does anyone drive a mini cooper?

Originally posted by pcnorton
The works S version goes from 163hp to 200hp. Not just a "bump"

Resale? Subaru's all of sudden holding value now? WRX could be the best thing since sliced bread but their styling is well..typical subaru.

Transmission issues? The only one I can find is too tall gearing.

BMW rep versus Subaru? I leave it up to you.


Paul
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In my mind anything less than 50 hp is a "bump".

Yes, the WRX is indeed holding it's value quite well on the resale market, primarily because for the last several years it has been the only game in town for an AWD rally box and people who have them hang on to them.

This may change with the Mitsubishi Evo and STI coming out, but I expect that in five years you'll find that WRX resale will be considerably higher than the Mini.

There have been many reported transmission problems with the Mini, including trannys on almost brand new cars simply not shifting. As stated previously, the build and materials quality is not what you'd expect on a car in this price range. Run some searches, you'll find that "too tall gearing" is the least of the transmission woes.

If you are buying a car for their "rep" then you are buying it for other people, not yourself.

While I agree that the styling of the WRX is horrid, if I was looking for a hot little ride I would probably be able to either change it or ignore it in order to get the rest of the car.

I have yet to see a 4 cylinder (especially a blown one) that is as smooth as an 8 cylinder, or even a big six.
 
Originally posted by sygyzy
I don't mind the looks of the Cooper, it's just the price that irks me.
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You can get a nicely equipped (Climate Control, MFSW, AM/FM CD, Dual Sunroof, etc) Cooper for around $18,000. What other vehicles have you priced in that range feature for feature?
 
Originally posted by pcnorton
Did you get the works?


Paul
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No, the JCW kits were not offered when I ordered my MCS last August. For about $2000 parts & installation (intake, exhasust, 15% pulley, software upgrade) you can have the same 200+ HP that the JCW kit produces, but NO WARRANTY. I have the intake/exhaust ordered for my car, but will wait on the pulley mod/software upgrade until my warranty expires. I'll invest the remainder of my JCW savings and use for a down payment on a 2007 MCS :cool:

Again, the MINI Cooper S is not for everyone...which is part of the reason I made the purchase. Mine stickered for over $21,000, but when you compare feature vs. feature then factor in the FUN quota IMHO nothing else came close :D

If I want practical, I'll drive my wife's Volvo. Of course, it's got a Turbo...but that's another thread ;)
 
I'll jump in for a sec here.

The VR6 GTI is a great car but you pay for that engine with a lot of front end weight. It's a great engine but that combo plows when the twisties get tight.

Subaru rep vs.BMW? I'll take a scooby anyday. I like BMW's (I own one) but the Subaru is one of the most reliable cars out there.

I couldn't own the Mini as my only transportation but it'd be a fun 2nd or third car, personally though, I like Miatas.

Rob
 
Out of the box, the VR6 GTI plows a bit. All you have to do is plunk down some cash and upgrade the suspension.

Then you have a pocket rocket that can blast through the twisties.

I own a scooby. Perfect city car.



Fishbulb,

A 4-banger may not be as smooth as an 8 or 6, but it doesn't guzzle gas like one either.
 
I bought a 2003 WRX Wagon a few months ago. What an outstanding car! Very few vehicles at any price can match its agility under 100 mph.

In addition to raw performance, the WRX is surprisingly practical. It gets decent gas milage, has an oustanding maintenance record, and my wagon hauls an amazing amount of cargo, including people and pets.

I can't afford to buy a car just for fun. The real beauty of the WRX is that I was able to get a car that meets all my needs without compromising on performance. Go Scooby! :)

--Bob Q
 
Stil ugl..a subaru;) but 300hp! Of course a turbo, so I guess you nonpuffing engine guys out there would pass on it.

If there was only a rally cross track out here in W. Mass.


Paul
 
Originally posted by Sundsvall
Fishbulb,

A 4-banger may not be as smooth as an 8 or 6, but it doesn't guzzle gas like one either.
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I'll take smooth over frugal any day, at least until gas hits five bucks a gallon. Just a matter of priorities, I guess.

Also, modern 8 cylinders are surprisingly efficient. My Vic weighs over two tons and has a motor roughly the size of an average bath tub, but it gets around 27 mpg on the highway with the cruise on.
 
You don't have to drive an econo-box to get good gas mileage. My Grand Marquis (Crown Victoria sibling) will get 27mpg in the city if I baby the throttle - normal driving 24.2mpg. On the highway I routinely get over 30mpg doing 75 to 80mph on I-10. Driving technique with a big V-8 can make your gas mileage suck. If I drove it the way I didn't my VW Diesels, I would probably run in the low teens and compete with SUV's at the gas pump. Driving technique counts.

I took a look at a WRX but, it just isn't practical enough, even with four doors!

A VW Jetta and Rabbit and the Toyota Camry will surprise you with amount of stuff you can put in a trunk while preserving seating capacity 4 to 6 adults.

