I am having trouble deciding between a 2006 Cooper S or getting a 2007 GTI. Just some background info. I already have a 2006 S on order that is due to arrive in mid to late October. I am looking for a fun daily driver that is reliable. I know that VW's don't have the best reputation for reliability, but the new MKV GTI's have gotten great reviews lately. And the MINI's have been known to have their fair share of problems as well. The only thing is that I got a great offer for an 07 GTI that will save me around $1,600 on the Cooper S that I have on order. Money is not that big of an issue, as both cars are within my budget. However, if I went with the GTI I would be able to pick the car up this weekend, and have an extra $1,600 to blow on mods. I test drove both cars, and I love them both (though the MINI was more fun to drive, the GTI had amazing power throughout all RPM's). For those of you who are or were in a similar situation, and for those who considered the GTI, what made you decide either way?

Sorry for the long post, but I am torn between the two, and just wanted some other people's opinions.

 

What do you think a MINI enthusiast site is going to say! LOL! I don't know how you can beat the overall fun, style, or performance of the MINI. I say get the MINI...you won't regret it. They are very reliable and so much fun to mod!

 

I know most people here will tell me go for the MINI I am looking for people who considered the GTI, and the reasons why they ended up going with the MINI or the GTI. If they were the same price, there would be no questions. I would choose the MINI hands down. But when there is a $1600 difference, then things start to get hairy

 

How did you spec the MINI? Has production begun? You may want to discuss the options you chose to make the MINI's price more attractive.

Oh, and welcome to NAM!

 

I can tell you this (not knowing lots about the GTI). I have a friend that has bought and sold three MINIs from me (he has sold all three for what he paid for them). He now has a new GTI, he likes it ok but is already ready to get back into a MINI. In his words "there's just something special about a MINI".

 

The Cooper S I have ordered has the following:
-DS/w and white bonnet stripes
-Sport package
-LSD
-iPod connector

My car just finished production and is awaiting transport at the docks. It should probably be here in mid to late October.

 

Wow, you make quick decisions. Congrat's!

 

I test drove/rode in a A3, similar to GTI but GTI has a quicker steering rack (ecu controlled), and it was nice. You could throw it into the turns better than most cars, but not compared to the MINI. A3 was much more refined, smoother, and quieter, but simply not as much fun as a MINI. The GTI also has a nicer interior than the MINI, not as cool, but nicer. And if its anywhere close to the A3, it's a lot more comfortable (ie: everyday ride quality, noise). Torque is crazy in the 2.0T, and comes from very low rpms. I think the GTI is more about speed, or acceleration, than handling, like a MINI. The A3 felt a lot faster than an S even though the 0-60 times are almost identical. 6.8 for an S, 6.9 for manual A3 (DSG-6.7). The SC in the S (and S in general) sounds a whole lot cooler than the GTI. The GTI even has a sound tube thing that pierces through the firewall (sound deadening or w/e) to make it more "performance oriented". Also an S weighs about 500 pounds lighter.

The US GTI sits higher in order to get 5 out of 5 crash test (or pedestrian safe thing) when the A3 came out earlier and it sits a lot lower, but not low enough. Anyway, in my opinion, it would have to be lowered asap, but thats an opinion. Also the rear quarter panel is too flat, or boring, or somethin is just wrong with it.

Also you can "chip" the 2.0T and most companies claim like another 50hp and 50 lb-ft (or maybe 30 lb-ft ).

MINIs are simply just more fun.

 

I had a Jetta prior to my MINI, I know its not a GTI, but it is a VW. I love my MINI 200x more than the VW. MINI for life

 

He had it on order before, and I think he is trying to decide if he wants to get out of it to get a GTI instead.

 

I haven't decided yet. Just saying that I have a Cooper S on order that is due to arrive in mid-October with those options. My girlfriend is pushing for the MINI though, she thinks its cute I am contemplating getting a GTI now rather than waiting. I would hate to give up the MINI though, but the great deal on the GTI has me questioning myself. Decisions, decisions....

 

I understand your pain, since I like both cars too. If it is me, I will think if I will keep the car forever or just for fun in few years. If I would like to keep a car as long as possible, I will pick the Mini Cooper, since it is a car which has an unique style, have fun and you can pass it to your children or grand children and tell the history of the car... lol

If I am looking for a car which is practical, street use, have strong torque (my brother owns an Audi A4 2.0T, the torque is just amazing...!), do not mind if it does not attract much people (especially females ), and will drive it for few years only, then the GTI will be my choice... I heard that VW were plan to release the GTI MKVI soon

As for myself, I pick the first option, which is the MCS... Love it, and will keep it as long as I can.

 

GTI is a freakin VW rabbit.

that's all i have to say.
a rabbit.

Mini is ground up brand new, cool, insanely good handling and a higher resale value. as well looks just about the coolest possible car to own under 70k. I looked into a GTI. eh, they pushed the "legacy" and the all this and that, eh. not impressed by it. didnt feel as solid felt more makeshift.

 

If you have driven both and still have doubts, get the VDub.

