Hey guys,

I now have a 2008 MC, and I'm most likely going to trade it in for something new in the winter or spring. I want something a little quicker, and bigger would be nice also. It sucks to barely be able to fit my snowboard in the back of my MINI.

I know this is against the MINI bible, but I have been really interested in the Mazdaspeed 3's lately. Fast, fun, fairly cheap, lots of aftermarket parts, more cargo room, and they seem reliable. The only other car I have been interested in is the Cooper S. More expensive, not as quick, less aftermarket parts, but you do get the automatic smile as soon as you sit in the seat, and much better gas mileage. I'd be using it as a daily driver (10 miles commute) with the occasional road trip.

So far, even with the few problems I've had with my MINI, and how much fun I've had with it, it just seems like it constantly causes stress. Not to mention every little part costs lots of money. The MS3's don't seem to have so many stock problems, although I could be wrong.

I know my personality is better suited with a Cooper S, but the practical/need for speed (safely of course) side of me says MS3.

I want honest opinions because almost everyone I know gives me grief about owning a MINI, they're all going to say the other car no matter what it is.

So what do you guys think?

 

Since you ask here, I'd expect to get the Cooper-S as the answer. I'd get the Cooper-S. Though, have you considered a Clubman? You'd get a bit more space, maybe it'd fit your snowboard.

The Mazda Speed 3's do seem to be pretty fast, they're some of the few cars that have got away from me when I've been to the track

 

For value and price, I don't think you could go wrong with the 2009 Mazdaspeed3 or the newer 2010 when it comes out. For the price of a stripped down MCS, you'll be as fast as a JCW. Maybe faster since some report getting 0-60 times of 5.6 sec. Nothing wrong with getting good value for your money. Only thing you might also consider is gas mileage since with that added power comes more gas consumed. Numbers look like 18 city/26 highway. My MCS gets around 26 city/33 highway and thats with the stage 1 JCW kit on in an automatic that I don't baby around. Manuals would probably get better figures than I.

 

A year ago I was in the same boat - MCS or MS3 (or GTI). My main factors for choosing a MINI were: fuel efficiency (although depending on the MCS configuration you should be able to justify buying a cheaper MS3), handling and overall grin factor, resale value and uniqueness.

Really, everything else goes to the MS3 - base power, room, practicality, ride comfort, overall bang for buck. However when I decided on the MINI it came down to the experience behind the wheel. The Cooper is by far the most enjoyable car to drive out there, imo. And you have to love what you drive. There's no way I can imagine sitting in my car 2 hours a day and not liking what I drive. That said, all other things considered I would probably end up with an MS3.

MS3s are very nice -- they're fast, (fairly) fun to drive and they're consensus an awesome car overall. And much more practical than an MCS.
Although the only real color choice for 2010 is black, because of that ridiculous smiling front grille. Don't know what the designers were thinking with that one. The 09s are sexy, though.

 

my younger brother has a 2008 VW GTI. He loves it. It is a touch faster than the MINI, but there is not much in it. Loads more space in the car for passengers, and the boot is going on 6 times bigger. The GTI sounds great, looks nice, has a good curb appeal and VWs will run for ages. Price, low to mid 20k.

 

[FONT=Verdana]This is coming from a former MS6 owner, just returned it a month ago and picked up my new MCS. I loved my MS6... The car was fast, functional, and fully loaded minus nav. Had a number of recalls and issues with the car that were fixed by Mazda, not too much of a hassle. My issues with the car were gas mileage, cost of upkeep, and tire ware. Other then that it was great. When my leases ended I decided I would buy it out or trade down a bit to save some money.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]I was seriously considering trading down to the MS3. I think it drives great. I was not a huge fan of the interior, but it worked. The deal killers for me were there was no sedan. I know my MCS is a hatch, but I am just not a fan of the 4 door hatch, guess I have station wagon issues from younger years. Gas mileage is not good. The sticker may say it is ok, but from owning a MS6 I know it isn't good. Look around on the web I think you will find people agree, especially if you spend a lot of time on the highway.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial]Both cars are great, imo you will enjoy them both. If keeping gas usage down isn’t an issue for you, and you like the styling then I would have to say it sounds like the MS3 is the best bet. Grab one before the smiles come out, there isn't supposed to be any significant changes in power last I read.[/FONT]
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Sorry for the font things...

 

Take a look at a Clubbie S. Having never owned a MINI, I am very pleased to date (since 3/25/09) with our purchase. We are averaging 34mpg (automatic) on the highway and between 28-29 in town/city driving. I hated the brake dust so installed ceramic brakes last week...I wish it had come from the factory with them!

