Car Change, is this a bad idea

[VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN]

So I'm sick of the mileage on my 2009 WRX. I love the thing, but I don't wanna pay for it anymore, thinking about swapping (not 1-1) for a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Gets much better mileage, still is quirky and a good reflection of my personality. Anyone got anything bad to say about these little go carts?

[AE92_TreunoSC]

You'd instantly regret it. Mini's arent for mileage, they are for fun and for attention. Your WRX is waaaaaaay more fun to drive than a Cooper S, especially in the winter.

The Mini does have a strong personality, I just wouldnt chose one over a WRX lol.

[bituerbo]

There aren't that many good combinations of fun and fuel efficiency. The 2011/12 V6 Mustang gets 31MPG hwy, and the Fiat 500 abarth is a few months away, could be worth waiting for. What else have you been looking at?

Ever thought about a bike?

[Euro_Trash]

23-26 mpg is bad :confused: :dunno:

[Kloubek]

Minis are garbage.

That is all.

[CD007]

Buddys Mini is in the shop more than he has it.

[Graham_A_M]

I'd avoid a mini. When my last daily driver shit the bed; I briefly looked at one. On paper they seem alright, but they have a well deserved bad rep. They ARE fun little cars that are great for asphalt carving; but there are a lot better choices that are one hell of a lot cheaper to own as well.

What is it that makes you so sick of your WRX? the cost of ownership or the fuel economy? That would help us make some better informed suggestions for you. ;)

[VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN]

Just the fuel economy I baby the thing and it's a real challenge to get under 10L/100 KM. I am usually 11-12, the damn thing eats premium too. I was also considering an older regular impreza, if I did older impreza I would probably buy a noob bike too for the summer.

I love driving the wrx it's a ton of fun, but it's almost too much of a family car. I never have anyone in the back seat anyway, so what's the point of having a four door?

[DeeK]

I got to ride in a mini recently, I figured you'd at least get a decent car for the ridiculous price you pay for them. Boy, I was wrong.

Cheapest built cars I've ever been in. Absolute garbage. Don't even think about trading a WRX for a mini, you will regret it instantly.

Unless you are talking about the OLD minis, if thats the case, have fun :)

[danno]

Maybe a gti is in order? Hardly any boost lag, 2 door or 4 door. very nice interior.

[Graham_A_M]

^ Even a worse idea. GTI's are pieces of shit. My buddy has one that he bought new ('08) and he regrets buying it to no end. VERY expensive to maintain, quite unreliable, and probably every bit as bad on gas if not worse.

Now he too hates VW as much as I do. I told him not to buy it.... but.... :confused:

[danno]

Not denying the expensive maintance, but I've enjoyed my car. I put about 2000 into repairs fuel pump and head gasket with a chipped car that's not to bad IMO. Owned since new 92k km.

[jdmXSI]

I recently traded my 11' STi for an 08 Cooper with a sport package for a more practical approach. Here's why, I was paying just over $1000/ mth to drive the car and that was the biggest reason. Now I'm paying $600(-$350 for my car allowance). I'm averaging about 700kms per tank in the city using 50l of fuel. It was a HUGE downgrade but I don't have any regrets because it is a dd and we still have a bike and a 300+hp car in the house for fun. Plus they're really fun in the corners:D

I guess it all depends what youre trying to accomplish by doing this.

[Dumbass17]

mini vs wrx?

gay vs straight?

[garyb]

Originally posted by Dumbass17
mini vs wrx?

gay vs straight?

Coming from a guy who was asking about mercedes compressors :rofl: jk

[Graham_A_M]

Originally posted by danno
Not denying the expensive maintance, but I've enjoyed my car. I put about 2000 into repairs fuel pump and head gasket with a chipped car that's not to bad IMO. Owned since new 92k km.

Im sorry but thats retarded for an '07. A head gasket? already? $2000 is a lot of shit to go wrong with a car thats that new. We've owned cars since new with over 300k on them; and they didn't even require $2k in maintenance.

Buddies '08 had the A/C compressor shit the bed last week, 2000kms out of warranty, the dealership basically told him to go fly a kite :rolleyes: . VW wanted $1800 to fix it, so he just ripped everything out himself.

Im always amazed when people choose a VW over anything else. Boggles my mind. :nut:

[AE92_TreunoSC]

The early coopers had headgasket issues, the current generation seems to be better off. Never touch a first gen cooper.

[craigcd]

What would you really save a month? 15$ a tank maybe?

