Author Topic: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car  (Read 10555 times)

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Offline mashby

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Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:28:41 »
Looks like my much beloved truck, Bubba Jane, may be headed to the eternal gas station in the sky. She was supposed to be a temporary vehicle and I ended up driving her for over 7 years.  Anyway, I'm starting to look for a new (to me) used car and I'm considering a Mini Cooper base, or S model and wanted to know if anyone had any thoughts on it.

I know there are some car guys here and since GeekHack is chock full of wisdom, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

FWIW, I'm only looking at the models after they replaced the engine. I think that's 2008, but the ones near me are all 2011 and later.

Also, I don't have kids, large pets, or the need to haul anything but my dumbass and a bunch of 60% boards. ;-)

Thoughts?

Offline Psybin

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:36:07 »
It should be light enough for the fact its front wheel drive not to ruin things. I've heard they are fun, I've driven one once but it was a dealership test drive with someone else who was interested in buying one, and this was 5+ years ago so I don’t really recall anything about the driving experience. I remember it feeling kind of weird how close you sit to the passenger since there isn’t much of a center console, and the center mounted gauges are kind of annoying. Manual type S for the win, or go nuts and get Cooper Works edition haha. A GTI would be a decent alternative as far as price point, size, and power, but then there is the new Golf R coming soon that'll be a beast. Aaand the new Focus RS. But both of the latter are enthusiast type cars.

For your used searches, check into these maintenance items -- http://www.britishamericanauto.com/car-repair-education-and-info-blog/bid/88829/7-Common-Repair-Problems-Mini-Cooper-Owners-Face
And if they are all CVT transmissions... meh, do a manual. It wont be too much longer and manual transmissions will be a thing of the past, enjoy it while you can.
« Last Edit: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:39:01 by Psybin »

Offline hwood34

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:40:16 »
Driven em a few times. One of those cars that just kinda feels crappy to drive. Like you have to accelerate reeeaally gently or it kinda jumps, same with braking. Besides that, nothing big wrong with it, a bunch of little things though. Like the one I drove (the four door) had no arm rests. Now that I think about it, not such a small problem, that bugged the hell out of me
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Offline Halverson

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Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:43:48 »
I'm looking at mine right now. She's pretty. Sadly I use it for the cottage a lot and feel like I'm killing her with bad roads. So just get one, get a manual S model and be badass!

Oh ya, remember getting pulled over by that cop while me TJ and Anson sat in the box? I'll miss your truck Mashby!

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:45:37 »
They're expensive to fix since they're a BMW and I've heard they're not the cheapest to insure either.

The biggest turn off for me though is the big ass speedometer in the center console.  It's like Flava Flav is sitting smack dab in the middle of your dash:






Also, all the variants they made are ugly as hell.

Offline hwood34

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:49:24 »
The biggest turn off for me though is the big ass speedometer in the center console.
Oh god, and that thing

* hwood34 shudders
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Offline dustinhxc

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:54:09 »
I had one for several years and it was my baby!!!!! I miss it very much.. Never even saw 70k miles.. Totalled it on black ice.. 2004 S model I had it back in 06-10



Offline baldgye

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 17:56:03 »
They are actually pretty cool cars, they sound kinda like go karts when your parking and setting off, handle like go karts and you get a decent amount of room inside.

I wouldn't go for the S as from what I've heard you don't get much for your money and your not buying a Mini for it to be a beast or anything.

Offline slip84

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 18:21:25 »
I drove one around recently on a vacation and it had a split hatch (Clubman S, I think), which made looking out the back virtually impossible. Otherwise, it was a pleasant drive and had some pep when you wanted it. The only thing that could have been better was if it had been stick. Auto is just so boring to drive.

Offline Halverson

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Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 18:27:15 »
My dirty baby. Oh and no giant middle speedometer.  Recent engine light, "exhaust system is diminished". Will be checked out soon, no worries.
« Last Edit: Fri, 13 March 2015, 18:29:25 by Halverson »

Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 18:35:56 »
My dirty baby. Oh and no giant middle speedometer.  Recent engine light, "exhaust system is diminished". Will be checked out soon, no worries.
Blows my mind you drive that up there in snow.

Sweet ride BTW!

