Oh you mean the NEW MAN created by Fidel....
Yes they are quite resourceful with their old automobiles...I get you..

 

This is going to ramble a bit. Your net (for info gathering) has been cast wide.

- I just got back from a round trip to Florida (from Michigan) lasting 5 days. My daughter and I ran non-stop down and back in a 2005 MINI S and averaged 32 MPG on a mix of 93 and 87 octane. Comfort for the driver was very good over a 3 hour shift and sleeping was very good for the passenger.
-The car is comfortable and smooth for commuting purposes but with some harshness on some of the most broken up roads. I have 16" wheels.
-If you keep the car 7 years, the TSX starts to sound better depending on your tolerence for unexpected expenses.
-The NEW GTI was on my list of cars to consider when looking for my most recent car. I like the package.
-The MINI S won my $$ when the GTI was delayed in the US and the 2005 MINI S received the improvements over the 2004's. Determining factors were the go-cart handling, smooth drivetrain with good power band, comfortable interior, large sunroof, styling of the interior anexterior, added practicality of a hatchback vs. other small car designs.
-fundamentally, it is a "happy car". This sounds kind of sappy... but if you can't be depressed in this day and age... you just can't be depressed. The MINI was, and is, a breath of fresh air in the US auto scene. It proved that there is a market for a small premium car. You are beginning to see a market response to this from other manufacturers.
-Test drive the MINI and the others. Use your heart and your mind when choosing, they both need to be satisfied. Since this is going to be a long term choice... you are going to really have to get to know yourself and balance the wants and needs.

Have fun with the choice... been there, done that. It's tough.

 

Tough case this. on the one hand, there is the "appliance" aspect that must be respected (7 years between itches, daily driver, used in Real Estate biz) while OTOH there is the "enthusiast" aspect (car nut, performance oriented, something of a fun alternative to the Boxster). As much as I hate to say it, you've got to be really practical if your other car is a two seat roadster (voice of experience, multiple MG affliction here). I'd almost go for the X-3 except that I don't think they are especially trouble free which is a necessary quality for a daily driver. IMO, I'd scrap your current list and find a practical but sporty car like a Subaru Legacy / Forester, or go the way of another favorite a used Audi A4 Avant with manual tranny.

 

Sounds to me like you need to decide what you want. MINI v. X3?

If you're having trouble with the decision, a MINI is probably not the car for you. Especially for 7 years.

 

Dude ... We also had a SC 88 MR2. Wife drove it everyday for 9 years. HATED to part with that car. It NEVER saw the inside of a Toyota Dealer, Nothing failed under warranty. Only normal maintenaince done.

Unfortunately, your comparing Toyota Quality with MINI Quality and they simply are not the same thing.

Check https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...light=warranty

 

Wow, I remember that car it was the supercharged one right?, I always wanted one but I was in H/S at the time and couldn't afford it...That is a cool ride, it would be cool to have one tucked away in a garage....I agree with you on the Toyota quality thing though...My twincam 16v 85 corolla GTS never gave me one problem..

 

It sounds like you need a little more room and ride comfort for a car that you are going to keep that long. From your list, I would avoid the BMW X3, they are not trouble free and once they are out of warranty are expensive to repair. I've owned several BMW cars and loved them except for the repairs. The Mazda and VW are probably the way to go, but I agree with other posters, look at Subaru. If you do decide to go with a two seater, the Chrysler Crossfire (a German made car with a Mercedes engine) is a huge buy right now, dealers still have 2005 models they are trying to clear out. They have both coupe and convertible models, 6 speed and auto.

 

Yup. People can call Toyota boring all they want but these weren't ... Mid-engined with SC whine right behind your right ear. MINI whine just doesn't sound the same.

 

Boring nope, unoriginal yes. All Toyota did was build a more reliable copy of the Fiat X 1/9.

 

I still really like the 88...If I recall correctly, they were first introduced in 1987, then they dissappeared...I was and still am something of a toyota enthusiast, they are some of the most reliable cars I have ever owned...Thanks for sharing the pics, I never got to talk to anyone that owned one..(Sorry for the thread hijack ) Back in those day, I remember B&M used to make an aftermarket supercharger for the old Toyota 20R and 22Re type engines also..

 

VW's have some of the worst repair histories of any auto so if spending time in the shop is not an option I would avoid VW's also

 

That might be true as to the first gen model but you asked the wrong guy

Our "first" new car

 

You guys/gals will probably hate me . . but I've made up my mind and it's not a MINI. . BUT it is in the same family. I optioned out a new 325i (I have also test driven them) and think that is the way to go the warranty/free scheduled maintenance, driving dynamics, overall comfort with still being able to feel the road and point and shoot. I'm kind of concerned about maintenance once out of warranty, but figure that the costs will even out with the scheduled warranty. . .or i can get an extended warranty. Either way, I love this car and feel it's a good compromise for what I want. I've had Honda's all of my life and am ready to try something new brand-wise. The Sub Leg GT has AWD that I don't need and I wasn't comfortable in that car when I test-drove it.

