Mini Cooper

Water Cooler
#1

So I’ll be in the market for a car in the near future. I’ve been looking at acura TL, infinity g series, some of the korean brands (optima for example), nissan altima ect. I recently walked by a mini cooper (see first link) which sparked my attention. So now I have mini cooper on my radar and I wanted to know if anyone drives / considered purchasing mini. The second link is more realistic - id probably want to find a cheaper model but it’s a good reference point.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=11209&endYear=2014&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=MINI&sellerTypes=b&searchRadius=200&mmt=%5BMINI%5B%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=343254016&listingIndex=3&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=11209&endYear=2014&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=MINI&firstRecord=51&sellerTypes=b&searchRadius=200&mmt=%5BMINI%5B%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=343657744&listingIndex=2&Log=0

#2

My mother in law drives a mini cooper.

#3

I’m 6’ 2", and I’m fat as fk. I would feel like Bowzer in a Mario Kart if I were to drive a Mini Cooper.

#4

The people I know who drive the minis love them, and they do have a surprising among of space for their size. But to me, I can’t get over the fact that they look like a VW bug that’s been stepped on.

#5

Only cars that are worse than a mini cooper:

  1. PT Cruiser and

  2. convertible Seabring

#6

Why?

#7

I guess you have never been to San Francisco. I work wth two dudes in a small office who are straight that own one.

#8

You ever see the movie Italian Job? I dont understand why this has to be a female car - top speed of 145, good acceleration, awd, and nible enough to park in a city. I guess i could always go with the standard audi and become the sterotype.

#9

I have a friend here in TX who drives one and he loves it. His wife drives an Acura and he has a Mini, so I assume he’s straight.

#10

when i see a dude in a mini i immediately laugh - it is a douche car (like PT and seabring)

#11

I think it takes the right kind of dude to drive a mini. For example, knowing that you clean 275 I don’t think you’d have any manliness issues driving a car like that. However, if you are a large person then it could feel a little cramped.

A guy driving a mini is not trying to make up for anything…don’t know that I can say the same about a small guy in a hummer.

#12

Eh, most of the Sebrings I see are beat up pieces of junk driven by gangstas.

#13

Two straight dudes share one mini cooper together? Sounds…uncomfortable.

#14

Sounds like two dudes playing Naked Leapfrog. I guess they COULD be straight…

#15

I view the Mini as kind of like the Miata 15 years ago. If you’re comfortable in your manhood and want to drive a fun little convertible, there’s nothing wrong with the mini. The one difference though is that 15 year ago when the Miata came out there were really no other small, sporty convertibles on the market.

#16

There’s a bigger version of the mini now isn’t there? I saw one in a parking lot and had to do a double take, it was probably bigger than my accord…

They might be neat, but think long and hard about how much you’re going to want to be cramming yourself in there, crowching to get in and out, etc.

#17

Minis are still pretty widely used in rallying, possibly the most manly form of racing. I wouldnt buy a convertible, but I’d take a john cooper edition in a heart beat if I could afford one

#18

Many drivers consider the JCW Mini to be too harsh for everyday driving. Furthermore, more luxurious, more balanced cars are available for the same price. BMWs, Audis or similar branded cars can be had for the upper $30ks. I recommend that you test drive the JCW model, as well as other vehicles in its price range, before you make a decision. The regular Mini Cooper is a more reasonable purchase than the JCW model. However, any Mini Cooper will come with limited practicality. Before the Smart ForTwo came to market, the Mini Cooper had been the shortest car available in the US. Like earlier Mini Cooper models, the current generation’s car comes with compromises in passenger volume and cargo space.

The Countryman is more practical than the Mini Cooper. However, I still do not consider the Countryman to be a practical car. It has a smaller back seat and less cargo volume than other CUVs. Furthermore, its increased ride height results in handling that is worse than that of a regular Mini Cooper. Keep in mind that the Countryman was built for a single purpose - to attract buyers who need some practicality, but who actually want Mini Coopers. Unless you will be ok with the realization that you bought a car for style alone, you should look elsewhere.

I find it interesting that you are cross shopping Minis against Acuras, Nissan Altimas and Kia Optimas. These cars are very different from one another and generally appeal to different segments of buyers. My impression is that you are just beginning your research and have yet to identify your specific needs. If you are considering the Mini Cooper or Countryman, I suggest that you also consider the similar but far superior VW Golf or the superb GTI. However, you should wait until the next generation of these cars becomes available next year. Volkswagen has done a remarkable job of cutting costs by streamlining its production process. As a result, next year’s models (this year’s models in Europe) will provide near luxury quality at prices in the $20ks.

If you want a hatchback with an emphasis on spirited driving, I suggest that you also consider the BMW X1. Although the “X” label suggests that this is an SUV, the X1 can be better described as a hatchback with a slightly raised suspension. Unlike the Countryman’s suspension, however, the X1s raised height does not compromise its handling, which is further enhanced by the RWD or AWD layout. If you do consider the X1, I would recommend the version with RWD and the smaller, 4 cylinder engine. Not only is this the cheapest BMW available in the US, but it is one of the most fuel efficient and is paired with hydraulic steering, which critics allege is superior to BMWs electric steering system.

Alternatively, I would also strongly suggest that you consider the Mazda 6, or the upcoming Mazda 3. While these will not sell in the same numbers as competing cars from Honda or Toyota, critics agree that the Mazdas could be the best cars ever seen in their respective classes. If I had to buy a car within a year, these would be near the top of my list.

TLDR version: don’t buy the Mini.

#19

I quite like the Mini. It’s a fine car. Thought about it myself when I decided to buy a car earlier this year. After all, it’s a BMW under a separate brand. Personally, I wouldn’t wanna be caught dead in a Japanese/Korean car. To me they all look the same.

Ultimately it depends on your needs. Should it be practical (A4 station wagon) or just a toy (BMW Z4)?

#20

Do you sell cars on the side or just made all that up on the spot?