Me, I'll take my land yacht and pay the price when I decide to do stop light racing ;)
 
Sundsvall,
You're absolutely correct.
Out of the box, the GTI VR6 was mushy.
I put Koni Sports and Eibach Springs on it and Voila!
A totally different car.
Like it's on rails around corners.
Actually, the faster you drive it, the better it feels. Plus, lower springs really makes a car look aggressive.
Now, I can't wait to wear out my tires and put a better set on to see what the diff will be.
And when the warranty runs out, either a chip or supercharging.
What fun!
Back to the main topic though.
In the end, I think all the cars we're talking about are excellent, above the run of the mill econoboxes.
Probably what draws us to a certain car more than anything else (but most of us won't admit it) is looks.
I absolutely love the chunky aggressive looks of the GTI.
Specially with the big wheels.
My wife and daughters think it looks "dorky", like a minivan!
What do they know.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all.
Lenny
 
Originally posted by Lenny
Now, I can't wait to wear out my tires and put a better set on to see what the diff will be.
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Falken Azenis Sport, great summer tire :eek:

tirepic.gif


I didn't want to wait to replace the crappy RE92s that came stock. I've got these myself (prefer all-seasons), and I couldn't be happier:

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S :cool:

pilot_sport_as_large.jpg
 
WOW!! I test drove a Cooper S, without the works, 163hp pulled fine. The seats and upholstery are great. The trim though is platicky looking in the color i drove (patina?). It had all the options (except works). I fit fine in front or back (6' 180lbs). I had to roll down the windo to get a dose of engine noise, I like a rumble.(Own a 76 TR6 with ansa exhaust, nothing like it downshifting in a underground garage). The mini handled like a go kart, very agile no body roll( I had the salesman drive agressively as I wanted to take it easy when I drove).

Will I get it? YES. Now to decide what I want in it. (4-5 month wait)


Paul
 
Whoa, that's a ridiculous wait. Have you tried other Mini dealers? The Mini dealership I visited last year easily had dozens of them on the lot, both MC and MCS models. Most colors were represented. I guess you are requesting color/option combo they don't have?

Still, that's a very long wait. I waited 2 months for my car, but it was shipped from Japan.
 
Originally posted by Sid Post
You don't have to drive an econo-box to get good gas mileage. My Grand Marquis (Crown Victoria sibling) will get 27mpg in the city if I baby the throttle - normal driving 24.2mpg. On the highway I routinely get over 30mpg doing 75 to 80mph on I-10. Driving technique with a big V-8 can make your gas mileage suck. If I drove it the way I didn't my VW Diesels, I would probably run in the low teens and compete with SUV's at the gas pump. Driving technique counts.

I took a look at a WRX but, it just isn't practical enough, even with four doors!

A VW Jetta and Rabbit and the Toyota Camry will surprise you with amount of stuff you can put in a trunk while preserving seating capacity 4 to 6 adults.

Me, I'll take my land yacht and pay the price when I decide to do stop light racing ;)
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Sid and Fishbulb.

To each his own I would say. I have nothing against a crown vic. In fact if you soup it up then you have a veritable racing machine. All the taxi cabs and cop cars in NYC used to be souped up crown vics. Tons of power, leg room and performance.

You guys don't cruise down the ridiculusly overcrowded streets and highways of NYC. The smaller profile of the Impreza and VR6 are absolutely necessary if you plan on manuevering around traffic and (equally important) finding free street parking. (Garaging a car can cost up to $50/per day!!!)

So for you guys who don't mind burning extra money on gas and parking, you still have the manueverability issue.

The question about which car is better is like the question about which knife is better. For some, the smaller car makes more sense. For others the added power and space of a larger car makes more sense. But it doesn't have to be at the expense of the other.

Lenny,

I am eyeing the VR6 for my next car. I have seen a few of them blast around and they are great.

I would like to plunk down the cash for a Silver STI Wagon, if I could find one.

-Sun
 
Originally posted by Sundsvall
I would like to plunk down the cash for a Silver STI Wagon, if I could find one.
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Sorry to say that STi wagons are no longer made. :(
 
Originally posted by Skyline
Whoa, that's a ridiculous wait. Have you tried other Mini dealers? The Mini dealership I visited last year easily had dozens of them on the lot, both MC and MCS models. Most colors were represented. I guess you are requesting color/option combo they don't have?

Still, that's a very long wait. I waited 2 months for my car, but it was shipped from Japan.
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I want to order everything as I want it, and I do not mind a 4-5month wait. I am going to commute by motorcycle for the summer and really am in no hurry.

I also want to be close to the dealer I go through. I'll be paying the coin and want the a$$kissing I deserve for that coin:D

Paul
 
Hmm, you don't have to get service from the same dealer you purchase from. I live in Queens, I purchased my car in Staten Island, and I get service in Huntington. ;)
 
Your not the only car guy here...

I wouldnt own one, but thats just me. For the same price of a new one (or old one for that matter) you could be in a decent muscle car!

Hotrod
 
Souped up and waranteed!

I' think I'm going to get every option. I just got my first PA job and between me an dmy wife we will be doing very well.
As for buying one place and going to another for service, I couldn't do it.


Paul
 
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