Should I trade my MINI for a Legacy? [Archive] - MX5 Miata Atlanta Owners Club

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 06:26 PM

Do you think I should trade my '09 MINI Cooper S for a 2007 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B ?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/IMG_2669.jpg
(Just the MINI)

for this:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll44/norcalag/2007%20Subaru%20Legacy%20Spec%20B%20Gray/DSC_0001.jpg

I'm npt really sure what all is involved in doing a trade, and I havent really got an offer or anything, its more like a thought, if I was able to go to a dealership and find said car. I picked out 07 as I like that body style, taillights, and options for that year. 06 no, 08 no. And I would like the Diamond Grey Metallic. (Or maybe the satin white pearl, or dark dark blue) The MINI was about 27,000, and I have a loan on it for 19,000.

Legacys around the country are running about 24,000 with about 20,000 miles on them. The MINI has approx 4,000 miles on it.

Any input would be appreciated, whether it's info about trading, previous Legacy experience, anything :)

wonton

07-08-2009, 06:32 PM

that legacy is bad ***!

lazybones

07-08-2009, 06:34 PM

I like the mini :(

Stealth97

07-08-2009, 06:35 PM

you go to the dealer, they give you about $5k less than what you could sell your mini for, and you'll loose a ton of money... If that does not bother you then go for it.

Jack-MX5ATLanta.com

07-08-2009, 06:35 PM

I'd take the Suby but that's because I've got a bit of a thing for them. It's also more practical in terms of size. You don't really need two small performance oriented cars.

Georgia Cracker

07-08-2009, 06:37 PM

I have mixed emotions about the BMW Minis, but I suspect a Cooper S is still more fun to drive than a Subaru. Please drive one first, and really wring it out, before you make such a move. I suspect you will find the Mini is far more nimble. But if you just want straight line speed, or a more comfortable ride, the Subaru may be the ticket. I admit to being prejudiced towards smaller and lighter. If I were you I might sell both and get an Elise. But you have to like hairshirts if you have to drive every day.

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 06:37 PM

you go to the dealer, they give you about $5k less than what you could sell your mini for, and you'll loose a ton of money... If that does not bother you then go for it.

Do you think if, pretend, I found a suby at a dealer for $24,000 I could trade straight up with the MINI? Or would more $ be involved?

I have mixed emotions about the BMW Minis, but I suspect a Cooper S is still more fun to drive than a Subaru. Please drive one first, and really wring it out, before you make such a move. I suspect you will find the Mini is far more nimble. But if you just want straight line speed, or a more comfortable ride, the Subaru may be the ticket. I admit to being prejudiced towards smaller and lighter. If I were you I might sell both and get an Elise. But you have to like hairshirts if you have to drive every day.

Maybe I will try to get out and drive a Legacy this weekend to get a more solid idea of what I should do. I have the Miata for nimbleness :) I don't think I would sell both and get an Elise though ;)

Georgia Cracker

07-08-2009, 06:41 PM

Oh and by the way, I'll give you the loan payoff for the Mini....................

Doppelgänger

07-08-2009, 06:41 PM

No.

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 06:43 PM

Oh and by the way, I'll give you the loan payoff for the Mini....................
I'll keep that in mind ;)

No.

Any reasoning behind this?

Doppelgänger

07-08-2009, 06:44 PM

yes.

pirk42

07-08-2009, 06:46 PM

Dealers don't usually trade straight up UNLESS you finance. They need some charges to pay the cost of doing the deal. Basically they need to make money BOTH ways, not just one way. That is just the cost of doing business.

I love both cars. If you have a family though I would get the bigger car. My 6 year old boy loves going for Miata rides, but I don't like to do everyday driving with him in such a small car, especially in the rain or snow.

hope this helps. If you don't have kids, then get whatever the hell you want man.

CaveRacing

07-08-2009, 06:47 PM

In terms of what you'll get as a trade in value on the Mini, I can tell you this....from experience of buying/selling/trading 16 vehicles over the past 17 years, as well as from having friends in the auto sales industry, you can go to KBB.com and get a relatively good idea of what you'll get for your car. When you mark the condition, even if it is in LIKE NEW condition, you must mark GOOD. It isn't excellent. I know...sounds ridic. As far as dealers are concerned EXCELLENT is only on a brand new car. As soon as it leaves the lot, it is considered GOOD when calculating trade value. Start there.

