The price depends very much on options. A comparably equipped the MS3 lists about the same or cheaper than an MCS. The MS3 in the test has LSD, CD changer, auto climate, nav, and satellite radio.

Doesn't mean you shouldn't be sold, just be sold based on reality.

 

Good point.. though I really just want LSD and sportsuspension and few
other small options..

 

I'm blown away how heavy all the other cars are!

From the R&T article:
Test weights in pounds: 3110, 3300, 2700, 3240, 3420.

Guess which one is the MINI!

 

The performance ratings gave the R56 2nd place with 192.2 points against 194.8 for the Mazda. The R56 didn't even have sports suspension, let alone the LSD that came with the Mazda. My guess is that the MINI would have been first if it was equally equipped - and it would still have been less expensive.

I didn't understand the subjective 15.8 points for "driving excitement". The text said "it was the most fun on the track" and "when it comes to driving dynamics, it's very difficult to find fault".

 

D'oh, forgot about that bit. Maybe no tea for me tomorrow.

One thing I've noticed in certain magazines is that from time to time the reference the Mini as the outstanding driver's car that it is, though when it comes to comparison tests the quirkiness and perceived lack of practicality hurts it in the end. In any case, the important thing to remember here is that my Mini is finally in transit. Oh wait, I meant to say that we all get it and probably shouldn't be too concerned with what the media thinks.

 

Air conditioner compressor, for one.

 

One can forgive but does one have to like the other? My son's generation and the next generation of that won't have any hard feelings but I do... The British fought with the US in the WWII against Japan and it was more than 200 years (or about 8 generations) ago when the US fought against the GB. No Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Mitsubishi for me. I eat sushi and sashimi though. No major purchases of Japanese make will be made by me. Keep `em coming, MINI!

 

dude,
your lame. it's people like you who encourage hatred and ignorance. everyday you purchase something that is either produced, processed or manufactured from a third world country. this includes plenty of things from asia. have you not noticed that in the last 4-5 post, no one has brought this race issue up but yourself.

 

I am sorry. I apologize. I love teriyaki. But no Japanese cars for me.

 

I still wish R56 can be lighter...

 

Nope. You can make the case that the Mini offers a very unique ride that is worth a price premium, but there is no way you can argue that a Mini is cheaper for the same equipment.

MS3's come in two basic equipment levels: sport and touring. The sport lists for $22835 w/dest and incudes 18" wheels, auto climate control, stability control, limited slip, cruise, and keyless entry. Even with only 17's, a comparably equipped Mini runs about $24K, more if you want the metallic paint that the Mini charges $500 for. The touring model adds leather, premium audio, computer, security system, xenons, auto lights and a host of other features. Option up a Mini with these features and you're talking nearly $27K. And Mazda dealers will often deal on a MS3 - try that at a Mini dealer.

The base models of the Mini are comparable values, but when you pile on the options, the dollars twirl really fast. You've got to hold the line on all those gizmos to come close to the competition on price.

I love my Mini, but I don't put rose-colored glasses on and try and make a case that is offers the value of a Mazda (or even a GTI). BMW's have never been about value. They're about a great and unique driving experience.

- Mark

 

I'm interested in what others think of the MINI. But I don't need their opinions to help form my own. The MINI is one of the few cars I can get passionate about. The others I don't want to own and drive, because they are too fast to be "used" on the highway. How many Corvettes do you see virtually idling down the road. Where do you do 180 (and where do you do the time afterwards?)? Well, it isn't the corvette I would also have a passion for . . . but a Lotus, a Jaguar, a Bently. Call me racist, eh? Oh but I'll counter that with Porsche (oops, racist **** ).

 

Agree!! I've seen GTi discounted for around 20k too.. try that with the
new or even the older Mini S. I find that while there are 10 colors or so
to select from only 2 colors are without extra charge which effectively adds
$450 to the sticker price.. :(

 

To be precise, three don't have the $450 paint surcharge: white, red, and yellow.

- Mark

 

sigh. So if I understand this correct, time heals? The Brits caused the US population to REVOLT ... create a WAR to split from their HERITAGE ... from where they came from and you do NOT have bad feelings for them. But, WWII was over 60 years ago and you do?

That logic is beyond my old brain.

Since BMW owns MINI, and many parts on the MINI are clearly stamped BMW how do you possibly rationalize hating Japanese cars and not German cars? Your logic is ... Or do you rationalize that because its the "car" of your choice and if MINI was owned by Toyota, then it would be OK? I do not understand how you can possibly rationalize your thought process if WWII is your criteria.