Offline Halverson

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 20:31:26 »

My dirty baby. Oh and no giant middle speedometer.  Recent engine light, "exhaust system is diminished". Will be checked out soon, no worries.
Blows my mind you drive that up there in snow.

Sweet ride BTW!

Winter tires on it are great! It does handle like a go-kart

Offline dustinhxc

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #12 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 21:43:42 »
My dirty baby. Oh and no giant middle speedometer.  Recent engine light, "exhaust system is diminished". Will be checked out soon, no worries.

Cute! :) Nice mini man! I drove mine all year as well. But then I slipped on black ice...... So be careful!

Offline demik

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #13 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 21:45:59 »
Fiesta ST
No, he’s not around. How that sound to ya? Jot it down.

Offline tp4tissue

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #14 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 21:48:42 »
It's kinda pointless now that gas is cheaper..

Get an X5..

Offline slip84

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 22:04:29 »
My dirty baby. Oh and no giant middle speedometer.  Recent engine light, "exhaust system is diminished". Will be checked out soon, no worries.

So not only do you have a Mini in Canada... but it's a convertible.

Girl Shark does not obey logic.

Offline Halverson

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 22:35:07 »

My dirty baby. Oh and no giant middle speedometer.  Recent engine light, "exhaust system is diminished". Will be checked out soon, no worries.

So not only do you have a Mini in Canada... but it's a convertible.

Girl Shark does not obey logic.

I sure don't!

Offline Badwrench

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #17 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 22:43:35 »
Fiesta ST

This was my first thought as well.  I don't mind the Minis at all, but for the $$ there are better cars.  Also, as stated before, they are made by BMW, so service and parts are pricey.  My local autocross is crammed with these things though if you have any interest in having fun. 

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2014-ford-fiesta-st-vs-2014-fiat-500-abarth-2014-mini-cooper-s-hardtop-comparison-test

Also, if you don't need a race car but want it to feel sporty (and get great gas milage), you may want to take a drive in the new Fit.  I am biased here, but after owning sports cars my whole life, the Fit was a welcome change.  It is fun to drive and when pushed is very rewarding - especially since you will not be breaking many laws at the speeds it does it at.   :thumb:
wut. i'd buy a ****ty IBM board for that green V2

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #18 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 22:51:03 »
Fiesta ST

This was my first thought as well.  I don't mind the Minis at all, but for the $$ there are better cars.  Also, as stated before, they are made by BMW, so service and parts are pricey.  My local autocross is crammed with these things though if you have any interest in having fun. 

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2014-ford-fiesta-st-vs-2014-fiat-500-abarth-2014-mini-cooper-s-hardtop-comparison-test

Also, if you don't need a race car but want it to feel sporty (and get great gas milage), you may want to take a drive in the new Fit.  I am biased here, but after owning sports cars my whole life, the Fit was a welcome change.  It is fun to drive and when pushed is very rewarding - especially since you will not be breaking many laws at the speeds it does it at.   :thumb:

That's how I feel about my Mazda 3, especially when I kick it into fun mode with the manumatic.

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 22:58:38 »
Oh ya, remember getting pulled over by that cop while me TJ and Anson sat in the box? I'll miss your truck Mashby!

Yoooo, that ride was legendary lmao. Good memories in that truck. I bet we got pulled over because it looked like Mashby was trying to kidnap us. :P



Mashby, I suggest that you just double up and rock another Beetle. With that incredible paintjob.

Offline demik

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #20 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:01:29 »
Fiesta ST

This was my first thought as well.  I don't mind the Minis at all, but for the $$ there are better cars.  Also, as stated before, they are made by BMW, so service and parts are pricey.  My local autocross is crammed with these things though if you have any interest in having fun. 

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2014-ford-fiesta-st-vs-2014-fiat-500-abarth-2014-mini-cooper-s-hardtop-comparison-test

Also, if you don't need a race car but want it to feel sporty (and get great gas milage), you may want to take a drive in the new Fit.  I am biased here, but after owning sports cars my whole life, the Fit was a welcome change.  It is fun to drive and when pushed is very rewarding - especially since you will not be breaking many laws at the speeds it does it at.   :thumb:


ST is easily best bang for your buck. I've yet to watch/hear/read a review that didn't enjoy the car. Lightweight, cheap, turbo'd 4 banger. Can't ask for more.

oh yeah, we can. BRING THE COUPE HERE FORD FFS
No, he’s not around. How that sound to ya? Jot it down.

