Hey guys,

I am just about to finish paying my car off, and i was thinking with the increase in prices in Canada for gas, I would consider a cool DD. How do you feel about this car?


Some Facts
1.6L Turbo - 192HP, 200lbf-ft w/ over boost button. (John Cooper Works Stage 1 Kit) (Stock HP - 172HP)
Cost: $35000

I made a Pro's and Con's about it.

Pro's
Quick, nimble, tight handling.
Great for winter in terms of being FWD and less of a hassle.
Looks great.
Potential for easy HP increase with ECU chip due to turbo.
200lb-ft of torque and 6 M/T makes for great passing power w/o having to down shift, saves on fuel costs.
All service included as they are made in correlation to BMW.
Go-kart like handling??

Con's
A bit overpriced
From what i've read, a figity and overly complicated dash and seating layout.
A bit small.

Any more things to add for pro's or con's?
And if you had that kind of budget, would you buy something else, something particular for Canadian winters?

Pics







Video of JCW Exhaust

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I agree with what you've posted so far.

I believe their reliability isn't really the best after doing some research myself for a friend(who didn't end up buying). IIRC, there are issues with the seats, the power steering and a few others I can't remember.

I personally couldn't rationalize having two expensive cars like that if you're financing a depreciating asset.

 

Keep your G!

 

I am!! I want a cool car during the week and all of winter and keeping the g for a weekend thing. All of this is only optional, i have yet to decide anything for sure, just keeping my options open.

 

Don't take the plunge!

 

BMW maintenance cost a leg and an arm

 

good point.

 

BMW maintenance doesn't cost any more than Infiniti maintenance, to be honest. What you should be concerned about are out of warranty repairs. Mini's aren't exactly bullet proof. But anyway, let's move on.

First, I'm going to irk some people and say the JCW Mini is way more fun to drive than a G. In fact, my wife's Cooper S is as fun to drive as my tuned 335i coupe. It's got good power, an awesome suspension and steering, and will fit more crap than you think. The downsides are it can be annoyingly harsh sometimes on rougher city roads; and it's a rattle box (because of the suspension). The interior isn't exactly put together well, so expect things to rattle.

 

Oh wow, i knew it handled well i just didn't think it would be better then the G. I think i'll call a dealership and schedule a test drive. I'm really curious as how this things goes.

 

I haven't driven one myself but have been out at the same time as one on the track. I know they handle very well!

 

It's got good power, an awesome suspension and steering, and will fit more crap than you think. The downsides are it can be annoyingly harsh sometimes on rougher city roads; and it's a rattle box (because of the suspension). The interior isn't exactly put together well, so expect things to rattle.

Don't mean to be a smarty pants but which one is it? Is the suspension good or bad? re-read the above paragraph.

 

Some people might like them but when I see a guy driving one I chuckle to myself and hope he is driving his wifes car.

 

the mini cooper was rated by forbes as one of the most expensive cars to repair over a five year period.

 

Funnest FF car I've driven in my life, and this was the 05 or 06 (can't recall) Cooper S with the Supercharger . Immediate boost!

Handling totally outclass any other FF sports car so far.

 

I'd love to find one used.