I am buying a new daily driver. I already have a 350z to drive in the summer (live 600 miles north of vancouver, bc), but need someting to drive year round. these are the two cars i have narrowed it down to.

I realize most people here would choose the TSX, but tell me why.

 

i personally hates the mini cooper, it's not my taste and i think a guy would never match with the cooper, its too small for men

 

600 miles north of vancouver? where is that? prince george?

need a daily driver? grab the tsx. 4 doors. you already have a coupe. apparently, since its debut, the new mini's still have the same issues/problems with quality control.

new mini's look gay. original ones are hype...

 

I had the exact same choice before me. The latest MINI has a 6AT as a choice, and was absolutely quick in both MT and AT forms. In the MINI S, you get a unique, unarguably classic car that you could personalize, from the factory no less. Performance is better than decent (latest version has 0-60 of 6.5??). On top of that, there is a good, enthusiastic aftermarket for these cars. I was hoping to get one, keep it for quite awhile as a commuter, and upgrade that bad boy with the Aero kit and the JCW kit and call it a day. It would have been nice to surprise some higher powered muscle, both off the line and around corners.....

....but having a 2 year old, and trying to place a car seat back there during the test drive was agony. The car was just too small and unsafe for my present needs, so the value just wasn't there. The acura represented a great value being both practical and sporty at the same time. The test drive did a good job of convincing me too. And through lurking around here, I found out there was good support from the aftermarket.

If you test drive the Acura, don't go thinking that you are going to get the MINI s' driving experience, because you're not. The MINI is a go kart, and is an absolute blast, but it may get annoying after awhile. The TSX is comfortable cruising and carving canyons (or traffic). The MINI would be a great car if I didn't have practical issues I had to deal with. But the TSX happens to hit all the right buttons at this point: luxury, sport, and room for family.

To each his own...

 

Given that you have a 350Z (hard top, I hope), TSX is a no brainer as a daily driver.

OK, here are my reasons.

Yes, Mini Cooper S is very fun and is absolutely a go-kart on steroid (my brother's wife drives a 6MT and I had a chance whipe it around). But it's quite impractical as it can't really fit adults in the backseat. As far as handling and fun factor for both being FWD, TSX isn't really behind the Cooper S. Honestly, Cooper S is somewhat difficult to drive calmly; whereas the TSX can be driven in both calm or "spirited" manner very easily - a good thing for a daily driver.

As I have a 6MT TSX, I will compare its 6MT to the Cooper S 6MT. TSX just so smoothly slips into gears; while Cooper S has a pretty smooth (and amazingly compact due to smart engineering design/packaging) 6MT box, it's just not as smooth as the TSX. A final note, the footwell on the Copper S (probably non-S as well) is so cramp and the padles are soooo tiny. I am not a big guy (~5'9", medium built) but I have problems espeically with the clutch padle. It's so tiny that I was afraid I would break it pressing it!

 

Since you already have a coupe...would you want to consider
Mercedes C class?
The style won't change for another 4-5 yrs and you could probably find one for 30,000 drive out

If just between those 2....TSX of course
the look, the quality (have you seen the interior)
Maybe a lil mod?......it's all good

 

on the MB suggestion

on the lil mod on TSX idea With Hondata reflash, TSX will be more fun than the Cooper S for sure!

 

reason?

 

reason on what? The on MB? The C-class is plain boring to drive... maybe except the AMG but that's only in AT anyway, correct?

 

well i'd say Z is alot more fun to drive than TSX
he is asking for daily driver.....=_=||
So i think he should go for the more luxury class
got to bump up your status man.....

I think S class is fun to drive.....hey even E class is fun for me haha

If you own a sport car.....I don't think you need another sport sedan

btw you should put some reasoning down....
because he come to TSX forum to look for pro and con
I mean the answer is already biased you gotta give him something right?

 

I wasn't comparing the TSX to the 350Z

I love the S class, as the classy looking big luxury sedan that it is. But to me, S class is not about "fun to drive"... well, maybe we even have different defintions of "fun to drive". E is very nice... always love it since its "debut" in MIB2.

OK, back to your C class idea that I gave to. C class is in no way more "luxury class" than TSX; only the MB name has more history and luxury image than Acura, the C class cars are less luxury/equipped than TSX.

