Ask the Car People.SM


What is "wrong" with these new subcompacts?

9838 messages,  Last post on Feb 07, 2013 at 10:28 PM

You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, smart fortwo, MINI Cooper

Messages Page 718 of 985

#7165 of 9838 Re: yes [miniclubman] by podred

Feb 19, 2008 (10:20 pm)

Replying to: miniclubman (Feb 19, 2008 7:57 pm)
Why not get a MINI?
 
Here's why:
 
MINI - MSRP : $18,050 Specs: 118hp / 2546.lbs = 21.5 power to weight ratio.
 
Yaris - MSRP: $11,350 Specs: 106hp / 2295.lbs = 21.6 power to weight ratio.
 
That's a massive $ 6,700 more for choosing the MINI, which has no noticeable advantage in power. Not only that but you are NOT buying a Toyota, thus your maintenance and repair bills will be BMW in size, trust me I know of what I speak. Total cost of ownership will be significantly greater than the Yaris.
 
You had better want it badly to pay that kind of a premium.
 
Please don't get me wrong, as I am the original owner of a 2005 MINI - Cooper "S"
I ordered this car to my specs with an MSRP of $26,490.
 
A whopping $15,140 more than the Yaris.....
 
However as most of us know the Cooper S has 168 hp which really makes this
MINI the fun to drive car that it is.
 
As a result I do not even compare the two as they are different cars for different
target markets.
 
I purchased the Yaris for the same reason I purchased my new F430 Ferrari.
Because I'm a very passionate auto enthusiast / ex racer / addict.
 
I love to buy cars of all sizes, types, and price points, to have the unique experience that the various models bring to the party.
 
Cheers.....

#7166 of 9838 Re: yes [miniclubman] by bumpy

Feb 20, 2008 (8:48 am)

Replying to: miniclubman (Feb 19, 2008 7:57 pm)
The Mini is nearly half a ton heavier than the smart, despite its name. Not much fun in that, especially compared to a small-wheelbase car with the tightest turning circle that can be legally driven on US highways.

#7167 of 9838 Re: yes [bumpy] by boaz47

Feb 20, 2008 (9:23 am)

Replying to: bumpy (Feb 20, 2008 8:48 am)
"The Mini is nearly half a ton heavier than the smart, despite its name. Not much fun in that, especially compared to a small-wheelbase car with the tightest turning circle that can be legally driven on US highways."
 
That might be the very first time I have ever heard anyone say the Mini Cooper S wasn't much fun to drive or that the Smart in any way would be as sporty.

#7168 of 9838 Re: yes [ateixeira] by xhe518

Feb 20, 2008 (9:35 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 19, 2008 2:23 pm)
But premium fuel costs 10% more, so half that advantage evaporates.
  
So for about the same price, you give up 2 seats to gain 10% in fuel savings.
  
Won't be worth it to most people.
 
Yes, that is basically my point.

#7169 of 9838 Premium Fuel markup? by ateixeira

Feb 20, 2008 (9:53 am)

I've seen premium cost 30 cents more than regular, but I was just tossing out a number.
 
Let me check on gasbuddy.com for my zip code...
 
OK, in my decidedly unscientific look at prices, I find 5 gas stations near me with gas under $3. For premium, I can only find 4 stations with premium gas for less than $3.30.
 
So in conclusion, my 10% claim is more than fair, at least around me.
 
Remember these cars have small gas tanks, so you don't want to drive all around town to find cheap gas. Not to mention the fuel wasted while driving to do that.
 
I'll stick with 10%, then.

#7170 of 9838 Re: Premium Fuel markup? [ateixeira] by texases

Feb 20, 2008 (10:04 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 20, 2008 9:53 am)
10% near me (Dallas) too.

#7171 of 9838 Re: Premium Fuel markup? [ateixeira] by bumpy

Feb 20, 2008 (10:23 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 20, 2008 9:53 am)
The tank is ~8 gallons, so that's about 300 miles in real-world city driving. I think you would be okay.

#7172 of 9838 Re: Premium Fuel markup? [bumpy] by ateixeira

Feb 20, 2008 (10:37 am)

Replying to: bumpy (Feb 20, 2008 10:23 am)
Well, first, you don't really start looking for gas until you're near empty.
 
B, you don't drive until the tank is completely empty, else you might overheat the fuel pump (which is cooled by the fuel).
 
So using 6-7 gallons you have a range of ~250 miles, about the same as my Miata.
 
Pathetic range, basically. I have to get gas way too often, IMO.
 
Compare that to my van - I get 400-500 miles per tank, and can fill up once every 3 weeks or so.

#7173 of 9838 Re: yes [kyfdx] by steve_ HOST

Feb 20, 2008 (10:49 am)

Replying to: kyfdx (Feb 19, 2008 3:02 pm)
Not where I live... 6.5-7% at most...
 
I'll take a 6.5-7% rate of return on my money just about anytime. And especially lately.

#7174 of 9838 Simply an observation.... by podred

Feb 20, 2008 (11:21 am)

It seems that this thread has turned into a matter of parsing words, splitting hairs, and challenging the other persons method of calculating gas mileage. Therefore the thread is adrift in a sea of fuel economy numbers which vary so little that one wonders what happened to the discussion of the merits of each car?
 
What about the driving experience? About living with the car on a day to day basis? About the pros and cons of each cars capability to carry passengers and cargo according to each drivers needs? About total cost of ownership. Tire size and type for example can make quite a difference in the replacement costs. It seems that we have so many other fascinating and enjoyable topics to cover.
 
Simply my observation for whatever it's worth....

Messages Page 718 of 985

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement