Tired of waiting, going for a MINI Cooper

[shack01]

Your MINI will be a blast. If you have the car in time, come down to Las Vegas the last weekend in Mar and meet up with a couple hundred fellow enthusiasts. Details at AMVIV.com.

tm

[Amethyste]

I loooooooooooooooooved my MINI. So will you. Congratulations on your choice!

As for the yaris, I thought about it - but it doesnt come convertible and wanted that as an option on my car.

[jwight]

jjr_vw, forgot to ask - did you check out the new Clubman? If so, what did you think?

Thanks!

[MrVvrroomm]

I took a Clubman S for a drive last week. My wife has an '07 Cooper S, so it was very familiar. It felt exactly like the Cooper except it was a bit smoother over the bumps due to the extended wheelbase.

I like the idea of having a bit more room in the back and easier entrance/exit. I've read a lot of whining over at NAM (surprise?) about vision lost out the rear window with the split doors. I have no idea what they're talking about, it didn't bother me in the least.

I like the Clubman, but to me, it's just not quite a MINI.

[jwight]

Thanks for the feedback; I priced one out on their website: around $24K for the basic version with a few options. A little too much unfortunately.

[shack01]

At least its expensive, too! Played with the configurator on the MINI web page and was able to get to $30k + without much effort at all. If I need four seats, I can just get two smarts and some velcro. (Or just drive the MINI I already have. )

tm

[nsane1]

Imaptience... I've never waited less than a year for any car in the last decade. Some time you have to wait to get what you want, esp if its rare. I know I'll change my tune in 3 years when smarts are everywhere, but you don't see enough mini's around?? I wouldn't really even compare the cars myself, I'd compare a mini with a miati, or even my solstice...

Heck, I've been waiting over a year for my 08 viper, you think I'll cancel that due to timing, no way.

[SmartAzz]

I agree nsane1, I wouldn't really compare the two cars, they simply each have different advantages. And the Mini is way more expensive, add comparable options and the Cooper is in another realm.

Funny I just noticed the OP's first thread indicating looking for a Mini on 02-10-2008, so not so surprising he is going for one, already seemed like a strong inclination, tired of waiting or not. Fwiw, - there are loads of Minis on Craigslist.

[tipo158]

Originally Posted by jwight

Thanks for the feedback; I priced one out on their website: around $24K for the basic version with a few options. A little too much unfortunately.

The base price for a Mini is $18700. I didn't see a lot of "must-have" options.

Another purchase option is to get a used Mini with remaining warranty that is the same as the entire factory warranty on the smart.

I test drove a Mini this weekend. My biggest problem with it is that it isn't so mini. The wheelbase, height and width is very close to the same as my VW R32 (Mk IV Golf). It has less overhang than the Golf, so the overall length is a lot shorter.

Comparing to smart, they both have quirky interiors. I think the smart has more headroom. Luggage space seems similar. More shoulder room in the Mini (expected). Both seemed as stable as the other during normal (not spirited) driving.

[Smart_ABQ]

Badabing! No doubt! I guess I haven't been paying attention to new model announcements - your new C30 is SWEET!