R56 1st Car WRX or 07 MIni?
Ahh, the first car quandry, this is a tough call....to get something cool, or....to get something that you won't mind having in a fender bender (and believe me, you will have a fender bender - everyone does).....
His experience: He went with the cool car, had a fender bender (lucky it wasn't any more serious) repaired the car and voila, still has great memories of a mis-spent yoof and a vehicle that is a classic in its own right today.
Her experience: First car was a used station wagon. Been involved in a couple of minor accidents, always repaired right, looks none the worse. Will it be a classic in 10 or 20 years? 'ell no, but it has served its purpose.
Maybe the best of both worlds would be to start with a beater, keep it for a year (you're sure to have at least one wreck by then) and afterwards get that MCS or WRX. Sorry to be blunt, but there are things that are associated with growing up that just can't be explained without personal experience (yours).
His experience: He went with the cool car, had a fender bender (lucky it wasn't any more serious) repaired the car and voila, still has great memories of a mis-spent yoof and a vehicle that is a classic in its own right today.
Her experience: First car was a used station wagon. Been involved in a couple of minor accidents, always repaired right, looks none the worse. Will it be a classic in 10 or 20 years? 'ell no, but it has served its purpose.
Maybe the best of both worlds would be to start with a beater, keep it for a year (you're sure to have at least one wreck by then) and afterwards get that MCS or WRX. Sorry to be blunt, but there are things that are associated with growing up that just can't be explained without personal experience (yours).
Wow you certianly made some assumptions there... He wants a car and is asking some if not most of the right questions... who cares how he is getting it and what is aspirations are for what the car will do for him.
It's a valid comparison since the cars are equally priced and the question should be answered the same weather he is 16, or 60...
It's a valid comparison since the cars are equally priced and the question should be answered the same weather he is 16, or 60...
THANK YOU!
Chows,
I think we agreeing about the same thing, ...
The point I was trying to make was that a car that is quick to accelerate is not a car that makes a good 'first car', a 308GTS (I had one of these too once) is slower than an MCS to 60, but it is a really bad choice as a first car.
I think we agreeing about the same thing, ...
The point I was trying to make was that a car that is quick to accelerate is not a car that makes a good 'first car', a 308GTS (I had one of these too once) is slower than an MCS to 60, but it is a really bad choice as a first car.
Give it up Chows. The Mini is frighteningly quick. Live with the fact that your Cayman S is just a pulley, ECU flash and catback from being smoked - SMOKED! ...
Does your RAV4 fart when you downshift? Does your RAV4 have the cachet? The prestige? Does it attract women the way a Mini does? Can you get a Union Jack roof decal for your little hippo of a RAV4? No no, no and no. It's a tubby little box made by Toyota who makes the Prius and a bunch of other crappy hybrids.
Does your RAV4 fart when you downshift? Does your RAV4 have the cachet? The prestige? Does it attract women the way a Mini does? Can you get a Union Jack roof decal for your little hippo of a RAV4? No no, no and no. It's a tubby little box made by Toyota who makes the Prius and a bunch of other crappy hybrids.
Does your RAV4 fart when you downshift?
Once I get that TRD dual exhaust, that baby will make a Borla Race sound like a kiddy car

Does your RAV4 have the cachet? The prestige?
Cachet? You all keep using those big words I don't understand. As to prestige ... are you serious? Toyota has been making fine motor vehicles for .... well forever or at least since the early 60s. When has MINI EVER made a fine, motor vehicle??? Oh, wait a second, they did win a rallye back in 64. I remember that. Doesn't Toyota run F1 these days (I really dont know). You got to be careful about bashing Toyota, C4 will want to chime in

Does it attract women the way a Mini does?
RU serious? I'll have you know that just this day I was accosted at a stop light by a fine looking lady
Not sure what she wanted? Maybe it was the part of town I drive by


Can you get a Union Jack roof decal for your little hippo of a RAV4?
Actually, the roof rack and sunroof would get in the way. However, I was thinking about some fine side-stripes ... maybe checkered ... and adding a fake hood scoop ... oh wait ... MINI is going to do that in 07. I wouldn't want to imitate MINI's fake hoodscoop. OK, maybe I'll just stick with the side stripes and dual exhaust.
