Well, drove an FR-S A/T

[WolfsFang]

Originally Posted by sho220

Or one of these...saw one on the showroom floor of the dealership I bought my FR-S at...it's one bad mofo....

Is that the tocoma baja?

[poormans_LFA]

Originally Posted by WolfsFang

Is that the tocoma baja?

yep: http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/baja.html

[sho220]

Originally Posted by WolfsFang

Is that the tocoma baja?

Yes...Tacoma Baja TRD...looks bigger and badder in person. Love the Taco's....

[poormans_LFA]

if anything i'm eye-balling the next MINI Cooper S...I've always LOVED these cars and the next one is moving to a BMW FWD platform. While it is essentially a FWD Bimmer it's a less complicated BMW at that, and that means less problems (though MINI is not the greatest brand when it comes to reliability, but it's an exception I'm willing to make). The only other non-boring car out there I'd otherwise consider would be the WRX. I'm not your typical car buyer in any sense: I'm an enthusiast that demands to drive something FUN, even if it comes at a cost, just not too much a cost.

[Hawaiian]

Originally Posted by poormans_LFA

if anything i'm eye-balling the next MINI Cooper S...I've always LOVED these cars and the next one is moving to a BMW FWD platform. While it is essentially a FWD Bimmer it's a less complicated BMW at that, and that means less problems (though MINI is not the greatest brand when it comes to reliability, but it's an exception I'm willing to make). The only other non-boring car out there I'd otherwise consider would be the WRX. I'm not your typical car buyer in any sense: I'm an enthusiast that demands to drive something FUN, even if it comes at a cost, just not too much a cost.

2 things;

First, the seat height adjustment (left center) works like a pump. I didn't figure that out right away. There are about 10 pumps between max and min height.

Second, take a look at the 2014 mustang if this doesn't work out. The rumors make it look interesting. Weight reduction, independent rear suspension, design refresh, ecoboost. It might be something.

[86'd]

If you're buying the Mini new I'd probably say go for it.

But if its a first year redesign then, eh, probably not.

If you've looked at Mini forums for more than a minute there are SO many quirks with these cars its amazing. That's what kept me from getting a GTI or used 335i.

It'll come with run flats, it will ride very rough, it will leak, it will overheat; it will cost $$$ for repairs once out of warranty.

They say WRXs rattle, well they haven't driven a Mini. Ours rattled like crazy.

Is it fun? Yeah, but I think people buy Minis because 1. They're cute/original 2. They're "Mini" BMWs, 3. They're fun.

And IMO for the size of the car the torque-y engine didn't really fit the personality of the car. I wanted a high revving 1.6-1.8 NA engine...but whatever...in the end it just wasn't worth it...

The WRX, (although it has the looming ringland problem, mostly on STIs and pretty rare) is pretty reliable especially when compared to the Mini. Yes they're different cars, but its plenty fast, big aftermarket, space if you need it and handles well.

They're actually not that heavy and not that big for a sedan, but the interior is very spacious.

Lastly the Mustang GT can be had for about the same price as the WRX; just look on truecar at how many GTs there are selling for below invoice, it's crazy.

If the BRZ didn't exist and I didn't need the space of the WRX, I'd probably would have ended up with a Mustang GT...I really like them.

If Mazda made a new Mazdaspeed Miata, that would be something to look at, but I don't think that's happening anytime soon. And you probably wouldn't fit, lol.

Good luck on your search!

[Bonburner]

Steering Wheel:
Pull out the holding lever, yank/extend all the way and push it up/highest angle.

Seats:
Down pump the seat adjuster
Pull back the seat position to the back

Audio:
Turn OFF the audio console
Press the Multiknob
Adjust sounds from TC to FR-S, balance, subwoofer on/off
Turn ON the audio console
Adjust feel/hear/simple(i think was the third choice), treble, etc

Come back after you've tried all the above :]

[Gregory Gawaran]

Im suprised, im 6'4" and im pretty big guy and i fit very comfortable in it.

[poormans_LFA]

Originally Posted by Gregory Gawaran

Im suprised, im 6'4" and im pretty big guy and i fit very comfortable in it.

Again: is your length in your legs or torso- big difference

[Gregory Gawaran]

My pant leg length is 30"-32" if that helps in measurements.