As far as what you can expect to pay for the Subaru, I would use KBB and the Private Party Value. Typically, you can buy from a dealer for around that price, plus tax, tag, title, etc.

That's my .02. Oh, and I like the Subaru. :)

Georgia Cracker

07-08-2009, 06:47 PM

Hush up Doppelganger, I'm trying to get a deal on a Mini here.

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 06:48 PM

yes.

Ok... continue.

Dealers don't usually trade straight up UNLESS you finance. They need some charges to pay the cost of doing the deal. Basically they need to make money BOTH ways, not just one way. That is just the cost of doing business.

I love both cars. If you have a family though I would get the bigger car. My 6 year old boy loves going for Miata rides, but I don't like to do everyday driving with him in such a small car, especially in the rain or snow.

hope this helps. If you don't have kids, then get whatever the hell you want man.

Hmm.. Okay.

No kids ;) So we'll see what happens. Thanks!

In terms of what you'll get as a trade in value on the Mini, I can tell you this....from experience of buying/selling/trading 16 vehicles over the past 17 years, as well as from having friends in the auto sales industry, you can go to KBB.com and get a relatively good idea of what you'll get for your car. When you mark the condition, even if it is in LIKE NEW condition, you must mark GOOD. It isn't excellent. I know...sounds ridic. As far as dealers are concerned EXCELLENT is only on a brand new car. As soon as it leaves the lot, it is considered GOOD when calculating trade value. Start there.

As far as what you can expect to pay for the Subaru, I would use KBB and the Private Party Value. Typically, you can buy from a dealer for around that price, plus tax, tag, title, etc.

That's my .02. Oh, and I like the Subaru. :)

Thanks!

Hush up Doppelganger, I'm trying to get a deal on a Mini here.

haha.

And thanks everyone else so far for your input.

jester911

07-08-2009, 07:01 PM

If the dealership can't make money in the deal then it won't happen. I went to Edmunds and got the trade in value of your car. I realize I don't have all the options etc but it still is close enough. The value of your trade in came up at 20k. Which is barely over your payoff and is under the 24k you say they want for the Suby.

The only way to come out close is to sell your car outright and take the cash to buy the Suby.

scandmx5

07-08-2009, 07:05 PM

do it, damn im late
always loved the legacy!

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 07:07 PM

scandmx5

07-08-2009, 07:09 PM

i will sob the day mia is shunned from the dempsey clan like that, hope it never does! :lol:

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 07:12 PM

i will sob the day mia is shunned from the dempsey clan like that, hope it never does! :lol:

I don't see her leaving "The Stable" anytime soon.

The MINI was sort of one of those impulsive, new car syndrome buys... :-/ I have no allegiance to that car, lol. Not that I hate it, or loath it, it's still a blast to drive, and if I didn't trade it, I wouldn't be upset. I just think I would like a Legacy more. I'll try to find one to test drive this weekend to make a more sound decision.

RotorNutFD3S

07-08-2009, 07:20 PM

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 07:26 PM

Yeah. Test drive one, see if they'll let you do more than the 5 minute drive, and think about what you do and don't like about the Mini and compare.

My $0.02 though, the Mini really seems to fit you personality-wise more than a Legacy would.

Ya, that's my plan of attack, test drive and go from there.
How do you figure on the personality of a cute mini vs a mean looking legacy?

But no matter what you do, you'll still have 2 cars with big scoops in the front. :lol:

This makes me chuckle!

Jack-MX5ATLanta.com

07-08-2009, 07:28 PM

Subaru of Gwinnett used to be the dealership to check out. Not sure what they're up to these days. There was a cool English salesman there.

scandmx5

07-08-2009, 07:28 PM

i've driven one once before
that being said, i'm expecting a thread on dempsey's new car in the near future
cuz i knows his driving style too :lol:

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 07:32 PM

Just incase... Here's some more convincing:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/07snow3.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/252937.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/5-24008.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/DSCN04622.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/DSC_0036m2.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/DSC_1048.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/HLSBlur1.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/SIDEWYS/IMG_3001.jpg

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 07:33 PM

Subaru of Gwinnett used to be the dealership to check out. Not sure what they're up to these days. There was a cool English salesman there.