I gave my reasons... please re-read my post.

He asks between Cooper S and TSX as a daily driver, which to choose.

I said TSX > Coopers as a daily driver, especially when he has a 350Z for Summer fun. It's not a biased answer. It's an informed answer because I own a TSX and have sat in and driven the Cooper S.

 

so you had misunderstood my whole paragraph

since you were comparing C-class to TSX saying TSX is more fun to drive, I am just pointing out that he already got the Z why would he want another sport sedan.

anyway....mini vs tsx......go for tsx
I personally would take the C-Class......since I feel it's more luxury than TSX.
The brand always matters. I think that's the only reason people getting BMW and Mercedes....

but hey that's just me (representing the non performance crazed people)

btw...for the bias part.....I am saying he come here for a bias answer
most people who come here wouldn't suggest Mini as he stated in his first post.


btw....
I'd say S class will outperform TSX in every category if i am not mistaken XD
I think E class out perform my TSX...(even G35 do it why not a S600 right?)

 

You were bringing up the C-class vs TSX comparison, I didn't want to compare them... I just tried to explain why I wouldn't even consider the C-class, haha...

I recommend TSX to him NOT because it was a sports sedan. I recommend TSX because it was a more fitting daily driver as compared to the Cooper S (that was what he asked for).

OK, at least you admit that you are one of those who would get a Benz, even only a C-class (still sucks even with Sports package or whatever it is called) just because it's one of those German car brands. Can't argue with you on that if you like the brand instead of choosing a car because of the car's own merits.

I think we are people who think very differently about cars. Just the phrases "fun to drive" and "outperform" mean two different things to me, but you have inter-changed the two phrases in your posts, so guess they do mean the same thing to you

Of course S-class, E-class and G35 outperforms the TSX... TSX is by no means a performance car... heck, I don't even like to call the TSX a sports sedan; it can use a bit more hp (or at least what Hondata reflash improves) to be closer as a sports sedan. I was just saying S-class is not really meant to be "fun to drive" as in it's such a big ass long sedan, it's inherently less nimble and less fun taking corners, etc. (BUT by all means, it still handles and performs very well).

Anyway, can't really continue a discussion with a different set of "language"

 

I guess I still don't get why C class is boring to drive as a daily driver?....
Daily drive don't really need to turn really sharp turn in my opinion
and RWD usually handle bettwer than FWD....=_=|||
I don't think they have much size difference either.....

except for low on hp and overchpricing
I'd say BMW and MB always have rather nice and clean interior

I bought TSX is because I think TSX have the most bang for the buck, since I am still 21 and in school.
And If I buy MB I won't be able to mod anything.
So it's basically just depend on personally need.


MB will be more expansive than TSX and he might not even consider it....
so watever...just a thought he can give a try...maybe he'll see the fun driving it while test drive.


The reason it prompt me to reply is you gave a thumb down without given any reason at all
then 2nd post you gave just say well "C class is a boring car to drive"
Which is totally weird to me, since I don't think he buy the car for "FUN" but actually for daily usage.
Also where did I try to compare C-Class to TSX on my first post? haha
I am really lost on your comment over there.
(I actually start comparing on this post right here right??)

 

they are completely different cars, one is a 2 door 4 seater than doesn't have a back seat

one is a 4 door 5 seater with real space at the back

TSX will have an edge in winter driving over the Mini S, and it's much safe to drive around too

 

Good clean comparison, much better job than I did... what a mess I've led to in this thread

 

I am curious as to what kinds of mods are you doing/planning for your TSX?

Your bringing up the C-class has automatically implied comparing it to both the TSX and the Cooper S, simply because those are the two cars asked to be chosen from in this thread... that's just how my logic works in my head

By the way, daily driver does not have to be non-FUN, does it?

Anyway, like I said, you and I have very different values towards cars and even our definitions of "fun to drive" seem to be very different... I really say we leave this at this here. If you want to discuss about what is "fun to drive", we can do that in another thread made for it.

As for discussion on C-class (comparing to TSX or not), we can also do that in another thread... in fact, I am sure there are already threads created for that subject.

