Good luck DJA . . . go with what is right for you. I'm 3 score plus and this will be my first Mini. As with all decisions in life mine was part emotion part intellect. For me it's time to downsize and save a bit of gas. It's also time in my life to feel a 5 speed under my hand with my fanny close to the road.

 

Prius. LOL ...

 

The MINI is my only car...........our second car is a MINI too. Maybe it's because we originally hail from the UK and people's perceptions about motoring, economy and practicality are different, but we've never regretted our decisions and (so far) never needed anything bigger.

I'd say go for the MINI.

 

Being "over 50" shall we say, I thought about it, and bought it.

I will never be concerned about having so much fun for $25 grand!. I've bought BMW's for more, Alpha Romeo (for less, but long ago) and even 2 Jeeps for more than $25K. If it falls apart after 4-5 years, I still would think I got my money's worth.

And it's also quickly becoming a hobby, not a car.

Griff

 

Speaking as a 47-year old, let me say that this is exactly the right time to be swinging to the fun side of the "fun/practical scale".

I would say that after owning a 2000 VW GTI VR6, I will never ever buy another Volkswagen-Audi Group vehicle. Ever. Bad design, atrocious quality, and a manufacturer that won't stand behind its products unless you take them to court (and even then, the dealers will sabotage you). My experience with BMWs has been exactly the opposite: great cars, great quality, and exceptional dealer and manufacturer support.

And finally, given the resale value of a MINI, buy one and if you don't like it, sell it and get something else. It won't cost you much.

 

Sorry but check out the Fit. I think they are cool and they could be the wife's car when the Accura bites the dust, which may not be for another 10 years... Not sure the Mini would last that long... 14 years. Our last Honda did.

 

No need for jumping on the guy for making a decision on not to get a MINI.

The fact is, the Cooper is a fun car. Its not known for reliability (as many of you have come across on the NAM forums) and it certainly isnt cheap either (with most of us paying MSRP).

Dont knock the guy because he's somewhere else in his life and is different from you.

Ive spent numerous trips to my BMW dealer for my 01 M3 (still drive). Ive spent zero trips to the dealer for my 1995 acura Integra (sold earlier this year), 1993 Toyota Camry XLE (still drive), 1995 Nissan Maxima GLE (sold last year). 2000 Mitsubishi Galant (still drive). Had numerous issues with my 1995 Grand Cherokee (sold earlier this year). Ive driven and maintained several cars at any given time.

My hope is the 06 MCS will have most of its kinks worked out and I really dont have to make any more unscheduled trips to the dealer. its an anniversary gift... the fun and cute factor is the seller here... The fact that I could customize and build the car in 6 weeks was the other advantage. not the same experience giving your wife an honda accord or toyota camry... that's where I'm coming from.

No debate how much fun the MINI is... however... it isnt for everyone and nothing lasts forever.... In fact, I reckon there's very few people who still own their 2002 mini's or havent though of trading up for a newer model. hmmm.... I admire the original poster for sharing his testimonal, acknowledging where he is at this time of his life and for being differnet. Being aquarius myself, i tend to think outside the box so I can relate.

All the best to you DJA. May you come back and visit some time in the near future.

 

Over 40 here.. and a woman, too
I got my first MINI in 2003 love it.. my husband - the engineer - though the MINI was " a small car" but was begging me to let him drive the Little One. So when the cabrio came out we decided that I will get one and he will get the old MINI. Well, while picking up a Mini for a friend in SC he called me and said " Order me one, too" so now we have have two cabrios.. Never an argument about cars.. actually I got into autocross so I am always willing to talk about cars, engine, tires etc... so our lives now:

No arguments about money spent on the MINIs
No arguments on what we do this week end.. "let's go motor "
No more " what can I buy her/him for his/her birthday, Xmas etc."
No more arguments on where to go on vacation.. Last year was Oxford UK and MINI United in Italy, this year MOTD and MTTS - DC - CT legs-.
No arguments on magazine subscription MC2, of course !!
... should I go on... ?

one more thing.. MINI makes you look and feel younger

MD STREGA2

 

I'm going to see the BIG birthday this year. Never gave age a second thought. Husband has an SUV, I had a Toyota Highlander which I loved. The MINI itch won. The happiness I have whenever I get in..well I guess that's just it!

