Mini Cooper S vs Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5-door

[SithSolo1]

My father is looking to get my youngest brother a new car and has narrowed it down to these two. He's 19.

Which would be the better choice?

Keep in mind both both would be equipped with an auto transmission and extra options will be kept to a minimum. I realize that with an auto the mini is $2k or so more than the Mazda but it gets better gas millage too.


He settled on the Honda Civic, thanks for all the input.

 

[randomlinh]

wait, when I was looking at a mini-s, they were several thousand over the top end mazda 3... did I miss something?

And I would vote for the mazda, cheaper to maintain I would say in the long run. And no need for premium gas. But a mini-s would be a blast to drive.

 

[ValValline]

I looked at both last Feb...

The Cooper is a "do you want fries with that" kind of car. By the time you get all of the same features/specs that are standard on the 3 GT-S, you are pushing 30K+
I got the 3, and it was a fantastic car. Traded it in on an MX-5 Miata last month, because I wanted a real sports car and no longer needed/wanted the extra doors/space. Long story hehe.

Both are great cars, but I think the 3 is a MUCH better choice for someone 19. The Cooper is more of a toy than an ever day car.

 

[mwmorph]

Lots of mazda3 fans
Minis have been improving in reliability but it's not impressive. In the 2006 JDpower VDS, mini was 2nd to last only bettering Land Rover. In 2007 it moved up like 10 spots but its still not something I would consider good. The Mazda 3 isnt exactly like a Corolla but its not bad, i'd say above average versus slightly below average for the Mini.

Safety is in the Mini's favor 4 stars for front and side versus Mazda 3's 3 stars side and 4 star front rating. It has a lower head injury criterion and femur load on frontal tests(slightly higher chest decel Gs) and a lower thoracic trauma index in side crashes.

Standard features... all I can say is Mazda 3 has more "features" but the Mini Cooper S imho makes up for all of it with a turbo.

X Factor, I like Mazda. I owned a Mazda. It was a good car, but the Mini is more stylish, better handling(especially with the LSD) and more of a "hot" car.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Auto...

 

[Gibson486]

I have a 3 3 door auto. I like it, but the gas mileage makes me sad and no dealer wants to look at it I wrote a letter to Mazda and I have not recieved a response.

 

[theeedude]

I bought a Mazda3s Touring. I like it a lot.
They definitely put the money where an enthusiast would want it put, the chassis and suspension. They did skimp on the carpet and some other thing like interior lighting.
Not sure if that has improved with 2007 redesign. But overall, it drives like a dream, and I can put my bike in the back with the rear seats folded, with both wheels still on Very practical, looks great, and fun to drive. For 17K I paid, I am happy.
I like Mini, but not sure I'd want to live with one myself, simply because I like biking a lot. If I was going for a tiny car, I'd probably go with an MX-5 before I'd go with a Mini.

 

[SithSolo1]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Auto...

The town we live in is very hilly with many red lights on inclines. Its no fun driving a manual around here.

Technically this will be his second car. The first was a manual but its only had 5700 miles put on it in the 3 years we've had it because he doesn't like driving it.

 

[ultimatebob]

Why does a 19 year old need a turbocharged Mini? The regular Cooper has plenty of power on it's own for daily driving, is about $4,000 cheaper on average, gets better gas mileage, and will probably have less problems once the warranty runs out.

I wouldn't get a Cooper S unless I was planning on joining an amateur racing league. Since you're getting it with an Auto, I highly doubt that is his plan.

 

[Regs]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Why does a 19 year old need a turbocharged Mini? The regular Cooper has plenty of power on it's own for daily driving, is about $4,000 cheaper on average, gets better gas mileage, and will probably have less problems once the warranty runs out.

I wouldn't get a Cooper S unless I was planning on joining an amateur racing league. Since you're getting it with an Auto, I highly doubt that is his plan.

Don't forget it's a lot easier to park.

 

[BMdoobieW]

Mazda

 

[cbrsurfr]

Given only those 2 choices I say Mazda because the kid is only 19. It will be lethargic enough to not get him in too much trouble.

Most people are biased towards Mazda here for some reason. I came very close to buying a Mazda 3 GT HB Auto. I checked it out because so many people on here raved about how great it was. Several things turned me off after checking out some of VW's lineup: that silly maze shifter, the tunnel gauges, cd player/display, poor paint quality/fit & finish, and the auto left me feeling like it needed more torque. I got a chance to thoroughly test a VW Rabbit (older 150hp version) for 24 hours and loved it. I hadn't even considered a VW before. Ended up with a 2008 GTI w/DSG.

 

[SithSolo1]

Ok what are some other options out there that are similar to the Mazda/Mini:

In size(not necessarily a wagon, sedan and coupe are options as well)
In price($20-24K)
In mpg
Come in auto

I know the Civic
Any of scions
Sentra

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Volvo C30
Scion TC

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Volvo C30

Hmm, yeah the Volvo is funky and pretty cool looking. I don't know what the drive is like but it will be good as it's the Euro Focus II/Mazda 3 platform.

 

[Vetterin]

Originally posted by: SithSolo1
Ok what are some other options out there that are similar to the Mazda/Mini:

In size(not necessarily a wagon, sedan and coupe are options as well)
In price($20-24K)
In mpg
Come in auto

Subaru Impreza 2.5i.

 

[mooncancook]

For the money of a Cooper-S I'd go with a Mazdaspeed 3 (though no auto option). For a 19 yr old, a 3s is more than enough. It's a less showoff car than the Cooper.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

of course, a mazda.

 

[SketchMaster]

Originally posted by: mooncancook
For the money of a Cooper-S I'd go with a Mazdaspeed 3 (though no auto option). For a 19 yr old, a 3s is more than enough. It's a less showoff car than the Cooper.

A Mazda 3S is waaay too much power for a 19yr old to use responsibly, and the insurance would be insane.

 

[SithSolo1]

Originally posted by: SketchMaster
A Mazda 3S is waaay too much power for a 19yr old to use responsibly, and the insurance would be insane.

Heh, he's already got and is insured on a WRX STi but he doesn't like driving stick. He's settled on an honda civic. Probably gonna pick it up after Christmas.