Got to admit something. Today I went to the Denver Auto Show primarily to support and view the MINI's on display. What a great display it was. I spent as much time talking to those drooling over the cars as did the MINI representatives. Gotto love em'.

Anyway, my 2005 Cabrio will be close to the $42K range after all said, ordered, and delivered. I know there are a lot of cars out there for that kind of money so to try and be financial smart I browsed the other makers too. Now to the honesty part. I got stopped in my tracks for a 2005 BMW 330CI (convertible 2 door). For about the same money I would have that instead.

From the show I headed straight over to Schomp MINI (& BMW) here in Denver to "cleanse my sins". I was having my doubts on the MINI. I took my wife, my 13 month daughter (car seat in the rear) and went on a 1 hour drive in a MCS Cabrio similar to what I will be ordering. This was the first time my wife had been in one as well as the first time my daughter and car seat was in the rear (worked quite well I might say).

It only took a few miles for the doubt to go away. MINI is what I wanted.

After the drive my wife wanted to look at the BMW's for when it was time for her to get a new car. She is from London so the MINI doesn't do much for her. Anyway, I came across another 330CI that was 1 year old with 5900 miles on it. FOR LESS THAN I WAS GOING TO PAY FOR THE MINI. Well, I had to drive it too.

My wife and daughter stayed behind and I took off. I must say the BMW was very nice. Not as quick as the upgraded MCS and the ride was a bit smoother and fluid. Less wind in the MCS Cabrio than the 330CI. Similar in electronics. Equally just as comfortable to me but the BMW had all the automatic seats with memory. More room overall in the BMW (duh!).

For the same money if I wanted the elegance, I would go with the BMW.
For the same money if I wanted to move up a notch in "public approval", I would go BMW.
For the same money if I wanted daily fun, I would go MINI.
For the same money if I wanted unique perfection, I would go MINI.
For the same money if I wanted to have comrades, have fellowship and friends because we are owners, I would go MINI.
For the same money if I wanted a "strapped on" car, I would go MINI.
For the same money if I wanted trips/events/clubs/etc, I would go MINI.
For the same money if I wanted the only car that gave me a bug catching, ear to ear, better than Viagra smile every time I drive, I will go MINI.

Any Questions?

 

I generally think the current E46 BMW 3 series is an excellent car, but for uniqueness, cool factor and fun behind the wheel, the MINI is very tough to beat. My problem with the 3 series is that it has become a dime a dozen, everybody has one in their driveway, no exclusivity, overall a very nice and capable German car, but it lacks the charm and that "something" found in the MINI.

I personally would never pay more than $25K-$27K for a new MINI, but that's me. However, if you personally feel that pouring $42K on a new loaded MCSC JCW is fully justified, please be my guest.

The BMW 3 series convertible and MINI Cabrio are both excellent choices. It is a very tough call but in the end you need to determine what characteristics of each car are MOST important to you and make a decision from there.

Best of luck.

 

I get some very nice loaner BMWs when I take my MINI in for service.
The cars are smooth,comfy,and boring to drive.My MINI feels the road,and transfers that back to me.I like that,and use it every mile I motor

 

Great post, TheMike! Always wise to check out everything before plunking down the hard-earned bucks! Mother had a Z3, a 3-series sedan, and now has a Z4. They've all been great cars, but......they don't give me that special thrill I've gotten in my MINIs!:smile:

The handling of the MINI, the wonderful design (inside and out), its great performance are all just the best! And when you toss in our MINI community.....our little cult.....well, that is just the clincher, isn't it?

Clover

 

One question - what are you adding to the car to get it up to $42K? My MCSC has every package plus leather (no Nav or JCW) and it was just over $30K. Even another 7K for JCW and nav puts you 5K shy of 42.

I love my MINI, but $42K seems a bit extreme.

 

Oh heck! I build a new dream MINI just about every week on the MINIUSA site, and when you start adding on the accessories, like JCW and all JCW equipment, plus the aerokit, (which does not even include the labor of installation, so it's even MORE), I've easily hit $42K....


Clover

 

Recently our MINI was in the body shop for some paint touch up, and we had a loaner 2004 BMW 325i wagon for the week.


Ho hum! I felt like i was driving my old father-in-law's Saturn wagon!

 

I constantly get 325 Ci's as loaners when i take my car in for oil change brake fluid flush and other warranty work and I dont like the E46's as much as the MINI. It feels slower than the MINI and less road feel. Yes its a bit more comfortable.. less jar rattling over rough road but its really not that bad. If its going to be a BMW it HAS to be the 5 series and up. 3 series still feels too cheap (for the lack of a better term) to me. My dad drives a E60 5 series and its much much much better then the E46. I would take the 5 over the MINI but not the 3.

 

That's an unfair comparison. $42k is not just a MINI - it's a MINI with all kinds of overprices cosmetic parts and dealer labor rates. Compare apples to apples - take the BMW and add on all kinds of dealer installed stuff - body kits, upgraded interior bits, engine mods, etc. - you'll soon find the BMW $15k higher too.