[mikkol]

I'm looking a small die-cast model that I'll probably stick it on the dashboard (if it fits). So I want to find the one that's best made. A bit of research gave me a few big names, Corgi, Maisto, Kyosho, Burago, AutoArt. Since I just saw them online, it's hard to tell whether they are good or not. Any experts here?

[AprilWhine]

Can't beat Kyosho. I have a 1:18 that is correct right to the emerald green interior. Of course, it was quite a bit pricier than the Maisto or Hot Wheels.

[COOPERation]

1:18 scale on the dash would be a bit large...nice hood ornament though.

[6f7]

Not an expert, but a friend of mine got me a 1/43 b&w MINI Cooper from AutoArt. It is by far the nicest and most acurate die cast model I have seen--complete with all the silver interior trim, speedo, rear defrost strips..etc, at 1/43! You won't be dissappointed.

[tburt]

Maisto by far, I have 2 of them, and the details are great. It looks better than the $120.00CDN ones that MINI sell.

[mikkol]

Cool thanks for the suggestions guys. The Kyosho ones do look cool esp. it has a sunroof.. and so do IXO's! Unfortunately they don't have my car's color (Silver on Black top).. I wonder how big are the 1/18 and 1/43?

[Dennis77]

Buy Kyosho or an AutoArt model. They´re really good. I´ve got one Maisto, too.
IMO Maisto compared to Kyosho or AutoArt is like a Fiat compared to a Mini.

[mikkol]

Oh 1/18 seems too long to fit on the dashboard hehe :O Seems like most people suggest AutoArt/kyosho... I better look for a good 1/43 deal on online then! Thanks guys

[Chris Williams]

I am very impressed by the Maisto model I have. Its detailed and ideally for me the exact replica of my car...which is good because a lot of the red and white Chili Cooper's have white wheels.

Regards
Christopher

[cooper4us]

Without a shade of a doubt, AutoArt makes the BEST 1/18 scale MINI Cooper replica. This model is simply exquisite in execution and details.....photo etched engine parts, carpeted interiors, fully detailed undercarriages, fully plumbed and wire engines, metal chassis (Not plastic like the Maisto's or Bburagos).

AutoArt will soon release a 1/18 scale replica of the MINI Cooper 'S'.

The 1/18 AutoArt MINI Cooper retails for about US$70.00.

In the realm of 1/18 models, the Japanese Kyosho MINI Cooper models come at second best. They are also excellent but the AutoArt still beats them in overall precision and execution but both are almost close matches.

The 1/18 Maisto MINI Cooper models areexcellent for the amateur collector. they are cheap and offer very good details and finish for the money. However, these models are not in the same league as the Kyoshos and AutoArt. The Maistos are somewhere in between a toy and collector's model. the Kyosho and AutoArt models are strictly hobby collector pieces. That explains their nearly US$50.00 price difference.

If you prefer high quality 1/43 MINI Cooper models I also exho recommendations made for the AutoArt, MiniChamps (Made in Germany) and IXO models. These manufacturers make replicas of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper 'S'. The MiniChamps models are excellent IMO and can be had for about US$30 to US$35 a piece, again not cheap but these pieces are not toys either.

The 1/18 replicas of the MINI Cooper made by Bburago (Italy) and Solido (France) are nice but are pretty crude in details and execution. They are more toys than serious collector pieces. Stick to the Maistos if on a budget better.

Revell of Germany makes a 1/12 Scale replica of the MINI Cooper (CR/W) and retails for about US$99.00. I have never seen it in person, but I have read very mixed reviews about the quality of this piece.

I am a 1/18 and 1/43 scale die-cast car collector and currently have a pretty nice collection of different models. One of my favorite internet die-cast sites are:

www.exoticar.com


Cheers!

[AprilWhine]

Thank you! The hubby is starting to collect 1:18 cars, and I was not familiar with AutoArt. I'll have to do some birthday shopping on that web site!

[Dennis77]

I´ve seen the Revell Cooper 1:12.

First of all; it´s huge. But for a model-car of this size, the details are very poor.
Which I can´t understand. It´s more easy to build a high detailed model, the higher the scale is.

I would recommend not to buy an Revell 1:12, until you´ve hold it in your hands. The same with the 1:18 Revell cars.

[cooper4us]

I might add, that the MINI Cooper die cast replicas currently sold in MINI dealerships (1/18,1/24,1/43, 1/67 scales) aremade by Kyosho of Japan, not AutoArt or Maisto.

[cooper4us]

www.minimania.com is also selling a very nice BRG/W MINI Cooper (Die cast) on scale 1/43 for about $20. The model is made by Corgi of Britain. Corgi's are toys but they have nicely finished models in 1/43 scale.

Also if interested,you can get Mr. Bean's green Classic Mini in 1/43 scale also made by Corgi. Nicely detailed right down tothe funky black color contrasting hood and the exterior pad lock on the driver's side.

A must for any MINI aficionado.

[cooper4us]

Kyosho also makes some very nice 1/18 scale Classic Mini replicas. Check 'em out.