Thinking of getting a Mini Cooper S. Talk me out of it. EDIT: U GUYS FAILED

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Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,208
674
126
You want a 'vert & have a $15K budget - I have to say it, buy a Saab 2.0T.

They handle very good, are quick, very safe - and maintenance is not terrible. We've had a 2008 2.8T Aero Convertible for over 5yrs and its been a fantastic car. I would advise a 2.0T from 2008 or later or if you can find a Aero from 2010+ that would be the best.

Stereo is standard GM but build quality is quite good.

They were refined in 2008 even further - http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2007-saab-9-3-20t-page-4
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,894
2,135
126
You want a 'vert & have a $15K budget - I have to say it, buy a Saab 2.0T.

They handle very good, are quick, very safe - and maintenance is not terrible. We've had a 2008 2.8T Aero Convertible for over 5yrs and its been a fantastic car. I would advise a 2.0T from 2008 or later or if you can find a Aero from 2010+ that would be the best.

Stereo is standard GM but build quality is quite good.

They were refined in 2008 even further - http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2007-saab-9-3-20t-page-4

I know they're good drivers, but I just think they're a bit on the homely side
 

slippysoup

Member
Jan 18, 2011
31
0
66
Love my 06 R53. When discussing the work I did on the car over the weekend with a co-worker:

co-worker "so it's like having a high maintenance girlfriend?"

Me "yeah, but she always puts out"
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,208
674
126
I know they're good drivers, but I just think they're a bit on the homely side

I never considered the 2008+ models homely - http://www.netcarshow.com/saab/2008-9-3_convertible/

Getting the premium package gives you memory seats, parking sensors, and allows you to drop the top using the remote fob. Kinda cool to walk to your car while the top is folding down.

Go for a test drive - its in Cuyahoga Falls:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saab-9-3-2d...a40fe731f&item=181479043871&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
76
How i can talk you out from the mini:

People only buy mini either if:
- they are gay
- they are going thru mid life crisis but cant afford a porsche or ferrari
- he is pussy whipped by the wife
- all of the above lol

In all seriousness the mini is a great car.. But for what they are charging i wud get a used f30 328i manual (who really needs a convertible?) or if you are hell bent on a vert get a Z4
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,894
2,135
126
I embrace my subaru station wagon lesbian heritage.

What about an Audit TT or older m3 convertible?

Subarus are all awesome. They're quirky, fairly reliable, and most of them move like hell. Don't let anyone tell you different. If they could just learn how to make an interior

In all seriousness the mini is a great car.. But for what they are charging i wud get a used f30 328i manual (who really needs a convertible?) or if you are hell bent on a vert get a Z4

I do! We have a lot of beautiful forest land around here and some fantastic twisty roads. We had the top down in my 330CiC more than we had it up. If you're somewhere like Chicago or NYC, convertibles suck, but around here they're highly recommended

Anyway, since I still have kids at home I'd like 4 seats. Anything with 2 seats is out for now. Also, I'd have to get a 335i because if I got a 328i I'd be looking at every 335i thinking "he's better than me!"
 
Last edited:

mmntech

Lifer
Sep 20, 2007
17,504
12
0
The modern Mini are a poor man's BMW. Unfortunately they have the same high maintenance costs of BMW, but with a lot more problems. As was pointed out already, they have transmission issues.

If you're looking for a small hot hatch, Fiesta ST.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,404
8,199
126
You say you want a back seat because you have kids. But really...what meaningful space would a Mini have in the backseat with a driver that is 6'4?

Unless your kids are double amputees that is not going to be a fun (if even possible) place to sit.
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,894
2,135
126
You say you want a back seat because you have kids. But really...what meaningful space would a Mini have in the backseat with a driver that is 6'4?

Unless your kids are double amputees that is not going to be a fun (if even possible) place to sit.

It'll work in a pinch. The 3 series I had before had about the same size back seats as the Mini does.
 

Belegost

Golden Member
Feb 20, 2001
1,807
19
81
You could pick up an 08 Solara convertible in that price range, great reliability, good power, and decent interior space.
 

ChronoReverse

Platinum Member
Mar 4, 2004
2,562
31
91
You say you want a back seat because you have kids. But really...what meaningful space would a Mini have in the backseat with a driver that is 6'4?

Unless your kids are double amputees that is not going to be a fun (if even possible) place to sit.

I confirm that as a small asian the back seats are still really tight. I can't imagine what it would be like for even teenagers of average NA size.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
1
76
Subarus are all awesome. They're quirky, fairly reliable, and most of them move like hell. Don't let anyone tell you different. If they could just learn how to make an interior



I do! We have a lot of beautiful forest land around here and some fantastic twisty roads. We had the top down in my 330CiC more than we had it up. If you're somewhere like Chicago or NYC, convertibles suck, but around here they're highly recommended

Anyway, since I still have kids at home I'd like 4 seats. Anything with 2 seats is out for now. Also, I'd have to get a 335i because if I got a 328i I'd be looking at every 335i thinking "he's better than me!"


328 is actually the better car if you consider performance vs weight ratio
335 engine is older.. Ripe for a refresh soon imo
 
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