Comparing my Lexus to an '06 Cooper S

MongooseGA · 08-13-05, 09:29

This is copied and pasted from my thread on the Lexus forum.

"I have a '95 SC4 with 44,000 miles on it and I'm the second owner. Great condition, but she has her flaws that stick out to me(I'm extremely anal). I did plan to have her repainted by next Summer anyway, though.

My sister is getting an '06 Cooper S (automatic ) soon. I might, small might, have the ability to trade the SC4 in for another S, but with a 6-speed.

Pros: The car is slightly quicker in stock form than my car, and 11 years newer. More easily modded, definitely more fun to drive, has more stock features (NAV and Blue Tooth capabilities), etc...

Cons: I like the looks of my car more (no one has ever called it "cute"), I prefer RWD, and fitting in my car might be easier than in the Mini.

Trading my car in, I could probably get away with an '06 S (built for me, to my specifications) for around $15k.

What are my fellow SC owners' thoughts on this idea? It might be hard to pass it off to my parents, but it's possible.

Plus, it'll be kinda cool to have matching Minis in the garage."

Discuss.

truzoom · 08-14-05, 12:16

I'm a big fan of the new Mini. I can see why people would call it cute, but it's a car that utilizes form and function, not to mention it's predecessor wasn't designed for a U.S. market where bigger=better. I'm pretty sure I don't have to state the obvious savings you'll get on MPG, and the benefit of having a smaller car to detail

lix · 08-14-05, 03:54

Head over to http://www.mini2.com if you haven't done so already and read up on any issues. I know some early cars had gearbox/transmission issues and I believe BMW are set to switch from the current Chrysler sourced 1.6 engine to a completely new engine developed in conjunction with PSA Peugeot Citroen. The new engine will also see the Cooper S will change from supercharged to turbocharged induction.

MotoringFile article on new engine

Setec Astronomy · 08-14-05, 04:45

Did I miss the part where the $15K is coming from?

pigeonbus · 08-14-05, 07:04

I'm guessing 'rents?

Minis are sweet and I'd take one over an SC. They have a lot of character, and like you said, easily modde - even from the factory, if you're buying new. The 6speed sweetens the deal.

MongooseGA · 08-14-05, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Did I miss the part where the $15K is coming from?

My car is still worth about $10-$12k as a trade in. The Mini is only $25k fully loaded.

Lix- great info. Thanks alot. Do you know what the deal with the motor will be for the '06 models?

Carl- my parents won't pay another dime for a car for me. They've already bought me 3 cars. If I trade this SC in, it has to be a ~300 month payment like I'm on right now.

Way2SSlow · 08-14-05, 08:10

Hmmm...Interesting. I know for a fact that the Lex is a good car. My parents own two of them, and I worked for Lexus for a few years. Minis are cool cars though. The main thing I hated about the SC400's are those heavy doors. They arent exactly the easiest car in the Lexus line to get in and out of either. Lexus customer service is bar none among the best of any automobile line out there. I really like the Minis though. Even at 6'3, I could fit...I couldnt believe it. If you were to sell that SC, I bet it would bring some money due to the mileage, and people love the car.

This is a difficult decision. From reading your first post, I think your mind is already made up.

Quote:

Pros: The car is slightly quicker in stock form than my car, and 11 years newer. More easily modded, definitely more fun to drive, has more stock features (NAV and Blue Tooth capabilities), etc...

Cons: I like the looks of my car more (no one has ever called it "cute"), I prefer RWD, and fitting in my car might be easier than in the Mini.

If you get the mini, dont get the same color as your sister.

lix · 08-14-05, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongooseGA

Lix- great info. Thanks alot. Do you know what the deal with the motor will be for the '06 models?

No, I don't know when the changeover will be I'm afraid. However I've spent a little time in the current Cooper and Cooper S and found them both to be great fun! Corners like it's on rails and excellent feel and power from the brakes.

boxer · 08-14-05, 09:54

My sister bought a Cooper S with the JCW package. Great car, I thought the S was a little bit on the slow side, but the JCW package really makes it fun.

MongooseGA · 08-14-05, 10:29

I've kind of come to a conclusion.

If I want a Mini, I'll drive my Sister's.

I get to keep the Lexus.

To fix the problem of her car having less flaws and being faster than mine: My car gets painted next summer, and a hair dryer or two are going under the hood.

Problem solved, thanks to everyone who contributed.

White95Max · 08-19-05, 05:43

Maybe once you get those twin hair dryers under the hood, you can drive up here to pick up that #16 and Tiefengelgerflepepher I've been holding onto for you. Geez...

04E320 · 08-19-05, 08:09

I am glad you already made your choice. I take a 95 Lexus (low mile) over a Mini anytime.