OPINIONS...do I buy a VW Beetle Convertible OR a MINI Cooper?

[serryjw]

both are about $25K...I like them both....any opinions? Does any one have either?

[asthmaticeog]

1. I was looking at Minis

last year. Wretched gas mileage for so small a vehicle.

[trotsky]

2. I wanted a Beetle so bad but when the Mini came out...

I instantly wanted it instead. Oh I'm not even close to getting one, but I can dream, can't I?

[Roon]

3. A mini would be more fun..

my ex-lover drives one and you should see all the people that wave and turn heads!

[WMliberal]

4. cooper!

haven't you seen "The Italian Job"?! Those cars can move! And they're cooler looking. Don't they also get better gas mileage?

[elfwitch]

5. Go for the Mini

My old boss got one of the first ones in Dallas. She let everybody in the office drive it the day she got it. Not only is it hella cool looking but it has got some serious oomph! I got it up to about 90 on the highway in no time flat and it didn't feel like we were going over 65.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

6. Mini's are supposedly one of the safest cars on the road

VW has been having major problems with their new beetles and their customer service. A friend of mine had hers just "catch fire".
Do your research, whatever you buy.

[Mika]

7. Cooper is way small

I tried one when I was looking for a new car. I love the look of the Coop, and it drives well. Its just too small for my needs.

I got an Altima for a little less.

[Ready4Change]

15. Not nearly as small as the original.

Lots more room than my old Honda CRX. Given the choice between a Cooper and a Beetle I'd definitely choose the Cooper. The Cooper also does VERY well in autocrosses, so it's a competent handling vehicle.

If the Beetles a convertible... depends on how much I want a convertible. I might go Beetle.

Then again, it is rumored that a convertible Cooper is in the works. I might wait for that to come out and get the best of both worlds.

[BigMcLargehuge]

8. volkswagen beetle = golf = crap

Mini Cooper = BWM = quality

[Infomaniac]

9. Consumer Reports?

What does Consumer Reports say about them in terms of resale value, reliability, gas mileage and repair costs? I like both of them too and I'm a Libra to boot so making quick decisions is not my forte. Are the insurance rates about the same for both?

[Malikshah]

10. Why not a Cabriolet

Then you can be the gayest of all! ;)

In terms of preference for many gay men I know

Bug Convertible-- Gay
Mini Coop-- Gayer
Cabriolet Gayest

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Personally, I love the Mini Coop--but the practical nature in me got a PT Cruiser

My partner was looking seriously at the Taureg (VW) but once he saw the gas mileage and gas type (premium)--he's turned his attention to the old standby--the Toyota Rav 4

Happy hunting!

[serryjw]

22. What do you have in mind for a Straight Woman?

Thou you did name my 3 favorite cars........What does that say of me?

[Malikshah]

24. Says you have impeccable taste :)

:)

[serryjw]

27. Ohhhhhhhhhh Schucks!

I agree thou I would rate the MINI as #1 with Bug #2!!

[silverlib]

11. The VW...

I saw a VW Beetle Convertible with one of those W's with the bar across it right over the VW symbol in the center of the trunk. It was absolutely the coolest place for this sticker.

I know that isn't what you were looking for as far as advise. Other than that tidbit, I don't know much about either car.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

14. My friend has her Kerry sticker there.

She hasn't had any problems with hers.
The dash is so huge you could serve a buffet on it!

[brook]

12. Both.

I think one should have a vehicle suitable to every mood. :silly:

Actually, I think I 'd go for the mini-cooper. I love understated class. Whichever - pick the one you love. Life is meant to be enjoyed as well as endured.

[lastknowngood]

13. Honda civic hybred get's 46 miles to a gal I know because I

have one and runs like a dream. Can't tell it from the normal civic and it's about 22k.

[zuzu98]

16. check out repair costs

I've had more than one person tell me that the mini Cooper is one of the most expensive cars to repair.

I second the vote for the Honda Civic Hybrid. Good price, great gas mileage and less of a wait than the Toyota Prius.

[DemWitch]

17. Is there any other choice?

[PittPoliSci]

18. how about an h2?

:shields self: :-)

All the VW owners I know don't have any complaints and love their cars, never met anyone with a mini.

[BiggJawn]

19. What year Beetle?

Anything from 1968 to 1972 would be great. Before that, they're a little under-powered and parts are few, and after '72 they're that "Golf in Drag" thing....
Unless you can get a Mexican one somehow. the just went out of production last year...

[Dude_CalmDown]

20. How's about?

I'm sure you can get a used one in your price range.

[Kat45]

21. I think the Minis are so cute!

(I know that's not a criteria for buying a car, but they are cute.) But I think I'd be kinda scared to drive one because they seem so tiny, and there are so many huge SUV-holes driving aggressively around here.

[tigereye]

25. I feel the same

I love the way they look, but safety... well. I had an old style Beetle and the new ones are just too, well, pretty. They just don't have that proletarian vibe, somehow.

[Pithlet]

23. VW Convertilbe

I loved the Minis when they first came out, and wanted one bad, but now I look at them and they're just kinda...meh..

My mom has a new VW and man is that thing fun to drive. I can only imagine how fun it would be with the top down.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

26. I really want a mini - the fiancée wants it even more

[Susang]

28. You do mean the Mini Cooper convertible, right?

They go on sale this month and I want one so badly I could scream!

[XNASA]

29. The Mini is the superior vehicle.

Both the VW and the Mini are underpowered, but the Mini is the better car for the $$$$$$. More space, better handling, etc...