Mini Cooper

youreskimofriend · July 23, 2013, 1:04pm

rawraw, go ahead and ask him about the prevention of tardive dyskinesia, ask him about the effects of bat guano mining on biodiversity in off the coast of Peru, ask him about phase transition in superconductivity and the related behaviour of heat capacity - ohai ist just wise, dude

whatsyourgovt · July 23, 2013, 1:19pm

ohai:

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.

Spot on. I am in the nascent stage of research - although I really enjoy the research behind purchasing a car so I may be in this stage for a while. I am only considering the countryman based on sight seeing as opposed to actually test driving one. I find it strange that you would not consider it practical because that is the biggest allure to me (perhaps my perception of it is incorrect but I will soon find out). I will certainly check out the X1 & mazada. Just to make this chain more efficient, I tend to be one that goes all out. So given this, I will more than likely max out my budget or purchase the most cost effective car. More than likely it will be the latter. All in all, thank you for the suggestions.

pdx914 · July 24, 2013, 3:01pm

My wife got a mini s in 06. I thought it was a cute car for her. Years later the kids came and so did an enclave. We kept the mini and now I drive it to work often. I may be a laughing stock to a few people on the road but I gotta say, I love driving the car.

Ramos4rm · July 24, 2013, 1:34pm

I resent this statement bro.

whatsyourgovt · July 24, 2013, 1:41pm

^hahaha I was waiting for you to read this.

Ramos4rm · July 24, 2013, 2:27pm

Audi’s are p*ssy magnets…end of story.

whatsyourgovt · July 24, 2013, 3:19pm

A car doesnt get the women. Maybe its the confidence the car brings, but all dimes you’ve got has nothing to do with the briliance of german engineering but is in fact a reflection of alphaness (no homo).

higgmond · July 24, 2013, 3:38pm

^ A car doesn’t close the deal, but it does get the attention of at least a certain type of woman. What you do once you have their attention is up to you.

Ramos4rm · July 24, 2013, 3:59pm

^No argument here.

youreskimofriend · July 24, 2013, 4:03pm

+1

And may I point out that the Mini was in fact developed by ze Germans. After BMW purchased Rover, they only kept the Brand and moved the development to Munich.

higgmond · July 24, 2013, 4:16pm

^ the lead designer was an American though and manufacturing is still in the UK.

smuggycfa · July 24, 2013, 4:27pm

I hate big mini…They look ugly.

These days my eyes are on Tesla. I love to buy one but cant afford it.

youreskimofriend · July 25, 2013, 7:30am

Well, yes but the lead design project managers mother is from Indonesia and the floor manager of the production facilities where 75% of the parts are being manufactured is Thai. So, basically it’s an Asian car, right?

higgmond · July 25, 2013, 1:43pm

^ If those things were actually true, then yes. Alas they are not true, so no. The new Mini was designed by Frank Stephenson, who is basically a rock star in the automotive design world. A naturalized American born in Morocco, his parents are Norwegian and Spanish.