I just got the news from my insurance: my '07 "S" has been declared totalled. My Mini "was" a Laser Blue "S", and I equipped it like the photos common in the sales photos at the time - white roof, stripes, white 17" wheels, etc. I loved the look of it - I'm sure you know how personally attached to a custom designed Mini one can become. A very solid steel object came off a truck in front of me, full highway speed, no time to avoid, and I ran over it. There was no external visible damage to speak of, but the underside had over $14K of damage(!), so the car was totalled. I knew it was nasty immediately, but I never guessed that it might be totalled. Now I'll be getting a check for about $18K (about $16.5K for the car, another $1.5K in various additions such as tax).

So, now I have to decide what to do.

One thought of course is to get another Mini. I loved this car, and was a very proud owner. But my growing boys are starting to complain when they longer drives in the back seat, so I am naturally considering alternatives.

I read Edmunds 2011 used car guide (here). I am intrigued by the Subaru Imprezza Outback Sport (5 dr) - not to be confused with the regular Outback which is more of a traditional station wagon. I won't have to put my bikes on top of the car anymore, or if I do it'll have a roof rack built in. I imagine I will very much miss the "drivers car" aspect of the Mini if I go that route.

Anyone have experience with both Mini and Subaru - esp. the Imprezza? I know Subaru owners tend to be highly satisfied, and that intrigues me. I don't need AWD, but it has benefits. Also, FWIW, though I am reluctant to go the new car route and prefer to move sideways financially rather than add a lot of $$$ into the purchase, the 2012 Imprezza is dramatically changed and MPG (one of the Subaru weak spots) is very much improved - will get over 36mpg highway vs. 27 for current models (read here if you're curious). The situation with the 2012 Imprezza reminds me of the '07 "S" makeover, and how I waited for the '07 Mini (good mpg is a major consideration for me). But it's not available yet, which presents a timing issue.

I apologize for this somewhat rambling post. I have to decide quickly because I can't just rent a car forever, and don't keep up on the car market if I'm not shopping. I guess I'm mainly just sharing my loss, though I am interested in thoughts on other cars that may be good for family, easily carry bikes, and are fun to own/drive, and ideally have good MPG as well.

Also, if I don't go the Mini route, I imagine I won't be posting here much, and wouldn't want to drift away without a parting post because the posters on this site have always been so very helpful and had so much great knowledge and info.

 

Sorry to hear of your loss. Tough when utility has to trump FUN. Maybe again when the boys are grown.....Sorry cannot offer advice except.....you were LUCKY....that steel could have hurt !!! Glad that didn't happen.

 

I have a 2004 MCS and a 2000 Subaru Outback. If I were in your situation I would consider a Clubman. If that isn't big enough, consider a 2008 Outback.

 

Yes - and thanks for that perspective. That was my first reaction at the time as well.

 

Sorry for the loss.

Look at the Countryman to keep in the MINI family. But, like always do what's best for the family.

My son is 15 and learning how to drive, when I lost my "06 Just last year, he was like dad, ya gotta get another MINI think of me!

 

I had a 2002 WRX before the MINI. Loved the WRX, stayed nice and tight even though it's basically an econobox. It was much quicker than the MINI, and the AWD was fantastic (I miss that the most, much better feel than the MINI).

 

Actually my next car is going to be an Impreza. My other car right now is a Legacy and it has run extremely well. These things are tanks and the AWD is the way to go.

 

I've got an 07 MCS and an 07 Legacy GT. The legacy has been modded (300whp/320wtq on a mustang dyno) and been that way for the last 60k miles. It currently has 110k miles and I love it. AWD is awesome, solid, reliable, pretty good resale value and I still get about 27 MPG's highway even with the modifications. All of the users on the Subaru forums (you can check out www.legacygt.com or www.nasioc.com for some reviews).

 

get a Clubman or Countryman
ditch the runflats, and do not get the sport suspension
and take your kids to more MINI events and problem solved!

 

Sell me stuff off the totaled MINI. I need some Factory options

 

Nothing like a pair of sensible shoes. (Scuby Outback even in "S" form)

 

Another 2 cents' worth. I am not convinced of the need for all wheel drive, while I do have to admit it can be a good thing. It is conditional. if you live where there is real weather, it could be a big plus.

Our family just sold off an 8-yr old Honda CR-v. A true workhorse. VERY useful in a number of situations. We needed something that would seat 4 adults, which is did well. Finally replaced it with, ta da, an '05 S Cabrio. Went the other way. I'd vote for the Honda, based on our experience. Utilitarian, reliable, economical, and fair resale at the end. All those good words. All wheel drive available if needed.

Free advice. Worth every penny...

 

My wife and I bought our daughter a Suby for her first car. Its a Legacy 2.5i Wagon, the thing is really fast and sporty. Almost so I was worried about it for her first car but she is a very smart girl. Anyway she loves it, we've had alot of rain the last two weeks (monsoon time) and she says its been great with the awd. You never have to think about it, its always on. But if I had a Mini already, it would be a hard choice. I really love my Mini. You know what they say once you go mini you never go subaru. Good luck, I've seen a few Countrymans they look very interesting.

 

It's not all about bad weather performance, which by the way is light-years ahead of front or rear wheel drive. The feel of AWD is what I liked (after I got used to it -- went from a BMW 3 series to the WRX).
I understand that the "feel" part is personal and subjective (and likely dependent on the car). The fact that AWD is better is slippy conditions is hard to dispute.