 

As the IT guy here wrote, chows, "two shey" !!!!!

 

The first time the lady of the house climbed into the new pepper white R56 MCS, she looked at the dashboard and loudly proclaimed, "Hey, you got the Flavor Flav speedometer!" That fits it pretty well.
Getting gas on Sunday after a drive, I was leaving when I glanced across the pumps and there was another MCS in all over PW like mine!...but with a sunroof and larger wheels than my 16"s. I pulled around and congratulated her on her good looking color choice, which was an earlier model (non R56). She came over and stuck her head in the passenger's window and had a look around. I think my lack of a sunroof, combined with my very blacked out interior (anthracite headliner, black/etc leatherette, chromeline interior, brushed alloy dash) got her attention, but what really topped it was the look on her face when she saw that BIG speedo unit! We laughed and I explained that the car was the 07 model. It was a funny moment.

 

I guess you can't buy certain American (GM) cars either Pontiac Vibe (aka Toyota Matrix) as well as the Saabs that are built on the Subaru platform. I should also add that GM owns like 9% of Subaru.

 

pray4dirt, I don't see R56mini's comments as racist, nor do I see them as encouraging hatred and ignorance. But then again I was around when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor; I knew people who survived the Bataan Death March, and I had neighbors at the time who lost sons and brothers in that war. While the war was raging, we didn't know whether we were going to win or lose. It was very scary. On the other hand, I suspect there are people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki who wouldn't buy a Chevy or a Harley on a bet. There are plenty of people in China who still remember the abuse suffered under the Japanese. They remember their women being gathered up to provide sex and comfort for the Japanese troops (an issue, if you follow the news, that is getting a lot of attention right now). Are they being racist if they choose to not buy items made in Japan? I think not. We're each a product of our times. I suggest a little latitude on your part.

 

They may not be racist but they do not very "cool" either.

My uncle died on Omaha Beach. So I guess I should not by a MINI because BMW ... a German company ... owns the brand name and supplies parts. Such thinking is a bit naive (IMO) in todays global economy.

 

I am sorry. But Germans didn't come through the Panama canal and go to Hawaii and bomb the US ships.

 

But the US profits from the sales a lot, I hope. I just can't stand to have a Japanese emblem on the car that I drive. It shows pride in that brand. I won't be. Don't tell me to take the emblems off and drive.

 

Are you serious? Germans did NOT sink US convoy ships in the Atlantic. Germans did NOT kill thousands of Americans on D-Day? Germans did not kill thousands of Americans ... period?

Your arguement about the Japanese, IMO, sounds like a hypocrite. Its OK to hate Japanese cars because the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor but its "sounds like", MINIs are OK. It doesn't matter that its owned by a German company and made with German parts and the GERMANS killed many, many Americans in two world wars ... but that is OK, because you "like" your MINI.

I am sorry if this sounds harsh because its just an opinion but that logic makes no sense at all ...

and since this is totally OT on this thread and is borerlining on discussing politics ... i bow out now because I cannot understand your reasoning at all. It sounds like logic "convenient" to your choice of cars.

I am sorry and apoligize for sounding harsh. Its just my opinion that I don't understand your logic. Its not meant to disrespect you or any serviceperson anywhere, anytime.

 

I believe GM did own a bit of Subaru, but they've since sold it off. No Saab has ever been built on a Subaru platform. They sold a Saab 92 that was a very thinly disguised Subaru Impreza. Although that is no longer sold.

 

Mark wrote:

"BMW's have never been about value."

Mark, please don't confuse cost and value. BMW's are expensive, but they offer great value. BMW's have been the benchmark for sports coupes and sedans for many years. They hold their value very well.

And please, everyone let's try and stick to cars. There are said to be many websites that cater to those who want to discuss recent and past grievances. If you want to punish countries for bad behavior it might be well to consider what the USA has been up to in the recent past and worse, the present. It's best to get the poop out of your own nest before bemoaning what other nest looked like 60 years ago. Most powerful nations have abused their power.

As to the R&T article, I was disappointed. What they wrote about the car did not seem to jibe with their numerical ratings. And most annoying, they had to complain about the things that they regarded as overly cute or wonky. Heck, I like most of those things. The jumbo speedo is cool, and like it or not, it does not detract from the value of utility of the car.

They griped about the turn signals and wiper operation. But to anyone who owns a MINI, they use of these controls quickly becomes second nature and feels natural. UI felt sorry for Mr. Kim because he seemed to have so much trouble learning to use the MINI turn signals. It took me about 10 minutes.

Anyhow, I'm going to go for a drive; after all, that's what it's all about.

Joe