New Mini owners

Osiris · 05-31-2008, 07:54 AM

Hi I have a resrvation on a smart but am looking to get it sooner via the orphan route but when they add $2000-3000 dollars I get the feeling a mini cooper would be the better choice moving up in class.Any mini owners who also own smart cars can relay any info on how the two compare?

curtis · 05-31-2008, 08:10 AM

they don't compare, they are 2 totally different autos.

oldmike · 05-31-2008, 08:13 AM

You say CLASS!!!

if you compare 2 seaters, 3 cylinder, micro cars together I think there is only one smart in the USA.

Let me go back to my cave, urg!! urg!! urg!!

nevis · 05-31-2008, 08:14 AM

Don't automatically assume all dealers add 2-3,000 to the price of smarts. My dealer in Winston-Salem never added any accessories, or cost to the car. Out the door for sticker plus tag, tax and standard $389. dealer prep that they charge for all their cars, Mercedes, smart, orphan or not. I love my smart and would not consider a Mini. I'm a big guy and couldn't get in and out of a Mini comfortably, but I can my smart! Good luck on your decision.

Osiris · 05-31-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curtis

they don't compare, they are 2 totally different autos.

Do you have both?Can you elaborate?I do understand they are two different autos.I though maybe someone can just describe the character and life with both vehicles alittle more to help me understand the differences. I have driven both just not very far.thanks for the replies

curtis · 05-31-2008, 08:17 AM

Nevis, your right, being the owner of a couple small cars in the past (84 pontiac Fiero and a Toyota Celica) The smart is great getting in and out of because it stands so high and the doors are so big, it seems everyone that looks at my car is always commenting on the large doors! that's the last thing I would think of if I was looking at a Smart for the first time...they must have a door fetish

Osiris · 05-31-2008, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curtis

Nevis, your right, being the owner of a couple small cars in the past (84 pontiac Fiero and a Toyota Celica) The smart is great getting in and out of because it stands so high and the doors are so big, it seems everyone that looks at my car is always commenting on the large doors! that's the last thing I would think of if I was looking at a Smart for the first time...they must have a door fetish

84 Fiero ?Small world I have one of them

curtis · 05-31-2008, 08:46 AM

that was my first car, like the Smart I remember reading about the Fiero in about 1982, 2 years before release and saying I want this to be my first car, the funny thing is it's so much like the smart, Plastic Panels, rear Engine, and everyones tells you they'd hate to get in an accident with it. The big differences in the two cars is I bet the Smart is 100% safer, and the cabin of the fiero is way smaller with a flat window right behind your seat and the only storage was the little spot in the back in front of the engine (fit about 3 or 4 grocery bags). I really liked that car.

Also to answer your Question, I don't have a mini, just have a friend who owned one, they are just so different but I did have a mini next to my smart yesterday and the woman driving the mini seemed envious..she couldn't stop checking it out, I know she wasnt checking me out since my windows are tinted!

huskrbb · 05-31-2008, 08:47 AM

I have had my Smart since Feb, and my wife has had here new Mini about two weeks, two totally different cars, but I love my Smart and I am averaging over 40 mpgs.

**Dunerunner** · 05-31-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osiris

I though maybe someone can just describe the character and life with both vehicles

The Mini is quick, sporty, responsive and everything a true British sports car is supposed to be. An even quicker version is the Mini S. Somewhat utilitarian on the interior but acceptable for a short trip vehicle. I was uncomfortable on long (500 mi) drives in the Mini. The seats start to get uncomfrtable at about the 2nd hour of driving. But I liked the quickness of the Mini and my VW Beetle Sport Turbo. The smart is just in a class by itself.

The smart fortwo is a fun car. Definately not race bread, it is a high milage micro car. The smart's interior is similar to that of the Mini, however; you sit higher in the smart. It is not an effort to get into or out of a smart car as it can be for some on the Mini. The seats are more comfortable than the stock Mini. The smart can get 40 MPG and higher, the Mini never will in it's present configuration. Everyone look at he smart when you drive down the street. Only those who own a Mini look at the Mini any more, it just doesn't get the attention it did on release.

Hope this helps!!