Mini Cooper S vs 318is: Which should I get?

[tjts1]

If you think a 18+ year old german car is more reliable than something from 2000+, the casual observer would think you A. don't do your own car work B. haven't been driving for very long or C. Just haven't done much research.

The casual observer needs to do a little more research before jumping to conclusions.

[Emre]

I have the opportunity to get in to either a 318is or an older Mini Cooper S. As of now I'm leaning towards the Mini, but thinking about it today I find there is some affection I have for the e30 that I wouldn't have with the Mini.

The Mini is more expensive, more gay, smaller, and wrong wheel drive. But it's easier for an idiot to drive it in the snow. It's also easier to attract mates if you want to date boys.

The E30 is cheaper to buy, RWD, arguably more practical, and has the potential to out-handle just about any car on the road (including the Mini). But it's an old car and will require lots of maintenance up front. And a 318is is going to be slow by modern standards.

Both light, relatively fast, I think the e30 would be more reliable and easier to mess with, as well as cheaper. The mini would be faster and more modern etc.

The Mini will almost certainly be more reliable at first. However, it will also cost you at least $9-10,000 more up front. That's an awful lot of money. Put 5 grand into maintenance and upgrades on your E30 and you'll have all the reliability you could ever want.

[naplesE30]

buy my car

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=153681

you will be very happy with it.

[whiltebeitel]

Just buy someon'es well-maintained e30 and call it a day.

[Rob]

how old are you? Just curious.

If you think a 18+ year old german car is more reliable than something from 2000+, the casual observer would think you A. don't do your own car work B. haven't been driving for very long or C. Just haven't done much research.

Good luck!

[zhp43867]

It may be apples ot oranges to you but it makes sense to me. I can get JCW Mini for $11,000, but it is less reliable (I think) than an e30. It is also a lot more feminine and fwd. Then again its newer, faster, maybe better handling. The e30 looks better, ways the same, has a more reliable engine, and also would give me more room to get nice rims and a new suspension if I wanted. Thwy would fill the same role to me, apples to apples.

[tjts1]

Every time I see a guy driving a mini I think to myself, why are you driving your GF's car? Total chick car.





























Just tellin it how it is.

[Hick]

cooper s

[Rob]

Ask people on the internet what to do!

[325ix]

I would go for the e30. I like the way they look better

[mcr_driver]

Depends what you want out of the car, comfy daily driver, track muncher or hidden mod beast? What are you plans? Is this an all cash transaction or are you financing as well??

[DanMan68]

buy 318is, swap in s52 and have change left over.

[e34john]

If you have money to spend, get the Mini, really fun car and the older ones were better than the second generation.

[quickervicar]

Well, I have a 325 stroker & my sister has a MCS that I get to use on occasion. I honestly don't know which I'd be happier with. That MCS can be a real hoot (and seriously fast) when driven right. Anyone who says MCs are just for girls have not driven an S. They are a driver's car as much as an E30 is. (in stock form far more so)

[kishg]

i'd buy an MCS for my wife.. i'd take the e30 :)