As to performance .... looking at an EVO CAI (I think its called Evo) ... add some headers, I already got the "sport suspension" ... Maybe some bilsteins to lower this baby. Then get a short shifter and I'll be good to go.
You all got to remember, anything you can bolt-on to a MINI, you can most always bolt on to a Toyota. They got this HUGE parts bins called TRD of something like that.
Of course, those 18" wheels are bitchheen so maybe I'll go 20s on 30 series tires with lighted spinners ... then just watch my smoke you all down the dragon way




some1 in nasioc said the same thing,b ut it wasn't me asking. the person said well im 15 and i just bought a STi. Then other guy posted below saying hes going to die in 2 weeks and he posts a picture of a sti ripped in half.. haha
so i doubt i would relaly actually want to get an STi even if i could..
some1 in nasioc said the same thing,b ut it wasn't me asking. the person said well im 15 and i just bought a STi. Then other guy posted below saying hes going to die in 2 weeks and he posts a picture of a sti ripped in half.. haha
so i doubt i would relaly actually want to get an STi even if i could..
so i doubt i would relaly actually want to get an STi even if i could..
Lighten up, Mr. Nader.
Seriously, your posts have been very crabby this evening.......or maybe I'm reading them wrong? Threads like these make me long for the seminal days of the JCW vs. Mods threads. People seem to be touchier on NAM lately. Ol' Chows has gotten jumped a few times, Obehave took a couple of lumps when he dared question the M7 Mafia, Siddhartha took afew hits earlier in the summer..........or am I just getting more sensitive..........?
I figured the Axe body spray comment, the mischevious jab at Chows, the playful poke at superficiality and women would be dead give aways.....
My first car was a 1977 Saab 99 EMS - a veritable tank. My old man helped me buy it. I guess he didn't love me very much.......*sob*
I figured the Axe body spray comment, the mischevious jab at Chows, the playful poke at superficiality and women would be dead give aways.....
My first car was a 1977 Saab 99 EMS - a veritable tank. My old man helped me buy it. I guess he didn't love me very much.......*sob*
I agree with your assessment. lots of sensitive ppl these days ... hmm.
Oh lets no go back to the CRAP arguments, Xalfa will have to change his sig
some1 in nasioc said the same thing,b ut it wasn't me asking. the person said well im 15 and i just bought a STi. Then other guy posted below saying hes going to die in 2 weeks and he posts a picture of a sti ripped in half.. haha
so i doubt i would relaly actually want to get an STi even if i could..
so i doubt i would relaly actually want to get an STi even if i could..
I'd consider the STi though, it's badass.. people always assume you'll drive like a d*ck just cause your young and want a fast car. Just be careful and you're straight. A MINI with 230-250hp will have a guy in an STi wondering what the hell you have done. MY OWN ASSUMPTION: With the R56 engine and tranny you will be able to hit that mark without much effort...
I got my MCS at 17 and I've had it for just over a year, got in one VERY minor fender bender. Nothing happened to my car, other car got scratched so I paid for that but thats all... And my car is pretty quick for a MINI...
You could hurt yourself in a MINI or WRX just the same 
I'd consider the STi though, it's badass.. people always assume you'll drive like a d*ck just cause your young and want a fast car. Just be careful and you're straight. A MINI with 230-250hp will have a guy in an STi wondering what the hell you have done. With the R56 engine and tranny you will be able to hit that mark without much effort...
I got my MCS at 17 and I've had it for just over a year, got in one VERY minor fender bender. Nothing happened to my car, other car got scratched so I paid for that but thats all... And my car is pretty quick for a MINI...
I'd consider the STi though, it's badass.. people always assume you'll drive like a d*ck just cause your young and want a fast car. Just be careful and you're straight. A MINI with 230-250hp will have a guy in an STi wondering what the hell you have done. With the R56 engine and tranny you will be able to hit that mark without much effort...
I got my MCS at 17 and I've had it for just over a year, got in one VERY minor fender bender. Nothing happened to my car, other car got scratched so I paid for that but thats all... And my car is pretty quick for a MINI...
is this for real? or is this a death wish?
What you mean if thats for real or a death wish?