The icing on the cake for me happened today while test-driving a used X-3--some "very-seasoned" guy pulled out in front of me and i had a chance to try out the emergency handling of the vehicle. My choice was to either hit him or hit some orange barrels and cones in the median where they were doing some work. . .Luckily, my driving classes paid off and I chose the barrels. . . The 1st thing the salesman said was "Nice Recovery. . . " We got out and looked at the vehice and there was no damage. The Jerk in the Honda didn't even stop!!! and he looked at me the entire time. The BMW (and I know the MINI) have the ability to avoid accidents where other cars don't. What excellent driving dynamics and reflexes.

The salesman was cool about the whole thing. He gave me his best price once we got back and said that "cone damage " was the reason for the small discount. . .actually he gave $2900 off w/out even haggling!!!

Anyway. . I 've made my decision and need to find a dealer willing to order one for me w/ minimal $$ over invoice. . .

Thanks to all for your input. I may still check things out here. All of you seem to really enjoy driving and "motoring" as do I. Now is just not the right time for the MINI experience. . .maybe my next car. . .

 

Since we're strolling down SC MR2 memory lane, I gave up this car in January (which I bought new) to get my Works. Neither my wife nor I really wanted to sell it but it was the only way to sneak a Mini into the garage. I took this picture just before I sold it.

 

I never said the X 1/9 was reliable now did I
Still in all respects, in my mind, a better driving car than the MR2 when all the problems were solved on it.

Hijack over

 

I think you could enjoy any of the cars that have been discussed. As to which one will give you the most enjoyment, handle best, have the best performance, most reliability, etc., etc. Well, no car is perfect and no decision is perfect. In retrospect its always easy to 2nd guess choices, and in the process create dissatisfaction with whatever choice you've made.

My advice: Test drive them all, make a choice that you can afford, and that makes you smile a lot. Then, don't look back, just enjoy.

 

This decision strikes close to home for me.

I was trying to decide between a Mazda3 and a MINI two years ago. The MINIs were subject to a long wait at the time (12 months) and I didn't think to shop at dealers around the country, and my current car at the time was dying rapidly (a Jetta), so I had to decide fast. I went with the Mazda3. I like the car, its a very logical car... good mileage, great hatchback (I got the 5-door), very good repair records in Consumer Reports, and reasonably nice to drive.

However, I always regretted not getting the MINI. Every time a MINI drove by it was hard on me. Finally my wife, upon seeing me have that look for the hundredth time said "just get the dang MINI already". I ordered my MCS 2 days later and its on its way here now.

My Mazda3 is now for sale. 23K miles, most options, titanium gray, sunroof, leather, great condition. PM me if you're interested.

 

you mean to tell me she didn't know what she was getting into when she married you? Maybe your wife and my wife should sit down and have a chat...it doesn't hurt that my wife is a shrink!

Anyway, I meant that as in she hadn't realized you change cars and stuff quite often? My wife and I have been together for 12.5 years (married 6 of those now) since college. When she met me I had a Honda CRX. Now the MINI makes car number 9....
The funny thing is I went to a Clemson game to visit some freinds one weekend and came home with the MINI. She came out to the garage and asked me what it was doing there and I just had this stupid grin on my face. She just looked at me and laughed.

Just my 2 cents.... once a crazy car buying nut, always a crazy car buying nut!

Buy the MINI, you won't regret it. You can tell I love to change cars but I plan on keeping this one for a long time and making it a fun car. The end of this year I will be buying another vehicle to have in addition to the MINI so I can play more!

I drive about 600 miles a week for work in my MINI and still love every minute of it even 1.5 years later!

Good luck and enjoy your new ride!

chris

 

Dude, I had a 330I loaner from my MINI dealership, I really liked that car, still a contender for when the Mrs and I get rid of the MINIvan...LOL. .
I think you made an excellent choice for a daily driver...
Come back every now and then, you can always wait until they perfect the 2007 New MINI (if it isn't already) and get one of those...
Good luck

 

Well, I did not have a SC Mr2 at the time (couldn't afford it) But I did have the last year of RWD Corolla GTS...1985 this pic was taken in 1988.

 

Cool, We can turn this into the Old Toyota Thread .... (not to hijack but the originator didn't buy a MINI so its kind of done with.

 

okay, so now its hijacked to...the old toyota thread buwahhh ahhh ahhhh...
Old school autocross...in my 1978 Toyota Celica ST (pic taken in 1986)...my second car..

 

Sweet. I had one that looked just about like this...


and another that looked like this...

 

I'm a bit late to the party and I'll admit I didn't read any of the responses so far, but here's my opinion:

BUY THE COOPER S!

Acura TSX:
I worked for an Acura dealership over the summer last year while I was in high school....drove TSXs daily as our "dealer shuttles"....the car was painful for me to drive. They were classy, well-built, and a good value...but so bland...SO bland. Anyway, not my style.

Saab 9-3:
I went from a 2005 9-3 to my 2006 Cooper S....the Cooper is SO much more fun, I never thought I could love a car this much.

The GTi is nice, but I think the design is pretty poor....the X3 I like. I've driven them and they're nice SUVs, but nowhere near as "cool" or exciting as the Cooper S.

I have also found the MINI to be just as comfortable as my '05 Saab...size isn't really an issue.

Of course, I'm 19, so what I value in a car may be different...I just think the Cooper S is great....EVERYONE should have one.

 

Now back to the HIJACK

Want to talk about EXTREMES .....

1981 Toyota Tercel. ABSOLUTELY STRIPPED. NO OPTIONS at all. Not even carpet. Plastic floor. $5K or so NEW.