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Fit vs. MINI
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Comments
Handling: Mini wins, Fit very close behind
Power: Tie? Not enough difference to make a difference
Transmission: Apples and oranges. Mini clutch is a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] from a stand still. Mini's lack of a lockout for reverse has allowed me buzz reverse when shifting (sloppily) from 5th to 4th. Shifting the Mini into reverse requires engaging the clutch in neutral about 50% of the time. Fit A/T w/paddles provides essentially the same control with less effort.
Ride: Not even close. The Mini rides like wooden wheeled cart. Drive over a grain of sand and you feel the jolt.
Ergonomics: Fit wins easily. Mini A/C/ventilation/defrost/heater controls are still confusing, I still have to look to see what button to push. The row of switches for the windows control, locks, etc. - same issue as the A/C, you have to memorize which switch does what or look. The Mini's speedometer is the size of a dinner plate and in the middle of the dash - for what reason? Fit seating is more comfortable and keeps me in place better. The door "armrest" in the Mini is unusable as such.
Interior room: The Fit has way more room. With me driving the Mini (I'm 6' 5") you want to be a double amputee if you are going to sit behind me as there is less than zero clearance between the rear seat and the front seatback. I am reasonably comfortable in the back seat of the Fit with the front seat all the way back.
Reliability: I will assume the Fit is going to be better. The Mini is a POS. 35K and it's had rattles, groans, whines, three repairs of the airbag system, rack and pinion and steering column replacement, a breakdown on the freeway because of A/C related failure.
Economy: Fit wins - better gas milage, regular gas, lower price, about equal depreciation and see: Reliability above.
Intangibles: I like the looks of the Fit better, but they are both aquired tastes. The Fit may be an improvement as other Fit drivers won't be waving at me.
In theory, I think you are absolutely right. Honda buyers buy BECAUSE of the practicality, whereas many Mini (haha) buyers ignore (in large part) practicality in the face of something cute with so-called "sophisitication."
Problem for people who don't know what bloodline a Mini stems from, is that you can't take them to see your new Mini and say "don't you just love the sophistication and prestige?" I can do that in a Honda, except with the "isn't the magic back seat a neat idea?" Prestige is nothing but an abstract idea in my mind, so buying something that is supposed to impress is pointless to me. I need to be impressed by the product, not the definition of the product.
I don't buy the brand, I buy the car. Many people buy a combination of both, and that's ok too!
Dorky styling though. :sick:
My life loves the mini, she used to like the fit, but has always wanted a mini, so we will probably get a next gen mini when i save up enough for a downpayment.
She doesn't have anything against the fit, the mini is more her thing. Different folks, different strokes. At least she doesn't get into any 'mine is better' arguments!
I like them both for different reasons. They are TARGETED to different audiences. Drive what you like and play nice. (i had to learn too.) fin de cuenta.
DrFill
Yep, who came up with that idea? lol
The new Mini, though, is hands-down better. No contest. But it does cost more money.
Here, we are comparing them on more of a equipment/handling/looks level.
But most people who are in the market for a cheap car like the fit(cheap pricewise that is) probably wouldn't seriously consider a mini, for some people even a 2k difference is just not doable.
I just looked up availability locally. I had not looked in some time. There are waaaay more Fits out there for sale, even if HALF of the ones listed are sold already. When I looked around new years, all had been presold but unfortunately listed and giving me false hope. Nowhere within 100 mile radius was an MT.
NOW there are MTs listed, and that is where my price comparison starts. I know shipping went up after new year (I already locked in at lower amt) and the prices TODAY reflected not just MSRP but exactly the new shipping fee listed as well.
ie I paid 15170 for mt Sport and now add 595 shipping and you get the 15765. I think the AT added 800 (?) and the listings for ATs reflects that 800 difference.
I can only hope these arent jack ups and are merely a listing with the inclusion of shipping.
but germans are picky. my vw doesn't ask for premium tho.
those mpg figures are crazy! def not what they get here in the states....
My wife wants to get one, but after our experience with the rabbit, she is shying away from 'realativley costly to maintain' german vehicles, and leaning towards a honda element.