PLEASE HELP ME

Here OP, this is outstanding evidence as to why the vehicle this guys doesn't like isn't very good, and the one he does like is very good.
You should pay attention to this guy.

Bias or not, I still appreciate the input. I can understand what he is getting at - the cooper s is a fast version of an economy car. The 350z was built to be a sports car from the very first moment.

>The 350z was built to be a sports car from the very first moment.

And a shitty excuse for a sports car it is.

It weighs, what, 3500lbs?

More of a cramped GT tourer than real sports car.

Do you want to drive your car or watch it sit in the shop 2/3 of the time?
If you absolutely insist on getting a Mini, get a 1st-gen and it must be a manual.
Be aware that when something does break (and it will), it will not be a cheap fix. They are the biggest pain in the dick to work on and parts are expensive, at least here in the US.
Another thing to keep in mind if you get a Cooper S is that the supercharger uses its own oil and it takes 5 hours to change it.
If you decide on a 2nd-gen Cooper S, change the oil religiously every 5k mi. (8k km). If you don't, the engine will develop a death rattle due to the shitty plastic timing chain guides breaking apart. They take about 9 hours to replace. They're also notorious for thermostat flange leaks so it'd be a good idea to change coolant every year or two.

Tl;dr - Minis are not cheap cars to own unless you do all of your own everything.

t. Sometimes-Mini technician.

The 03s and 04s are not good engines for the Z's, no variable timing on the exhaust side only intake, they consume oil higher than regular, most likely already has a leaking valve gasket, 6500 rpm max. Get a REV up or an HR. HR is the golden engine.

Anyways the coop is kinda fun to drive but it's a piece of shit inside and out, something always breaks on them. 350z is actually fun to drive, turn the traction control off and the car easily rotates with just throttle control, the interior isn't great it's not bad but it's basic and boy racer. I couldn't even find an unmolested 350z so I ended up buying a 6mt 06 g35 coupe, same car with more luxary.

In
>Hurrrrrr I use auto convertible curb weight as a metric for all Zs

This looks like a basic package, no brembos, no sport suspension, is it auto?

Actually a 350Z isn't that much lighter, 3300-3400lbs. My biggest problem with them is how the steering and whole car lacks feel. It feels bigger and heavier than it actually is until you're on the very edge of the car's limit. Then it just feels nervous and uncomposed.

I personally wouldn't get either OP, and look for a used older Evo/STi, or M3.

>personally, I wouldn't get either
>just look for these examples that are completely out of your price range
Great job!

>Why not a FG or VX Falcadore?
He obviously doesn't want a bogan barge.