I drive a truck and put on a ton of KM, I need a truck for my hobbies so I cant really sell it. I figure it costs me about $40 a tank more than my friends who drive fuel economic cars.

[xnvy]

WRX for a mini? Defs a bad idea...

[adidas]

Originally posted by Graham_A_M


Im sorry but thats retarded for an '07. A head gasket? already? $2000 is a lot of shit to go wrong with a car thats that new. We've owned cars since new with over 300k on them; and they didn't even require $2k in maintenance.

Buddies '08 had the A/C compressor shit the bed last week, 2000kms out of warranty, the dealership basically told him to go fly a kite :rolleyes: . VW wanted $1800 to fix it, so he just ripped everything out himself.

Im always amazed when people choose a VW over anything else. Boggles my mind. :nut:

VWs are shit, but there is that 1 day in the entire month where you feel like your in a AMG(lol? great comparison), and there really is no replacing that feeling. Thats why dubbers are dubbers4life.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN
So I'm sick of the mileage on my 2009 WRX. I love the thing, but I don't wanna pay for it anymore, thinking about swapping (not 1-1) for a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Gets much better mileage, still is quirky and a good reflection of my personality. Anyone got anything bad to say about these little go carts?

Personally I would NOT do it. Is yours the 227hp or 265hp 09WRX? The 265 is so torquey and fast. Great car.


Originally posted by Graham_A_M
^ Even a worse idea. GTI's are pieces of shit. My buddy has one that he bought new ('08) and he regrets buying it to no end. VERY expensive to maintain, quite unreliable, and probably every bit as bad on gas if not worse.

Now he too hates VW as much as I do. I told him not to buy it.... but.... :confused:

Disagree. GTI's are awesome little cars. I've had my 10GTI for just over 2 years now and it just rolled over 64,000kms. Zero problems. Maintenance is inline with other cars with the exception of the DSG fluid change ($600+ :nut: ). Gas mileage on a GTI is better than a WRX.



Originally posted by jdmXSI
I recently traded my 11' STi for an 08 Cooper with a sport package for a more practical approach. Here's why, I was paying just over $1000/ mth to drive the car and that was the biggest reason. Now I'm paying $600(-$350 for my car allowance). I'm averaging about 700kms per tank in the city using 50l of fuel. It was a HUGE downgrade but I don't have any regrets because it is a dd and we still have a bike and a 300+hp car in the house for fun. Plus they're really fun in the corners:D

I guess it all depends what youre trying to accomplish by doing this.

In your case it makes sense. Are you able to save the difference in car bills or you blowing it on something else?
:devil:

[top_speed]

Originally posted by Graham_A_M


Im sorry but thats retarded for an '07. A head gasket? already? $2000 is a lot of shit to go wrong with a car thats that new. We've owned cars since new with over 300k on them; and they didn't even require $2k in maintenance.

Buddies '08 had the A/C compressor shit the bed last week, 2000kms out of warranty, the dealership basically told him to go fly a kite :rolleyes: . VW wanted $1800 to fix it, so he just ripped everything out himself.

Im always amazed when people choose a VW over anything else. Boggles my mind. :nut: o
you would be suprised how many subaru under 100k km need a headgasket i think it has something to do with the way the engine is built :nut:

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN
So I'm sick of the mileage on my 2009 WRX. I love the thing, but I don't wanna pay for it anymore, thinking about swapping (not 1-1) for a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Gets much better mileage, still is quirky and a good reflection of my personality. Anyone got anything bad to say about these little go carts?

Buyer beware. We've dumped $3k into our R56 Mini Cooper S (07 Turbo) in the past year. Temp sensors, HPFP failures, Intake Manifold failures, Carbon buildup, superknock issues, electrical issues, and now we have a $2300 moonroof rebuild looming over us and a $2500 clutch in the not-so-distant future.

Fun to drive, not to own.

[heavyD]

Originally posted by top_speed
o
you would be suprised how many subaru under 100k km need a headgasket i think it has something to do with the way the engine is built :nut:

Engine rebuild is part of Subaru regular maintenance with their turbocharged engines. In this aspect the Mini should be more reliable.

[danno]

Originally posted by Graham_A_M


Im sorry but thats retarded for an '07. A head gasket? already? $2000 is a lot of shit to go wrong with a car thats that new. We've owned cars since new with over 300k on them; and they didn't even require $2k in maintenance.

Buddies '08 had the A/C compressor shit the bed last week, 2000kms out of warranty, the dealership basically told him to go fly a kite :rolleyes: . VW wanted $1800 to fix it, so he just ripped everything out himself.