There's also a newish suby dealer on barrett I may drop by.

i've driven one once before
that being said, i'm expecting a thread on dempsey's new car in the near future
cuz i knows his driving style too :lol:

Hehehe.. :)

Stealth97

07-08-2009, 07:57 PM

I cant say I see the attraction. I think the MINI is great.

metalman

07-08-2009, 08:19 PM

If I was your age I'd sell the Mini, and not replace it with ANY new/newish car.
I'd invest my money in something much wiser. My .02

scandmx5

07-08-2009, 08:20 PM

kurt we're young, investing comes later in life :lol:

metalman

07-08-2009, 08:26 PM

kurt we're young, investing comes later in life :lol:

Uhh wrong grasshopper. Investing later in life is for stupid people that didnt do it when young.

Jack-MX5ATLanta.com

07-08-2009, 08:29 PM

Yeah... Kurt is right. If you want a second practical car you should buy an older Volvo 850/V70 wagon.

metalman

07-08-2009, 08:33 PM

Yeah... Kurt is right. If you want a second practical car you should buy an older Volvo 850/V70 wagon.

:lol: I said nothing of the sort.

I wouldnt even buy any car if I were him. He already has a nice car. ;)

As for Subies, my old man has bought new ones every couple years since the early 70s.
My bro has owned a bunch too. Theyre good cars but BORING. My .02
I would buy one however if I was moving to northern Maine or northern Minnesota etc.
In fact, if moving to northern Maine a Subie would be 1st on the list.

scandmx5

07-08-2009, 08:36 PM

Yeah... Kurt is right. If you want a second practical car you should buy an older Volvo 850/V70 wagon.

+10 for her majesty's moderator
but it doesnt necessarily have to be a wagon
Dempsey+850 T5= WIN!!!!!!

Doppelgänger

07-08-2009, 08:44 PM

IMHO, The Legacy is just kinda boring. I know it's Japanese counterpart is all super bad-***...but we always get the watered down version..and I think it's kinda boring. Sure it has the "muscle", but the MINI just seems more precise.

The MINI can look equally as mean...

http://img2.pict.com/eb/c9/03/1100355/0/800/dsc0034aj.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/380118131_3e42a31798.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y249/danhurwitz/Mini/245s/19.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/coendek/IMG_0801.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3233851624_2cc306e846_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/3192135887_5c7b21a5ef_b.jpg

JennB

07-08-2009, 08:46 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/Jenndawg7/D40-1.jpg

Stealth97

07-08-2009, 08:47 PM

those are nice. I'd have a Mini If I wasn't so damn cheap.

metalman

07-08-2009, 08:52 PM

Yep, Mini's can be mean... :D

LagunaRoadster

07-08-2009, 09:06 PM

Oh I definitely think a MINI can be worked on a bit to look pretty sharp.
JCW Body kit + coil overs + wheels = win...
but wait, thats about an extra $5,000 - $6,000.
Selling the MINI, and then buying a Legacy... no money out of current pockets.

JennB

07-08-2009, 09:09 PM

Mine was pretty bad *** and didn't cost me anywhere near that ;)

scandmx5

07-08-2009, 09:14 PM

Mine was pretty bad *** and didn't cost me anywhere near that ;)

is that yours (red w/ 'time-attack' rims)

mustangtomiata

07-08-2009, 11:56 PM

Sawyer

07-09-2009, 02:03 AM

Stephen, that's so weird that you posted this. Steve and I were planning on going to look at Legacy Spec-Bs on Saturday! Maybe we could all go?

Oh, and I looooove the Legacys so I would do it. If I were in the market for another car, that would be up there near the top of the list.

