2008 Mini Cooper S

[jsatek]

I was thinking about buying a Mini Cooper S as a toy car to use on the weekends this spring. My wife is against it stating, "It's and old man's or a nerd's car".

I like it, but I also like the Miata.

Whats the consensus on a 2008 Mini Cooper S?

Cool Car
Not a Cool Car

[manicrodder]

I just got a low mileage 06 cabrio MINI for Christmas. I did not need an S as I have a
300SRT8 for hauling butt. The MINI is a lot of fun and I can't wait for top down weather. I am nearly 55 so maybe your wife is half right. It could be a COOL old Man's car.

[jsatek]

I'd get a black S and see what tuner can get it to 250-300hp for me.

Black / 35% Tint / Black wheels.

Her logic is, I'll be spending $40,000 on this by the time I am done. Why not just get an SRT-8 or a 335xi if I want a fast car.

What she isnt thinking is that either of those will end up costing $50,000+ after all of the upgrades.....

[manicrodder]

Here is mine:

[jsatek]

Nice looking. I dont see many cabriolets.

[20jettatdi03]

My parents own a 07 S convertable and the way it accelerates and handles is quite something. I've played with it quite a bit and i love the way it drives. Def a nice car

[grease]

Originally Posted by jsatek

I'd get a black S and see what tuner can get it to 250-300hp for me.

Black / 35% Tint / Black wheels.

Her logic is, I'll be spending $40,000 on this by the time I am done. Why not just get an SRT-8 or a 335xi if I want a fast car.

What she isnt thinking is that either of those will end up costing $50,000+ after all of the upgrades.....

JMHO...
If 300 hp is the goal, then a 335 wouldnt need to be modded. Have you thought about a 135? Going to be 2 or 300 lbs lighter then the 335 with the same power/drivetrain.

The mini cab is a chic's car. The non-S is a chic's car. The S is an old man's car.
They are good cars to drive, if sporty competent driving is your main/only concern. But they aren't the coolest car on the block, so if you care about how youre percieved, Id go with a different car. Miata's are chics cars' too, but make some of the best bang-for-buck track cars ever made, so its all about what you want.

What about a new Saturn Sky Turbo, which is very common around here..? OR, whatI think is another great choice, a 2005 Mercedes SLK55? You should be able to get a certified preowned with low miles for around 40k. The SLK is fast (v8 360 hp or so), handles well, (especially compared to the SLK32), and its a hardtop convertible! And the brakes are fantastic!

[Civicman86]

Minis are cool, hell they were in Italion Job so that automatically makes them cool.

Miata are girls cars but man they are fun. You can get a mid ninteys one, do a cheap motor swap and turbo kit. I tell you what the power to weight ratio will be amazing and it is one of the best handling cars out. Chick car or not most people will only see the back end, if built properly

[NSXTASY]

+1 135i. With an ecu and intake, theyre making significant power. Esp. from 33-40k for a new one, thats a deal.

Mini..ehhhh...no.

[jfsully]

John Cooper edition...not a chick or old mans car

[azenthusiast]

x 3 on the BMW 135i. No offense to the Mini or Miata owners on here, but I always have thought of them as girl cars.

I would also seriously look at the Pontiac Solstice GXP. Good looking car with a lot of power for its size.

[G35stilez]

Liz wants a Mini, so I'll put my vote in there. Ever since The Italian Job, I've been a big fan.

Miata is a total chick car, I could care less how good it is around a track.

135i is sweet, but I'd have to see one in person first.