Mini Cooper?

[tboy]

Yeah, just looking at the mini site an S is about $30K +. For that money you can get an altima coupe or 4 door nicely loaded.

I didn't think they were that much $$$ and the base only has 116 hp shit, my dewalt drill has more n that lol

 

[civilcommon]

Thinking about buying a new car and found that I like the look and size of the Mini Cooper. Since I am a girl and I know nothing about cars can you boys help?

I think Mini Cooper is great, if you are thinking about only driving yourself around or with only one passenger. It's fun to drive.

However, there isn't much storage space, not good if you want to go for massive shopping, or move furnitures. Also, the steering wheel is heavier to turn than most of other cars I have driven.

 

[SirWanker]

How about the Volvo C30 or Mazdaspeed 3?
Both are relatively spacious though the Mazdaspeed 3 wins on the horsepower.

 

[popodaki]

Having been a fan of the original Mini, I was quite excited when I heard they were bringing them back. They are pricey, however, and reliability hasn't been all that great. Also, if you do plan on getting one, go with the Cooper S model, as the engine in the base model is pitiful.

I would also recommend getting a brand new '07 model as opposed to a used one. As another poster has already mentioned, the engines in the latest models are built by Renault, whereas the older models were manufactured by Chrysler.

If you are considering an alternative to the Mini, the VW GTI is a really nice car. VW has really improved the quality of their cars over the last 10 years. The 2.0 litre turbocharged engine is both powerful and efficient and there are many other neat technologies included, such as the new DSG transmission.

 

[tboy]

Oh shit yeah POPO, I totally forgot about the volkswagens. The Rabbit GTI and Jettas are hot little cars and GLS (go like stink). I knew two people who had the audi a4 and a jetta. Rode in both and other than some cosmetic differences, the jetta performed as good as the audi and a hell of a lot cheaper.

 

[canucklehead]

. I knew two people who had the audi a4 and a jetta. Rode in both and other than some cosmetic differences, the jetta performed as good as the audi and a hell of a lot cheaper.

Until u had to corner..... i love German cars ...but the experience i have had with VW and Audi i would go with the more expensive Audi just for overall quality and luxury.
I had some recall work done on my A8 and was given a Lexus LS 460 L for 3 days.... it was ok....fun to drive but i had a few electronic things go wrong and the interior set up i found was not as driver centric as the Audi.... but it went like stink on the highway..... maybe i am just use to the Audi but i have never had a complaint.
But then again i love my Subuaru Forrester i have also and a lot of people say they suck too.

 

[dragondick]

Thinking about buying a new car and found that I like the look and size of the Mini Cooper. Since I am a girl and I know nothing about cars can you boys help?

You are in luck.

Today's (July 14) Toronto Star (Wheels Section), there is a write-up comparing sports compacts, i.e. Mini, VW GTI, Mazda, Honda, etc., reading this article in addition to all Terbites opinions.

 

[Diode]

Unless you are Austin Powers....The Mini is a chick car.....
Could not imagine driving 75,000-90,000 km per year every year in that little shoe box.
Spoke to the Audi guys about An A6, Nice car...really nice...but the Guy almost had a heart attack when I told him how much I drive...
Try and get a lease from them (company policy) they stare at you like you are from Mars...

 

[dragondick]

Unless you are Austin Powers....The Mini is a chick car.....
Could not imagine driving 75,000-90,000 km per year every year in that little shoe box.
Spoke to the Audi guys about An A6, Nice car...really nice...but the Guy almost had a heart attack when I told him how much I drive...
Try and get a lease from them (company policy) they stare at you like you are from Mars...

Read again, the person who asked for advice is a female.

Suggest that you drive a Mini Cooper S B4 branding as it as a chick car. I agree with the shoe box description, however, the handling & manoeuver-bility are unparallelled.

 

[Dodger]

My '06 has the CVT and the ladies appreciate it when they are applying makeup. No shift shock, unless I am in the manual paddle shift mode and even then it is very subtle

 

[zekestone]

If you plan on buying new and trading it in when or before the warranty expires, then go for the Mini... there's really no direct competition for that car.

If you want a car to keep for a long time (5 years+) or if you're buying used, stay away from European cars.

 

[Diode]

Read again, the person who asked for advice is a female.

Suggest that you drive a Mini Cooper S B4 branding as it as a chick car. I agree with the shoe box description, however, the handling & manoeuver-bility are unparallelled.

Ah I knew the thread starter was a lady.But the thread turned into car talk from a bunch of guys later.
I'm as bigger than most people, drive a lot and take 3 or 4 passengers for regular 1000km jaunts.
Cant imagine doing THAT in a Mini....
It's simply a city car aimed (mostly) a women, who drive between their house, the gym and work.
I got no problem with the car...even looks kinda cute...But for people who love to travel...I just don't think the Mini would be capable.