I'm serious.. if you can afford an STi I say the hell with the WRX, go STi... Now, this is provided you can trust yourself as a driver that you will not be pushing the limits of both yourself and your car on the street, but rather on a track (auto-x, hpde, track, etc.)
EDIT: That goes with ANY car you get BTW... if you can't trust yourself then don't get a car as you'll hurt yourself or another person..
And yes, I know I'm going to get flamed for "encouraging" a youngin' to get a fast car. Before you start flaming, you can hurt yourself in ANY car you drive. A faster car will just get you to a certain speed faster, but ultimately, if you want to go a certain speed you'll do it in any car... After all, the MCS hits 134 and the WRX and STi are limited at like 150 I think, at those speeds 20mph won't make a difference...
I'm serious.. if you can afford an STi I say the hell with the WRX, go STi... Now, this is provided you can trust yourself as a driver that you will not be pushing the limits of both yourself and your car on the street, but rather on a track (auto-x, hpde, track, etc.)
EDIT: That goes with ANY car you get BTW... if you can't trust yourself then don't get a car as you'll hurt yourself or another person..
And yes, I know I'm going to get flamed for "encouraging" a youngin' to get a fast car. Before you start flaming, you can hurt yourself in ANY car you drive. A faster car will just get you to a certain speed faster, but ultimately, if you want to go a certain speed you'll do it in any car... After all, the MCS hits 134 and the WRX and STi are limited at like 150 I think, at those speeds 20mph won't make a difference...
What you mean if thats for real or a death wish?
I'm serious.. if you can afford an STi I say the hell with the WRX, go STi... Now, this is provided you can trust yourself as a driver that you will not be pushing the limits of both yourself and your car on the street, but rather on a track (auto-x, hpde, track, etc.)
EDIT: That goes with ANY car you get BTW... if you can't trust yourself then don't get a car as you'll hurt yourself or another person..
And yes, I know I'm going to get flamed for "encouraging" a youngin' to get a fast car. Before you start flaming, you can hurt yourself in ANY car you drive. A faster car will just get you to a certain speed faster, but ultimately, if you want to go a certain speed you'll do it in any car... After all, the MCS hits 134 and the WRX and STi are limited at like 150 I think, at those speeds 20mph won't make a difference...
I'm serious.. if you can afford an STi I say the hell with the WRX, go STi... Now, this is provided you can trust yourself as a driver that you will not be pushing the limits of both yourself and your car on the street, but rather on a track (auto-x, hpde, track, etc.)
EDIT: That goes with ANY car you get BTW... if you can't trust yourself then don't get a car as you'll hurt yourself or another person..
And yes, I know I'm going to get flamed for "encouraging" a youngin' to get a fast car. Before you start flaming, you can hurt yourself in ANY car you drive. A faster car will just get you to a certain speed faster, but ultimately, if you want to go a certain speed you'll do it in any car... After all, the MCS hits 134 and the WRX and STi are limited at like 150 I think, at those speeds 20mph won't make a difference...
naw, i dont think i would do that. i dont htink i have enough knowledge or power to handle that car. i think it would scare me more than i would like it.
but thanks for posting a totally differnet view.
All right purple-tongue checker man - it's on:
What's a TuRD dual exhaust?
Cachet = Prestige - it was my SAT word of the day.
My good friend C4 says that Toyota is the new Yugo.
You will be sorry when you have to take that ugly box of yours to the dealer for all sorts of quality control issues............wait a sec - you've already been down that road with another marque.
RU serious? I'll have you know that just this day I was accosted at a stop light by a fine looking lady
Not sure what she wanted? Maybe it was the part of town I drive by

Did "she" have an adam's apple?
"She" probably heard that it can smoke a JCW off the line.
Actually, the roof rack and sunroof would get in the way. However, I was thinking about some fine side-stripes ... maybe checkered ... and adding a fake hood scoop ... oh wait ... MINI is going to do that in 07. I wouldn't want to imitate MINI's fake hoodscoop. OK, maybe I'll just stick with the side stripes and dual exhaust.
Nicely understated. Might I recommend a wing ala my Evo IX MR? Awesome street cred! That and painting your calipers red would be a classy touch.
If it has the word "Evo" on it, it's gotta be fast.
