Considering a Mini

jimwh · 01-27-04, 04:07

I am considering buying a Mini and am wondering what the overall Autopian opinion might be about the car. Like it? Love it? Hate it? Never driven one?

I've only begun my research into reliability, whether it holds its value, etc., but an Autopian opinion is important to me.

I'll be interested to see what kind of replies I might receive.

tia

Jim

BW · 01-27-04, 04:20

I love MINIs and was about to order a 2004 MINI Cooper S, Pepper White (or black) with white roof, Sport Package, Cordoba Beige Leather, and Navigation. I've done all my research, test driven it, but for practical reasons, couldn't decide to put myself on the list or not.

One of my concerns is buyer's remorse. I hear that 2005 models are substantially upgraded, with more storage, nicer interior, more power, and new styling. Granted this is a sport hatch, but I plan to drive it daily and would like even more conveniences. I also don't need three cars... my Honda only has 5000 miles, the VW, 26,000. I'll most likely wait till to 2006, so I'll have both an excuse to trade in my VW and be happy with the updated MINI.

I believe MINI's have a higher residual value than any other car sold in the US. The handling is fantastic, the details are incredible... it's a very nicely packaged little car.

taxidriver · 01-27-04, 05:00

Had a Cooper S as a rental car last summer, great car
A bit too small for me.But it,s great as a toy

Dale DeSteno · 01-27-04, 06:44

I heard they have more headroom then Excursions! real!

BoxsterCharlie · 01-27-04, 07:00

My wife has a '04 S, navigation, heated seats. Lots of fun to drive, very economical and safe. One of the best bargains today, in my opinion (you'll pay MSRP and it is a fair price).

My only quibbles with the car is that the interior has lots of nuisance factors and the S version is run-flat only tires (they fill the space for the spare with the battery, the supercharger takes up more room under the hood where the battery would have been).

On the whole I don't think you can go wrong with one. We did pay MSRP and we did wait 8 months for it, but we could sell it right now for the same (or even more) money.

edschwab1 · 01-27-04, 08:32

Jim,
I was going ask the same question as my Jetta's lease is coming to end soon.

To everyone,

How does the Mini handle winter driving condtions?
How does the Mini handle rough roads? (I know the car handles well from what I have.)
How is the storage, with the rear seat up? (I play hockey and have a large bag for equipment)
Can the Mini be serviced by BMW dealers? (The closet Mini dealer is 1.5 hours away)

Eric

BW · 01-27-04, 08:39

Quote:

Originally posted by edschwab1
Jim,
I was going ask the same question as my Jetta's lease is coming to end soon.

To everyone,

How does the Mini handle winter driving condtions?
How does the Mini handle rough roads? (I know the car handles well from what I have.)
How is the storage, with the rear seat up? (I play hockey and have a large bag for equipment)
Can the Mini be serviced by BMW dealers? (The closet Mini dealer is 1.5 hours away)

Eric

1.) Only test drove it in CA - sorry
2.) Rough roads we have plenty - and I find the MINI to ride acceptably. It's firmer than most other cars, but it's not uncomfortable. You might want to stay away from the Sport Package and appreciate its extra sidewall.
3.) It's not bad... with the seats up, I think your bag would fit, taking up the entire trunk.
4.) Sorry, BMW dealers won't service MINIs.

edschwab1 · 01-27-04, 08:44

Thanks BW.
Did you drive both the non-sport package and sport package equipped Mini's?

Eric

BW · 01-27-04, 09:59

I've only driven the sport package equipped S so far. Check if your dealer has both!

BoxsterCharlie · 01-28-04, 07:35

Quote:

Originally posted by edschwab1
Jim,
I was going ask the same question as my Jetta's lease is coming to end soon.

To everyone,

How does the Mini handle winter driving condtions?
How does the Mini handle rough roads? (I know the car handles well from what I have.)
How is the storage, with the rear seat up? (I play hockey and have a large bag for equipment)
Can the Mini be serviced by BMW dealers? (The closet Mini dealer is 1.5 hours away)

Eric

1) Great in the snow. (We have Dunlop M2's and 15" wheels) However, the ground clearance is limited. DSC and ABS are well-implemented.
2) Pretty smooth ride, but don't get 17" wheels. Feels like a much larger car due to long wheelbase.
3) Storage with rear seats up is terrible, but OK with seats down. They made the car better for 4 adults but at the expense of the rear storage. (Unlike my Integra which had huge storage but was essentially a 2+2) Bring your stuff to the dealer for a reality check.
4) Probably. It really is a BMW. Parts supply might be an issue.

AndyC · 01-28-04, 07:51

UK take on this. My colleague's wife has a Cooper with Chilli pack.

She does very little mileage and car was valued £250 higher than purchase price @ 9 months.

Another friend has just traded in his Z3M roadster against a Cooper S Works and his GF has a standard Cooper.

Massively popular over here. My GF looked at one but settled on a Ford Ka instead (S/H was less than a third the price of the Mini, looks just as funky IMO and handling - most fun I've ever had in a car - well, almost but that's unprintable.......)

Ford Ka - see attached link

http://www.ford.co.uk/ie/ka/-/-

Hoss · 01-28-04, 08:04

This is good, I also have been thinking about a mini as a play car. The price is right, it looks diffrent, and you can get them with a nice amount of options. BUT, power is a question. I don't want a complete dog!
I am not expecting to be out running any cops or in drag races (Italian Job) with it but does it have any ghetty up at all!!!!!

Thanks
HOSS