LagunaRoadster

07-09-2009, 05:43 AM

I dont think a mini will ever look as BA as a sube. I would go Legacy all the way, just a good package. If i had the money I would jump on it. My dad almost bought a legacy instead of the GTO but wanted to stick with american RWD stuff. A corvette was also in the mix but he decided he wanted the back seat even though its only me and him :dunno:

ya, I definitely think they look sharp. I kick myself for not just hunting one down instead of buying the MINI... Lol.

Stephen, that's so weird that you posted this. Steve and I were planning on going to look at Legacy Spec-Bs on Saturday! Maybe we could all go?

Oh, and I looooove the Legacys so I would do it. If I were in the market for another car, that would be up there near the top of the list.

aww sweet! It's a date then. We can all go hunt down some Spec Bs on Saturday. I'll get in contact with ya'll on Friday to arrange riding and meeting up. We can all pack in the MINI if ya'll want.

Sawyer

07-09-2009, 07:27 AM

That works for me! I actually fit quite nicely in the back of a MINI. :p

MeFryRice

07-09-2009, 07:29 AM

So strange man. Like LB said, we were discussing different cars last night and she really likes the Spec B after looking at them in person.

I like the Mini but I prefer the Spec B over it. I doing some research last night and they are EASILY capable of 400whp with a couple bolt-ons and a tune. Talk about an awesome sleeper. ;)

But yeah, give me a shout and we can meet up to look at them. I also want to look at the '07 Forester XT.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/Subaru-Forester-XTI%20555.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/1838/1921/29593460001_large.jpg

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/ForesterSTi2.jpg

metalman

07-09-2009, 09:34 AM

Forrester? Legacy? :lol: My dad loves these...and owns them.
Of course hes 87 years old so theyre perfect for him...utilitarian, ugly as ****,
yet reliable and roomy for carrying other blue hairs around. ;)

In all honesty, I dont think the styling has moved very far in the last couple or three decades either. :D
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3651220055_b0c4aeb25a.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3662504721_ab92834cee.jpg?v=0

BFH miata

07-09-2009, 11:48 AM

no one has mentioned the fact that there aren't many legacy's on the roads down hear in GA... there is something to be said for driving a car that you don't see all the time.

metalman

07-09-2009, 11:52 AM

no one has mentioned the fact that there aren't many legacy's on the roads down hear in GA... there is something to be said for driving a car that you don't see all the time.

Thats because the old fogies in retirement areas and those stuck in 40 below zero weather with icy 8 inch deep pothole infested roads buy most of them. :lol:

I am kind of joking...yet serious. There is actually some truth to it.
Where my parents used to live in a LARGE retirement area of 70-100 yr olds its considered the "Ferrari Enzo"
In northern Maine Subies are one of the few cars that dont shred ball joints etc within a few months.

mustangtomiata

07-09-2009, 01:59 PM

One of my buddies has an sti with bolt ons and a tune and makes 300 whp and 366 wtq. Don't get equal length headers though they ruin the sound.

Georgia Cracker

07-11-2009, 04:30 PM

So, did anybody buy a Subaru today?

LagunaJames

07-11-2009, 09:16 PM

friend of mine has a Legacy that he put a fmic, bigger turbo, injectors, coilovers, and a tune. its a sweet ride and a pretty good sleeper. nice and quiet, but turns good autox times and hauls *** in the 1/4 mile

MeFryRice

07-12-2009, 12:00 AM

So, did anybody buy a Subaru today?

Stephen test drove an '08 Spec B at Gwinnett Subaru and there are not any '07 Forester XT's for sale in the state of GA so obviously I haven't even had a chance to drive one.

LagunaRoadster

07-12-2009, 08:17 PM

Hmmm... I was not impressed with driving the Legacy (08 Spec B). The MINI stays for the time being. :)

mustangtomiata

07-13-2009, 02:23 AM

Well you could by the legacy for me then! :) :lol:

CaveRacing

07-13-2009, 06:03 AM

Hmmm... I was not impressed with driving the Legacy (08 Spec B). The MINI stays for the time being. :)

Was there anything in particular that you may have been expecting that it didn't give you? Or was it just overall kind of "blah."

Georgia Cracker

07-13-2009, 07:13 AM

Few cars are as nimble as a Mini or a Miata. After you drive either you will find other cars big and floppy, heavy feeling. The generic interior of a Subaru probably did help, either.

