VW EOS vs. Mini Cooper S convertable

[ProfJohn]

Ok I drove both cars today and like them both.

The EOS is bigger, has the hard top and more features.

But there is something about the Mini, just a cool car to be around.

Bottom line: can lease the EOS for no money down for $400 a month or buy a stripped Mini S Convertable for around $500.

Have no problem with a lease, low milage driver and all that.

Just need to decide between the two cars and the buy v. lease thing.

Thoughts?

And any other similar cars to look at? Am really thinking I want the convertable now.

 

[Fenixgoon]

what about the mazda miata, pontiac solstice (regular/GXP) and saturn sky (regular/redline)?

all 2 seater convertibles, granted only the miata comes in a hardtop out of those 3.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Where do you live?

Regardless of your answer I'd advise against the VW.

If you have your heart set on a convertible have you considered the Mustang GT Convertible? You could probably pick one up used for far less than either of the cars you are considering. The interior sucks and gas mileage is not great but it has a lot more power than either of the cars you are considering and it will definitely be more reliable than a VW.

 

[sniperruff]

if you are willing to buy a used car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...VWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...VWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[thecritic]

There's a redesigned MINI Cooper S launching in the next year or two that will have the turbo engine. I'd wait for that.

Otherwise, buy the EOS and get the APR reflash.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: thecritic
There's a redesigned MINI Cooper S launching in the next year or two that will have the turbo engine. I'd wait for that.

Otherwise, buy the EOS and get the APR reflash.

i'd rather take the saturn sky redline for $30k. helluva lot faster, better looking, and a kickass warranty to boot.

 

[GoatMonkey]

If it has to be one of those 2 cars, I would pick the Mini. However, you might get a discount on the VW if you wear your cheerleader outfit to the dealership.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Instead of those 2 I would go with a Saab 9-3 convertible. The base 2.0T engine is 210HP and the Aero upgrade is a 2.8L V6 Turbo good for 250HP.

Saab's new/used come with free scheduled maintenance for 3yrs and a 4yr bumper t o bumper warranty.

Soft-Top convertibles have a highly useful trunk which is really nice. A useable back-seat isn't a bad option either. A recent Car & Driver shoot out had the 2.0T Saab beating the Eos.

One other choice is the Pontiac G6 Convertible. Its a hard-top convertible and is a decent option as well.

The Mini is too small & too costly for what you get for my tastes. Might as well order a Smart convertible.

The Eos is chick car like no other.

Best looking 'vert in the class is the C70 by Volvo.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Regardless of your answer I'd advise against the VW.

We are leasing a Beetle, which expires this summer. I don't think I'll ever go back to VW again. From what I've heard, don't buy the Mexican-built machines like our Beetle. Pretty much every piece that wasn't riveted to the car has broken at least twice. Also, we had a bad time at our dealership. They jacked up the lease price so high before signing that I literally walked out the door. They dropped it down to a more reasonable price, but it was pretty shady. I'm used to dealing with Saturn, where they're pretty upfront about the price. Also, for the VW maintenance, they don't cover ANYTHING. Be careful if something breaks, I've heard a lot of horror stories about it not being covered under warranty. We love the car, just not the build quality or VW's service.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Regardless of your answer I'd advise against the VW.

We are leasing a Beetle, which expires this summer. I don't think I'll ever go back to VW again. From what I've heard, don't buy the Mexican-built machines like our Beetle. Pretty much every piece that wasn't riveted to the car has broken at least twice. Also, we had a bad time at our dealership. They jacked up the lease price so high before signing that I literally walked out the door. They dropped it down to a more reasonable price, but it was pretty shady. I'm used to dealing with Saturn, where they're pretty upfront about the price. Also, for the VW maintenance, they don't cover ANYTHING. Be careful if something breaks, I've heard a lot of horror stories about it not being covered under warranty. We love the car, just not the build quality or VW's service.

Yeah, I've never had good luck with VW, my wife had a Golf that was utter garbage and everyone I know who have owned Jettas, and I know a few people, swear they'll never buy another VW as long as they live. They really are crap.

 

[thomsbrain]

Hopefully you're either gay or VERY secure in your masculinity. No offense, but since those two cars are purchased solely for image, just make sure it's the right one for you.

If what you wanted was a fun convertible in the mid-$20K range, I'd definitely take a lightly used S2000 over either of those cars, and I'd probably be more confident in the reliability of a used S2000 than either of those cars new. Another option would be a new Miata, which is also available with a hard folding top.

 

[programmer]

Actually the Mini refresh has already occurred for the hardtop (Cooper S has a turbo instead of the supercharger). The convertible will be getting the same changes (body, engine, etc.) this coming fall.

Me? I'd go for a Mini Cooper S hardtop, with the 6-speed manual of course. Not that the convertible is girly or anything, but I like the look and rigidity of the hardtop for "spirited" driving.

But alas, I am stuck with a [omg] minivan for a bit longer since the wife downright refuses to drive it. lol.

 

[alpineranger]

I've driven the old mini cooper s extensively. I generally liked it, but it was way small inside, had a very stiff ride, and a cheap feeling interior. The 6 speed wasn't that great either. World beating residual value on the mini. I love the experience of the vw 2.0T and DSG drivetrain, and their interiors are excellent. Never been in an eos, but that hardtop looks cool (although I'd be scared to death to own one out of warranty). VW reliability will probably be crap (although the eos is made in germany, not mexico), but the mini cooper isn't a paragon of reliability either. If you lease none of that will matter. My vote is for the VW (more features, comfort and practicality) esp with a lease unless you really like the mini cooper or want a car with small exterior dimensions and don't want a smart.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
Hopefully you're either gay or VERY secure in your masculinity. No offense, but since those two cars are purchased solely for image, just make sure it's the right one for you.

If what you wanted was a fun convertible in the mid-$20K range, I'd definitely take a lightly used S2000 over either of those cars, and I'd probably be more confident in the reliability of a used S2000 than either of those cars new. Another option would be a new Miata, which is also available with a hard folding top.

it wasnt clear in the op, but the prices he quoted included the trade in value of the man card

 

[ProfJohn]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
Hopefully you're either gay or VERY secure in your masculinity. No offense, but since those two cars are purchased solely for image, just make sure it's the right one for you.

If what you wanted was a fun convertible in the mid-$20K range, I'd definitely take a lightly used S2000 over either of those cars, and I'd probably be more confident in the reliability of a used S2000 than either of those cars new. Another option would be a new Miata, which is also available with a hard folding top.

S2000 is to small for me. Felt to tight. If I was getting a second car for fun then maybe, but for every day driving it just doesn't work.



Thanks for all the help. I ended up with a used G35.
Went to look at a used mini convertable and it was driven away as I walked up to it and on the way out of the dealer walked by G35 in showroom and started looking at it and talking about it and drove home in it. VERY nice and I don't have to worry about anyone calling me 'gay' (not that there is anything wrong with being gay)