC300 with a five speed and do a supra engine swap. Not sure how agile it is but it won't be awd like a R32.

FC are getting pretty rare in these parts. My friend with the EVO had a FC tricked out..11 sec ride. Not sure which one he likes better.

 

One thing to consider is the resale value. You might pay more upfront for the MR but you should have a bigger market for it when you decide to sell. The RS is more hardcore and might take longer to sell. Just some food for thought.

 

Totally get this with the screaming chicken on the hood.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1980-...QQcmdZViewItem

It would be even sweeter if it were the Indy Pace car!

Either that or the just as sweet Cadillac Cimarron. Oh yeah, I just want to feel the velour! Put some 20's on there and watch em roll.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Slightly off topic with the Evos here:

http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/pop...1.exclude.html

Guess which car the Evo is tied for resale value with?

 

Some of us already made the jump .

I just picked up a 2006 Apex Silver MR. It will be my new track and weekend toy. Amazing package out of the box. The steering radius isn't as bad as it's cooked up to be and the car will redefine your definition of fast and nimble.

I was a bit apprehensive about the boy racer looks and the reliability bugaboos. Honestly, I get more men in the 40+ crowd talking to me ( ) at gas stations and asking about the car. Additionally, Consumer reports has listed the Lancer Evo as having minimal problems - it also received an overall rating of 86 - not too bad.

For comparison, the Mini Cooper got a 77 rating and had an average number of problems.

Anyway, if you can test drive one, I highly recommend you do. The car's a freaking blast!

 

These are trade in values? I did a KBB on my MCS and it was 20400 trade (gd condition) with a msrp of 24k. The evo RS with the same miles was 21k Sticker on the RS though was closer to 28k new. reguluar EVO sticker stickered over 30k new and trade in was $23,435. So just from my rough numbers, my mcs is 85% after 2 years, RS 75%, and Evo was 78%.

edit: MR was not available until 05

one more edit: different parts of the country have different values. Regular EVO and RS can be purchased at significant discounts when the local mitsu dealers here have their sales.

 

My friend purchased his at the end of 05. We have tight streets here and he has to back up on streets that he would normally be able to make in other cars. Pure anecdotal, YMMV.

Have the DSM guys cleaned up their financial picture yet? I haven't been looking or researching the EVO in a while. It just wasn't what the wife wanted.

And speaking of older men, I saw one middle age man driving a MR and a senior driving a Evo. It's definitely not only for the young.