MeFryRice

07-13-2009, 07:28 AM

That's what I was saying. We're all used to driving small cars so getting into anything with 4-doors is going to feel big.

LagunaRoadster

07-13-2009, 09:23 AM

It just seemed as you would have to drive the Legacy really hard to get the same effect of speed as you do in the MINI. (If that makes sense) It did feel a lot less nimble, and heavy as well.

JDM88

07-13-2009, 09:26 AM

Well it is a completely different type of car. You've already got the nimble thing knocked out with the Miata. Having said that, the Suby does lack a bit of character in its stock form.

MeFryRice

07-13-2009, 11:51 AM

Yes but it also has a lot of potential.

Georgia Cracker

07-13-2009, 11:57 AM

Personally, I like the sensation of speed as much or more than actual speed. I gave up a long time ago thinking I could have the fastest of anything. So now I just want what is the most fun to drive. Keeping my license is also good, a Corvette will go really fast, but you have to drive so fast just to FEEL like you are going fast that I probably would not keep my license a week.

caseyfoster

07-13-2009, 03:46 PM

Suby 100 percent. Legacy sti! do it!

mustangtomiata

07-13-2009, 04:44 PM

Best of both worlds. STi swap the Mini.

Jack-MX5ATLanta.com

07-13-2009, 04:45 PM

2.5RS with Turbo?1!

mustangtomiata

07-13-2009, 04:58 PM

no no mini with turbo.

LagunaRoadster

07-13-2009, 05:06 PM

The MINI is already turbo ;) If only there was an AWD kit for the new ones...

mustangtomiata

07-13-2009, 05:08 PM

I meant mini with AWD boxer turbo. Sorry for ths vagueness

LagunaRoadster

07-13-2009, 05:15 PM

I meant mini with AWD boxer turbo. Sorry for ths vagueness

oh, no worries. AWD Boxer motor would be so WIN in that car.... I enjoy it, but not enough to dump that sorta $ to make that all happen in that car.

mustangtomiata

07-13-2009, 05:45 PM

Yeah but we always have our dreams.

LagunaRoadster

07-13-2009, 06:11 PM

Yeah but we always have our dreams.

very true. (Ariel Atom)

Georgia Cracker

07-13-2009, 06:36 PM

Well, you could get a rusty classic Mini and send it to the boys in Royston for a VTEC CRV 4wd install. Theirs is quite impressive.

LagunaRoadster

07-13-2009, 06:53 PM

Well, you could get a rusty classic Mini and send it to the boys in Royston for a VTEC CRV 4wd install. Theirs is quite impressive.

That would be pretty sweet. I've read the write ups and such, and LOVE the look of the older minis.

JDM88

07-13-2009, 09:16 PM

Lol I would take a gc/gm chassis suby everyday of the weak over any mini. But that's just me. Two door coupe turbo suby with a wing so huge you could land a plane.

LagunaRoadster

07-13-2009, 11:12 PM

Lol I would take a gc/gm chassis suby everyday of the weak over any mini. But that's just me. Two door coupe turbo suby with a wing so huge you could land a plane.

I like the 2 door subys :)

mustangtomiata

07-14-2009, 12:52 AM

vtec mini FTW big time. 3.3 0-60

LagunaJames

07-14-2009, 07:42 AM

lazybones

07-14-2009, 09:54 AM

http://i32.tinypic.com/11kxsfk.jpg

MeFryRice

07-14-2009, 09:56 AM

:lol:

Sawyer

07-14-2009, 10:02 AM

Haha aww poor MINI.. :lol:

mustangtomiata

07-14-2009, 10:03 AM

that might be the only time in the world that vtec and FTW are allowed to be used in one sentence.

any thoughts as to another DD? Do you have a budget or is it one of those vague sliding scales of cool/$ ratios. You want something already finished or another project car? Anything you hate?

LOL I think this was directed towards me? And I can appreciate and see the joy is almost any car when it really has a lot of time in it and the end result produces good results.

http://i32.tinypic.com/11kxsfk.jpg

I sh*t my pants laughing at this.