hi: this is my second post. i posted the same question in the xb forum but thought i put it here too just in case some of you don't frequent the xb forum.

here goes ...
i am think of either buying the xa, the xb or the mini cooper (not s). please let me know what you think. the price of the xa and xb is very enticing. can't beat the $15k. the mini i am thinking is around $21k. i have not been able to drive any one of them. i will be back in the states in less than a month and would need a set of wheels right away. thanks

First, I don't think the XB is appropriate in your comparison. The XB is entirely a different looking auto. Is it a van, an SUV a box on wheels? In any case, it's neither a Mini or an XA. Much like the TC, just because it's a SCION doesn't make it a true comparison to the others.

XA is longer than the Mini: If I recall correctly, the XA is 11" longer and 5" narrower but also a couple hundred pounds lighter. Pretty fair comparison aesthetically so far.

On the onset, you know the savings already with a XA purchase vs. Mini. Granted, you would need to spend, roughly, another $2,000.00 (lowering springs, wheels and tires) for a XA makeover. But even with that expense, you're still $3,000.000 under the base price of a stock Mini.

In ownership progression, the maintenance costs (parts and labor) of European autos versus Japanese made are also remarkably different. So, in the life of the XA, your operating costs should also be much less.

-PERFORMANCE
Mini has more HP, a progressive suspension system, and 4 disc brake: These factors have helped the Mini drivers rank #1 in class with autocross clubs. A Mini Cooper is essentially a BMW 3 series miniaturized - same progressive suspension and weight transfer. If you can "handle" not having these factors in your daily driver ( I assume), then my vote is for the XA.

A general lowdown between the xA and Mini is that the Mini has performance while the xA has the good looks. I guess it could just be my opinion but the Mini looks a little bit like a ladybug in shape while the xA is ... a bigger bug? Who knows. I like the stylings of the xA more myself and the price certainly doesn't help the Mini. The xB doesn't really fall into the discussion though. It's about 300% different style wise than the xA or the Mini.

what do u expect ppl to say in a xa forum :o

XB.
More room and 4 doors.

plus, the mini still has that ridiculous markup, i think its at 5k over sticker.

plus, the mini still has that ridiculous markup, i think its at 5k over sticker.
i guess markup is determined by location. here in the chicago area, there are 4 or 5 mini dealers in a 50 mile radius. as such, no mark up on either of the two minis we purchased -- then again, we didn't get a discount off sticker either.

Yeah, the Scions have the no-haggle thing, so that's a plus as well.

I would take my XA over a mini-Cooper any day. Just looking at those little lady-bugs makes me claustrophobic. XB would be my second choice.

I owned a mini and now own an xB and the MINI was a great driving car but it was a piece of crap quality wise. The scion is the opposite :)

--
Cheese

I owned a mini and now own an xB and the MINI was a great driving car but it was a piece of crap quality wise. The scion is the opposite :)

--
Cheese

opposite? crappy driving car but awesome quality? hrmmm... :P

Don't forget that a Mini requires PREMIUM gas as my Mini-owning gf is reminded every time she fills up :?