New Mini owners

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by mikeaponte77

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!!

That's right....but he said moving up a class, which then puts him into the class whichs the MINI's in.

Dunerunner pretty much summed it up. We now have both a MCS and a smart, to me they are both fun loving and still novel (even for the mini). What are your long term plans....any family in your future? The MINI will be a little more versatile when it comes to needing to haul stuff around. If you're single, and not really into performance/handling aspects, I think the smart is still the better choice.

[jmatero]

As the owner of a 2008 Mini Cooper with 6-speed manual, I can tell you it is an AMAZING car. Perfect balance, stable and a blast to drive. As for gas mpg, the ratings are identical to the smart and I'm averaging 40-45 on parkway commute every day. I'd love to buy a smart but in my area, they are marked up $3000 over MSRP which puts it in the mini cooper price range. Keep in mind the mini has a fantastic warranty, 3 years free scheduled maintenance (including brake pads and wiper blades.....). Also, cabrios are selling for $22k+.... marked WAY up.... and you can get a Mazda MX-5 for that price.

I haven't given up on the smart yet but as timing is important to me it is quickly losing luster... I guess in a year or so when the lots start to fill and they're more readily available I can re-consider.

As for the Mini Cooper... you really can't go wrong.. go test drive one.

[Flashman]

Was that a paid advertisement? :-P

[Dunerunner]

jmatero - If you are getting 40-45 MPG in your Mini, you're not getting the most fun out of it!! You've got to put your foot in it!! All kidding aside that is a Great fuel economy figure for a Mini Cooper!

[jmatero]

LOL no, wasn't meant to be. I really want a smart... I love the view from the driver's seat and the comfort.. just wish I could get one!!!!

[redbluff]

I own both and while they are different cars the Mini has a lot of repairs. And they are very expensive to repair. The Mini hugs the road and is simply a blast to drive and is somewhat good on mileage. I think you would enjoy the Mini.

[mfoster]

Have both. Want to race the mini. Want to drive the smart. Personally enjoy the smart more because of seat positioning, visibility, gas mileage. The mini seems much heavier probably because of metal skin. I'm getting another smart.

[Osiris]

Wow some great answers,thank you all for your replies

[mmmeat]

Originally Posted by curtis

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

Mid-engined. The Fiero is a mid-engined car, the Smart is rear-engined.

Your pal,
Meat.