mini cooper vs 318ti

[//M_POWER]

Hi guys

My wife wants a 2002 - 2004 Mini cooper or BMW 318ti:

Whats the running costs of the above cars, ie: services and normal wear n tear (brakes,belts etc).

Which one would you reccomend for a 1st time driver?

Any feedback would be appreciated :thumbs:

 

[Coisman]

imp:
Pretty sure the bm has more space. Running costs I cant say, maybe make a list of things like, service cost, brakes, cam belt, injector, and call up Mini, and call up bmw, and ask them for a quote, and compare.

 

[Josh-ZN]

any kids or any on the way? neither

looks - mini

chick car - mini

fun - mini

and the main question - what would your wife prefer?

 

[Karthik]

My real estate agent is selling her 318ti , PM me

45 000km FSH at BMW
Silver with Black Leather
05 Model
Used Daily
Very good condition
Manual
R 120 000

 

[herr bmw]

mini:thumbs:

 

[Loom]

and the main question - what would your wife prefer?

+1. Perhaps let her test drive both.

 

[Psymon69]

Is the normal mini not epically slow? I have never liked the Ti shape, but if it was down to those two id pick the bmw

 

[Jean]

I'm quite sure that any chick would say: "the mini is sooo cute!". That would be the end of the BMW as a option.

Tell her the BM is safer...:thumbs:

---

any kids or any on the way? neither

looks - mini

chick car - mini

fun - mini

and the main question - what would your wife prefer?

Oh... and tell her theres more space for shopping in the BM:thumbdo:

Infact i now realize just how much cheeper the smaller bootspace could be in the long term...:rollsmile:

Mini it is!

 

[Diablo Jnr]

Should check with the mini guys...my wife also wanted one, had a chat with a mech friend and he said not to get one, unless its still under motorplan...

 

[//M_POWER]

lotsa comments..thanx:

she's busy getting her licence so she cant test drive. She likes the "funky feeling" of the mini, but i told her maintenance could be pricey on the mini.

With that said, we saw a white 318 ti, and it's got potential to look good with a few minor cosmetic adjustments. I heard from some guys the motor is problematic and then some owners say they have no issues.

Luckily with both cars, they more popular in the female market so i knw the cars haven't been driven to pieces.

 

[moranor@axis]

I'm quite sure that any chick would say: "the mini is sooo cute!". That would be the end of the BMW as a option.

lol i would not be so sure my girlfriend hates the mini she says it reminds her of a lunch box or a toy car... currently looking e46 tourings for her :rollsmile:

 

[Pavzo_Cooper_S]

definitely the Mini, but it has to be a cooper s...

 

[moranor@axis]

lol just asked my girlfriend if she would like a mini again...

GF: 'why would i want that'
ME: 'whats wrong with it'
GF: 'ive never seen why anyone would want one'
GF: 'its ugly'
GF: 'it has funny back lights and then they go and put strange vomit paint schemes on it'

some how i dont think she has changed her mind :rollsmile:

 

[Stephanv]

Is the normal mini not epically slow? I have never liked the Ti shape, but if it was down to those two id pick the bmw

:thumbs:+1

 

[pimpassdaddy]

Mini anyday...

the 318ti is a dog, and really is a dated design... The Old Mini looks pretty much the same as the new one.

She'll have more fun in a standard Mini than a 318ti... thats for sure!!!!

:thumbs:

 

[Willy]

And closing statment. A mini is not expensive to maintain, if you are looking at a normal cooper even more so. Service at specialist won't cost more than R1200 and it does not have a timing belt so don't even worry about it. Only thing that does go wrong is the powersteering and that can be fixed for less than R3000 and it will only happen once.

The rest is cheap and fun motoring all the way. Obviously if you get an S you will also enjoy it. BUT they are two completely different cars. The normal one is soft and quiet, the S is hardcore.

 

[devilinangel]

and the main question - what would your wife prefer?

+1. Perhaps let her test drive both.

Ha, ha, ha, don't make me laugh:thumbs:

 

[Karthik]

Get the mini , 318ti just looks crap IMO .

 

[chuck]

:rollsmile:I got mini cooper s 2006 model with 78000km with every extra ,jcw software and induction .R145k

 

[wikk3d88]

Pimped off another forum

I would not touch a Mini sold between 2002 and 2004/5, Cooper or Cooper S.
These originals had many issues, and specifically the Cooper had a Midland gearbox that was crap. The facelift got a better box from Getrag.
Other issues on these were:

> Power steering failure.
> Steering rack issues.
> Electric window failure.
> Dashboard rattle/s - Fix is to strip dashboard and fit a better bracket = $$$

Engine was based on a Chrysler Neon, but not identical. Not very efficient or economical, but I did not ever have or hear of engine problems.
Also, to change the clutch on the mini is an engine out affair...not cheap for a stukkie on a toight budget.

If she must have one, rather get a facelift, non supercharged one.