Would you buy a MINI Cooper over a small Toyota?

Question

So, I thought I wanted either a Toyota Yaris or Corolla, but both are very PLAIN looking cars for the price. I've looked into MINI Cooper's as another option as well.

I currently have a Land Rover Discovery that I want to trade in because the gas it consumes is breaking me.

I know Toyota tends to be labeled as "reliable, safe, fuel efficient" but what about a MINI Cooper? What is their reputation?

Are they expensive to repair, have their oil changed, etc?

The Land Rover was considered a luxury vehicle & I had to take it to the dealership just for an oil change ($100 easy)! Not to mention, it is extremely expensive to repair. I don't want to go through that all over again.

Any insight you have on this topic is greatly needed & appreciated! =)

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Minis will not be as reliable or inexpensive to maintain as a Toyota Yaris, but they are considerably more fun and have superior performance. Seriously, drive a Mini and you'll immediately see the difference between it an and an economy car. Parts and repairs are more expensive because a Mini is really a BMW, and the exchange rate is making European parts very expensive these days. The question will be, is the fun factor worth the slightly bigger hassle? You'll have to decide that after your test drive.

Answer 2

small toyota or motorbike motor bike will consume less gas

Answer 3

If your going to buy a Mini Cooper
Go for 05 or 06...if you don't want to put money into it

Mini Coopers aren't bad cars, they are very dangerous with their size and aren't as usable as a normal sedan or coupe

Buy the Toyota
You'll be happy you did
But if you must have the Mini...
avoid 2002 and 2003

Answer 4

It doesn't matter what you drive you will look gorgeous in it.

Answer 5

Not unlike your Land Rover, the Mini Cooper could almost be considered an entry-level luxury vehicle.

Did you know that the Mini Cooper is made by BMW? Alot of the parts that make the car go and keep it on the road are components right out of the BMW 1- and 3-series, so that presents the potential for the expensive repairs that you're trying to avoid.

Anything from Toyota is going to be much cheaper to fix, with the added bonus that, if you take good care of it, you shouldn't have anything to fix for a good long time. I had an older American luxury car for two years before buying my Toyota Camry Solara, and it's very refreshing to not have to worry about repair bills or how I'm going to afford to fill up that giant gas tank anymore.

If you can wait a little longer, the 2009 Corolla is completely redesigned, and in my opinion, a pretty cool-looking car. I'm not sure about when it's coming out, but I would expect it within 6 to 8 months (Fall 2008.) You should also consider the new Ford Focus or Nissan Sentra as well as the relatively new Honda Civic, as all of those cars will give you the reliability and gas mileage that your looking for in the price range that you seem to be shopping.

Best of luck, and have fun - There's nothing better than car shopping!

Answer 6

A Mini Cooper is a very safe car. They have out performed Ford F-150 trucks in crash tests. They have six airbags, and very well engineered crumple zones. and being the nimble cars that they are, can avoid trouble quite easily.

Engineered by BMW, they are very reliable. Mileage will depend entirely how you drive. I can get from 300-400 miles between fill ups based on my driving.

It is a much more "solid" feeling car than a Toyota. I suggest you go out and test drive. That's really the best thing to do.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/for…

Source(s):

Me. Owner of a 2006 Mini Cooper S-JCW

Answer 7

mini are very niece cars,they are great cars to drive i work at a stereo shop,i get to drive every car that is out there on the streets,and besides all those luxury cars,the performance and gas mileage is very good,if i was you i would test drive one and ask the sales man how much a year would you spend to maintain the car they will tell you.

Answer 8

Before I start my answer, just wanted to give you props for being beautiful !!! It is an honor to answer your question

Now for the answer

Mini Cooper is made by BMW and is considered a high end small car. Its gas consumption is in the 23 mpg-31 mpg (CITY -HIGHWAY). Parts will be somewhat be expensive for repairs because it is attached to a luxury brand name. A used 2006/2007 Mini Cooper will cost you around $22000 -$28000 depending on mileage and condition

Toyota Yaris is a reliable small car that has gas consumption of 30 mpg - 42 mpg (CITY-HIGHWAY) so you will be saving a good amount of money for gas. A 2007 Yaris fully loaded will cost you around $15000-$17000.
*Corolla is around same cost, loaded about $18000 and 2mpg less in the gas consumption

Other factors, both have very good value retainability. The Mini Cooper is ranked in the TOP 10 for all cars in value retainability after 5 years.

If you are looking at a semi attractive car with a better engine then you should go with the Mini Cooper.

If you are going with practicality and dependability then you are better off with a YARIS or COROLLA.

If you are tired of paying for expensive repairs then you should avoid the Mini Cooper. German Engineering costs more than Japanese Engineering

*Seems like you have a good value in trade-in so you can afford both

Have Fun and Take Care of Yourself

Source(s):

CAR enthusiast, Mechanical Engineer

Answer 9

THE MINI IN MY OPINION FROM WORKING ON THEM IS THAT THEY ARE VERY OVERRATED, OVER PRICED, VERY EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN AND NOT A SAFE VEHICLE AT ALL COMPARED TO THE TOYOTA LINE.

GOO LUCK

Source(s):

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