Have you looked at a Neon? Would you want to be caught dead in a Neon? The maker and name alone scare me. Please. And if you're looking at buying a car for its straight line speed, please go look elsewhere.

 

You got a lot of good answers here ... then again this is a MINI board so you got to expect biased answers.

Why do you car what your "friend" says? Is his opinion all that important to you? If so, a Neon might be best for you for now if that matters to you (and that's OK because tastes change with age).

 

By the way, After 3 years of ownership I still love to stare at my care as I approach it from accross the parking lot. Man is it a great looking car! .....I am SOOOOO glad that I didn't buy some other bland car.

It's kinda like marrying a supermodel! she still gets me excited even after I have experianced all her curves

 

I have had my MCS for 1 week and it is a blast to drive. Not the quickest but it is totally fun. I had test driven this car many times before I decided to buy it and debated for three years. My wife actually told me to buy it instead of the VW R32, that is a quick car but not as fun as the MINI. My other car is a 69 Camaro and I love it. The MINI has a unique following similar to that of the classic owners. We wave and even talked to each other at stop lights, also there seems to be alot of get togethers with other owners. Not to mention you are technically buyng a premium car (BMW) at a compact prices. Plus the Neon is soon to be dead. Take everyones advise and test drive it first then the Neon then make an educated guess.

 

I know two people who went out and bought MINIs after getting a ride and/or a drive in mine. In fact my boss bought a MCSc a week after getting a ride in mine.

Take a variety of cars on your shortlist for test drives. The numbers only give you measured results based on "controlled" conditions. In real life, and real life conditions, you might find different results. That is, on a straight line drag strip, a MINI would probably get beaten by many cars...all with bigger engines, I might add. However, in day to day driving on real roads with bends and curves and pot holes and traffic, you'll probably find you get from point A to B much quicker and enjoy the drive much more in a MINI. Choosing a car is mostly subjective based on your needs. If you really think a similar priced car other than the MINI is a better car, then probably the MINI is not for you.

That's quite a drastic change. The MINI is not going to go offroading like you can in your jeep. But then, how often did you go offroading in your jeep anyways?

Good luck in your decision.

 

I wouldnt suggest the STage 3 kit, thats for track racing only. Adding the stage 3 kit voids the warranty.




wait, why dont we have a performance kit like that???

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. And just to let you know, the most I would drive a Neon would be the 10 feet from the parking lot into the shop I work at. Thats about it. I hate those things, but the srt-4's are pretty quick, I give them that.

As for size, I love the little car. If someone doesn't like the size of the mini, I'll just drive over them in the jeep.

From what you guys have said, it seems like the mini owners are a close knit group, like jeep guys. Whenever I see another modded jeep, I give them a wave, and they usually wave back. You guys seems the same way, which I love.

The reason I asked the queston is that I just wanted to hear some opinions from the owners. I just like looking into and researching things before I jump into and drop a load of cash on something.

I'm going to have to go out and drive one. I'm still in school now, but next year I'll be graduated and able to look into a new car. For now I'm stuck with the 11 mpg, go anywhere vehicle in the land of pavement.

 

Oh, now wait a minute Was-Red-N-Now-Isn't . . . . Rick, where'd the crack on 45-year old come from? (resembles that remark) BTW, it's senile, I think. It's time for another Lizard meet so you can show up and we can drink a few and you can tell us about what 4 bold girls would be doing flashing in the cold of the snow belt. You have proof pics of this, yes?

 

Roodki, I'd suggest that you take that test drive sooner rather than later. It'll help motivate you to save those pennies!

I was on a bit of a road trip last weekend and took a sharp corner (highway - to - highway) a bit too fast. Went into the turn and thought things I wouldn't put in print. The Mini handled it with no problems. Four wheels on the pavement, going where I pointed them, despite the tire squeal. I don't even want to think about what might have happened in a lesser car. I'm not advocating reckless driving, but... I was mighty glad I was driving my Mini when I made that poor decision.

As for straight times, that route takes me from a rural road to a 65+ freeway via a dangerously short "on-ramp." Nowadays I always find myself looking forward to that on-ramp!

 

well, you can tell i didnt do good in spelling

Well, their windows were up. but i saw nipp-aaaah...you know...... well, lets just save that for the Lizard

I wish i had a camera. I had a smile on my face for a while though.