i think about this all the time, but in the end, i always realize that i am very happy with my car. but here are my considerations

-~2000 Integra Type R
-R32
-EVO
-VW GTI A3/A4
-Acura TSX
-Volvo S40

 

I traded in an '03 Cobra for my S, and have had the car for about four months now. I've done most of the "non-big-money" mods, and while the car is still fun in traffic, I'm making plans to sell it late next year and buy another 03=04 Cobra, or perhaps a used Sti/Evo.

The Mini is a great car, but to someone who's driven RWD, big V8 powered cars their entire adult lives, the Mini just can't measure up.

I live in Orlando, FL, and we don't even have many roads where the cornering capabilities of the Mini can really be exploited, sadly enough. As is, the business complex where I work is about the only place, and I come out here really late at night so I can fly around without the risk of being caught by the police.

 

 

their worse SC motor VW built
DITTO!

 

A nice classic muscle car, like a Chevelle or 442.

Get a nice project vehicle.

That is what I would do if I had $30K and couldn't by a MINI.

 

M6 cab - Might as well stay in the family. But in the same price range then it's the 350Z cab.

Others: Charger SRT8, G35, Avalanche outfitted for SCUBA gear hauling!

 

Audi A3. The 250 hp 3.2 liter V6 with DSG is due out sometime next year.

It'll probably cost too much, but it should be one sweet ride.

 

Right back to a Jeep Wrangler six cylinder if gas was 39 cents a gallon like I once remember it...
Stop Mad Cowboy disease!

 

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

 

If not for MINI I'd probably still have my 2000 VW Jetta VR6 and by now it would have long since been paid off and have 150,000 on the clock. I'm sure I'd be eyeing up the A3 3.2 DSG as a replacement. :smile:

 

putting aside need for a bit more room with 2 growing boyz...

I would get a bmw 1 series or is it going to be a 2 series?? "M" version if motorsports does build
or
keep the 2005 mini, gut it, cage it and put on a BBK- and by a civic si for daily transport


or get a 3 series 4 door-- most likely

putting aside safety issues like need for side curtain airbags, i would get a evo RS...

 

Since you drove a Miata your market should be between:

Miata
Solstice Turbo (if you don't mind the one year wait.... I don't )
S2000

Going for the solstice because is close to the Honda in numbers (I think) and is cheaper.

 

Wow...what great responses. from things that i had not thought of to stuff i REALLY had not thought of. (R5 turbo!)

Thanks all for your input.

As for the chevelle, I have one of those!



I am actually thinking about selling that as well. I am trying to get out of the project car phase. It's in my dad's garage 2 hours away, haven't driven it in years. I should get it out of his way so he can work on his corvettes...

ok, back on target....

•*not touching another VW. wife had a cabrio that soured me to them. Doubt i would risk an audi either, although I love the S4 Avant. and the A3 is pretty hot as well....

•*I think the only other FWD car I would look at would be the late Integras. Spent quite a bit of time in those a few years back and they are really a blast. One buddy had a Type R Trans with the LSD...made all the difference. VTEC really is a wonderful thing, even if there is a lack of torque. only issue is how often they are stolen, and every jack-hole wants to race.

•*Mazda6 is a great car, my folks have the sport back. Chevy-only Dad traded a 94 Impala SS on it! But if i am going that large, i want AWD: WRX

•*Magnum/300C - interesting. Had not thought about those at all. Again, most likely go WRX.

•*Z3 Coupe - that one threw me for a loop! Had not even crossed my mind. I LOVE the new Z4 coupe....i would get that in a heart beat. Of course, it's not here and too expensive. Might take a look at a 3.0L

•*SVT focus was also another good one that i had not thought of. I would give that a try before it went on my FWD sucks list.

•*elise is hot, too much coin. too much of a theft magnet as well.

•*love the newer vette's just not for me.

------

Cars that I will try to test drive before i put my MINI deposit down (And what my preconceived notions are about them)

•*WRX 2.5L (extra cc's will help smooth transition into boost, shifter still sloppy, excellent do anything suspension, love the AWD! I have a 97 OBS wagon...know what they 'feel' like, and it's bigger than I want to drive everyday)

•*S2000 (drove one before I turboed my miata, had to beat the **** out of it to get it to go anywhere. Maybe the new 2.2L is better. Most likely get another miata before i got one of these)

•*NC miata (like outside, not crazy about inside. with all the upgrades they have made, is it still raw?)