 

Who here has recently purchased a VW (past several years) or know of a friend who has? If so, which year and model? What has been your overall impression of the reliability and quality of the car? Any major problems?

And thanks for all of the replies so far everyone. One things's for sure, the MINI community definitely is extremely active and supportive!

 

97' Jetta -- Decent car, odometer/speedometer/tripometer all died at 120,000miles. Was in the shop for about 2months straight at one point because they could get the part they needed ('knuckle' or my axel) Was kinda sluggish, but was also rather old.

 

Ya, they did just came out with the new golf, which is now called the rabbit. The GTI is different from the rabbit (golf). And the coolest car under 70k, your sayin the MINI is cooler than a Lotus Exige or M3 or M coupe or RS4 (maybe 80k) or...? I would have to say it is the coolest car under 40k, rather have a MINI than a Evo (turbo lag!).

And I agree with XAlfa, if u test drive both and you can't decide, then get the VW. The MINI should get u on the test drive.

Family got a used '98 beetle about 5 years ago, see sig. Not too bad in reliability, only minor things. Also has a decent amount of mods, but is meticulously taken care of. Had more problems in our Honda Odyssey, transmission blew out at 40k, I don't know the details, but in general hondas are obviously more reliable than VWs.

 

Just picked up my MCS (550 miles of far), I looked at and drove the GTI before deciding. It's a VW and the last good one they made, IMHO, is the 1978 triple white convertible thats currently undergoing restroration in my garage . The Mini is, well, a blast ... there is nothing else like it ... the GTI looks kinda like a less swoopy Honda Civic Si to me. Best advice, buy what you like the best, it's your money after all.

 

Joel, where are you? This is your thread.

Joel (AZMCS), has both the VW and the Mini. I like to think he loves both equally (even though he drives the MCS and his wife drives the VW). They are both amazing looking cars, but I can't speak to the performance of the VW. Hopefully he will chime in here, he is a great guy with what I consider a very valuable opinion. Goodluck, its a rough decision.

 

I owned a 95 MK III GTI, the car was fun to drive... But after 3 years, it had tons of problem, over heated 3 times (one was stop in front of a festival while in a heavy traffic... ), then another kind of problems occured in every 1~2 months, which I cannot even remember...

Then my next car was a 98 Honda Prelude, super reliable car, comfortable interior, but boring... After drove it for more than 6 years, I then go for the Mini Cooper S.

I owned my MCS for a year and half, love it and no complain at all.

 

I was set to buy a Golf (now rabbit) as my next car because I had driven one and loved the way it handled, but i was turned off by all of the stories i heard about reliability in forums from VW owners (saying they'd never buy one again). Sometimes i hear similar horror stories about the Mini, but mostly it is the earlier years... I think the 06 is supposed to be the best yet.

Then I tested the Mini and it (particularly the manual) is just, i think, much more fun. I have an MC on order, but just drove an MCS yesterday and loved it. Also, as I'm tall, the Minis have the best driver leg room i've been able to find so far, although I think the Rabbit was pretty good, too. The Rabbit MPG wasn't though.

And consider that the 07 Mini will be a "new" production version, so there may be bugs to work out. My rationale for buying one now, even though it's a little above my price range, is that I don't want a used one (I want the warranty) and I won't buy an 07 or 08 until they get things going smoothly. Also, I don't particularly like the center stack on the new one.

All of which is to say, if you like the Mini, the 06 is a good time to buy. If you get the VW, odds are it will function well for at least 2 years if not perfectly. Then if you don't like, you can get an 08 or 09 Mini.

 

many small issues with our 98 Cabrio, electrical, etc. Hassles....

Buddy has an 02 GTI - similar things. Not enough to not get you where you are going, just hassles.

I would have a hard time buying a VW. Not saying that MINI is the only option, just that VW is not an option for me...

 

DSG is nice .. no question.

thats all the GTI has on the MINI.

take that away and you have a rental car.

GTI looks too generic.

GTI resale will suffer.

MINI looks more integrated.

When I test drove the MINI, I knew right away it was the car for me. Compared to my TT, the MINI drove like a car twice the cost of the Audi.

My Partner has an A3 and while it is more refined than the MINI, the MINI gets sooo much more attention.

Dont be impatient. If you are getting the VW because you can get is sooner ... wait.

MiniBull

 

I actually looked into gettin a GTI before I picked up my MINI used back in July. I loved them both, both are great fun and have their plus/minuses. BUT, from someone who's had lots of friends with VW's, I don't trust them to last at ALL, and the resale SUCKS if you dont' sell it before warranty runs out.

Plus, I want a unique car, true you might not see many GTI's, but you see enough to merit people won't take a second look at the VW "hatch" looking car...there are quite a few (even if not a GTI) out there....like when I drove my 03 Cobra.....people just saw it as "another mustang."

SO, I bought the MINI, and people turn, people ask, people comment, and people love it. If you don't want strangers talking to you, don't get the MINI. Plus kids and girls LOVE it......hehe

 

$1,600 ? what is that 6-7% of the price? Your tax will be equal to that.

If you have the itch to pick up your new car this weekend, well I guess you will.