 

The only reason to own a Mini is that it's fun. While the Clubman has more space I'm guessing the lack of space isn't the only issue causing you stress. You would still need to get an S version if you want more power. I'd say you should test drive the Mazda and make your own decision as to whether you would be happier. It doesn't really matter what we think because we aren't the ones that will be driving the car. Good luck with your decision.

 

I previously owned a Mazdaspeed 3. I would not even consider trading back for it. The Mini is better built and is more fun to drive.

 

I had an '07 Mazda 3 GT hatch (not a speed) and the build quality and dealer service on it was crap. None of the dealers in my area would fix any of the rattles and it had more than its share of electrical gremlins. It also got pretty sup-par mileage, about 25 mpg combined. On the same commute with my MINI, I get about 33 mpg, so I image the speed would get a few less.

On the other had, it is cheap and fast! I'd also look into a GTI. If you want the acceleration of the speed, you can add a chip for $600 and there's more mods available than the speed. It's also getting a redesign soon, see if you like the 2010 model. As bad as VW service is, it's a little better than Mazda's from my experience.

 

I drove the Mazda Speed3 about 2 years ago when they still did their ZoomZoom Live. The Speed 3 was a lot of fun. I ended up choosing the CooperS because i am single and we don't need the room. As for skiing i got the roof rack and it has been a dream.

 

I think your general thoughts are accurate, however I have a couple of questions.
1) Why does the Mini cause you stress? Prices of mod parts? Comments from friends and family about owning a Mini?
2) Mini is smaller lighter car, but very space efficient. Do you want mileage and resale value VS. more space and power? While there are some similarities, there are decided differences. Unless having and needing and using the space is the issue, I think the Mini is more unique, fun and better value.
I looked at MS3's too, they are more similar to WRX Sti without the power. I valued the unique-ness of the Mini. MS3 also doesn't make the "statement" that a Mini makes IMO.

 

Had a Mazda 3 5-door for one of my kids....and we have a number of great cars in the driveway, but THAT one was one of my favorites (until it got t-boned). She is a tennis player and needed room for her gear, and that was a great solution with the hatch - if that is what you are seeking.

The redesigned '10 should be a screamer too. Not the same as a Mini, no question, but not a bad choice at all.

And if you need a dealer contact (I have plenty), let me know.

Good luck....

 

Factory JCW is very closed to MCS in term of pure speed. But to up another step you will need something like 09/10 WRX.

Bottom line: in a Mini you can drive slow and have fun.

 

I think an '09+ WRX is the way to go if you want fast, those things are amazing for the money and are built way more solid than a Mazda IMO.

 

Wow, thanks for the honest answers guys. I really expected you all to say "COOPER S! COOPER S!"

I don't really like the new design of the MS3, but I would get a 2009 anyways to save on the price a little. The 2010 is supposed to have 5 more HP and possibly a little better on gas, although that part hasn't been confirmed, at least to my knowledge. And I love the fact that MINI makes the Clubman, but I have never been a fan of the rear doors and tail lights. IMO, I think they should have kept the Cooper look on the back, just extended the rest of the car. As for the GTI, I LOVE the older boxier style, but I really don't like the new style, I guess it's not for me. I pretty much have the same feeling about the new WRXs.

The stress part mostly comes with the fact that I feel like something annoying happens to the car every week, and the little "stock issues" it has had. Even though it's free to get the car towed to the dealer, it's still a hassle to be without a car for a few days.

A 2009 or 2010 MCS with the options I want would probably run me about $25,000. A 2009 MS3 with a few thousand miles on it would be around 20k almost loaded. My current payments on my MC are $400 a month. With the trade in and the new loan, the MCS would run me about $350, and the MS3 would be about $300.

I researched some parts and for about $1100 I could easily get the MS3 over 315 HP. I know you can't go by internet reviews, but every single one I've read that puts the MCS against the MS3, rates the Mazda much higher in performance, and even handling.

I originally bought my MC for the gas mileage, and the added style and personality of the car was a huge plus, which I know I won't find in any other car. At the time of purchase, I was driving about 50 miles a day, and now I my commute is only about 3 miles each way. Gas mileage isn't really a factor anymore.

I'm really not worried about resale value, I'm glad my MC is still holding pretty strong even with this economy. I know the MS3 wouldn't hold so well, but I think I'd have it for a much longer time, and I could pay it off much quicker if my payments were that much less.

