Mini or Smart?

[Oggle]

I'm in a real dilemma here. I've always loved the Mini but didn't plunk down the $ to buy because I was saving my money...

Well now it seems I can't resist it anymore, so I'm seriously contemplating the Mini... That's until I saw the Smart at a local meet. I've seen them all over the place in Taiwan when I visited, and have loved them ever since. I'm in California btw.

Here's the dilemma. I don't know which to get!

Pros (Smart):

- Rare. Gets more attention than a Mercedes SL65!
- Gas efficient. 40-50mpg
- Cheaper than Mini (I believe)
- Resale value is high

Cons (Smart):

- Probably no warranty, hard to find repair shops in the States
- 56 measly HPs
- Won't handle that well, compared to a Mini

Pros (Mini):

- Fast and handles well
- Interior is nicer than the Smart
- Warranty
- Resale is high, but not as high as a Smart I believe

Cons (Mini):

- Not as rare as the Smart
- Pricier


Ok, without turning this into a flame thread or brand bashing, could you all give me some input on this?

[satisfiedmind]

Test drive a MINI and I think you will know the answer. For me it was between a five year old BMW 330i and a MINI. I test drove both and sure the BMW was a lot of fun but taking the first corner on the MINI made up my mind.
I know Smart cars are rarer down south but here in Canada after there was more then one no one bothered to look twice.

[Paul]

Smart?!

*shudders*

Don't do it. I did (as a cost saving measure) and I've regretted ever since. Not good build quality, lots of issues with it, over here the company and dealer network are dreadful, never gets anywhere near the stated MPG......



Soon to be back in a "proper car", soon to be back in a MINI!

[happihana]

smart has been around in germany for many years.. when i visited there about 5 years ago it was all over the place in german. and my dad's friend (a german guy) didnt like that car cuz its too slow! everytime he sees smart he was too busy to pass all the times. ( he had a ford car.. ) i personally liked the looks and my dad even told me that he would ship it to where i live.. but of course he didn't! =P but after couple years i saw mini.. i fell in love with it.. i've wanted it for 3 years and finally got it! and so happy that i waited!! =) there will be no regrets if u get mini.. remember! u get what u paid for! and i don't think mini is very pricy.. if ur in dilemma between smart and mini.. u wouldn't spec out mini so much.. then u can get it around 20k

[Klayre]

Having driven both, I can tell you the only benefit of the Smart is that it's easier to park. The Mini handles better, is quicker, looks better (in my opinion) and for motorway driving, you really don't want a Smart. The earlier ones only have a max speed of 85mph! Not that I'd do that kind of speed of course, but you get my point...

[bubblegoose]

MINI... all the way.
More reliable.
Better dealer network.
Better customer service.
Better drive.
Just all round a better product....

[Ginger]

I own both and like them in different ways.

The Smart is surprisingly good to drive and easy to park. Plus, there's a similar owner following to the MINI. Downsides are expensive servicing (even at specialists!) and expensive parts ( i'm not going to mention how much it cost to get through the MoT this year!! ) .

The MINI is a great driver's car and all-rounder. Even after the Smart I still get a buzz from driving it.

I was considering buying a Roadster in the Summer, but I am not sure now. Plus, I'm not a fan of the Four-Four.

G

[Paul]

Personally I'd avoid the Roadster like the plague, but that's only from my experience of the smart roadster and the dealerships, and the people at the top.

[pocketrocketowner]

Currently own both. The Smart (Fourtwo) is a TOWN ONLY car. It will not hold a cruising speed of 120 KPH unless the terrain is totally flat or downhill.
Yes it is nice, but for a single purpose, big city traffic/parking. If that is your application, knock yourself out. If not, best ponder the decision a little longer.

[m19dut]

I had a smart four two brabus before i bought a new cooper last month. I only had the Smart for 6 weeks. I never felt safe in it. I was always worried going around corners. It is not particularly comfortable although there is a suprising amount of space in the cockpit. I haven't regretted a single thing since changing. Smarts look fun but you cannot have the same driving fun as you can in a MINI.

I LOVE MY MINI!!!!!!!!!

[colin guy]

I will hand it to Smart with their new Brabus ForFour using the new 177bhp engine, and their mid-engine design in the Roadster. However, I would much prefer a Mini. I find them to retain that Europian style and flare, and yet deliver a performance machine (where as first glance, all I see in Smart is one plastic pannel after another).

One thing to note though, is that here in Canada (specifically Ontatio), we're not so much concerned about a compact, space and fuel efficent vehicle as the countries in which this target group is aimed at, and build in for that matter; but rather an allround economical alternative to the domestic brands that will aid in our pocketbooks from becoming empty.

Clearly I can't speak for everyone, but in my situation a Mini is where it is. Even if I lived in the city, a Mini is plenty compact enough for me.

[mendel williams]

If u buy a Smart Roadster then u will need a Binsac to collect all the bits that fall off as the build quality is CR*P
Test drive the Mini and u will BUY

[Paul]

Why did you not tell me this BEFORE I bought mine?!

[Mosco]

Oggle,

Take some time and do some more research if you are trying to decide between the two. Besides both being small, the cars have little in common. The are truly two separate classes of cars.

You mentioned that you "saw" a smart car. Get out and find a place to test drive. Drive both cars and do a bit more research. Once you set your priorities of what you want, the decision of which car to get will probaby be obvious.

[MiniCooperS]

I know that later Smarts have awful reliablity but personally I have had no probs in 5.5 years of ownership. Don't think I will ever say that about our MINI. Absolute heap of ****. Thankfully now part-exed. Unfortunately to be replaced with another next month.