I dunno man..... GM's been do that for YEARS!!!

 

And Ford, and Chrysler. They all wonder why they're in trouble and then cry it isn't their fault and want the taxpayers to bail them out. This taxpayer says not again.

 

Funny, I look at my sidewalk which was 31,650.00 and see a car that is beautifully put together, smells wonderful and has english leather seats that are to die for. the classy lighting, chrome accents and wonderful feel all scream classy. I do agree that the MINI can be made to have several personalities that would justify its price point. I choose the black english leather because it made the car more sporty to me while others like the brown leather.. Don't ever underestimate color as a very strong emotional trigger in the value department. And its really all about emotion.. its what cars are sold on.. for example, the brown seats in the sidewalk edition look too country club on a white car so I went with the black.. doesn't really matter.. in the end its all perception anyways.

 

I hope you know that when I was making the comment about manufacturers brainwashing us, that wasn't directed towards you... (just thought I'd clarify)


No need to get personal... leave my ex-wife out of this.



I understand what you're saying and I think the M3 is a great car but when you consider what it takes to make an M3, is it worth twice the price?

Anyway, I still think $30k for a little car like the mini is too much...


Rudecat,

What's wrong with the Hummer interior? Though I sold mine a couple of weeks ago, I absolutely loved the H2 interior....

Mark

 

The price of a car isn't the sum of what it takes to make it. Other factors come into play. I accept that I had to pay $58K for it. It's no less worth that than my JCW is worth the $34K I paid. I do think the M3 is that much better.

 

I too expect that there will have to be continuing cost cutting measures along with price increases. On the other hand, word is that 2016 is expected to be a very good year if you can hold out that long. But then again, there will likely be a variable speed intermittent wipers on the 2019 MINI.

 

Boy, that was dripping....

 

In this time of difficult economics, I would wait to purchase a car if it is possible. No real need to increase potential depreciation (although it is small on the Mini).

Otherwise, it is a toss up between MY 2009 and 2010.

 

That was actually my point. What justifies the double price tag? Is the carpet twice as good? Does the motor last twice as long? Is it twice as fast? Is the interior twice as nice? Better quality? Longer lasting paint? Residual value worth twice as much???

I was merely making the point that as cool as I think an M3 (just using that car as an example), I don't think it's TWICE as nice as for example, a mini.

Anyway, doesn't matter..... as long as whoever makes the payments are thrilled with the car. I was just playing devil's advocate, cause I really like an M3.

Mark

 

I would say it is. The M3 is a very special car -- everything about it is special: performance, fit and finish, comfort, interior and exterior appearance and style, quality of paint and other materials, and so on. Hell, the cost of the engine isn't a far cry from a standard Cooper. I have no doubt I will miss it, and ultimately regret getting rid of it. I just have to remember we plan to get a E92 M3 in 4-5 years.

As nice as the JCW is -- and I really enjoy it a lot -- it's just not in the same league. So yes, I think the M3 is twice the car. But that's my opinion...after driving one every day for the last 1200 days.

 

I test drove the 2009 JCW and then put a deposit on it and then as I built out all of the options I wanted I realized that was just WAY TOO MUCH for this car. I totalled out at $40k with tax tabs and license.

In short, I realized it is better to get an older model and then snag a JCW edition in a year or two when they have been out for a bit.

I went with a loaded 06 and plan on dumping money into the body kit and carbon fiber parts.....at which point I'll have most of what I want for $15k less.

 

why buy any car you know in advance you don't like? maybe you're just not a MINI person. If high quality interiors are your thing, take a look at Audis which are generally thought to be among the best.

 

I think everyone has done a good job on this one. I'm willing to bet that the cost of the Mini will probably go up 5-6% in the next year or two. Huge demand, limited production capabilities, falling dollar on the FX markets.

So the question to me is what dollar value do you place on this possibility of a better interior? Your questions sounds like you will buy one eventually anyways. So if the value to you is 5-6% then go ahead and wait. If the value is less, go ahead and buy now.

 

Just get the 08 or 09. i thought at first the interior was rather cheap but when i started driving it i relazied that not what this car is about. it handles like a go cart and has great pick up. if you are buying a mini thats what you buy it for. if you want a nice interior go up to the BMW 1 or 3 series for a little more cash.

 

If you can't tell from the variety of opinions, it's just a matter of how you like to conduct your life. Some people are willing to accept certain flaws if the benefits outweigh the negatives. Others strive for perfection in all aspects of their lives.

The first group, we call "compromisers" and the second, "lifelong bachelors."

Point is, we can't tell you which group you're in.

 

The MINIs interior is fine for its price. Heck, I've gotten nothing but compliments on mine (Nice Leather! Wow, real aluminum!) I mean, it is amongst the best small cars, and if you want room and awesome quality, you really should be looking at Audis and BMWs, and definitely not a small car like a MINI.

I love my MINI. It is so much better than my Mazda and infinitely better than my mom and dad's Fords. Yuck. They like small cars as well, and when I purchased this one and drove it up to see them, they found it amazing for a small car.

I mean, you must admit... it is amongst the best of the small cars.