Plus, insurance is MUCH cheaper for a MS3 than an MCS. Weird, I know. I'm 19, with no tickets on my record, but I did cause an accident last year (last day of school, moving out of the dorms, car was loaded with stuff, changed lanes, boom. Completely my fault, but lesson very well learned. Don't block the rear window with your portfolio ). The insurance for an MS3 would be roughly $2,000 a year, while the MCS would be closer to $2,500. At least what I can find, those seem to be pretty steady prices.

I think you all can see, I'm leaning more towards the Mazda.

 

2009 MS3 sounds like it'll fit your needs and budget perfectly. No regrets, it's a great car.

Also, a quick note - judging by the styling of the 2010 Golf it looks like VW is going back to more traditional body styling (aka MkIV). I agree, I don't really like the wedge shape of the MkVs.

 

Personally, I wouldn't buy a car because of the handful of times you are going to tote a snowboard around. That's like the guys you see with pretty, shiney F350 dualies that have never hauled or towed a thing... but could that one time your uncle's cousin's neighbor's barber wanted to move to a new apartment.

Second thing, your Mazda 3 might be practical, but I assure you it will make you just another car in traffic. I couldn't tell you what a Mazda 3 looks like, but I am sure those fellas at Ford are building a great car these days.

Then, you could do what I did, and come back a few years later, kicking yourself for leaving the MINI community, but loving being back in the saddle of another MINI! (hell, the wife and I bought two!)

Just my biased opinion...

 

Hello Drewster. I do believe that the MCS has a more long lasting appeal than the MS3. I too seriously considered a 2009 GTI, 2009 MS3 or the MCS. After driving all of them I was very glad to drive away with the MCS. I loved the MS3 design as well but after seeing the new design of the 2010 MS3, I quickly found the 09 MS3 a bit outdated. But the ONLY car that would've made me change my mind from the MCS is the 2010 VW GTI. I love the way it looks and it's an instant classic in my mind. MCS' supposedly have the best resale value of any car in the world and just to help you sway your decision more into our direction, I'm averaging 32-33mpg on my manual MCS while driving like a maniac from time to time. Hope you stick with the MCS. If not, wait for the 2010 GTI!!

 

That's my main worry about the MS3, is that Mazda is owned by Ford. And the fact that Ford pretty much had sole control of the MS3's engine.

Tonight, I was driving home from the movies, and an BRG/W R53 pulled up next to me. The car had the Xenons (or just white bulbs, did MINI offer Xenons for the R53s?) and the driving lights on. It was a beautiful site. We drove next to each other for probably 2 or 3 miles, changing lanes and weaving behind eachother. I know it probably sounds weird, but I was in love with that car! It was instant fun as soon as we spotted each other at the light. The supercharger whine had me in awe the whole time.

I do really like the MS3, but I know for sure I wouldn't have had the same experience with the car as I do with my MINI. And I know I wouldn't have the same feeling every time I walked up to it in the driveway or a parking lot.

Cooper S, the end.

 

I had to decide between an MS3, the MCS, a GTI MK IV and a Focus ST.

The clear winner was the Focus. Cheapest of them all, pulled like a madman, 3 years of free service, cheap insurance, etc. But it looks like every other (euro) Focus out there. I still think I'd have been happy with it.

The GTI was amazing, but sold out. And I had to buy my new car soon, since I had sold my Si, and needed it ASAP. I could have bought a DSG with every option - the 2009s were cheap. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that even though it was fast, it felt boring. Too... grown up.

I hate the MS3 design, but it was clearly the fastest of the bunch. By a long shot. A brute of a car. If it had been a speed contest, it wouldn't have been a contest. I wished I had waited to see the 2010 MS3, but as I said, I really needed the car.

Which brings me to the MCS. Nice mpg numbers. Easily the most fun of them all (even if it isn't the fastest). Good looks. Great resale value. Great power. Small and practical in the city. Those are the reasons why I got my car.

Funny how I could have bought either the ST or the MCS. When you think about it, they really aren't in the same league. One sits four people in comfort... and has a 5 cylinder turbo engine... and it's fast... and it comes in garish colors... and even the brits say its a car for "chavs" and it's a plebeian Ford.

 

if you're looking for extra room but want to keep that "mini" pinach, the clubman is the way to go. with 1 of the seats down i can fit a snowboard, and in a years worth of ownership i have yet to find a need for more space than the clubman offers. the split in the rear window really does go away after about a days worth of driving, and i like th elook from the rear; gives it more of a squat look.

i really like the styling of the older ms3, but can't get behind that new styling. i think the original ms3 was one of the ultimate sleepers.

 

Not sure if this helps the debate...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDoCwVZpS8g

I am pretty sure it's a poor driver, but it gives you a feel for the two.

Plus, if I ever really want to go faster than the next guy, I will just hop on the Triumph.