So my '09 BRG/W MCS comes in at the end of the month and I'm having doubts. Just thinking maybe I should stick with my current car...a really sweet '06 Cayman S. Nothing against the MINI, think it's an awesome car and I've test driven it multiple times.

Do you think it would be crazy to go ahead and buy the car, try it our for a few weeks and then if it's not what I thought it would be, sell it? Seems as though I could probably get what I paid for and even a bit more based on what I see on autotrader, cars.com, etc. Or is that flawed thinking?

My build is pretty loaded...tuscan leather/brushed alloy, anthracite, cold, convenience, nav, hi-fi, chrome mirrors, rear fogs, white signals, LSD and 17-inch flame spokes. I didn't get the sunroof which might be a problem on resale I guess but I've never been much of a sunroof person.

 

It depends on what you want to do with the different cars? I can understand the economics as well.

I have a 997 which is similar to your 987. I think the two cars are opposite ends of each other in many ways. The Mini is much easier to drive but much less edgy in terms of performance. I have driven the 987 many times and really like it. Something about driving those rear wheels.

 

You're certainly not the first to voice concern over taking delivery. I'm one of that particular chorus of voices.

I think you've got a good plan going--if you're really on the fence, take delivery, drive it for a while, and see if it's really what you want. If not, I have little doubt that you'll be able to find a buyer in short time.

Best wishes on your decision.

 

What made you order the Mini to start with? Fun Factor, size, etc?
As long as you go into the Mini not comparing it to the Cayman, I think it will be a whole new learning curve.
I know any time I get a new car, it's only a few months down the road that I start thinking, "I miss this on the last vehicle." or "this is much better than the last vehicle."
The good thing is the Mini has a great resale value. You could keep the Mini for a year and still come out okay. Sounds like you got the Mini fully loaded so you won't be wishing for an option you didn't get.

 

I think you'll find the Mini a fun car to drive, and practical to own. With a small national supply of the cars and most orders being built to spec, it should be easy to sell with little or no loss.

But you'll like the car, so you won't need to sell it!

Matt

 

I would second what montego said.. try not to compare the two cars and I think u'll completely fall in love with the car. I got mine 10 days ago and now, all i do is drive. And since the other car that I own is an 02 Pontiac Sunfire (not sure if i shud have revealed that..! ), I try my best not to compare the two cars... :D

 

I totally understand the MCS can't compare to the Cayman as far as out and out performance goes and I'm cool with that. The reason I ordered one is because it's just so much fun to drive, very nearly as fun as the Cayman, yet it's a ton more practical. I've driven Porsches for the past five years (had an '03 Boxster too) and I think I'm sorta done with the fancy sports car thing.

I guess I'm just worried I'll get a problem MINI and I'll run into some of the same servicing problems I've read about on here at the dealer near me like long waits to get things fixed and an unwillingness to repair stuff that theoretically should be covered under warranty. Porsche has spoiled me, those guys provide unbelievable service.

 

The only pit fall to your test period idea is that you have to get through the break in period (1200 miles) so you have to baby the car a little.

 

It sounds like you have a great build for your MINI. If you are done with the Cayman, then be happy convert.

MINI culture is all about driving and enjoying the car along side a bunch of other MINI enthusiasts.

If you found the Porsche groups fun and interesting, you should be able to mix it up with the MINI folks.

Your MINI might have a few nits, they all have something. Just get in it and drive, you will forget the nits.

On Sunday I did a 140 mile drive with the MINI, got rained on at the very last, today I did a bucket wash with a Prima Hydro dry and smiles the whole time, less than 30 minutes.

This car tickles me silly, I have owned a lot of cars over the years.

 

No way to keep both?

 

.

Man you are crazy Cayman S is my dream car. I'd give up my MINI in a heartbeat for a Cayman S.

 

You must buy it, you can single handedly fix the world economy with this one purchase!

 

Thanks for all the replies Maybe our economic future can turn around one MINI purchase at a time, hahahaha.

 

Are both cars manual transmission? You will have a fun time going from one to another.

If economics is not a problem, I would perfer to keep the cayman s.

 

Even if the economy fails and our financial institutions go bust, we can still go back to bartering.

LOL what a mess.

 

Great points... I think this poster hit it on the head. I also think you did the right thing ordering the way you'd want it. If you change your mind, I don't think you'll have a problem selling it.

Good luck with your decision.

Mark

 

Are you daft man?! A Cayman vs. a Mini. No offense to the Mini but the Cayman must be a dream to drive. Not terribly practical but when you're dropping upwards of 50k it doesn't have to be.

I was considering a Cayman until I saw the sticker :(. So I went with the Mini. I love the Mini but if I had the cash, it would be Cayman before Mini for sure.

 

Financially it makes sense to get out of the CS and get into a MCS. Less monthly payment and less fuel cost. But if you are after fun, I'd test drive a 135i.

 

Don't expect to get near what you paid for on the Mini if you decide to resell after a few weeks. It may be loaded and have low miles but so what, it's still used and someone can get a REAL new car at the same price or less. Here's one example: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=154174

 

and while it had nice balance, I'd drop that sucker in a heartbeat for a Mini S. The Cayman S would be a harder decision, but really, the Mini is a really, really fun drive.

Matt

 

That's what I've been thinking since the start of this thread. Even though MINIs hold their value well, there MUST be a step-function level of depreciation during the few minutes it takes to drive it off the lot. It is no longer a "new" car. I suspect that once you get past that initial drop the value stays pretty level over time barring any weird market forcing.

With all that said, based on your ability to afford a Cayman and a loaded MCS you can probably absorb the instant depreciation without incurring a whole lot of pain. That gives you a bit more flexibility.

 

Yeah, I don't think your going to get 100% of your money back if you sell the car after a month or so. My advice would be to find somewhere to rent a 08 MCS for a week or so and make your decision then.

Depending on the dealership and the arrangement, you might not loose your deposit because more then likely they will sell the car you ordered to someone else in no time.

 

Oppppppps

 

I just bought mine 4 weeks ago I really like the way it looks
the color combination PW/PW with Redwood Interior.
But 32K for a small car and it is not a Boxster or Corvette
in handling and sort of knew this but expected a little
more from it in the curves.
But also wanted a gas car that was going to deliver good mileage.
But the 32K really has me thinking with the way the market is
and banks and jobs being loss every day.
I believe these thoughts are in back of our minds more than
we admit to..
Will tell you that I think of selling my S with 600 miles on it
but wife took it to work this morning and just seeing it drive
away and how I really like it..
Only you can determine your desires and what the use of
Mini means to you...Joe

 

life is to short , too commit to one car