 

Tons of wanna-be MINI owners out there think along the same lines ("compromisers" and "lifelong bachelors" does it justice). I mean, every time a new model comes out, in any car brand you gain something in interior aesthetics, exterior, amenities, electronics, new tech, etc. Then, there are times that you actually "lose" if you liked the looks (interior or exterior) of a previous model, but are in favor of the new model year's bells and whistles.

I test drove the '09 JCW, can't say I was amazed by the interior, but I wasn't shooting for Audi-like interior either. On the other hand, my inclination regarding how much fun the engine of a MINI is, was gratuitously rewarded. My gripe is with price, like others, plus, the fact that my family is in expansion mode doesn't help a whole lot. Still, I can ignore those issues (because I can probably afford a MINI, especially with my trade-in, my wife doesn't think the JCW or S Clubman is too small, plus I have the Mazda CX-9 for hauling anyway).

In other words, it's a question that requires careful consideration as to what you really want (and to a lesser respect, what you need). If you (I) want the MINI for what it is, meaning, powerful and generally trusty engine, good resale value, smile factor, unique looks, community of MINI owners, etc. then any model year is great and especially the newer ones, which combine great looks and break-through tech and parts.

Myself, I've decided to sleep on it. Very hard to do. But I've learned that cars are the epitome of ego satisfaction, unless of course you've happened to totally crash your everyday vehicle and need to buy a car now.

 

Thanks for all the opinion guys... I've actually decided to hold off my purchase until MY2010 because of the new VW GTI coming out. That thing has such an awesome interior, I can't overlook it. I have always been against VW because of their record in reliability, but have always loved their interior design and quality.

Hopefully the refreshed interior of the 2010 JCW will be closer to what VW pumps out, and hopefully things like the aerokit or suspension come standard.

And i really cant stand the paint choices for mini thus far. I like some of them, but when you compare them to the paint quality of other mfgs, its just not right. I used to consult for most of the auto mfgs, so ive been around long enough to know what it possible and whats not under costs.

 

Well, at least you're living up to your screenname. No offense but how smart is it to buy a car with reliability issues because the interior design is cool?



Wait until you have to have the car towed to the garage (and TRUST ME, it WILL happen)....

But hey.... at least while on the rollback, the interior looks cool.

Good luck.

Mark

 

Well I was with, you much preferring the looks and interior of the RSX when it was around. Its kind of sad the interior and more importantly the great seats Honda offered in a similar price range. Since they messed that up I went against all that and bought a MINI, and my only big grips left are the seats could be bolstered better and the radio and thermostat controls are clumsy. I steered clear of VW only because of weight, but the weight really is a huge difference. I'm glad I went with the MINI because it handles better than anything in the price range. If your going for the sporty hot hatch, the MINI should still be at the top of the list, it really is the most fun.

 

I think that's being harsh... Veedubs are very cool cars. You either get them or you don't, quality warts and all. They're that sort of car.

The mkVI release photos I've seen show a fantastic looking GTI. Not quite the new Scirocco (wish Canada would get that but the mkVI GTI comes close). To my eye, probably the best looking GTI since the mkI and mkII cars. Due to mass and size, I don't think it will be as all out sporting to drive as a JCW MINI but it is by no means a slouch (the mkII was the high point in GTI handling). And the interior on that car along with the great exterior styling are compelling (as is the smooth and powerful 2.0T and the more than decent manual gearbox feel). MINI could learn something on interior from VAG, in fact most manufacturers could. Just like MINI could teach most manufacturers about keeping vehicle mass low, steering feel lively, and character high.

 

No one said VW's weren't cool. The OP said he was hesitating because of VW's reliability issues but in the same breath mentioned he was still considering getting one because the interior was cool.

There is NO WAY I would intentionally buy a car that I know has reliability issues just because it has a cool interior.

I hope if he does buy one that it's perfect. I just think that anyone that knowing goes into deal like that isn't thinking straight.

Mark

 

I actually rate Mini's reliability only one notch better than Mini. French motor, german owned, british built.. its like buying milk and baby food from China.

But the mini I configured will cost damn near $40K out the door. When a car out there that costs mid $25K and has a completely dominant interior, I would expect a $40K car to be somewhat close if not better.

I've always loved the mini, since with my last job, i was given a different car every week. ive driven just about everything, and the mini was the one car i didnt really want to give back. it puts the same grin on my face as when i had a ferrari for a week. but with this lovely economy now, $40K for that grin may not be worth it, especially when the interior isn't even competitive to a $20K car.

We'll see... I'm going to have to drive the 2 cars before I will decide... good news is, I have a year to think it through... then that long 4-12 week wait should i end up ordering a JCW... or gasp, hopefully a new JCW GP will be out.

 

oh yeh, i forgot... I have to factor in the fact the mini cant fit my golf clubs in the boot. Let there be no doubt... i WANT A MINI... its just hard to justify it these days.

 

Dunce11r, when you change your mind and have the bucks, this will help: a golf club carrier for a Mini:

http://www.minidomore.com/mini_coope...ub_carrier.php