TRD = Toyota Racing Development
NISMO = Nissan Motorsports
????? = Honda Motorsports
Why don't you go with some lightened 16" SSRs with some RA1s on them? By the logic I've been hearing lately you ought to be able to beat a GT3 in the slalom.
Does your RAV4 have the cachet? The prestige
Cachet? You all keep using those big words I don't understand. As to prestige ... are you serious? Toyota has been making fine motor vehicles for .... well forever or at least since the early 60s. When has MINI EVER made a fine, motor vehicle??? Oh, wait a second, they did win a rallye back in 64. I remember that. Doesn't Toyota run F1 these days (I really dont know). You got to be careful about bashing Toyota, C4 will want to chime in
My good friend C4 says that Toyota is the new Yugo.
You will be sorry when you have to take that ugly box of yours to the dealer for all sorts of quality control issues............wait a sec - you've already been down that road with another marque.
Does it attract women the way a Mini does?
RU serious? I'll have you know that just this day I was accosted at a stop light by a fine looking lady
Not sure what she wanted? Maybe it was the part of town I drive by

"She" probably heard that it can smoke a JCW off the line.
Can you get a Union Jack roof decal for your little hippo of a RAV4?
Actually, the roof rack and sunroof would get in the way. However, I was thinking about some fine side-stripes ... maybe checkered ... and adding a fake hood scoop ... oh wait ... MINI is going to do that in 07. I wouldn't want to imitate MINI's fake hoodscoop. OK, maybe I'll just stick with the side stripes and dual exhaust.
As to performance .... looking at an EVO CAI (I think its called Evo) ... add some headers, I already got the "sport suspension" ... Maybe some bilsteins to lower this baby. Then get a short shifter and I'll be good to go.
You all got to remember, anything you can bolt-on to a MINI, you can most always bolt on to a Toyota. They got this HUGE parts bins called TRD of something like that.
NISMO = Nissan Motorsports
????? = Honda Motorsports
Of course, those 18" wheels are bitchheen so maybe I'll go 20s on 30 series tires with lighted spinners ... then just watch my smoke you all down the dragon way 







coool, do you ahve any idea of the S price for the 07s? is it worht it to wait a little bit>
Not a fan of 16 year olds in wicked fast cars
"Now, this is provided you can trust yourself as a driver "...
Sorry, but at 16 and 18 and 25 years old you think you're mature. You think you know a lot because you're well read in the latest car magazines; however, I'd argue that you've got to experience a lot more life before you qualify to weigh in on whether or not a 16 year old trusting himself is a good enough qualifier for being responsible. The thing you've got to remember (not respect but remember) is that when you're beyond that point you have both perspectives. I asked the original poster to describe himself because I didn't want to make an assumption that he was a 16 year old with parents buying him a car. I wanted to make room for the possibility that he was 36 years old, was a grad student from China (xpanda??) and had two children. I still wouldn't recommend a HiPo car to him, but it could explain why his first car would be something other than the time-tested formula of new driver deserves nothing more than a thoroughly used car to learn on.
When I was 16 I left high school during 5th period to roadrace against another kid on a backroad with lots of blind corners. He drove an 8 year old Escort. I drove a 10 year old Rabbit. I was reading car magazines constantly and without the benefit of the internet (Al Gore hadn't finished laying it out
) was as car knowledgable as I could imagine any 16 year old could be. My parents were very responsible, teaching us about responsible driving by example, and I was the only kid in my school of 1000 who's father was a former autocross chairman in the local sports car club.
Nothing bad happened that day of road racing, but I'm convinced that had my parents outfitted me with a modern day STI THEY would have increased my chances 10 fold. There was a kid in my class who received a new Acura Integra (first year) for his 16th birthday with the unstated but understood notion that since his parents were ponying up for the car in the first place, they'd replace it if he wrecked it just to get him back on the horse. And that's exactly what happened when he rolled that car several weeks later on Rt. 100 (Brandywine River Valley, PA). Now call me a cynic, but that kid's parents were doing everything they could do to kill him (and his girlfriend at the time) while failing to teach him the merits of hard work and responsibility. I did have two fender benders during my first year of driving, but my '76 Rabbit was so anemic and the road manners were not World Rally caliber, so both were far from life threatening. In other words the car was not capable of traversing roads half as fast as a WRX. I learned that without the means to fix the damage, your ride can go from nothing to brag about to downright embarrassing. I learned how to repair rust, do minor body work, and replace a water pump (surpassing my father's mechanical experience, and eventually leading to a car restoration hobby and rebuilding my own engines). In the end, the Rabbit was sold to another student and then went to the boneyard, but I imagine my life with cars would have been much different had I driven the Silver Spoon route. I can't blame xpanda for wanting a WRX, but I would blame any parent who signed/cosigned the loan and payed the alarming insurance to put such a fast car in the hands of a novice driver.
