Throwing this one out for thoughts/comments since I am thinking of picking up a daily driver. What would you guys do?

 

Cooper S for me... but I am biased.

 

Cooper S for me too, Im biased as well. I have an 07 MCS

 

Between them, the Mini. The R32 is a pig.

I would take the Golf GTI over both though.

 

You're asking in a Mini forum, so the answers are pretty biased. But probably you're looking right for these answers. However, I have a new Cooper S Turbo and I highly recommend it as a daily driver. Pure fun!!!

 

I totally agree about being biased, heck I would too ! Just out of curiousity, what do you think of the R32?

 

Had one, loved it, should never have sold it. It's an all around great cat and in my mind is cooler and more unique than the CS. I say drive them both and see what you like. R32 resale values are insane these days...

 

honesty this is a tough one.
the vw gti with dsg is pretty hot.
if i had to get one between those two considering resale value etc, i would opt for the mini.

 

mini cooper S hehehe

 

Take each one out and toss it around a little. It would definately be a tough decision. Strange, I actually like the look of the previous gen. R32. I'm just not excited about the VW's weight. The one that's the most tossable in the twisties would be my pick.

 

I took the R32 for a spin yesterday and can say I was pretty impressed considering the DSG and no 6 speed. Could use a little more pick-up or added HP to the base 250. Now off to the Mini S to see how it does...

Jeremy mentioned resale value on the R32 and it does look pretty crazy since '04's are going for $26-28k!

 

I'd choose the MCS, but Clarkson really liked the R32, see for yourselves:

BMW 130i vs. VW Golf R32 V
http://www.car2max.com/video/Top%20G...Golf%20R32.wmv

 

i say mini

 

the R53 is a very different car from the new R56. this only complicates the decision. the R53, in my opinion, is more of a "drivers" car, and the R56 is a more refined version (more like a bimmer). drive them all. they are different enough that a test drive should answer most questions.....

 

Verdict is in: R32. Thanks for all comments!

I did have a chance to drive the mini, unfortunetly had paddle shifters not 6 speed. Thought it was tight, very go-kart feeling just felt a little light on the corners. I have to say that overall they are fun little daily drivers, so for now I'm on the list for one of the first candy white R32's to be delivered in San Diego - hopefuly within the next month or so.