I’ve become infatuated with these little cars and I’m wondering if any of you have any experience or thoughts with them…both good and bad. Thanks.
I think BMW is the US sales agent. They llok fun. can i use it at Ironamn?
only in the wheelchair division
.
Doug Stern was trying to sell one at some point this year - you might want to pm him.
Do not own myself but worked for the agency that did their advertising. I know probably 50 people that own and love them.
And if this says anything, my ex traded in a Porsche Boxster S for a Cooper S with absolutely no regrets. If you get one, get a Cooper S, though. And the premium sound system.
Wow. We seem to have been teleported to the Lavender Room.
That’s nuts. My dad has a Porsche Boxster S and my littel sister has a mini Cooper S. I’ve driven both a lot. I’ll grant you that the mini is a fun, fun car. It is great in turns and it has terrific acceleration.
There is no substitute for a Porsche. I drive that car for an afternoon in the summer with the top down and I’m smiling all week. The engine, handling, feel…it is a night and day comparison.
Given that the Boxster S is 2.5 times the cost of a Cooper S, I’d hope it would be a more satisfying experience. For the money, what’s your take on the Mini?
I think it is a great car. FWIW, I am 6’3 and I had plenty of legroom in the drivers seat, which was a bit of a suprise for me. When I sit in the passenger seat I am kinda cramped. My sis got it when she moved to Chicago thinking it would be easy for her to park and move about in traffic and it has been perfect for her. If you can deal with a small backseat, you should enjoy the car completely. I love the engine. It really is a blast to drive and it performs exceptionally well.
I have had a Mini S for about 2 years now and love it. Most of my trips are one or maybe two people and it works great for that. Occasionally a third person gets stuck in back but only for short trips. I usually keep the back seats folded down so that there is more trunk space but its personal preference.
Someone mentioned the upgraded sound system (which I have) but wish I would have spent the $600 at a local shop and gotten more bang for my buck. The clarity is very good but the volume level has a restrictor so on the highway with the windows cracked it doesn’t go loud enough. Even for city driving there are some songs that are better loud but it wont go there.
It drives very well, afterall it was built for cornering, handles bumps okay (I think the runflats are the biggest problem with ride quality), accelerates okay (my past few cars have been turbos and but the Mini is quick enough). I haven’t had any real mechanical issues. Everything has worked well but the A/C controller has not worked twice in two years. I pushed the buttons and nothing happened. I turned off the car and restarted and it worked fine.
One thing I did was added tint film over the sunroof as the mosquito netting didn’t block the sun. Now it is a little darker and the sunlight is pretty well blocked.
Another thing to be cautious of is the price. Base is (I think) ~$20k and I spent closer to $30. I would have never imagined that 50% of a cars base price could be made up in options. ALso, if you’re ordering one read this. http://motoringfile.com/2005/11/29/mini-production-to-decrease-in-2006/ and parooze around http://motorfile.com for a lot of useful info.
Hope this helps.
Thanks. That’s all great information.
Which upholstery did you get?
It’s black (or super dark gray) leather. The ouside is silver with a silver roof, black windows, and black mirrors. I’m usually a fan of the black windows and roof but the silver top looks great. The inside is all black with the dash and door panels factory painted silver to match the exterior.
My camera was on the fritz while I was on vacation over thanksgiving but I’ll try to get a few pictures later.
Be on the look-out for phonies:
My brother has a new Mini-Cooper S. I’ve driven it several times. What a blast. We’re both in agreement that it’s the most fun we’ve had since his original 1967 Mini-Cooper S that he had in the early 70’s.
If you’re thinking about this car don’t hesitate. Beats anything else in it’s class IMO.
changing the subject slightly, but what is it about the British and good looking motor vehicles. between Mini, Jag, Austin Healey, Aston Martin, MG, some of the best looking vehicles ever designed in their respective price ranges.
Was looking at getting a motorcycle next year, and came across this, Triumph 675. I think it is the best looking sportbike on the planet, bar none, including any of the italian jobs. much cleaner than the japanese bikes, and better proportioned than the Ducati (my second fave).
Now to find out if I’ll be able to get it in Canada when it is released.
Hunny Bunny got one, I’ve gotten to drive it once. It is a cute car but wouldn’t work for my daily vehicle. I need more carrying capacity.
If you haven’t seen “The Italian Job” yet, rent either the original or remake. After seeing either one, you’ll definitely want a Mini.
I was fortunate enough to get to drive one of the older models while in high school (boy friend’s). It was a kick in the pants!
I had an 03 cooper s, they may have fixed some of the issues I had with mine since I sold it. I sold it after 9 months for $200 less than I paid.
It is not a bad car. The runflats suck. The six speed is oddly spaced, 1st gear is way too long. The motor is nothing more than ok. The mileage was not great. The interior felt cheap and much of it is painted. That paint rubs off and looks like crap.
If you are really into performance driving (autox ect) you will find these issues. Runflats. tail happy in corners (fun if you control it), high center of gravity.
It sounds like the new version in 07 will be greatly improved, with a totally new engine.
The are cool looking, though.
“what is it about the British …some of the best looking vehicles ever designed in their respective price ranges.”
I have a friend who is restoring a 1964 Jaguar E type. One of the most beautiful cars ever made IMO. Man, I am jealous.
Look HARD at the new Audi A3 SMG if you want a Cooper S. I really like my new A3…then again I think it is about $10k more than the Cooper…not so sure. I paid just under $40 for the A3…only regrets is that it is missing about 300 horses that my old car had on top of what the A3 has.