When is the 500 officially starting to arrive?

ragingclue · 02-25-2011, 09:51 AM

Hey everyone I was wondering if anyone had solid info on when the 500 is supposed to arrive. My wife and I are going to replace our daily sometime within the next couple weeks, and was thinking heavily about the Fiesta, but if the 500 is supposed to be here soon, I guess I'd consider that as well (she really loves it). Finally saw a US spec one in person at the parking garage at work. It's not all that bad-looking.

Yeah I know the pics are crappy. Took them with my phone with one hand.

gonzo · 02-25-2011, 10:19 AM

You and I have always gotten along well on here but..

I would paint my astro black MCS purple and green before I would drive that thing.

Mine is lowered with blacked out side markers and it looks as mean as an angry straight hairdresser.

There is no way that can hold a candle to an MCS 6 speed.

Dude...it's just flat out fugly. Sorry.

Fiesta all day between the two IMO.

TunedM2C · 02-25-2011, 10:23 AM

^ +1000

ragingclue · 02-25-2011, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

You and I have always gotten along well on here but..

I would paint my astro black MCS purple and green before I would drive that thing.

Mine is lowered with blacked out side markers and it looks as mean as an angry straight hairdresser.

There is no way that can hold a candle to an MCS 6 speed.

Dude...it's just flat out fugly. Sorry.

Fiesta all day between the two IMO.

Well it's more for my wife than for me, and she likes it.

And I wouldn't compare it to the MCS or JCW, just the base Mini.

gonzo · 02-25-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Well it's more for my wife than for me, and she likes it.And I wouldn't compare it to the MCS or JCW, just the base Mini.

Nuf said. End of debate.

ragingclue · 02-25-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

Nuf said. End of debate.

Yeah I almost convinced her of the JCW, which I would love to have, but I'm kinda off-put by Mini's atrocious reliability ratings of late. How has your MCS been so far? Also, how's the mileage?

TMNT · 02-25-2011, 10:37 AM

It wasn't a bad car when I saw it at the DC auto show, but the gas mileage on that little car is pathetic. The interior was bigger than I expected. A lot of driver and passenger space, rear space is ok, but not if you're 6 feet tall.

ragingclue · 02-25-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMNT

It wasn't a bad car when I saw it at the DC auto show, but the gas mileage on that little car is pathetic. The interior was bigger than I expected. A lot of driver and passenger space, rear space is ok, but not if you're 6 feet tall.

It would strictly be a commuter, nothing more. We've got other vehicles for when we need a back seat or to haul stuff. TBH, I'd take the Fiesta a hundred times over this, but since she's the one that'll be using it more often, I don't think it's fair to push her decision one way or the other when she's obviously against it. She absolutely, unequivocally hates the Fiesta even though IMO it's by far the best car in its segment (ok, except for the Fit but I can't stand that thing). She likes the 500. I keep my 335 regardless.

However, if fuel economy is abysmal for such a small and slow car, maybe I'd be able to convince her away from it. I'd also have to look at safety ratings. I guess the point of the thread was to see if anyone knew when it was even going to be available, and depending on that answer, the consideration of this car may indeed be moot anyway.

Cdnrockies · 02-25-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Well it's more for my wife than for me, and she likes it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

Nuf said. End of debate.

I agree with you that it she's going to be driving it then it should be primarily her choice. That being said, is she a car person? Does she like it for reasons other than it being cute?

The reason I ask is I went through this buying process with my wife as well. She had an RX that she loved. Got rid of it and let her choose her next vehicle. Picked the ML. ML's going away because she's bored with it and she's not in love with it anymore.

gonzo · 02-25-2011, 11:01 AM

My 08' MCS has 30K on it and I have had not one single issue. Probably the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. (18 or so)

I get 28.7 mpg in the city with a heavy size 12 on the pedal. Put $20 of premium in it and it goes for long time.

Fold the rears down and I can toss an amazing amount of crap back there.

I am so happy with it, maybe I got a cream puff/reliabilty, I am probably going to buy it at lease end.

ragingclue · 02-25-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdnrockies

I agree with you that it she's going to be driving it then it should be primarily her choice. That being said, is she a car person? Does she like it for reasons other than it being cute?

The reason I ask is I went through this buying process with my wife as well. She had an RX that she loved. Got rid of it and let her choose her next vehicle. Picked the ML. ML's going away because she's bored with it and she's not in love with it anymore.

No, she's not a car person at all. Right now, she's got an RX330. We're getting rid of the RX due to mileage (about to hit 100k). I don't think she puts much stock in the fun to drive aspect of cars. She thinks mine is loud and obnoxious and harsh (I guess it is, relatively speaking), and she can't stand it.

She likes the 500 because it's cute. Plus it would be easier for her to parallel park (which she admittedly isn't the greatest at). TBH, I don't really care what she gets, as long as she's fine with it for the duration and we don't end up taking a bath on it because she's decided she doesn't like it so much anymore. If cuteness and size are the only two things she really cares about, then I guess that's all we've got to go on as far as the considerations go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

My 08' MCS has 30K on it and I have had not one single issue. Probably the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. (18 or so)

I get 28.7 mpg in the city with a heavy size 12 on the pedal. Put $20 of premium in it and it goes for long time.

