Right on again Chows

 

I was at my cardiologists yesterday (yes, I am as old as dirt) and I saw the same Car & Driver. They ranked the MCS second to last (Forth out of five) in overall value. The trunk was one of the major negative points. Since my other car is a Land Rover, a small trunk is ok by me.

 

Yea, so what's the problem?? Like I said, CR AND Car and Driver SUCKS!!!!


And by the way:
Sam Adams Cream Stout> Yueingling(sp?)> Rolling Rock > PBR > OM

 

Nope. That means BOTH magazines SUCK!!!

 

As long as you like what you got, who cares what car magazines think?

 

+1!

CR is a valuable tool when comparing items you are unsure about.
That's not the case here.

 

I'm glad they didn't like it.. and I hope that a gazillion people read the article. That way I won't have to see one every time I turn a corner.

It's sorta nice having something different w/o having to spend $60+K to get it (a Porsche Cayman comes to mind...).

 

Amen Chows. There will always be differing opinions out there. Too many MINI owners are too sensitive about criticism of MINIs. I love my car, but there are many other good cars out there and what is good for one isn't necessarily good for another.

 

So what you're saying is that not everyone is greatful that it only takes one trip up the stairs at the motel? Not everyone is prepared to leave the kids at home? The MINI is easy to live with.

 

It was a bizarre choice of 3 cars to compare.

R56


Mazdaspeed6 Grand Touring


Saturn Sky Redline

 

To rate the MINI on trunk space is pretty ludicrous. It IS a "mini" afterall.

 

1) Every time someone posts a that a comparo doesn't make sense, I say BS! Money is the equilizer, as they all take a bunch of it to take one home! And all three of these are "enhanced" version, so what if they are different base cars?

2) While things like a small trunk may or may not be a deal breaker, I find that cars with "quirks" get an automatic negative adjustment in ease of use categories, as the testers don't own the cars long enough to get used to things like the toggle switch windows or whatever.

3) Same thing with cars with someout "out there" styling, like the plate sized speedo.

4) I love the verbal jousting on what is obviously a very subjective call. Since best or whatever depends entirely on the perspective of the judge, debates like these tend to be very entertaining, even if lacking objective content. (Except for the comment on the Sky trunk. That's the truth, and pretty much the only reason the Sky and it's stablemates aren't a miata like hit!)

Matt

 

I am new to the Mini - in fact, just sold my PU yesterday - and will be placing an order next week... I have been reading this thread and I have to laugh... this is just like the reviews I see for the Harley's. Iam on my third HD since 96 and I love it - However, when my Harley is put up against a BMW or a Honda Gold Wing - it just does not compare - Does that slow people down from buying Harley's - Not a chance - We buy the Harley for some of the same reasons we buy the Mini - because we LIKE it and we think its cool... So, I really do not care what CR says about it... It has a full 3yr/36K warrany - if something is not right, it will get fixed... So, ride on..

 

Keep in mind that CR is not an enthusiast's magazine but rather the voice of the masses that see cars as mere transportation. In this environment of soccer moms and Walter Mittys concerned more with living safely than living life, SUVs andf mini vans rule. C&D has always been off the mark, probably because of advertiser influence. Over the years, I have found MT to closely align with my take on things automotive, but that too panders a bit to their advertisers. AutoWeek will generally report fact rather than opinion, which leaves the articles a bit dry. It's difficult to report facts on something as subjective as "road feel". You do however get the sense of difference when the .6 lateral g's on the Escapade to the 1.05 of the Corvette. Winding Road has had an interesting start and is worth tracking for a bit.

 

Did they reduce the warranty by a year and 14,000 miles?

 

I have drove many cars in 48 years of life. Some highly rated and some in law suits with CR (Trooper). The Trooper was the most dependable SUV I owned while CR would argue that it is the worst vehicle ever made. Of all the cars, the mini for me puts a S eating grin on my face everytime I look in the garage to make sure it is still there. Who care's what other people think. They could also be flat out wrong.

 

My mistake - meaning the first 3/36 also covers all maintaince like oil... you are right on the 4 years... sorry... remember I am still the FNG here...lol

 

Would like a spouse that is easy to live with or....not so easy to live with but great to have sex with? You have the answer.

 

Weren't they comparing the Speed3 and not the Speed6. The Speed3 would make a lot more since.

I test drove the Speed 3 and 6 and honestly it is more practical because of the space for most people. They both have a nice amount of power and look pretty good. I really enjoyed the Speed3; however, the Mini is just the all around fun factor. I really felt like I connected with the car. Whereas, with the Speed3, I felt disconnected. It was fast but that was really all it had going for me. After driving the mini, I don't think I could really enjoy driving any other car. One, because of the uniqueness (if that's a word), and two, I can customize the mini to be exactly what I want. Not some prespecified package of goodies, where it's all or nothing.

After driving the mini, I dread getting back in my Chevy every day.:impatient

 

I think you're right. I went to one of the auto sites and searched on "mazdaspeed grand touring", and it only listed the 6. I see now that there is also a Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring and it was probably the one in the comparison.

 

Seems odd to me. You have a 2dr with 4 seats (Mini ) A 2 Seater sporty car and a 4 door fast mazda. Well heck, if you need to haul people, the mazda would make it easier. Nothing says fun like a mini though. The comparison is like comparing a suburban, a 2 door pickup truck and a hummer. They don't connect.

 

MCs are a Cult Thing...I never wanted a cookie cutter car. I subscribe to CR, but if I had to depend on somebody else to tell me what kind of car to buy, I'd be a "woosie". MC owners definitely ain't woosies!!

gaminis

 

The Mazda speed 3 has been given a lot of praise and for good reason. One of the guys I work with owns one, I have ridden in it a couple of times, I think it's a great car, I see nothing wrong with comparing it to a mini, if the mini did not exist I would likely own one. I have nothing against consumer reports.

 

If what you are looking for is a good all purpose vehicle, CR is right on the money in my opinion. So what? CR is seeking a generic car. The Mini is not a generic car. Is it any wonder that a they chose a Mazda over a Mini?

CR should really limit their focus to reliability and safety issues. These things don't get focused on other places. To look to CR for style issues is like looking to to your grandma's advice about what to wear out clubbing. If you follow grandma's style advice, like CR's, you will ultimately end up disappointed.

Are they really telling anybody anthing they might not know by saying the back seat and trunk are small? Duh.

 

The only car magazine worth reading is Top Gear. The rest suck.