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #21 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:03:40 »
...

..

...


..


...but it's a Ford...

Offline demik

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #22 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:04:36 »
...

..

...


..


...but it's a Ford...

you drive a mazda. that's just an asian ford
No, he’s not around. How that sound to ya? Jot it down.

Offline Badwrench

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #23 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:04:43 »
Fiesta ST

This was my first thought as well.  I don't mind the Minis at all, but for the $$ there are better cars.  Also, as stated before, they are made by BMW, so service and parts are pricey.  My local autocross is crammed with these things though if you have any interest in having fun. 

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2014-ford-fiesta-st-vs-2014-fiat-500-abarth-2014-mini-cooper-s-hardtop-comparison-test

Also, if you don't need a race car but want it to feel sporty (and get great gas milage), you may want to take a drive in the new Fit.  I am biased here, but after owning sports cars my whole life, the Fit was a welcome change.  It is fun to drive and when pushed is very rewarding - especially since you will not be breaking many laws at the speeds it does it at.   :thumb:

That's how I feel about my Mazda 3, especially when I kick it into fun mode with the manumatic.

Oh yeah, another solid car I would recommend  :thumb: 
wut. i'd buy a ****ty IBM board for that green V2

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #24 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:05:05 »
More
you drive a mazda. that's just an asian ford

Asian Ford, but still better quality than American Ford.

Offline demik

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #25 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:06:16 »
More
you drive a mazda. that's just an asian ford

Asian Ford, but still better quality than American Ford.

you know nothing of what you speak, commie

with your anime looking car
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Offline nubbinator

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #26 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:12:27 »
More
you drive a mazda. that's just an asian ford

Asian Ford, but still better quality than American Ford.

you know nothing of what you speak, commie

with your anime looking car


Offline demik

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:14:38 »
More
you drive a mazda. that's just an asian ford

Asian Ford, but still better quality than American Ford.

you know nothing of what you speak, commie

with your anime looking car

Show Image


No, he’s not around. How that sound to ya? Jot it down.

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #28 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:16:28 »
More
you drive a mazda. that's just an asian ford

Asian Ford, but still better quality than American Ford.

you know nothing of what you speak, commie

with your anime looking car

Show Image


Show Image


I really kind of want to do that to my Mazda now.

Offline demik

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #29 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:17:04 »
More
you drive a mazda. that's just an asian ford

Asian Ford, but still better quality than American Ford.

you know nothing of what you speak, commie

with your anime looking car

Show Image


Show Image


I really kind of want to do that to my Mazda now.

mazda beat you to it and did it from the factory

LOOK AT THIS GOOD LOOKING FISH

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Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #30 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:18:37 »
Can't we all just agree that we all want to wake up in a Bugatti?

Offline demik

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #31 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:19:14 »
only if it's new

cpt, are you the australian halverson?

NICE 2 MEET YOU M8
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Offline Halverson

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #32 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:22:12 »
Rotate commence

Offline smknjoe

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #33 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:23:26 »
Have you taken one for a test drive yet Mr. Dobbs? I hear they are pretty under-powered. I have a VW Rabbit/Golf with a 2.5L 5 cylinder and it's slow as **** compared to other cars I've had. It's okay for daily driving, but not fun at all.
SSKs for everyone!

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #34 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:23:30 »

Offline dustinhxc

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:25:17 »
Have you taken one for a test drive yet Mr. Dobbs? I hear they are pretty under-powered. I have a VW Rabbit/Golf with a 2.5L 5 cylinder and it's slow as **** compared to other cars I've had. It's okay for daily driving, but not fun at all.

Always buy the Gti version. I've had 2 Gtis, awesome cars. The mini S is way faster though!

Offline smknjoe

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #36 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:26:57 »
Next time, next time. I had a Talon TSi AWD that was fun and fast as hell.
SSKs for everyone!

Offline demik

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No, he’s not around. How that sound to ya? Jot it down.

Offline Halverson

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #38 on: Fri, 13 March 2015, 23:47:13 »
How many sharks, can there be!