Fold the rears down and I can toss an amazing amount of crap back there.

I am so happy with it, maybe I got a cream puff/reliabilty, I am probably going to buy it at lease end.

Wow funny that after all the 335 problems, a car with expected lower reliability gives you less problems.... I guess there is hope for me. I had heard people gripe about the mileage, but if you're getting 28.7 with a lead foot, then that's not bad at all; not nearly as bad as I had been lead to believe. I might have to have her reconsider the Mini option....

MediaArtist · 02-25-2011, 11:27 AM

Hmm. In a midget car battle, the Fiesta prevails looks wise, and probably price wise.

ragingclue · 02-25-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MediaArtist

Hmm. In a midget car battle, the Fiesta prevails looks wise, and probably price wise.

And options wise.

And efficiency wise.

And space wise.

More than likely reliability wise.

I like the looks of the Fiesta. I've been waiting for a couple of years for it to come over the pond. She thinks it's hideous.

blue2fire · 02-25-2011, 11:54 AM

No matter how you feel about it when everything is considered, this will look "fresh" for the next few years. The Mini is just a bit stale, having been around for the last 7 years without having evolved much in design. I would definitely give it a second look if i stumble across one.

The Mini does drive like it is made by BMW, very nice and the interior looks novel but is atrocious in ergonomics. I felt it was unacceptable.

ragingclue · 02-25-2011, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2fire

The Mini does drive like it is made by BMW, very nice and the interior looks novel but is atrocious in ergonomics. I felt it was unacceptable.

I absolutely loathe the white dinner plate speedo. It's not as bad in the JCW where it's black or grey or whatever, but the dealer said they could also fit a nav in there once Mini gets their new-found software issues sorted out.

DASHOCKER · 02-25-2011, 12:30 PM

The Abarth version would be fantastic if it ever comes to the states. For a wife who does not care for performance, your choice will do op. Good luck with it.

Artmasterx · 02-25-2011, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DASHOCKER

The Abarth version would be fantastic if it ever comes to the states. For a wife who does not care for performance, your choice will do op. Good luck with it.

The Abarth is coming in 2012... I forgot where I read it but I did... promise...

02-25-2011, 09:51 AM	#1
ragingclue One cam is enough 136 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	When is the 500 officially starting to arrive? Hey everyone I was wondering if anyone had solid info on when the 500 is supposed to arrive. My wife and I are going to replace our daily sometime within the next couple weeks, and was thinking heavily about the Fiesta, but if the 500 is supposed to be here soon, I guess I'd consider that as well (she really loves it). Finally saw a US spec one in person at the parking garage at work. It's not all that bad-looking. Yeah I know the pics are crappy. Took them with my phone with one hand. Attached Images Last edited by ragingclue; 02-25-2011 at 10:26 AM..
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02-25-2011, 10:19 AM	#2
gonzo Lieutenant General 10321 Rep 14,446 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	You and I have always gotten along well on here but.. I would paint my astro black MCS purple and green before I would drive that thing. Mine is lowered with blacked out side markers and it looks as mean as an angry straight hairdresser. There is no way that can hold a candle to an MCS 6 speed. Dude...it's just flat out fugly. Sorry. Fiesta all day between the two IMO. __________________ Crazy Diamond
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02-25-2011, 10:23 AM	#3
TunedM2C Brigadier General 843 Rep 4,190 Posts Drives: 2016 LBB M2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (2)	^ +1000
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02-25-2011, 10:37 AM	#7
TMNT Captain 180 Rep 872 Posts Drives: 330ci ZHP Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	It wasn't a bad car when I saw it at the DC auto show, but the gas mileage on that little car is pathetic. The interior was bigger than I expected. A lot of driver and passenger space, rear space is ok, but not if you're 6 feet tall.
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02-25-2011, 11:01 AM	#10
gonzo Lieutenant General 10321 Rep 14,446 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	My 08' MCS has 30K on it and I have had not one single issue. Probably the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. (18 or so) I get 28.7 mpg in the city with a heavy size 12 on the pedal. Put $20 of premium in it and it goes for long time. Fold the rears down and I can toss an amazing amount of crap back there. I am so happy with it, maybe I got a cream puff/reliabilty, I am probably going to buy it at lease end. __________________ Crazy Diamond
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02-25-2011, 11:27 AM	#12
MediaArtist There is No Substitute 77 Rep 1,186 Posts Drives: Audi A6, 997 GT3 RS, E90 335i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Laguna Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	Hmm. In a midget car battle, the Fiesta prevails looks wise, and probably price wise. __________________ '13 Audi A6 '07 Porsche GT3 RS '08 BMW E90 335i
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02-25-2011, 12:30 PM	#16
DASHOCKER The power of V! 103 Rep 1,971 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe steptronic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Lexus Gs400 [0.00] 2010 ebony & ivory [0.00] 2006 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 pics [0.00] 2009 e92 335 xdrive [0.00]	The Abarth version would be fantastic if it ever comes to the states. For a wife who does not care for performance, your choice will do op. Good luck with it. __________________ 2007 335 coupe Alpine white, steptronic, sportpack, etc. (gone) 2006 X3 3.0 steptronic Titanium Silver, 2009 E92 335xdrive, next.... Caddy CTS_V! 13 Lincoln MKZ? hmmm.
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