Talk me out of getting a mini-cooper

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
Maybe you have a lot of money to burn.

I've come out ahead or even on all but one car I've sold.

 

[caspur]

You should consider getting a Mini Cooper. Especially the S model with the glass roof. I didn't want to give up the one I had (which was an 08 with the funny key). I also had an 08 convertible for awhile based on the older design (which is supercharged, not turbo like the hardtop). I think the new turbo convertibles should be out soon. Good resale values no matter what model you choose.

Anyways, if you can live with the atrocious ride, (remember the sport package has a very firm suspension and runflat tires) the Mini is a great car to own. I think it is a bit underpowered despite the weight, but the steering is perfect. Best FWD steering on the market. Oh, and don't get the armrest. Mine broke after less than 100 miles.

If I ever get out of the car business, I'd probably buy either a Mini, R32, 335, or SRT8. The only 4 cars (in my budget) I can think of at the moment that have had a lasting impact among the hundreds of cars I drive per year.

 

[ultimatebob]

I have a MINI Cooper (a regular one, not the S), and I think that it has plenty of power for it's size. The 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds doesn't sound like much, although it's a hell of a lot more noticeable when you're in a car that's only slightly larger than a golf cart. It also gets 39.5 MPG on the highway as well, which is a huge improvement over my old Audi.

Just keep in mind that the back seats are practically useless... just fold them down and use that area for decent amount of cargo space. The amount of space is pretty impressive, and I was able to fit 42" flat screen LCD in the back of mine!

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
I have a MINI Cooper (a regular one, not the S), and I think that it has plenty of power for it's size. The 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds doesn't sound like much, although it's a hell of a lot more noticeable when you're in a car that's only slightly larger than a golf cart. It also gets 39.5 MPG on the highway as well, which is a huge improvement over my old Audi.

Just keep in mind that the back seats are practically useless... just fold them down and use that area for decent amount of cargo space. The amount of space is pretty impressive, and I was able to fit 42" flat screen LCD in the back of mine!

How's the reliability so far? I've heard it was shit....but there are posts (in this thread) pointing to the contrary

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: Ns1

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
I have a MINI Cooper (a regular one, not the S), and I think that it has plenty of power for it's size. The 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds doesn't sound like much, although it's a hell of a lot more noticeable when you're in a car that's only slightly larger than a golf cart. It also gets 39.5 MPG on the highway as well, which is a huge improvement over my old Audi.

Just keep in mind that the back seats are practically useless... just fold them down and use that area for decent amount of cargo space. The amount of space is pretty impressive, and I was able to fit 42" flat screen LCD in the back of mine!

How's the reliability so far? I've heard it was shit....but there are posts (in this thread) pointing to the contrary

Mine came from the factory with an improperly adjusted driver's side window that wouldn't close all the way, and made a whistling sound at highway speeds. A quick trip to the dealer fixed that, and it's been trouble free since then.

I haven't even had my first oil change yet, though, which isn't scheduled to happen until 16,000 miles. That sounds like a LONG time between changes even with synthetic oil.

 

[IronWing]

I test drove a Clubman S auto today. It is much more solidly built than I was expecting. The car is roomy enough. The route the salesperson selected didn't offer much for playing around with the car; too much traffic and no winding sections. I suspect that the non-turbo would be a bit sluggish as the S had nice pickup but no "oh-my-god" take off. I like the ride. So the Clubman stays on the short list for now, which was the whole point of test driving it.

Anyways, I was sitting at a light somewhere in Scottsdale when I look in the rear view mirror and note the roof of the car pulled up behind me. Remember, I'm in a Mini. Wide and flat. I think "Lamborghini?" Nope it was a real live Ford GT, dark blue. I know I'm going to offend someone by saying it but while it may be fast and all that, the Ford GT is not a particularly attractive car. It is not longer on our short list.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: zerocool84
Your car isn't even that old. Only an 05. Do you want another car payment even more a "fun" car?

An 05 would be a 3-4 year old car at this point. I've already sold two of them. Our current car is an 07, and there is already talk of getting something new.

I guess I need a better job

 

[amdhunter]

Get it! Especially if its an S model and manual transmission! You already have an automatic car, sticks are so much fun and honestly, after a month or two, you won't even notice that you are driving a stick.

 

[ElFenix]

iamwiz had one and hated it so much he got another.