I know i see people comparing the Smart and the MINI all the time, but i did a search and didnt find any thread comparing the 2. I used to have a MINI. I had an 06 MINI Cooper S. The S is the supercharged version for those that dont know. I had to sell it for financial reasons. I do miss it alot. A few friends in the MINI club got Smarts which is what brought me here. I really like the Smart but i also really miss my MINI. I cant really decide which i would rather have between another MINI or a Smart. Problem is i need to stay around $15k to keep in my price range which means a used 04-06 MINI and i would have to get a non S model MINI to stay in that price range, or i can get a new Smart Passion which is $13500 but should be around $15k after everything is said and done. I can do the pros and cons list with each but i still cant decide. So i wanted the input of this community and im going to put one in the MINI community too. Im sure its all based on my needs or what i want but either car will perfectly fit my lifestyle. SO lets here your input!
Depends on how you like to drive. As I said in one of the other threads, when I'm in my Mini I want to go fast. I feel like I want to autocross through the neighborhood. In the smart I just want to go for a leisurely ride. Must be an age thing but I like getting in and out of the smart more than the mini and driving the smart more than the mini. My mini is a 2006 CVT. Not a S.
I looked at both... The mini was well, too mini for me. That is, it sat too low to the ground. I stand over 6 feet tall and had a horrible time getting in and out of the mini. The smart fit me like my Town Car does, no issues with small exception that the steering wheel hits my knee as I get in and out. Not major... When I entered and exited the mini I looked like a first time circus clown...
My wife's car is an '07 MINI Cooper S (turbo-charged). The MINI is a sports car, the smart is an econobox. There is really no comparison between these two cars.
I think the deciding factor would be how soon do you need your ride? If you can get a used Mini today vs waiting for a smart, certainly that might factor into your decision. BTW, don't know if this was posted before (I know I meant to), but with the summer's increase in gas prices MINI was once again in the "sold out" mode with no '08 inventory and longer waits developing again on new orders.
We also have a Mini. We bought a used 2005 Mini. Use to have a 2004 and had bought it new. Loved that car but also had to sell it. We were so happy to get another one.
But in comes the Smart Car. Put our name on the list last December and finally configured early Sept. for a 2009. Red/Red Passion.
So it looks like we will have both. I'd say go for the smart car but in the meantime look for a really good deal on a Mini. Then see which pulls your heart strings most.
Just put up this video. Completed it yesterday. Watch and you will see how we decked out our Mini Cooper for a parade this Summer. Can't wait to have fun with theSmart car! - enjoy
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