2008 Mini Cooper S - Page 2

jsatek · 01-07-08, 06:45

Good point on the 135. Its an interesting car, but I will be buying this and I am concerned about the model longevity. Remember the 318ti? I'd hate to dump 40k only to see this thing worth $15k in 5 years because its discontinued. That's a special purppose car, why wouldn't a potential buyer just step it up a few K and get the 3 series, a proven car with outstanding resale? Let's see how this introduction year goes for the 1 series.

I was going to go the used route if I went high end. I'm not a really a Benz guy. My goal is tough. I want a useful sports car that isn't too flashy. I wish I never sold my Cayenne, I've gone through 3 cars since. Ill keel the Jeep I just bought, unless I o with an SRT8. A 335xi sedan fits the useful/performance bill, but there is nothing so special about them, there are 5 at every corner.

karburn · 01-07-08, 10:08

We got an '06 S for my wife to drive due to the safety and performance features, but I was genuinely surprised by the quality of the engineering, assembly and the out-n-out performance. Even with the 6 spd automatic, it is a cut above anything in it's class. I wish we'd bought TWO of them. No way is it a nerdy car.

deathlok · 01-07-08, 10:12

I like mini cooper s but I own a miata...so get a miata more fun (zoom zoom)

Ruttrow · 01-07-08, 11:25

Just bought a new 2007 S a couple of months ago. Fun car to drive. It is my wifes daily driver.

JustinDetail · 01-07-08, 12:13

WAY overpriced for what you get. I got a brand new 350Z with 300+ hp for under $26K. You cant get any Cooper S models with a few options even for that. Or if you want a FWD Hatch, buy a new GTI 2.0T stripper for $22K.

Macko · 01-07-08, 12:30

Not sure what used prices are like in the US but in the UK the Mini is a rock-solid new buy. Not cheap but it holds its value like nothing else & you will get plenty back at moving on time.

My issues with the Cooper were few but build quality was only average, run flat tyres are too hard & expensive to replace. Don't get black though, BMW black is the softest paint I've come across. Despite the full Autopian wash routine, mine swirled like mad. In the end I sold it for exactly that reason.

mhadden · 01-07-08, 03:22

Although you essentially get a "BMW" with a different name, I don't consider them too cool, nor do I consider them an old-nerd-mobile. What I think hurts Mini is the cost (can get expensive with options) and its engine. Personally, if I wanted that size car, I'd go VW GTI 2-door. You get a more modern style car both interior and exterior and a very nice turbo engine for less than the Mini. Though once again, once you start putting options on the GTI, it gets expensive. That's why I'm just going to my Mazdaspeed3

jsatek · 01-07-08, 03:45

Mini resale in the USA is ridiculous. Its like money in the bank.

A new 350z is more than $26k at its lowest equipment level. The Grand Touring, which has the Brembos and Rays wheels along with other necessary equipment is $37k! At that point, get a 3 series!

I thought about a GTI 2.0 turbo, but I have a worker with one and it is an electrical disaster. He says, its constantly screwed up. I've heard this from 2 different people now. Also, it has zero status. I'd like something semi-flashy.

jshillin · 01-07-08, 06:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsatek

Also, it has zero status. I'd like something semi-flashy.

If you want something semi-flashy, don't get a mini!!!

jsatek · 01-07-08, 06:22

True, but if I drive a freak like that, I have an excuse. Its a purpose built car. A BMW engineered go-kart!

I talked myself out of it, my wife is now on BMW.com configuring a 335xi coupe. I'll end up doing the "me too" when people ask, what kind of car I have. The SRT-8 is out for this year as suddenly my wife likes my Limited with the linguine odor.

manicrodder · 01-07-08, 07:44

[quote=jsatek]Mini resale in the USA is ridiculous. Its like money in the bank.

Yes, the resale is excellent. It is a fun little car that takes me back to my go kart days. Gas mileage is not as good as I thought but is not a concern either.
You can park it anywhere.
As far as being a "chick" car, it does not bother me that some think of it in this way. I would never have a a car based upon what some one else thinks. If someone implies to the extreme end of this feminine implication, my Mini has no breasts or genitalia.
For anyone that ever thought about buying this little car, I would suggest a test drive before counting it out.

Pennypacker · 01-08-08, 01:55

Why not a VW R32, either a used Mk IV or new Mk V?

They're fast, practical, have excellent resale value, all-wheel drive, limited in number, NOT built in Mexico, flashy but still in an under the radar kind of way if that makes sense...