Trading 2SS for semi-loaded Mini Cooper S. Worth?

[sspolo]

BTW if you don't want a V6 Camaro then just go with the car you like! I think the Mini looks ok and it seems fun to drive. Just make sure that they are reliable since parts will probably be expensive. But either way its your choice and your money and your preference. I don't think a car defines your manhood.

[Thirsty]

Originally Posted by goval

I'm debating on trading my 2SS for a semi-loaded Mini Cooper S.
It's a huuuuuge move, but the gas mileage and the fun drive of the turbocharged S is tempting. I want to lower my payments a bit and save a lot on gas. Plus, they are offering 3 year free maintenance. I like to get a motorcycle in about a year and a half, so this move my benefit given I buy a harley type bike.

Honest opinions only please.

Should I think about it or should I just get slapped in the face and wake up? lol

It is almost like I'm looking in the mirror. I had a Mini Cooper S convertible fully loaded and a fully loaded Goldwing. I traded the mini when the warranty was ready to expire. Everything on that car was expensive. The gas mileage was only about 5 mpg better than the Camaro I have now. My mini was an 08. I know the newer ones are better on gas. In any case you have to work those 4 cylinders pretty hard to get anywhere near the performance you have become accustom to. The mini I had came with run flat tires. No give to those sidewalls. It ran like it was on rails but it sure was a rough ride.

The Goldwing was also a blast to drive. It had great power to weight ratio. It handled very nice for two wheel machine that went close to 900 lbs before I got on it. I had a trailer and everything. I never did like riding in the rain. My wife even had her own bike. We sold them both.

Today I have a 2SS Convertible. When it rains the top goes up and I stay dry. I havn't had to do any repairs on the Camaro yet but it seems like things are more reasonable to have them repaired.

No matter what I or anyone else says, as long as you can afford it, do what you want. Try new things. You only live once.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Have fun and be as safe as you can while you do it.

[soloknight6]

Small cars are fun to drive, coopers, fiats, and yes... smart cars... But are they as fun as an SS camaro?

[ZL-Bee]

Glad hear you're keeping the SS, people claim Mini Cooper's are amazing but I believe most who say that have never driven a real performance car before.

[Bradrulz]

I previously had a Mini Countryman and take my word......don't do it. I was very disappointed in the craftsmanship and reliability. Got rid of it in 6-months, no regrets.

[Deki]

Originally Posted by goval

True! I think I'm just going to refinance the car in a year and get the bike. I'll just ride the bike to work anyway, so I will save a lot.

Refinancing the car will only have you pay interest for a longer term, that is not savings. You need to sit down and figure out your finances. Trading in the Camaro will surely not make you a profit at the dealer. Then you will pay TTL on the Mini, plus interest on the new loan.

Here is my suggestion...refinance the Camaro to whatever term is left on your loan at a lower rate if you can, don't buy the Harley, and just drive the Camaro. It doesn't get that bad of gas mileage, and it's still cheaper to have just the Camaro+gas+insurance then Camaro+gas+insurance+bike+gas+insurance. And **** the Mini...seriously. You're gonna get a whole whooping 6-8 miles per gallon combined more with that FWD econobox than with your Camaro and the Mini is built by BMW, so good luck on the reliability and parts cost front. Just my 2 cents.

[Josh_Trick]

Originally Posted by dorfmac

Have you ever met a Mini driver who wasn't a woman or a pretentious tool? Odds are, the answer is no, and I'd hate to see a fellow self-respecting Camaro make the conversion into either category.

I know two Mini owners. Both men, neither a pretentious tool. I love my Camaro, but I strongly considered a Cooper S when I was shopping. Kinda wish I had one sometimes. It's everything I want in a car, except they don't come with an LS3 under the hood.

[oldfriend]

Originally Posted by goval

True! I think I'm just going to refinance the car in a year and get the bike. I'll just ride the bike to work anyway, so I will save a lot.

Now you are talking , way to go . Go and get the V ROD in flat black .

[Green2SS/RS]

I had a 2004 MINI Cooper S that I ordered and waited 3 months to get. I loved that car and it was fun to get in every day. I traded it in on my 2011 Camaro (new) because I like the V8 torque and the MINI started to have some electrical problems. I do miss that car when I go to the pump but I like the Camaro better. that's my 2 cents and I hope this helps because I have been there.


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[The Blue Angel]

Or you can wait for this car:

Tata bringing world's cheapest car to the U.S.


By Paul A. Eisenstein | The Detroit Bureau – Mon, Oct 15, 2012 6:26 PM EDT

Tata Megapixel concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show

MORE AT THEDETROITBUREAU.COM

Americans will soon get the chance to buy what is generally considered the world’s most inexpensive automobile. But considering the safety problems experienced by the little Tata Nano – which has received only a mixed reception in its home Indian market – it’s anyone’s guess whether U.S. motorists will say yes or no-no to the microcar.

The Nano is the work of Tata, one of India’s biggest industrial conglomerates and parent to a carmaking division with aggressive global aspirations. Along with the homegrown Tata brand it also owns both the British Jaguar and Land Rover marques.

There’s no confusing their products, however. The original Tata Nano is a step up from a motor scooter, with only the most minimal creature comforts and a severe lacking of safety features, as well, according to critics.

The U.S. version will have to meet federal laws, of course, which would mandate the addition of such niceties as airbags and electronic stability control. And the engine may get a little boost from the basic 37 horsepower that it makes in India.

Can Tata Make a Nano that Americans would take seriously? It apparently wants to try.But don’t expect the American microcar to have much more, Tata’s eponymous Chairman Rattan Tata told Automotive News.

Nonetheless, he said he sees some exciting opportunities with an American version. “The U.S. is a very enticing market,” Tata told the trade publication. “We are redesigning the Nano for both Europe and the U.S.”

Of course, Tata thought there’d be plenty of growth in India, as well, where the potential population of motorists ranks second only to China. The executive dreamed up the idea of what is little more than a plastic-bodied scooter after seeing whole families crowd onto two-wheelers.

But sales have lagged well behind expectations – apparently in part due to some much-publicized fires and other safety issues that have forced a number of recalls and modifications.

The maker promises to have things more in shape for the more demanding American market once it gets here – though precise timing hasn’t been announced.

The question is how much all that will cost. From the Indian base of around $3,500 speculation suggests the Tata Nano might be bumped up to as much as $10,000 in the States. The question is whether at that price it will be able to gain traction against markedly better-equipped Asian and American models with more familiar nameplates and better reputations.

[fz4k98]

I am lucky to say I have an SS camaro and A Harley. I have been riding cycles as long as I have been driving cars. If I had to give one up it would probably be the SS although I dont think I would be as happy but because it has been my hobby for so long.

Biggest thing to keep in mind is dont get caught up in chasing what you dont have, get involved with enjoying what you do have.

[CookieCk]

Originally Posted by Camaro54

. I try and buy MADE IN USA any time I possibly can.

You do realize the Camaro is made in Canada right?

[Supermaro585HP]

I have a used car lot in Pittsburgh PA. and I have a 2003 Mini Cooper S 6 speed. It is a dog. Parts for it are exspensive and a pain in the ass to work on. DON'T DO IT!!!!!

[wocampb]

Don't buy a Mini. There are so many issues with those cars and repairs can get very expensive. I just bought a Cruze so I could keep the miles off the Camaro and get the good gas mileage with as much as I drive for work.