I'm looking at purchasing a new mini-s and just wondered... any problems?
Are you happy with yours?
I'm stuck between this or the New VW Gti... the gti is faster, but.....
any advice?
Thanks,
Steve

 

You just have to decide how important "fast" is to you. For me, in order to look at a MINI in my driveway instead of a VW GTI, I'd give up at least 2 seconds of 0-60 time. The actual difference is a lot less.

 

I too was worried if the S would be fast enough. I traded in my modified WRX for the S and Im more than satisfied. and this car is 50% more fun and does much better at the track!

 

There are quite a few topics on this. It really depends on what you want. I dont know the warranty on the GTI, but you have 3 years of paid maintence. Then, 4 years 50000 miles bumper to bumper. That was one factor that I really look upon. Plus, if you like the MINI looks, you can mod with the exta money you saved, and try to match the 0-60 times. (Pretty tough if you ask me!) But if you have the money, I say go for it. (The MINI that is. )

 

I got my 05 MCS/JCW on April 15th last year and I have logged 29500 miles. This is the most fun, enjoyable, and satisfying car I have ever owned. My car background includes such cars as Chevelle SS, Impala SS, B4C Camaro, etc. I have never owned an Accamryord, a minivan, or anything of the ilk. I like classic muscle cars and european sport sedans (and little else).

I was afraid that I would quickly tire of the MINI with only 4 cylinders, but nothing could be further from the truth! The car is an absolute BLAST to drive on a daily basis. It'll run! It'll turn! It'll STOP! The steering is perfectly weighted and responsive without a hint of torque steer (unless the tires are spinning) and it even "self-centers". The MINI is the only FWD car I'm aware of that exhibits these traits. You twitch the steering wheel, and you're changing direction RIGHT NOW with no wallow, sway, or dramatics. Unlike other small performance cars, the MINI doesn't need to be revved like a chainsaw to go. The Honda S2000 is very sluggish until the tach needle hits 6000 then all hell breaks loose, whereas the MINI is ready to go whenever you are. Plenty of power (delivered linerally) in any gear. The power delivery is akin to a BMW 330...it's simply there when you summon it with no dramatics.

I haven't driven a GTI, but I did drive a Beetle Turbo S that belonged to a friend a year or so ago. There's just no comparison between the two. They might be close on paper, but not in real life.


Take a test drive and let me know if you agree.

Rawhyde

 

GTi's are cool, but i prefer the smallness of the MCS.

you can carry stuff on GTi's though... I only use my MCS for play.

 

the handling of the MCS is just...AMAZING for this type of vehicle. I am definitely definitely a proud, new owner.

 

Depends on what you need it for. The MINI is my toy, my third vehicle. I don't need it to haul people or things. It is a true sports car, and while not as fast as the new GTI, the handling wil BLOW IT AWAY!! The GTI, though better than the last generation, is still a bit soft in the suspension department. Plus there is the classic looks of the MINI inside and out that the GTI can't match. I've had my MINI for just over a month and you'd think it was a Ferrari, as many comments/questions as people have asked.

I'm not knocking the GTI, however the fact that they are in the same class couldn't be further from the truth. The GTI is quicker, can carry more people/things and rides better. The MINI is quick, handles much better, and is cooler looking. I heard someone say once that the GTI is a hatchback that's sporty and the MINI is a sports car that is a hatchback. I think that says it all.

Your choice, get which ever makes you happy!

 

I hear there is a new mini coming next year.
Thanks for the comments guys.. I'm still on the fence on this regard...
I own a 2002 VW Golf TDI turbo diesel., been pretty good to me so far, so a trade up to the new GTI is not that far off. I drive an average of 50 miles commuting per day, so the diesel was worth it. But want something newer..
Whatr can you tell me about the Automatic with the paddle shifting...
good/bad... useless?
Thanks again,
Steve