Sorry, but at 16 and 18 and 25 years old you think you're mature. You think you know a lot because you're well read in the latest car magazines; however, I'd argue that you've got to experience a lot more life before you qualify to weigh in on whether or not a 16 year old trusting himself is a good enough qualifier for being responsible. The thing you've got to remember (not respect but remember) is that when you're beyond that point you have both perspectives. I asked the original poster to describe himself because I didn't want to make an assumption that he was a 16 year old with parents buying him a car. I wanted to make room for the possibility that he was 36 years old, was a grad student from China (xpanda??) and had two children. I still wouldn't recommend a HiPo car to him, but it could explain why his first car would be something other than the time-tested formula of new driver deserves nothing more than a thoroughly used car to learn on.
When I was 16 I left high school during 5th period to roadrace against another kid on a backroad with lots of blind corners. He drove an 8 year old Escort. I drove a 10 year old Rabbit. I was reading car magazines constantly and without the benefit of the internet (Al Gore hadn't finished laying it out
) was as car knowledgable as I could imagine any 16 year old could be. My parents were very responsible, teaching us about responsible driving by example, and I was the only kid in my school of 1000 who's father was a former autocross chairman in the local sports car club. Nothing bad happened that day of road racing, but I'm convinced that had my parents outfitted me with a modern day STI THEY would have increased my chances 10 fold. There was a kid in my class who received a new Acura Integra (first year) for his 16th birthday with the unstated but understood notion that since his parents were ponying up for the car in the first place, they'd replace it if he wrecked it just to get him back on the horse. And that's exactly what happened when he rolled that car several weeks later on Rt. 100 (Brandywine River Valley, PA). Now call me a cynic, but that kid's parents were doing everything they could do to kill him (and his girlfriend at the time) while failing to teach him the merits of hard work and responsibility. I did have two fender benders during my first year of driving, but my '76 Rabbit was so anemic and the road manners were not World Rally caliber, so both were far from life threatening. In other words the car was not capable of traversing roads half as fast as a WRX. I learned that without the means to fix the damage, your ride can go from nothing to brag about to downright embarrassing. I learned how to repair rust, do minor body work, and replace a water pump (surpassing my father's mechanical experience, and eventually leading to a car restoration hobby and rebuilding my own engines). In the end, the Rabbit was sold to another student and then went to the boneyard, but I imagine my life with cars would have been much different had I driven the Silver Spoon route. I can't blame xpanda for wanting a WRX, but I would blame any parent who signed/cosigned the loan and payed the alarming insurance to put such a fast car in the hands of a novice driver.
Sorry to the Miniacs that own Rex's, but I could not stand driving a car that sounds like a Vanagon with an exhaust leak.
I really is a shame that VW gave up on the boxer design and sold the rights to Subaru. Just think, the Jetta could've been the Rex.
I really is a shame that VW gave up on the boxer design and sold the rights to Subaru. Just think, the Jetta could've been the Rex.

Why do you think she picked me!!!!
some1 in nasioc said the same thing,b ut it wasn't me asking. the person said well im 15 and i just bought a STi. Then other guy posted below saying hes going to die in 2 weeks and he posts a picture of a sti ripped in half.. haha
so i doubt i would relaly actually want to get an STi even if i could..
so i doubt i would relaly actually want to get an STi even if i could..
As for 16 yo "kids getting them. Well that's another story. It's not that kids can't be responsable, but my point is with that car where can you ever responsible push it??? The drag strip, a race track or auto X couse is about the only legal place you can go beyond 50% of it's potential, so what's the point... I know people push their cars and break laws (I certainly do) but my point is that car is ssssooooo Fn fast it's going to get you in trouble, legal, or injury, it will happen.


