Mini Envy

[IrishMykl]

I actually had a 06 MCS for about a year and a half. The S model is bit more money compared to the smart. I paid $26,450 for it and it was pretty loaded. I really loved the car but i think the smart is a good looking car its cheaper and gets better gas mileage. I had to sell it cause my job situation changed and i wasnt able to afford the payments. I am now looking into either a MINI or a Smart. Thing is for around $15k i can get a brand new 09 smart fully loaded or a used 04-06 MINI and take my chances with options and how well the previous owner treated it.

[NCC1701]

Just curious here. I've seen a number of threads here which basically put Minis and smarts in competition, but never see Miatas mentioned. How come?

[WickedMessenger]

I wonder if there's a lesson for smart owners in the Mini and Miata. When they came out they were all the rage. People gathered around them in parking lots, barraged the owners with questions, got on waiting lists, paid over sticker price, etc. Sound familiar? But now, who cares? When's the last time anybody made a big deal about a Mini or Miata? I for one never cared for either one but many did. Since this is the natural progression of what starts out as a hot new car, we're going to have to get used to a future of being ignored on the road, not getting any crowds in parking lots, not causing cars to drift out of their lanes to take pictures and gawk. Then we'll be like those Mini owners who refuse to look at us on the road; embittered at the next new hot car, jealous of its attention grabbing features, trying to maintain our quiet dignity without regretting our decision. So sad to think.

[MrVvrroomm]

Originally Posted by WickedMessenger

I wonder if there's a lesson for smart owners in the Mini and Miata. When they came out they were all the rage. People gathered around them in parking lots, barraged the owners with questions, got on waiting lists, paid over sticker price, etc. Sound familiar?

...PT(cough)Cruiser

[PlainCityVWBug]

New Beetle too!

[NCC1701]

Anyone care to place bets on when this stage will happen? Maybe sooner than later ... with other manufacturers scrambling to bring microcars to the US?

[PlainCityVWBug]

I think even with the Tata Nano when it comes here to the States, the Smart will be more popular, but that's just my own humble opinion

[the_dude]

Originally Posted by PlainCityVWBug

I think even with the Tata Nano when it comes here to the States, the Smart will be more popular, but that's just my own humble opinion

the nano is not coming to the U.S.

[PlainCityVWBug]

Really? I thought it was. That's at least what I was led to believe from my car magazines.

[Gortok]

Nano will never pass crash tests...