Mini cooper or Element?

[xxx-Lost-Soul-xxx]

Anyone have experience in ownership in these two cars?

I would be Buying a Used car and financing it.

How is the Maintenance on the Mini?

[Roland H]

Mini maintenance isn't bad. Basic BMW stuff really, you can get all the parts through most BMW part suppliers.

Elements are boring, get horrible MPGs, and did I mention boring?

[Navarone]

I was just warned against minis because they have a timing chain that fails often and you can only get them from BMW at great cost. I'm not sure of the exact details, so look it up.

The ex wanted either an element or a matrix, well, I broke up with her, moved out and got a matrix in the color she wanted. It pissed her off greatly. I vote honda, much more practical, unless you're getting a Works mini or something, then I'd vote mini.

[_JohnnyD_]

Honda Elements feel cheap to drive for some reason. Not typical for Hondas.
If you are looking for the practicality of the Element it is hard to beat.
If you are looking for a good hatchback check out a Ford Focus. I had one, it was great and I've ordered another one.

[Hick]

Elements are crap. We have a few in our fleet at work. They are awful cars; road noise, MPGs, seating position, etc. Don't buy either one if you can.

[Roland H]

I was just warned against minis because they have a timing chain that fails often and you can only get them from BMW at great cost. I'm not sure of the exact details, so look it up.

I know the tensioners on the newer ones R56 aren't always installed well, so they'll back out. Never heard of an outright failure though....

[Swanny]

Honda Elements feel cheap to drive for some reason. Not typical for Hondas.
If you are looking for the practicality of the Element it is hard to beat.
If you are looking for a good hatchback check out a Ford Focus. I had one, it was great and I've ordered another one.

True words. They tried to make an element too utilitarian and that robbed them of all the typical honda-ness. If you want a box why not an xb? The new focus is pretty damn amazing as well.

[slammin.e28]

Minis are fun but they are piles of poo poo. Seems they can't ever get anything right.

Xbs.....ugh.....every one I saw in the Pick n Save had one of the front wheels sitting in the driver's seat and "BIOHAZARD" stickers on the windows.

Elements.....it's a Honda....and IMO they were trying to hard.

[flyboyx]

Is it for your little sister?

If i had to choose between these two cars, i guess i would pick the mini. this question is kind of like asking: would you rather be ass raped by a gorrilla with lube on his dick or butt pounded by a prison inmate with size 14 shoes and no lube....?

at least you didnt ask about a kia sol.

[slammin.e28]

at least you didnt ask about a kia sol.

OP must not be a hamster.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Mini if you have to other wise dont get either. My friends mom has a element and its the ugliest car in the world not to mention it rides like complete shit and tracks terribly.

[redsubdivisions]

Mini. At least you know it was built by Germans.

[slammin.e28]

Mini. At least you know it was built by Germans.

Wrong.

They are built in the UK. Just owned by Germans.

[FunfGan]

You'll hate your life if you buy a Mini.

[camshaftgsxr]

r53's are fun as hell to drive, however, when anything goes wrong its a pain in the dick, the whole front end has to come off for just about any kind of engine service. but with a 17% pulley and intake they will blow an m50 swapped e30 out of the water in a straight line