 

[Dodger]

If you are taking passengers like you have suggested that you do, then you are right. I take my wife and no one else and it is more than ample for the driving that we do. I also use it as my daily driver to and from work, roundtrip about 100 km a day. So 30 - 40K a year easy and I still love it.

Oh and I am a guy at 6'4" I had a '76 when it was new and the room and storage in the original design was significantly less than the current model. No fold down rear seats and typical bad seats to drive on that meant anything over two hours required a chiropractic appointment. Oh yeah and the old ones had Lucas Ignition. Anyone who has driven a true British car will understand what that meant. Many a dark drive home, assuming you got it started.

 

[Diode]

If you are taking passengers like you have suggested that you do, then you are right. I take my wife and no one else and it is more than ample for the driving that we do. I also use it as my daily driver to and from work, roundtrip about 100 km a day. So 30 - 40K a year easy and I still love it.

Oh and I am a guy at 6'4" I had a '76 when it was new and the room and storage in the original design was significantly less than the current model. No fold down rear seats and typical bad seats to drive on that meant anything over two hours required a chiropractic appointment. Oh yeah and the old ones had Lucas Ignition. Anyone who has driven a true British car will understand what that meant. Many a dark drive home, assuming you got it started.

I'm 6'5 and have long legs. Have to put the seat all the way back, so unless the car is big..no one can sit behind me.
Short wheelbase cars always (to me anyway) seem tiring after 500 km or so.
But I'll rent one if I can,
BTW how are they in the snow?

 

[Dodger]

The new ones are much better than the originals. I just used the tires that came with it for the first winter as they were virtually new and I spend most of my time on the highway. No problems with the amount of snow we get in TO. Some of the upgrade models have a form of traction control, but frankly I wouldn't use it I prefer the feel of foot is a much better control mechanism. I had T/C on my Vette and the only time I turned it on was when it was dry.

 

[shakenbake]

My '06 has the CVT and the ladies appreciate it when they are applying makeup. No shift shock, unless I am in the manual paddle shift mode and even then it is very subtle

As for CVT, they are terrific. I have one in my Ford Freestyle, and it is the only atomatic that this stickshift lover will drive, because it is fun, once you know how to drive a CVT. No problems with CVT, either, on any vehicle, they all seem to be built solidly, as far as I can see.

 

[dragondick]

www.metacafe.com/watch/721568/amazing_car_stunts_in_a_mini_cooper

 

[dragondick]

Mini Cooper S

Thinking about buying a new car and found that I like the look and size of the Mini Cooper. Since I am a girl and I know nothing about cars can you boys help?

In today's Toronto Star - Wheels Section, there are several articles on the the Mini Cooper S, this is the closest thing to a personal/hands-on test drive.

Happy reading.

 

[RTRD]

Not corect...

I believe the Mini Cooper comes ONLY with manual gear shift which if you enjoy driving is an enjoyment.
And if you really enjoy driving, you should go for the Cooper S.
Price-wise, the Cooper costs more (much more) than cars of similar size.
Visit a dealership, test drive one first.

...I have ridden in Coopers with Automatics.

Why you'd buy one with an automatic though baffles me.

Personally, I think the Cooper is a pretty damn good car that I unfortunately would never bring myself to buy. It is actually well rated / thought of in many areas (including resale value, performance, etc.). And it is fun to drive.

Personally though, I'd never get past the notion that people would think I was trying to make a fashion statement. Too bad (and my own hang up), because a Cooper would be just about the perfect car for me right now...certainly better than the big fucking SUV I drive as a legacy from my marriage with kids and house.

Note to the OP: Drive one fall in love, but be aware of two things

1) Coopers are not quite as inexpensive as their size might imply. You can buy a LOT more car for the same money, if VALUE is important to you (meaning Coopers don't cost what Civics cost...in case you were thinking that, not knowing much about cars and all). The soon 2BX was having Cooper flashes at one point...optioned out the way that *I* was prepared to buy it (because I would be driving it sometimes as well, and it was MY money), it was damn near $40G...

2) Coopers are not known for reliability. Not as in dead by the road at any time unreliable...but unlike...say...a Corolla...a Cooper is NOT just an appliance, like a toaster. My experience with women who admit to knowing nothing about cars is that they think of cars as appliances...turn it on and use it, while periodically putting in gas (once work with a woman whose car engine seized...and she had it towed to the dealer in a huff...only to learn that oh...you are supposed to change the oil? The car had 58,000 MILES on it... ) A Cooper, like all BWMs...will require maintenance, which UNLIKE BMWs, will not be complimentary. it will be often, and it will be expensive, because that is where dealers make their money on "yuppie cars. And a Cooper is the sort of car (especially an "S", with the turbo) that will NOT let you ignore the maintenance, versus say a Corolla (which apparently will run 50K+ without an oil change...lol). It WILL leave you stranded if you don't take car of it. Just saying...since you know nothing about cars.

All just food for thought...IMHO...

 

[MerrySue]

They are perfect. I love mine.