I really like the mini cooper’s too. Personally I don’t care about the ‘S’ version though. What really suprises me is how well they keep their value. That just amazes me.
$20,000 for a car this size is too much.Hoping for prices to come down, wouldn’t mind spending $10k for used one. But this might take a while…
In the meantime I pray and be happy that my Rodeo still goes strong at almost 200,000 miles. (Knock on wood) I also dream about the more spacious Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Magnum. But then it is so cheap right now to drive around in my Rodeo.
The price is not bashful but when people ask me I tell them ‘its a poor persons BMW’. It does drive very well and is a solid little car and IMO justifies the cost. 6 airbags help the price go up pretty fast as do the premium options. I can’t think of another comparable small car that rides as well, is put together as well, with similar materials, or just plain looks as charming as the Mini. I’m not saying its perfect but compared to the others it is head and shoulders above the competition.
I seem to average about 26mpg regardless of City or hwy driving. On the highway I tend run ~80mph which doesn’t help the mileage. I find the car is happier at that speed. In the city I’m usually pretty reserved and don’t race to speed to often which increases the fuel ecconomy.
Strictly guessing here, but I doubt a mini will last 200k like an Issuzu, Honda, Toyota. I’m optimistic but I doubt it. I’m planning on keeping this thing forever. I love the look and am not too fond of the new version from what I’ve seen. I wasn’t fond of this one either but it grew on me, like atheletes foot.
Mini Coopers S’s rock. You want to get the works version, done through John Cooper, otherwise the cars for the driving experience outside of Supercars are:
Mitsubushi Evo 9
Subaru WRX
Both are ridiculous.
Other than that its back to bikes and Suzuki GRX, Yamaha R1 or an Supermoto…