Im always amazed when people choose a VW over anything else. Boggles my mind. :nut:
sorry i messed up it was the valve cover gasket. for the price range i'm happy with the car.

[mr2mike]

Mini's had major transmission issues. Not sure if this is still the case.

[TurboMedic]

Wow, your WRX gets 11-12?? I even had my V8 down to 11 on the highway, and 13 in town.....My GTI ran 10.5 and I was happy about it, way more fun....The only way you're getting down to where you want to be is buy a civic....That thing got better fuel economy than my bikes

[rpalm35]

Have you thought about switching to an 8th or 9th Gen Civic Si? Fun revy little cars, and a lot better than the wrx for fuel economy.

I get between 7-8 L/100 km half highway half city.

[heavyD]

Originally posted by rpalm35
Have you thought about switching to an 8th or 9th Gen Civic Si? Fun revy little cars, and a lot better than the wrx for fuel economy.

I get between 7-8 L/100 km half highway half city.

That would be more logical if the OP wants to reduce operating costs.

[asp integra]

Originally posted by Graham_A_M
^ Even a worse idea. GTI's are pieces of shit. My buddy has one that he bought new ('08) and he regrets buying it to no end. VERY expensive to maintain, quite unreliable, and probably every bit as bad on gas if not worse.

Now he too hates VW as much as I do. I told him not to buy it.... but.... :confused:

i cant speak to the quality of that era of gti, but i had a mk4 gti 1.8t and it was a great car, had it for 3 years, was alot of fun to drive and awesome on gas. it would out handle alot of other cars out there, great little ride!

[msommers]

Minis are nice little vehicles. I just wonder if you can order one in Men's.

[VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN]

Mine is the 265 WRX, yeah, it's fast, and that's fun, but really.... It just gets me in trouble. I like the size of the Mini, and how good they are in the corners. Aside from many many oil changes I haven't had a problem with the subie maintenance wise, but just rolled out of my warranty (60K) so who knows what could happen.
Lower operating cost sounds about right. I could never go the civic route, they're just not for me.
Maybe Forte Koup SX?
05-07 Impreza
Mini

That's my list right there.
Anyone care to add to it?

[kfon]

Mini cooper is not the way to go, its way too noisy and it is crazy with problems. My mom has one and is trading it in for a Acura ILX when it comes out.

[Ldeibert]

I could never go from WRX to Forte or Impreza. I went from Impreza to Legacy GT because I couldn't stand the lack of power..

You will hate how unreliable the Mini's are. My sisters has had way too many problems for a new car.

What about a sporty coupe?

[4doorj]

S2000???
Good on gas and lots of fun!!!!
Cost of ownership is basically just oil changes.

[colinxx235]

wahhh you can barely get 10L/100km


http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6413/photoye.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/39/photoye.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us):cry:

[heavyD]

Originally posted by 4doorj
S2000???
Good on gas and lots of fun!!!!
Cost of ownership is basically just oil changes.

Ha ha. There's not doubt the S2000 would be by far the most fun and reliable but guys I talked to say the fuel economy is surprisingly not that great.

[4doorj]

Its not bad. It doesn't have base civic gas mileage. But it had about the same mileage as my civic SI did.

Compared to the evo x the s2000's gas mileage was like a hybrid hahaha

[Zephyr]

I have a 2009 WRX the 265 hp one. I get 25/27 mpg. If yours is getting less than that, it's time you change your driving habit.

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by msommers
Minis are nice little vehicles. I just wonder if you can order one in Men's.

I wouldn't own one based on cost of ownership, but the JCW's are badass rides. I don't find anything girly about it, plus you can easily make 250WHP/300WTQ with them.

http://jonsibal.com/bpimages/LAAS2010/IMG_1449.jpg

[VetteRacin]

since when is 21mpg in the city bad?

[max_boost]

Originally posted by VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN
Mine is the 265 WRX, yeah, it's fast, and that's fun, but really.... It just gets me in trouble. Tell me about it. I drive my Tribeca around and rarely ever hammer it lol But if I'm in the GTI/NSX/WRX or any other quicker car, oh man. :banghead:

[CRXguy]

Originally posted by rpalm35
Have you thought about switching to an 8th or 9th Gen Civic Si? Fun revy little cars, and a lot better than the wrx for fuel economy.

I get between 7-8 L/100 km half highway half city.

My '09 Si sedan gets 8.5L/100km with 50/50 city/hwy driving. That's with hitting VTAK every so often. :rofl:

My old '03 WRX used to get ~9.5L/100km with mods. I drove this car hard 75% of the time. If I babied it, I'd get close to a litre less/100km. Like someone else said, maybe change your driving habit.

[VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN]

That's what gets me is that I pretty much always baby it, don't know why the mileage sucks, keep the tires pumped and the oil fresh.

Ok, so looks like consensus is that the Mini is unreliable... Are there any 2003-2007 BMW/MERC with decent mileage?

[heavyD]

LOL you guys and your fuel economy nonsense. I only get 15L/100km but it's the cost of doing business so I accept it.

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN
That's what gets me is that I pretty much always baby it, don't know why the mileage sucks, keep the tires pumped and the oil fresh.

Ok, so looks like consensus is that the Mini is unreliable... Are there any 2003-2007 BMW/MERC with decent mileage?

MINI = BMW product. Don't think you'll be much better off maintenance $$$ wise with a BMW

[max_boost]

Originally posted by VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN
That's what gets me is that I pretty much always baby it, don't know why the mileage sucks, keep the tires pumped and the oil fresh.

Ok, so looks like consensus is that the Mini is unreliable... Are there any 2003-2007 BMW/MERC with decent mileage? Just get an entry level economy car and call it a day. Cheap and reliable.
:rofl:

[VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN]

No, I need my fun too. I think I am still gonna go mini.. just non-s but loaded with everything. Should be a fun car,not a whole lot to break, and it's got all the creature comforts.

[gpomp]

between a wrx and mcs, i would take the mini. the only thing the wrx has over a mini is straight line speed. the mini has better handling, better interior, build quality, etc.

[colinxx235]

Youre probably going to lose more money selling your vehicle and switching around than the gas cost savings over the next year plus. I can't believe some people worry so much about 1-2 L/100km.

Get into the 18+ category and then you have a bit to say

[Proyecto2000]

Originally posted by heavyD
LOL you guys and your fuel economy nonsense. I only get 15L/100km but it's the cost of doing business so I accept it.

:werd:

So you spend an extra $2.50/100km or $10/tank. Just have 2 less Starbucks lattes a month and problem solved :rofl:

[Kardon]

y u no wait for brz/frs?

[moyz]

I have an 06 lancer that can barely ever get under 10l/100km and this thing only has 160hp and I definitely don't drive it hard....but I know it costs more to switch to a more gas efficient car then to just keep this one. As most people are saying, you would save maybe $2/300 per year in gas.

[V6-BoI]

I've also heard Mini Cooper S isn't great for fuel economy.

But I understand how you feel, I'm in the same boat with my Evo. Was really considering switching with a Mazda 3 GT Sport. Pretty good bang for the buck. Better fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs (considering my 48K service cost me 1400 bucks).

[Danny Meehan]

Mini Cooper S is a performant, beautiful piece of engineering but you better be careful as at resale time, it is still considered
... ultimately girlish

Am surprised by the nice numbers you guys get, the G sedan consistently shows me 14L/100Km

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by V6-BoI
I've also heard Mini Cooper S isn't great for fuel economy.

But I understand how you feel, I'm in the same boat with my Evo. Was really considering switching with a Mazda 3 GT Sport. Pretty good bang for the buck. Better fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs (considering my 48K service cost me 1400 bucks).

The Cooper S Supercharged (R53)'s aren't very fuel efficient. In the R56 Turbo we get:

Canmore -> Calgary 6.2L/100KMs

City driving 7.5L/100KMs

[rizfarmer]

Originally posted by VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN
Mine is the 265 WRX, yeah, it's fast, and that's fun, but really.... It just gets me in trouble. I like the size of the Mini, and how good they are in the corners. Aside from many many oil changes I haven't had a problem with the subie maintenance wise, but just rolled out of my warranty (60K) so who knows what could happen.
Lower operating cost sounds about right. I could never go the civic route, they're just not for me.
Maybe Forte Koup SX?
05-07 Impreza
Mini

That's my list right there.
Anyone care to add to it?

Why don't you take a '10 or '11 genesis coupe for a drive. You can likely find a few still under warranty and I get 9-10l/100km city and 7.5-8.5l/100km hwy on stock wheel size. That's with a good mix of boost/full throttle deerfoot merge everyday.

Haven't had a problem yet..... 35K on it.

[VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN]

Looked at a gen coupe a while ago, just wasn't impressed.
I found an 09 mini for 17995, with 69K, the thing is loaded, not the S though. So it actually seems like a pretty solid deal TBH. If I sell the wrx for 22-23K I'll have some cash left over to pay down debts, have a good fuel efficient car that's loaded.