I am getting a new car this month. After toying with the idea for an M3 (discarded because I am trying to have money to spend on something other than a car for the first time in my life), I have narrowed it down do these 2 choices:
1. "Cool Blue" 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible
Premium Package
Sports Suspension
17" Wheels
Blue soft-top
Pros:
It is a convertible! I have never owned one before, and Mexico is sunny.
170hp Supercharged Engine (good in Mexico City, which is 6,500 ft. above sea level (NA engines suffer a lot).
"Go-kart like handling" (Is this for real?)
Cons:
Girly. Do you think so?
FWD
Choppy ride (I don´t care too much.)
No DSC option available in Mexico (only ASC+T)
2. "Dynamic" 2005 BMW 120i
Premium
Sports Suspension
17" wheels 205 in front, 225 Rear
Pros:
It feels very similar to my current 328Ci, which I love.
Excellent handling/ride balance.
Excellent brakes.
DSC (Stability control).
Interior materials are superior to the Mini.
Cons:
Slower in a straight line.
Not a convertible.
Mini Pictures:
My car´s interior would be blue also...
120i Pictures:
I am a BMW fan, having owned a 325is (E39), a ´99 323i and an 00´ 328Ci and will not consider anything from other manufacturers (call me a fanboy!)
I am planning on keeping this car for about a year, and then upgrade to a new 330i or 330Ci a bit after they come out (so they can work out the initial bugs), but I do not want to keep my current 3 and take the extra depreciation hit when the new one appears. Besides, my car is starting to give me headaches at 70,000 miles and out of warranty.
Price-wise both cars cost around $32K here in Mexico. Both are 6-speed manuals and come with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.
I have a deposit on the Mini, it is at the showroom and if I make up my mind I can pick it up Tuesday. For the 120i I would have to wait till late October.
1. "Cool Blue" 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible
Premium Package
Sports Suspension
17" Wheels
Blue soft-top
Pros:
It is a convertible! I have never owned one before, and Mexico is sunny.
170hp Supercharged Engine (good in Mexico City, which is 6,500 ft. above sea level (NA engines suffer a lot).
"Go-kart like handling" (Is this for real?)
Cons:
Girly. Do you think so?
FWD
Choppy ride (I don´t care too much.)
No DSC option available in Mexico (only ASC+T)
2. "Dynamic" 2005 BMW 120i
Premium
Sports Suspension
17" wheels 205 in front, 225 Rear
Pros:
It feels very similar to my current 328Ci, which I love.
Excellent handling/ride balance.
Excellent brakes.
DSC (Stability control).
Interior materials are superior to the Mini.
Cons:
Slower in a straight line.
Not a convertible.
Mini Pictures:
My car´s interior would be blue also...
120i Pictures:
I am a BMW fan, having owned a 325is (E39), a ´99 323i and an 00´ 328Ci and will not consider anything from other manufacturers (call me a fanboy!)
I am planning on keeping this car for about a year, and then upgrade to a new 330i or 330Ci a bit after they come out (so they can work out the initial bugs), but I do not want to keep my current 3 and take the extra depreciation hit when the new one appears. Besides, my car is starting to give me headaches at 70,000 miles and out of warranty.
Price-wise both cars cost around $32K here in Mexico. Both are 6-speed manuals and come with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.
I have a deposit on the Mini, it is at the showroom and if I make up my mind I can pick it up Tuesday. For the 120i I would have to wait till late October.