spuddogg

True dat.
I'm finally putting a CAI/ tune in there next month as well as hopefully putting some SLP loudmouths on it.
I suspect my granny-style gas mileage will be taking a steep drop.

timothyrw

if you want speed and utility look no further then the mazdaspeed3.

263 hp turbo 4.

starts under $23k.

20/28 mpg

i'd definitely choose that over a mini...

but not my mustang.

Stkjock

MUSTANG FTW!!! NO QUESTION!! IMHO!!

northy_polk

mini has one of the highest resale values. you want front drive supercharged or rear drive oomph? do you need the burble of the v8? i personally prefer the back seat of a mini over the mustang. if you don't believe me try it yourself. areyou gonna race? do you want to put lots of dough into aftermarket parts [either car's probably good for that]?

i don't think you getting a 4 grand discount will help gramps. doesn't make sense that 4 grand fewer dollars in ford's pocket will help him much.

i've had some pretty bad problems with my mustang suspension-wise, although it's not across the board. there are leaks, creaks, groans, whines, dead batteries, etc. that seem way too common with the mustang. i don't know about the reliability issues with the mini, but i'd imagine they are fewer since the car's been around a good bit longer than the S197 mustang and more of the "bugs" are worked out.

if i had to do it again, i'd probably still buy the mustang. it's just got that something about it that other cars lack. it's not just one thing, it's the sound, the presence, the millions of mods you can do. it's fast in a straight line, or tweak it a bit and make it fast on a track. pull a trailer with it. or just leave it the way it is. it's just got soul!

Sprzout

I like both cars, myself...The Mini is a GREAT handling car, and will stick to the ground like glue. However, it doesn't throw you back in the seat when you get on it, not with that supercharger...And if you're looking to seriously go for a Mini, start looking at a John Cooper S Works package. The Cooper S version just doesn't have much oomph to it.

And if you're thinking STRICTLY about gas mileage, remember this:

The Mini Cooper S will require premium gas because of that supercharger. At ~$3.70/gal (at least, here in California) for premium gas, versus ~$3.40/gal for 87 octane that will balance out with the MPG on the Mustang...Are you really saving?

Plus, don't EVER plan on taking 4 people somewhere in the Mini AND expect to get any sort of cargo in the car. The Mustangs may have a small trunk, but the Mini's trunk is basically big enough to hold 1 suitcase full of personal belongings. The back seat is meant more for storage than anything else.

bodyputtyless

I blame these types of post on drug abuse.

cookiemonster

Get a Mini ... it'll help increase the value of my Mustang

blueshawk

I wasseriously considering the mini, 350Z and mustang. Very different cars, but all fun to drive. I got the Shelby GT, black, 5 spd. Don't regret it a bit. IMO it is the best looking car ever created! While black is hard to keep clean, nothing looks as good as a black S197 Mustang. I think Ford really nailed the looks with this SE. I like it much better than a Roush or Saleen with the exception of the Parnelli Jones which I also think looks great. The GT500 doesn't looked as good as the Shelby GT IMO.

So while the mini and 350Z have their strengths, they don't look anywhere near as good asa blackmustang.

GidyupGo

Everytime we see one of the Coopers, we call it a clown car because it reminds us of one of those cars the clowns enter the rodeo in. Get the GT. You don't want to be a clown do you?

ZZmustang

Buy the Mini, anyone that would consider a Mini doesn't deserve a Mustang.
I'm Kidding, God, You people get a life.
Whatever car you like is what you should get.