[poormans_LFA]

38/36

[Gregory Gawaran]

Yeah I can totally see how that would be an issue. If I was in your position I would buy the car anyway and buy a low seating bucket seat.. problem solved haha!

[poormans_LFA]

Originally Posted by Gregory Gawaran

Yeah I can totally see how that would be an issue. If I was in your position I would buy the car anyway and buy a low seating bucket seat.. problem solved haha!

I could do that, but spending a $g on a seat kinda puts there fire out on that idea...for me.

Originally Posted by 86'd

If you're buying the Mini new I'd probably say go for it.

But if its a first year redesign then, eh, probably not.

If you've looked at Mini forums for more than a minute there are SO many quirks with these cars its amazing. That's what kept me from getting a GTI or used 335i.

difference this go around is that MINI will be employing far more BMW sourced technology and parts (engine included) which will make this car a bit more reliable in my mind than the current one, especially considering PSA Peugeot is no longer involved: less outside parties working on components the better the quality control, and thus reliability.

You also mentioned the GTI, which is a Vee-Dub- they've got their issues too. Yet another car being replaced within the year as well. Great handling car, but the VW connection doesn't help. Hopefully the Porsche acquisition will help in this way as well as the new MQB platform, we'll see. The 335i with the N54 motor is notorious for engine issues, hence the reason (I believe at least) BMW dropped a turbo and ran with the simpler N55 setup in the current X55 BMW's.

It'll come with run flats, it will ride very rough, it will leak, it will overheat; it will cost $$$ for repairs once out of warranty. [/QUOTE]

Tons of MINI's rolling around with well over 100k on the odmoter and more. A risk I'm perhaps willing to take, stay tuned...

They say WRXs rattle, well they haven't driven a Mini. Ours rattled like crazy.

What year was your Cooper??

Is it fun? Yeah, but I think people buy Minis because 1. They're cute/original 2. They're "Mini" BMWs, 3. They're fun.

They're WAY fun.

The WRX, (although it has the looming ringland problem, mostly on STIs and pretty rare) is pretty reliable especially when compared to the Mini. Yes they're different cars, but its plenty fast, big aftermarket, space if you need it and handles well.

They're actually not that heavy and not that big for a sedan, but the interior is very spacious.

LOVE the WRX, but I know it's being replaced relatively sooner than later. For this reason I'd kind of like to hang out and wait to see what the new model has in store. It's just a matter of when they're going to release it??? Also, what's the clutch like in your car and how is it in traffic?

Lastly the Mustang GT can be had for about the same price as the WRX; just look on truecar at how many GTs there are selling for below invoice, it's crazy.

If the BRZ didn't exist and I didn't need the space of the WRX, I'd probably would have ended up with a Mustang GT...I really like them.

The Stang GT IS a lot of FUN. I drove a 13' a few months back and had a BLAST. Far better alternative to the Camaro SS and Chellenger RT, IMHO. Here again is another car being replaced relatively soon. It's weird how a lot of new cars seem t be launching all at once in the '13-'14 time frame.

If Mazda made a new Mazdaspeed Miata, that would be something to look at, but I don't think that's happening anytime soon. And you probably wouldn't fit, lol.

I think as of right now the best I can do in the Miata is my right front let and part of my backside; that's as far in as I'm gonna get.

Good luck on your search!

Thanks!!:happy0180:

[86'd]

We had a 2005 Mini Cooper S automatic.

It was loaded, but I think the auto killed it. And sure there are a lot that are over 100k, but they've had work done to keep them up. I was putting close to 1K+ a year on top of regular maintenance just to keep it ticking.

I came from Hondas where it was an oil change or two and that's it. (over exaggerating, but you get the picture).

Coming from a '02 Civic SI, the WRX was a lot more refined than I thought it was going to be. I stalled a few times getting used to the clutch, but now after a month of DD it's fine. I can't really feel it grabbing, so it's more me relying on muscle memory rather than feel...if that makes any sense.

In traffic it's light enough and fine. It has the hill holder assist, which takes some time getting used to, since I've been driving stick for 15 years without it.

If you have anymore questions about the WRX or Mini, PM me or just ask them here, lol.