Everytime you see one you're gonna wanna scratch. Good luck.

 

I'm with Crashton, the clock's running. I could have bought another Toyota or Honda, probably SHOULD have with two in college, but Crashton's reasoning is the same that made my decision.

 

Yes, the current MINI is not for everyone. In the world of non-MINI owners, I'm probably as familiar with the cars as anyone, being the b/f of a very active MCS owner and club member (JerseyGirl).

Being so, the itch to get one of my own has been very strong for the past 3+ years. I spend a lot of time riding in MINI's and a lot of time wrenching on and modding her's and our friends' and occasionally driving them. I have built more MCS variations on MINUSA.com than I'd care to admit and definitely too much time annoying folks in the buy & sell forum. However, in the end, I've resisted getting one of my own. Why? There are just too many things I don't like about the current car. I don't like the seats, the shifter, the steering, the interior as a whole and a host of other minor and not so minor things... Simply put, I like the idea of having a MINI more than I like actually driving the car.

Not that I like my current car all that much either, but I don't dislike it enough to trade it for a MINI knowing I'd be making a lot of compromises in comfort and function. So, I am one of those waiting anxiously to give the next model a spin.

 

You have it all wrong... You NEED the mini to keep from becoming an old fart...
Im 53 years young... I need a car like this to keep me young. Its fun to drive, takes your mind away from the other worries of life. You look forward to "motoring" and getting a rush! Do yourself a favor.. live a little. You need transortation... why not have a little fun in the process. These cars are affordable, economical, fun transportation.
Get a car with some character... Toyota's are like appliances.. boring and dull.
Why not have a little fun along the way... Life is too short to drive a boring car.

 

I am 51 and own a 2003 Mercedes E-500 and a 2005 MINI Cooper S. The MINI, is by far the more reliable of the two cars, gets much better gas mileage and is more enjoyable to drive. I am planning on selling the Mercedes soon and considering a 2007 MINI as a second car. Many MINI owners are "old" like us and I have not found one that regrets buying the MINI. Consider renting a MINI for a weekend and report back.

 

You MINI people are funny...

I debated over whether or not to post a "Thanks, but not for me" message because I didn't want to look like I was asking people to change my mind. I truly wasn't. I imagine that most people who decide to go in another direction simply leave quietly. But each time I asked a question, I received a fair and helpful answer in open forum or a PM. I thought I should at least say thanks for the advice.

I also didn't expect to generate nearly 40 replies, but I probably should have.

• Several people have indicated that they don't feel the durability/reliability/rust concerns ARE a concern. (The rust issue however is something that you warm climate folks may not fully appreciate. Plus, with all the anti-corrosion technologies available, the reality of ANY rust on a new car is inexcusable. It violates a trust.)
• Several people, in a similar stage of life, have told me that the car is the anti-"old fart" elixir.
• Several have explained how they made similar decisions in the past with varying degrees of permanence. (Most had a sig that included their current MINI details)
• Some of you obviously have the financial resources to be less concerned about a car purchase. (Good for you by the way)
• Some of you don't have the same financial resources but are unconcerned anyway. (Good for you too!)
• A few defended my decision more strongly than I could have. (TY)
• Many said I would regret it. Most probably thought it.

I agree that life is too short to not have fun. As they are for you, cars are fun for me. I can't imagine ever having a car that doesn't allow me to safely drive through corners just a little - or a lot - too fast. Or a car that doesn't have three pedals and a hole in the roof. Or a car that doesn't make cool sounds and ride a little too rough. And while there are no guarantees in any choice, I do need to consider long term ownership. We certainly can afford a 25k car, but I'm not sure we can afford to make a mistake with a 25k car. (Western PA is not a hotbed for MINI sales as is the case in other regions. High resale is not something I can count on)

Who knows, maybe at a point down the road some combination of factors will change and I'll end up with a MINI. But for now at least, my concerns force me to continue searching.

