What car should I get? Mini Cooper or Miata?

geckojohn

Diamond Member
Nov 28, 2000
4,679
0
0
I'm currently in the market for a new car (used) to replace my 2002 Acura RSX. I'm looking at either a Mini Cooper standard (sunroof, but no convertible) or a Mazda Miata. What would you recommend and why?

I really like small cars and wants something thats easy to maintain, but fun to drive.
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
Miata! my dad has one and i drive it every now and then. its a LOT of fun.
 

iamwiz82

Lifer
Jan 10, 2001
30,772
13
81
Cooper S or Cooper? I'd wait til the 2007MY MINIs come out. I'm sure they are taking orders for them now.

The MINI will have more usable space for groceries and such. The Miata would be more fun since it's a convertible.
 

fLum0x

Golden Member
Jun 4, 2004
1,660
0
0
Originally posted by: geckojohn
I'm currently in the market for a new car (used) to replace my 2002 Acura RSX. I'm looking at either a Mini Cooper standard (sunroof, but no convertible) or a Mazda Miata. What would you recommend and why?

I really like small cars and wants something thats easy to maintain, but fun to drive.

the coop
 

Gigantopithecus

Diamond Member
Dec 14, 2004
7,664
0
71
The Mini will be more pragmatic (more cargo capacity, better in inclement weather) & has a slightly better fuel economy. I think it gets better safety ratings, too. I've driven both & think they're both a lot of fun to drive.
 

pclstyle

Platinum Member
Apr 14, 2004
2,364
0
0
saw a black/black cooper-s conv in boston the other day - nice looking car.

seems more like a girl-mobile though, but i've always thought the same thing about the miata. matter of taste, of course.
 
L

Lola

I loved our mini... when i test drove a miata a few months ago, i felt REALLY claustrophobic in it with the top up. Plus, there is not a lot of space to cart things (even small stuff) in the trunk of a miata... where the mini can have the back seats fold down and there is a nice amount of space... although, a convertable is great!
 

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Cooper S or Cooper? I'd wait til the 2007MY MINIs come out. I'm sure they are taking orders for them now.

The MINI will have more usable space for groceries and such. The Miata would be more fun since it's a convertible.

GF and I just considered all our options recently. Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, Miata, Convertible Cooper. We liked the Cooper the most in terms of looks, feel and fun. Great ratings, blah blah blah. All the dealerships around here wanted a minimum $5K regional markup on the solstice/sky...which was ludicrous. Miata was nice, zippy and fun, but not as satisfying overall. Also the cooper has FWD, which will be better for the winter conditions.


So we are getting a cooper convertible, due to arrive at the dealership in the next couple of weeks. We're pretty stoked (sp?) about it.

We were just more attracted to the Cooper, and we see miatas all the time. Hardly anyone has a Cooper convertible yet....at least around here.

Lastly, we think the cooper will retain a better resale value over time.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,279
13,554
146
I know this is probably a strange concept, but how about looking at both cars, taking both for a test drive, and making a semi-intelligent decision, based on which one you actually like more, instead of asking which one you should buy?

Both cars have their plusses and minuses, and IMO, the Cooper will be of better build quality, but in the end, it's more about what you like most, rather than any thing else...

You can always get an extended warranty to cover any mechanical shortcomings of either car...
 

homercles337

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2004
6,340
3
71
Originally posted by: geckojohn
I'm currently in the market for a new car (used) to replace my 2002 Acura RSX. I'm looking at either a Mini Cooper standard (sunroof, but no convertible) or a Mazda Miata. What would you recommend and why?

I really like small cars and wants something thats easy to maintain, but fun to drive.

The cooper (non-S) is a turd. Rides like a gocart and is too damn slow to get out of its own way. Both are chic cars. Look into the GTI (see sig ;) )