Anyone gone from C230K to a MINI?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
We could possibly get the B class AMG when the B is introduced here, but as Glyn hinted to, I'm sure there will be many other options at the price that will be much more fun, practical, and greater aftermarket support.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 148
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From: Bowling Green, KY
2004 Oxford Green BMW 530i SMG
That's hideous. 
I'd still have to see it in person before I could completely rule one out, but I'd rather have a JCW Mini hands down. I'll google in the interior...That's the major downside of Fords (as well as MOST American cars); cheap/shoddy interior.
I'd still have to see it in person before I could completely rule one out, but I'd rather have a JCW Mini hands down. I'll google in the interior...That's the major downside of Fords (as well as MOST American cars); cheap/shoddy interior.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
It's a $8-10k difference. The Mini JCW SHOULD be nicer for that amount of change.
You do have to admit that the Mini's gimmicky interior gets old after a while.
You do have to admit that the Mini's gimmicky interior gets old after a while.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 148
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From: Bowling Green, KY
2004 Oxford Green BMW 530i SMG
The new JCW GP:
The new Recaro seats that are now available:
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Once again, the Recaro seats are $2,700.
IMHO, it's an apples to more expensive apples comparison. You can get leather Recaros on the ST also, btw.
As far as "gimmicky", I mean the general layout of the interior, the toggles, the birdbath speedo between the seats, the tach, the odd stereo setup, etc.
But as you say, it's all about personal preference.
IMHO, it's an apples to more expensive apples comparison. You can get leather Recaros on the ST also, btw.
As far as "gimmicky", I mean the general layout of the interior, the toggles, the birdbath speedo between the seats, the tach, the odd stereo setup, etc.
But as you say, it's all about personal preference.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 148
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From: Bowling Green, KY
2004 Oxford Green BMW 530i SMG
Exactly. There's no way I'd ever own a Ford, unless its a 2011+ Powerstroke diesel pick-up with the 6.4 engine. 
I guess the reason I like MINIs so much is they're part of the BMW franchise and I've owned 13 BMWs over the years (and almost as many Mercedes).
I guess the reason I like MINIs so much is they're part of the BMW franchise and I've owned 13 BMWs over the years (and almost as many Mercedes).
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Due to my issues with my Benz (another reason why this is my first and last one), I've had the occasion to use a new Focus as a rental. I've been pleasantly surprised with it, even in slushbox, non-sporty varieties. I'm like you in saying I'd never buy one, but at the same time, I'm getting tired of expensive fixes that occur more than I'd like them to. (not sure if getting a Ford would fix the frequency, but would reduce the impact of each one 
)
)
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 148
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From: Bowling Green, KY
2004 Oxford Green BMW 530i SMG
Due to my issues with my Benz (another reason why this is my first and last one), I've had the occasion to use a new Focus as a rental. I've been pleasantly surprised with it, even in slushbox, non-sporty varieties. I'm like you in saying I'd never buy one, but at the same time, I'm getting tired of expensive fixes that occur more than I'd like them to. (not sure if getting a Ford would fix the frequency, but would reduce the impact of each one )
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Ford Europe's products are very different animals to US junk. Even the new global platform stuff. Go drive an ST if you get a chance. It drives a lot better than a British assembled Mini with parts from all over the world. Find me a Mini that actually fits together properly. Their bodies always have alignment issues.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
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From: El Dorado Hills, CA
2006 C230, 2005 Mini Cooper S
I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S and a 2006 C230.
The Mini is much faster, but the ride is atrocious compared to the MB.
Its not only a matter of preference, but also a matter of practicality. There simply isnt much room in the Mini and frankly my C230 (Non-Kompresser model) gets better fuel economy.
The Mini is much faster, but the ride is atrocious compared to the MB.
Its not only a matter of preference, but also a matter of practicality. There simply isnt much room in the Mini and frankly my C230 (Non-Kompresser model) gets better fuel economy.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 148
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From: Bowling Green, KY
2004 Oxford Green BMW 530i SMG
I haven't seen much fitment issues with the 2007+ models, my '06 was fine. I owned my MINI and C230 together for about 6 weeks before selling the Benz. If I was going out with friends, I almost always exclusively took the W203 for comfort (I DO remember getting 4 adults in my MINI wants, but they were MINI fans and wanted to check it out.)
My JCW got 28mpg on the highway if I kept it below 80; and my C230 Kompressor was getting 32-ish on the same trips.
My MINI was 3 years old & had 22k on it when I bought it and I paid almost the same for my Kompressor that was a year older, but only had 18k on it.
I ended up selling my MINI for $5,500 more than I gave for it, so that was also a great bonus.
My JCW got 28mpg on the highway if I kept it below 80; and my C230 Kompressor was getting 32-ish on the same trips.
My MINI was 3 years old & had 22k on it when I bought it and I paid almost the same for my Kompressor that was a year older, but only had 18k on it.
I ended up selling my MINI for $5,500 more than I gave for it, so that was also a great bonus.
Super Moderator
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yeah! - I know the Mini is not a hatch but seeing we got onto Fiesta's & Focus's.
I think the prime hot hatches for 2013 will be:
The new Golf GTI gen7
Opel Astra OPC
Renault Megane RS265
Ford Focus ST3
BTW Tommy - I think the new Fiesta with styling ques lifted from the new Mondeo looks great!
I think the prime hot hatches for 2013 will be:
The new Golf GTI gen7
Opel Astra OPC
Renault Megane RS265
Ford Focus ST3
BTW Tommy - I think the new Fiesta with styling ques lifted from the new Mondeo looks great!