Safe and happy motoring to all you MINIacs.

David

(For those who asked: The MazdaSpeed 3 series is due out this summer/fall and I might wait to take a look. Kinda scary power for a FWD -250hp/280t- but if I can keep it off the sidewalk, it might be "FUN".)

 

happy motoring!

 

Whatever you decide on, Enjoy your new ride and stay young!

 

Wow, those are some major dislikes.

IMHO, the seats are not that bad provided you have (lumbar and) cloth. I opted for the 1/2 cloth/leather combo and it's night-and-day compared to my wife's all leather seats. The cloth surfaces really keep you glued firmly in place......they are infinitely better than the leather Recaros I had in my Audi S4. I used to lust after the JCW seats, but not anymore (though they do look cool).

I've been driving manual trannys for almost 29 years and the MINI's is one of the better ones I've experienced.

What's wrong with the steering. Well weighted, direct and not over-assisted.

The interior's a bit twee and the rattles do annoy me (sometimes), but that's about it for me.

 

To each their own. I don't like the interior of any American car... everyone is different.

I agree, the gear box is one of the best (not the best ... best was in a supercharged MR2) and the steering is about perfect.

 

and to you, whatever it is you end up with - okay move on... Some people just don't get it and that's okay. Don't waste our time and we won't waste your time. Each to their own

 

Ouch! Actually I think I do "get it". I just decided to make a choice different from yours. Sorry if I wasted anyone's time. I'll go away now.

David

 

Aw.....I think that your concerns are well-founded, David, but I also think that you would find the MINI a very suitable car for you.

Our good friend (and my fellow Moderator here on NAM), lot15, lives in Winnipeg, Canada, and has had no problems with his MINI that weren't covered under warranty in the early days of his ownership. Again, I repeat, this is the most fun and actually the most reliable car I've owned in 37 years of driving....

Best wishes to you in your search for a problem-free fun car.

 

happy motoring!

ok, i'll stop too...

 

David:

I was in the middle of updating my sig to include the new pine tree car freshener I put in my 03 MCS (Sir Chester Cornelius Cobblepot Copperbottom) when I read your insulting thread.

How dare you put down our beloved Mini by voicing your opinion that it may not be the car for you! Fie and for shame!

My self worth and confidence is tied up in my car - if you reject my car, you've rejected me! I'm so mad, I could just resign my spot as the President of the Electric Blue Owner's Group and change my Motoring ID to INTLRNTOFOTHRS.

Enjoy your Mazda you big meanie. Did you know they are owned by Ford and that Henry Ford the First was a cross-dressing communist? Do you want to drive a car that was built by a company that is 33% owned by a company that was founded 130 years ago by a cross-dressing commie?

Well I don't!

I want to own a car that has rattles, electrical problems, catches fire spontaneously and apparently can change color (from whatever color you ordered to rust). I want to own a car made by a company that threatens to sue everyone who uses the word Mini and who clandestinely scours the car during routine service stops to find a reason to invalidate your warranty.

So adios and don't let the door hit you in the butt!

 

I'm 51 and would never regret purchasing my MINI. Sounds like you suit the typical demographic of a Toyota owner. That's why Toyota is so very successful. You clearly are not one of us. We make our own choises.

 

I thought he wanted to buy a Mazda.......

Do you think he's a typical Mazda owner? If not, is that why Mazda had been relatively unsuccessful? Or is it because they are owned by Ford? (that's my theory anyway).

David:

I apologize for my earlier post. I had no idea you wanted to buy a Toyota - that changes everything. Except that when you buy a Toyota you apparently have to sign a waiver about making you own choises.

BTW: You are clearly not one of us - we spell "choice" with an "s" in these parts!