So you like the boxer rumble or you don't and you do or you don't want the jetta to be like it??? Also, yeah I admit, I hate having the same engine layout as a porsche. What a piece of crap my motor must be... and WRXs with exhaust sound like such crap... Soo buzzy and annoying.

maybe it's personaly preference, but the boxer warble is one of the best exhaust notes I've hear in a 4cyl... Gets better a 6 or 8 (porsche) but it sounds fantastic for a 4 banger.
To each their own, both are great cars. As others have mentioned, go testdrive both and see what you like. Be careful with what you get, and enjoy it.
Ben
'sold the rights'??
I don't think there's a patent on boxer motors. Honda makes one, Ferrari made a few, Porsche, VW, Subaru, and probably few others.
In other news....MINI patents the 'inline four'. Honda runs screaming from the market.
I don't think there's a patent on boxer motors. Honda makes one, Ferrari made a few, Porsche, VW, Subaru, and probably few others.In other news....MINI patents the 'inline four'. Honda runs screaming from the market.
ok...so...the WRX flat-4 and the old VW flat-4 are COMPLETELY different. So... the pistons are horizontially oppossed, and they each have 4 spark plugs. Other than that, its way different.
For 1 the WRX engine is an over head cam. the VW is a single cam push rod engine. WRX has 4 valves per cyclinder. VW has 2.
orginal flat-4 VW engine was air cooled and then turned into the "water box" engine that was placed into the Vanagons. Old orginal porche engines were the same as VW engines (early 60's), with the exception of different cams/compression and a few other minor things. Normally offering 30-50hp more than their cheaper sister (VW)
The WRX is probably one of the best sounding 4 bangers on the market to date. I dont think i have heard any other 4 banger rumble like it does. Mainly do to its very large discplacement (2.5L?
) and cam.
The old air-cooled VW engine when modded sounds crazy awesome as well. Almost like a mini V8.
For 1 the WRX engine is an over head cam. the VW is a single cam push rod engine. WRX has 4 valves per cyclinder. VW has 2.
orginal flat-4 VW engine was air cooled and then turned into the "water box" engine that was placed into the Vanagons. Old orginal porche engines were the same as VW engines (early 60's), with the exception of different cams/compression and a few other minor things. Normally offering 30-50hp more than their cheaper sister (VW)
The WRX is probably one of the best sounding 4 bangers on the market to date. I dont think i have heard any other 4 banger rumble like it does. Mainly do to its very large discplacement (2.5L?
) and cam. The old air-cooled VW engine when modded sounds crazy awesome as well. Almost like a mini V8.
no. the distinct rumble from any Subaru flat four is due to the unequal length header design. replacing them with equal length designs can sometimes add flow and quicker turbo spool but at the expense of sound. Some have said the boxer four with equal length sounds more like an air-cooled 993, while others say it sounds like an Integra with a fart can.
Reality is somewhere in between, but a Suby flat four with unequal length manifold and exhaust gives the MINI a run for it's money in the 'unique sound' category.
Reality is somewhere in between, but a Suby flat four with unequal length manifold and exhaust gives the MINI a run for it's money in the 'unique sound' category.
When my kids begin driving they will get 1970s era Volvos. Yes, I know that a Mini can probably out-accelerate it and I know that you won't meet the woman of your dreams driving a Volvo (to meet a quality woman you definately need a cool car - that and Axe body spray). But a Volvo it shall be - low insurance, I won't worry about them ending up in a ditch drag racing, racy women/men will not find them attractive driving it and it will come out on top of anything less than an M1A1 in a frontal collision.
And to the person that said they are death traps, I would say how can you get seriously hurt when they can't go above 40mph?
No, but seriously, even the old Volvos are very safe even by today's standards. I remember hearing somewhere that the Volvo 240 has one of the lowest, if not the lowest passenger death rates of any car ever made. And that was without a lot of today's advanced safety features. So I say, forget the WRX or the MCS and buy a late 1980's Volvo 240 Sedan, or if you want a really cool car buy a Wagon (and if you don't believe me ask RollingStone, they listed old Volvo Station Wagons in their "What's Cool" issue a couple years ago, I guess I was really ahead of the curve considering that I drove one back in high school
)


