YACT: Sentra SE-R Spec V, or MINI Cooper S?

I'm planning on saving my pennies this year and getting a new car about a year from now, during the summer. I'm torn between two models. I really like the MINI Cooper S (Dark Silver Metallic with a white roof and white bonnet stripes, along with the Performance Package), but it's about $3000 more than a Sentra SE-R Spec V. I've had good luck with Sentras (currently driving a 1996 GXE, previously had a 2000 GXE), but I think it might be time to get away from Nissan for a bit. The Sentra would be about $19,000 with all the options I want, and the Cooper S would be about $22,000.

I love the way the Cooper S looks - it's not your typical hopped-up econobox. However, I'm not sure if it's worth an extra $3000. Help me decide.

 

[LordThing]

What I have heard from Mini Lovers and Car & Driver is that the Mini Cooper S is not as good as getting the main mini then throwing on that aftermarket supercharger they have. Supposedly you get 20 more horses out of it. If you are curious, I can try to find the links to it. I think it's called the John Someone edition of the Mini....

 

[chin311]

hmm, id hafta go w/ the cooper, ive driven a spec-v and they are quite nice too, if you need more room, go for the sentra, otherwise im sure the cooper-s will be more fun.

 

[yllus]

Speed and funwise, the Cooper S easily.

Lookswise, I can't stand the Coopers. I'd take a Sentra.

 

[BigSmooth]

The Sentra's a decently quick, reliable car, but overall I'd definitely take the Mini.

It looks better (IMO), it would be a lot more fun to drive and to own, and since you're buying new, depreciation is a factor and that is a big advantage for the Mini.

 

[boyRacer]

I would take the Cooper... but i don't know where you'll get one for $22k... around here... they're all $30k.

 

[chin311]

Originally posted by: boyRacer
I would take the Cooper... but i don't know where you'll get one for $22k... around here... they're all $30k.

if i saw someone paying 30k$ for a mini cooper-s, id take it upon myself to beat their arse.

 

[Chadder007]

Mini Cooper S.....don't worry about the power. For that small of a car, the power is enough. The base model is a bit too little though. I wish someone up here in Chattanooga would open up a dealership though. The only reason im not getting one is because I wouldn't want to drive all the way to Atlanta to get it serviced.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: boyRacer
I would take the Cooper... but i don't know where you'll get one for $22k... around here... they're all $30k.

if i saw someone paying 30k$ for a mini cooper-s, id take it upon myself to beat their arse.

well they're all over LA... this place is a huge market for 'hip' cars like that... my friend wanted one and he was quoted with $29k OTD.

 

[NFS4]

Cooper S...no contest.

Move along, nothing to see here

 

[alphatarget1]

the mini is too small IMO

 

[Thegonagle]

The Mini.

 

[secretanchitman]

Mini Cooper S. Don't forget the John Cooper Works package as well!

 

[Ns1]

mini

 

[FrustratedUser]

Mini Cooper S hands down.

Nissan Sentra, blehh!?

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: BastulaJr
Mini Cooper S. Don't forget the John Cooper Works package as well!

That adds 4.5k... its nice... i would like one decked out with the stripes and all.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

Not that I care for the sentra, but how easy is it to get the mini serviced? How much will it cost to repair down the road? These questions would firce me to tkae the Sentra. BTW .. have you considering the Mazda speed or the focus SVT?

 

[mchammer187]

spec V cooper is just too small for me

not really that much of a fan of either

how about a mazda 6 or used maxima \ accord ex?

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: boyRacer
I would take the Cooper... but i don't know where you'll get one for $22k... around here... they're all $30k.

if i saw someone paying 30k$ for a mini cooper-s, id take it upon myself to beat their arse.

well they're all over LA... this place is a huge market for 'hip' cars like that... my friend wanted one and he was quoted with $29k OTD.

29K that quickly entering 3 series territory and isnt a baseline 350Z less than that?

 

[PHiuR]

Originally posted by: mchammer187

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: boyRacer
I would take the Cooper... but i don't know where you'll get one for $22k... around here... they're all $30k.

if i saw someone paying 30k$ for a mini cooper-s, id take it upon myself to beat their arse.

well they're all over LA... this place is a huge market for 'hip' cars like that... my friend wanted one and he was quoted with $29k OTD.

29K that quickly entering 3 series territory and isnt a baseline 350Z less than that?

wow 29k...

i would get a lancer,wrx,350z...easy decision...forget the coop

 

[chin311]

Originally posted by: PHiuR

Originally posted by: mchammer187

Originally posted by: boyRacer

Originally posted by: chin311

Originally posted by: boyRacer
I would take the Cooper... but i don't know where you'll get one for $22k... around here... they're all $30k.

if i saw someone paying 30k$ for a mini cooper-s, id take it upon myself to beat their arse.

well they're all over LA... this place is a huge market for 'hip' cars like that... my friend wanted one and he was quoted with $29k OTD.

29K that quickly entering 3 series territory and isnt a baseline 350Z less than that?

wow 29k...

i would get a lancer,wrx,350z...easy decision...forget the coop

yup, who cares if your in LA, drive somewhere with normal prices...29k$ for a mini, these people should be shot :Q, its like those days when people were dumping 25-26k$ for those stank ugly PT cruisers because they were 'new'

 

[TheNinja]

Isn't the Mini Cooper at the top of the list for gay guys....along with the new "bug" of course?

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: Staley8
Isn't the Mini Cooper at the top of the list for gay guys....along with the new "bug" of course?

it wouldnt surprise me

 

Originally posted by: mchammer187

Originally posted by: Staley8
Isn't the Mini Cooper at the top of the list for gay guys....along with the new "bug" of course?

it wouldnt surprise me

Well, I'm not gay - I just know a good-performing, cool-looking car when I see one. Also, my family is a HUGE Nissan family, so that MIGHT weigh into the decision somewhat (we've had a 1999 Pathfinder, a 2000 Sentra, a 1996 Sentra, and my dad is looking heavily at the Murano).

However, it's been my dream since the MINI was released to have one. I like the Cooper S over a base MINI + supercharger - I like to keep my cars stock, due to warranty/resale values.

Also, service is a bit of an issue. Maintenance is included for 3/36,000, but the closest dealer is in Eastpointe, MI, which is about 45 minutes away. I suppose it's just a little hassle for the great experience you get with a MINI, but in contrast, the closest Nissan dealer is about 3 minutes from my house.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Staley8
Isn't the Mini Cooper at the top of the list for gay guys....along with the new "bug" of course?

^ Someone who obviously doesn't know what the *^&@ he's talking about. Minis have historically been known as awesome race and autocross vehicles and they handle like mad. The new ones are simply marvelous when it comes to handling.

A Mini (especially the Cooper S) is not some poser POS like a New Beetle or PT Cruiser.