Let's wait and see the original poster jmm350z come back and see all these discussions and see if he's interested in talking about the C-class here

 

Already bought the bodykit...it's gonna arrive on 24th
probably installing Tein SS and 18" wheel half yr later or when some deal come up.

I don't want to have CAI or Exaust....both too loud for this car IMO
I would like to get Hondata, but I really don't like the sound of reflash my car's brain haha + it void the most important warranty of this car.

would get header and m3 spoiler tho.....

basically non performance mod.....since i am leaning toward luxury side on this anyway. drop and tire would just give me better handling which that's all I am for.

I don't think I'll have a hard time to pass up usual car on the road with my TSX....
Even though I really really want Hondata XD

 

I owned a MCS back in '02 for speculative purposes, and lately I've been thinking about getting another, now that they've ironed out most of the initial issues.

I've done my best to turn my TSX into a streetgoing go kart like the MCS, but to no avail. You will get a feeling driving the MCS unlike pretty much any other car; I've driven the 350z, and although it it much faster, it also caries a lot more weight, which is also the bane of the TSX from a dynamics standpoint.

But, it's not well suited for daily use if you're looking for a smooth ride or planning on carrying more than one passenger. And contrary to poplular belief, it's not the room back there, which is almost as ample as the TSX. It's actually getting there that's so bad.

Is there a dealer near you? I've read of people in the states traveling 200+ miles for service/warranty work, as the dealers down here are very spread out. I'm lucky; I'm only a few miles from one.

 

I would take TSX as daily anyday, what type of Z do you have track model? performance/base? 6spd or automagic?

 

jmm350z, I am pretty sure that you posted the question and are getting responses from both mini cooper and TSX forums, and I would really like to know what the people at mini forums have to say about the comparison. Can you either post a link here or PM me the link?

My friend placed down a order for Mini cooper S back in April, and car would be delievered next month. He got the premium package and the car costs $30k out of door. I suggested him that it is a lot of money for a very small car, but he argued that is what he is looking for - a small car, since he mainly drives it in L.A. traffic. And I am just interested in seeing what other people have to say about owning a Mini.

For me, I would not mind owning a Mini, if someone decided to give it to me, as a weekend car. Yet, I just think Mini seems too much like a 'toy' car, and spending $20k - $30k on it is just not worth it. I never been inside a Mini, so I don't know about the fun factor sitting or driving in one. I have a lot of fun driving my TSX. TSX is both a daily drive luxury car and weekend sport car. Plus I don't see taking Mini out to a long road trip with friends.

 

I support you, C-Class
I prefer to drive a civic rather than C240

 

Sell the Z, and buy an S4

 

I'm now the owner of both a TSX and a Mini Cooper S (as of Saturday). For a daily driver, I'd choose the TSX any day, however the MCS is incredibly fun to drive. Mine (or really my fiancee's) is stock and is fun to drive (w/ LSD), but its just not as smooth as the TSX. I test drove a Works Cooper at the dealership and I couldn't wipe the grin off my face, its increidlbe. And for a daily driver, if you already have a 2 door sports car, you might as well get something different in the TSX.

Funny, I was browsing NAM yesterday and saw a post by a LannyMCS, I swore it was you

 

Is this a trick question? Are you serious? Mini or a TSX? Just for asking this question, I'm gonna have to say get the Mini Cooper. No! How about a Fiero? there you go....A Pontiac Fiero....Then get the body kit that turns it in to a Ferrariero! That would be way cool dude! Rock on!

 

mini forum

350Z forum

.

 

350Z forum=

 

Man, you must have been looking at some OLD posts . I haven't posted there for a couple of years, although that is my username there.

You probably saw me on MINI2 ................

 

close 100km west, vanderhoof.

 

6spd touring, with volk le37's 19X9.5 front and 19X10.5 rear, toyo t1-s 245/35/19 front and 275/35/19 rear, nismo exhaust, jim wolf technologies intake, alpine and infinity audio.

 

the posts were from 2002 I think, I was searching posts about wheel weights I believe, the 17in s-lites are way too heavy

 

My opinion - get the TSX. For afforementioned reasons like you already have a sports car, not to mention it's a more practical daily driver. If it was between the 2 as your only car and you were comfortable in the Mini I'd say go with that for the fun factor. TSX gets my vote for you bro. Good luck!