Offline YoungMichael88

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #39 on: Sat, 14 March 2015, 00:30:50 »

How many sharks, can there be!
apparently 4. Unless we start doing semi rotations.
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Offline YoungMichael88

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #40 on: Sat, 14 March 2015, 00:53:50 »
The cooper is a fun ride. I sit ***** in Halversons all the time. And even in Canada, convertible in the summer works nicely. Although you feel like filthy sandman afterwords. The hair. Oh the hair!!
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Offline dustinhxc

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #41 on: Sat, 14 March 2015, 00:55:57 »


They are very much like a go kart! I miss mine every day!

Offline Touch_It

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #42 on: Tue, 17 March 2015, 11:57:48 »
They're expensive to fix since they're a BMW and I've heard they're not the cheapest to insure either.

The biggest turn off for me though is the big ass speedometer in the center console.  It's like Flava Flav is sitting smack dab in the middle of your dash:

Show Image


Show Image



Also, all the variants they made are ugly as hell.

Dat console.....hideous :O. 


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Offline dante

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #43 on: Tue, 17 March 2015, 12:02:53 »
Someone earlier in the thread brought up Mazda - I'd have to say - avoid them!

Mazda has TERRIBLE paint.  A few die hards will say "Nah man - it used to be like that but after 07/08 it was all taken care of"

Nu Huh!  My wifes 2014 CX5 has some spots in the paint already and it scratches if you even THINK about it scratching.

Oh yeah - we got the "Red Soul" paint that is an extra $$$ option because it's "Tri-Coat"

I shutter to think what the single coat paint is like.

Offline katushkin

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #44 on: Tue, 17 March 2015, 12:09:53 »
They're expensive to fix since they're a BMW and I've heard they're not the cheapest to insure either.

The biggest turn off for me though is the big ass speedometer in the center console.  It's like Flava Flav is sitting smack dab in the middle of your dash:

Show Image


Show Image



Also, all the variants they made are ugly as hell.

QFT

Don't do it. They are massive as well. You can't get a mini Mini any more
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Offline berserkfan

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #45 on: Tue, 17 March 2015, 13:24:40 »
Looks like my much beloved truck, Bubba Jane, may be headed to the eternal gas station in the sky. She was supposed to be a temporary vehicle and I ended up driving her for over 7 years.  Anyway, I'm starting to look for a new (to me) used car and I'm considering a Mini Cooper base, or S model and wanted to know if anyone had any thoughts on it.

I know there are some car guys here and since GeekHack is chock full of wisdom, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

FWIW, I'm only looking at the models after they replaced the engine. I think that's 2008, but the ones near me are all 2011 and later.

Also, I don't have kids, large pets, or the need to haul anything but my dumbass and a bunch of 60% boards. ;-)

Thoughts?

I can see that you live in TN. And probably in a rural area, since you call your car Bubba Jane with a straight face.

Aren't you surrounded by monster trucks, 4wds, SUVs on the roads?

Mini Cooper will be squashed flatter than a pancake in any collision with these monsters. In particular their bumpers are very dangerous, because these will be roughly at roof level with your mini and car roofs are the weakest parts.
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Offline Oobly

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #46 on: Tue, 17 March 2015, 16:24:03 »
Get an original Mini instead :D

I have a South Africa only model, 1275E Clubman and it's a blast to drive (especially with the few small mods I've done). The new one is big, heavy (1215kg for the S, compared to 638kg for an original Cooper, almost double!) and lacking in character compared to the old, but at least the S is still a very nice car to drive and has more character than most other cars on the road :)

But yeah, get an S if you do go for one. They do still have some of the same feel as the original and are good fun to drive.
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Offline Oobly

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #47 on: Tue, 17 March 2015, 16:24:44 »

How many sharks, can there be!
apparently 4. Unless we start doing semi rotations.

8 if you flip.
Buying more keycaps,
it really hacks my wallet,
but I must have them.

Offline ideus

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Offline Bromono

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Re: Considering The Mini Cooper For My Next Car
« Reply #49 on: Tue, 17 March 2015, 17:30:38 »
I will only drive Subaru Imprezas from now on =/ but from what it sounds like you want, you should test drive a fiat