Hi all. I am looking at purchasing a sporty 4-seat convertible, with my budget being around $30,000. So far, the two main contenders are the MCSc and a USED 1999-2001 Jaguar XK8. I think they're both great looking cars. I'm not really a car person, so in your opinion, how is the Mini better/worse than the Jag?

 

Welcome to NAM

How do you intend to buy a 70K (stripped) Jag with $30K?

 

Yep, when you find that XK8 for 30k, grab one for me. Nice Ford . . .

 

Sorry, I should have clarified–I'm not looking at a new XK8 (I wish!). I'm looking at a used 1999-2001 model.

 

Ahh.... Assuming you have 10K in reserve for the repairs.

 

Just built one $78,395 that 3 MCS's


Welcom to NAM

 

Aside from the obvious price difference, the MINI is a four seater with four seats. I've actually had two full sized adults in my back seats (with drivers seat in normal position). The Jag has back seats for insurance purposes only. It's good for a gym bag or the family pet. I could be wrong (it wouldn't be the first time), but I don't even think you could fit a child seat in the Jag.

Besides, what kind of answer do you really expect on a MINI forum?

 

From the last consumer reports issue with auto quality listing, Jaguar was seated in the #1 spot for problems/1000 cars. That should sway you from them if you do come up with 40K

 

I've had my Healeys and TRs, I'd sell it and buy a Cayman. Went and looked at one last week. That is one GOOD LOOKIN car. (But think I'll keep the MINI 'till the munchkin clears college).

 

Hmm new MINI with warranty and service agreement to offset what could be high maintenance and repair costs, or 5 to 6 plus year old Jag with high maintence and repair costs and no warranty to offset those costs with?

MINI sounds like a no brainer... Then again as posted above, you're asking this question in a MINI forum, do you honestly think you won't get responses that lean heavily toward the MINI?

 

The only Jag of recent vintage that will even approach the price of an MCSc is an XType, and it doesn't come in a convertible. If you get one of those, you should expect a lot of thoroughly-justified "Nice Ford" ribbing. It's by far the most "Fordy" of the Jaguars, and not very distinctive in comparison to the rest of the line, let alone the classic Jaguars of old.

If you have $30k to spend on a Jag, I say go for a vintage pre-Ford model. Read up on reliability reports and do your best to choose a good year. Even so, do budget significant extra cash for the inevitable repairs.

Or, just get the MCSc and drive around with a permanent grin.

Your choice.

Oh, I'll add one other option to the mix. You could pick up a Certified Pre-Owned BMW 325ci convertible for around $30k. There are several '02s and '03s available on their website. As great as the MINI convertible is, I have to admit that for true 4-seat usability in a sporty convertible, the BMW 3 Series is the real winner.

The MCS has a bigger fun factor, but the 3 Series has poise, power, and smooth handling, and having been in the backseat of one I maintain that it's the only truly 4-seated convertible I've ever been in. The MINI is more like a 2 plus (2 times 4/5). Most other convertibles on the market are a 2 plus (shelf for packages useless for human occupancy).

So, I say first choice MINI, second choice BMW 3 Series if you're really going to have frequent adult backseat passengers.

 

... be aware much as I LOVE my MINI convertible, it's back seats are not anywhere near as useful as the hardtops. The convertible top steals both depth and width from the back seats. You can move the front seats up and get people back there, but it's not as much room as the hardtop. I knew it and didn't care as it's not my only set of wheels.

 

I don't think people here are very aware of XK8 prices, but $25k-$30k for a 1999-2001 is about right, you should be able to find them about 40K to 45K miles on them. As pointed out, the back seat is non-existent in the XK8. Recent Jag reliability has been getting better, the XK8 is miles ahead of the XJS and has much better rust protection. The price of repair compared to a BMW dealer won't be much higher if any.

I admit I really love XK8's, but I had to go with my MCS (which I love too) because it has more interior room.

 

I wanted to toss in here comments about rear seat space. Depending on how tall you are, you may find out that the mini does run out of leg room in the rear seats if someone tall sits in the front seats. Personally I'm 6'3" and while i have plenty of space for me, anyone attempting to sit behind me would pretty much have to be a double amputee.

 

i sold my 1997 jag XK8 converible and moved into my 06 MCSC JCW.

The mini has more interior space than the jag. It would only fit one car seat behind the passenger seat IF no one was in the passenger seat.

The price for the used jag is about right.

My 1997 only had 53K and sold for 19K.

Performance of my JCW about the same as the jag but better gas mileage. Jag got about 23 hwy.

 

i know this thread is years old but hyperblue you say you owned a xk8 before your 06. speed wise you say they were about the same?