•*some 3 series. (always a big fan, might be outside of price range, esp. new. LOVE the E30's,, even E36. Again, don't want a project car!)

•*new 1 or 2 series....won't be here in time but maybe an M2 after the MINI?

•*G35 coupe. (have to try it, even though i would get the 3)

•*Solstice...if i can get my hands on one...

-----

Thanks everyone for your input...this is fun. Feel free to keep going!

-jac

 

How about a 505hp Z06?

 

When I get married and have kid(s) (pretty soon actually). This is the car I will get to get around with the family and take kids to school.
NOT SELLING THE MINI.

 

ooo0oo0

Renault Clio Sport V6

 

Good thread . . .

New and somewhat same price range: Mazda 3 5 door; '06 Honda Civic Si; VW Gti

Used and same price range: Audi TT I currently drive one I bought with 16K mi on the clock - warranty & all service to 50K mi. Paid 25K for 40K car - they depreciate like crazy so good buy used; Well kept 325ci BMW;
Infiniti G35;

 

Evo MR, STi, Used M3, Mazda 3 Hatch, SVT Focus, SRT-4 (04 or 05 w/LSD) ,03 Cobra, Boxster, 993 911

For some reason I love the black Magnum's riding on some 20's with deep tinted windows all around. Get the SRT-8 model for maximum fun . However I hate the charger and 300c.

 

For me there is only one choice... 2006 MX-5 (NC). Have yet to see one in person, but two of my brothers and my dad auto-xed one and were very fond of the handling, new styling, etc. Helps my dad used to have one. Would maybe wait for a Mazdaspeed version though ...

 

You sure? I've heard it has a hard time actually reaching the advertised 253 mph top end....more like only 235.

 

shoot!! i would so take that mug, 235 is plenty for ME......

 

I came from a 2003 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback.
Nice interior room and big trunk, SLUG on the road.
I needed a car and I couldn't wait for a MINI to be built.
3 years later, 9/2002-10/2005, I got a MINI and said goodbye to the SLUG.

In the past three years; I browsed, test drove, rented, configured and even signed papers on the following cars:

Mazda 3 wagon
VW Jetta wagon
Saturn Ion
Subaru WRX wagon
Mazda 6 wagon
VW Bug
Toyota Matrix
PT Cruiser
Ford Mustang
Mercedes C240 wagon
Saab 9 2x aero

I seriously almost came home with the Mazda 6W, Mercedes C240W and the Saab 9 2x, in that order. But each time a MINI saved me.

The Mazda dealer didn't have a silver one on the lot. So, I sat there and waited while they looked for one. Then, a LY MINI drove past on the highway. I got up and walked out.

The Mercedes dealer had a beautiful silver/grey C240W 4matic on the lot. I was very excited, pen in hand and my phone rings. It was an ebay alert message, the MINI auction I was watching was ending soon. I got into the SLUG and drove away.

Now, the Saab 9 2x was the last car I walked away from. I was turned on to the car by my friend who was buying one. I visited the Saab dealer with him several times, they had a bunch of silver ones. I went with him to take delivery of his car. While he did the walk around and final paper work, I sat with a rep and worked on a deal. So, talking to this sales rep, I ask my famous question, "so do you drive a Saab (insert whatever car I'm looking at)?" Guess what his answer was, "No, I drive a MINI." Needless to say I didn't get the Saab.

The very next day, I was at the MINI dealer.

 

Great Story Ravenfish...

I was at the Acura dealer hoping to get the 06 TSX but they didn't have it.. then i test drove the Mini.. the dealer actually said "Take the next turn FASTER." I was sold right there..

As for my next car.. DB9 haha.. i guess if i win the lotto this week.

 

This is our other car. An '01 A6 2.7t with 40k on it. Cert. pre-owned, full warranty for two years and it cost the same amount as our MCS.

 

I have an '05 MC that my daughter took to school.

I drove a Murano, but was getting tired of the SUV thing, gas etc., and missed the MC.

Though I love the MC, it was not enough room for the daily routine.

After much though, I opted for a Volvo S40, 5 Speed. Got it for 22,500 and find it fun to drive.

Still drive the MC whenever it comes home.