Mazda RX8

I believe Mini has something like 8-12 models in the pipeline. Also, they're as sustainable as BMW's cash flow and knobs willing to pay $20k+ for a $15k car.

RE: the RX8, I've seen a few on the road lately and I've concluded that they look okay everywhere except in the middle. How the front and the rear are joined together looks odd to me, a bit like a stretch sportscar.

Mike

Mini is catering to a market that BMW doesn't cater to - and is catering extremely effectively. (If my family circumstances were different, I would own a Mini; I would NEVER own a BMW if I had to pay for it. If I got a free one though ).

The new mini is selling very well, and (I believe) there is still a sizeable waiting list to get the Cooper S.

It seems like a pretty secure plan to my eyes

ag

Points taken, but I can't help wondering how much "life" the Mini name and concept has in it. Logically, the whole Mini fad (it seems like a fad to me- silver interiors, cute styling) will pass. They need to redesign, nay reinvent themselves say, every 4-5 years to keep fresh, no?

It's interesting that a company with "one" car can compete. Does so much ride on the mystique and nameplate; that it's a Mini?

Obviously I have no clue how big business works.

Mike, what Mini is aiming to build is something more than a brand- a lifestlye based on driving for the sake of enjoyment (a foreign concept in the US). Think Harley Davidson. If they are successful, and they have been to date, that could have very long legs.

Meanwhile...

Does anyone know if the RX8 was named as such because a future 2-door RX7 is in the works? I would like one of those.

Hang on chaps. The mini has been around as a brand for approx 40 years. I believe it went out of production for a large slice of this time, but as a 'concept' it's been around for longer than most of us nd this latest model is a relaunch to capitalise on that undoubted brand value.

Given the increase in congestion levels (I have no idea if this is a problem in the US), the stupid high price of petrol over here and the impossibility of parking in many big cities the notion of a small (ish), economical (ish), fun (??) and highly sylised car is an almost surefire winner. Even the new Beetle sells because it falls into this category, and that is a big girly pile of poo!

I might download the original Italian Job in tribute to this car!

ag

Algers, to clarify- I was speaking in regards to Mini in the US (and perhaps Canada?). I was also speaking based on memory of a WSJ story several months ago, which detailed their North American marketing strategy. I have no idea Mini's brand equity in Europe.

Ludders



ag

There must be a site that features pictures of Minis that were hit by super sized McSUVs.

Sorry for going OT. I'm jealous of all you cool car driving people.
Nowhere is it written "Thou shall not covet thy neighbours Forester XT".

quote:

---

Originally posted by NB:
Quote:-

Mike (the former owner of the most unreliable car everto come from Japan
--------------------------------------------------------------


I bet its not as unreliable as my Supra, I have never claimed my RAC non call out bonus!


Regards


NB

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The AA and my local garage were very understanding over approximately three years. Typically the thing packed up just after coming out of warranty. In the end a combination of my local garage and Toyota took pity on me and ceased charging for the investigative and corrective work they carried out but oh what a long drawn out pain.

I have particularly fond memories of a drive from Paris to Toulose when the damn thing refused to start each time after stopping - the cure was to rock the car on the clutch until it fired.

Why on earth did I not sell it? I actually liked it - swift, decent handling, and comfortable.

Mike

Mike,

What car did you own?

Regards

NB

quote:

---

I believe it went out of production for a large slice of this time

---

Not quite. It was in production from 1959 until 2000 with over 5 million sold and 120 models. Not bad for an inside-out sardine tin.

I completely agree that the MINI is trading off its predecessor's name and that image, but only in a very contrived way. We'll go off the new one (just as soon, I hope, that dull 30-somethings go off Audi TTs) when we realise that it looks like Noddy should be driving it and that it really isn't that small. Overall, am not really convinced.

Just had a quote for leasing a new Mazda. £374 a month.

Is this good or bad?

Regards

NB

What are the conditions - mileage allowance etc?
It sounds pretty good if the mileage allowance is high. The lease rates are likely to be good because of the projected residuals.

Quote:-

88,000 miles over 48 months, 3 payment in advance. The balance of 47 rentals commences 1 month after delivery
Includes : Road Fund Licence:
_______________________________________________________________________________



Sounds pretty good to me!

Regards

NB

Top Gear 23/11/03

Clarkson: 'Best Car I have driven this year'

Hmmm! Is this a good or bad thing ?

DS

OTD - Harthouse Chapter 8

quote:

---

Originally posted by NB:
What car did you own?

Regards

NB

---

NB

It was a Celica GT4

Mike

I had a sit and fiddle about in one today with the Wife, got management approval, going for a test drive on Thursday.

DS

ITV - Various Artists - K7! retrospective

David,

Do you shop for cars like you do for records? It's just that I had this image of you going to the dealer and coming back with a fleet of them....

nick.lees at btinternet.com

I just had the image of him fiddling with his wife in the car on the garage forecourt.

I'll get my coat

Tom

Nick /Tom

Very

I will get the car transporter to drop them off outide!

I don't think it will be very easy to fiddle with one's The Wife or significant other, because of the low slung seats and high transmission tunnel, but there you are.

DS

ITC - Ilsa Gold - UP!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by David Slater:
the low slung seats and high transmission tunnel/QUOTE]
Now that's a charming way to talk about a woman.

Alan

Alan

Faarngh Faarngh

(if that's how to spell it?)

DS

OTD - TG - After cease to exist soundtrack

Very pleasant test drive, am now looking to order one with the extra bits. (Just one)

DS

ITC - Phillip Glass - Nygaturrua (or something like that)

Before you buy a Mazda, I suggest you try a Mitsubishi Evo VIII FQ300. I bought one and certainly have not wanted to bother looking at Hi-Fi forums for the past year.

malcolm

David,

did you test drive anyting else or was it just the Mazda?

I am also considering the new Nissan 350 and will be arranging a test drive in the new year.

The Nissan has it on looks and performance!


Regards


NB