So I've been looking around at new cars and the Mini has really been catching my eye. I love the "small engine + small body = zippy auto" kind of cars (plus they usually get good gas milage).
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Who here has a Mini Cooper?
- Thread starter Stridder44
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Which model? Cooper or CooperS?
I have an '04 CooperS and I've gotta say, the mileage has been quite dissapointing. Street driving I get roughly 24-26 mpg, freeway is barely 30mpg.
I highly suggest you test drive them-- people are often shocked by how "sluggish" even the supercharged S feels. Don't be fooled by it's outer appearance, the MINI is a heavy car. Sigh. If only it weighed less..
But otherwise, I <3 mine. Dark silver, black top. Mm. Bonnet stripes, driving lamps. Aero kit all the way around. <3
What I really wish is that in the States we could get the MINIone. That's the diesel model that used to have around 90bhp. But there are some awesome turbo kits that bump it up to more power than an S w/ a reduced pulley and it still spanks the S in the fuel efficiency department.
Here we go... link to photo in the "Picture of your car" thread... linky
I have an '04 CooperS and I've gotta say, the mileage has been quite dissapointing. Street driving I get roughly 24-26 mpg, freeway is barely 30mpg.
I highly suggest you test drive them-- people are often shocked by how "sluggish" even the supercharged S feels. Don't be fooled by it's outer appearance, the MINI is a heavy car. Sigh. If only it weighed less..
But otherwise, I <3 mine. Dark silver, black top. Mm. Bonnet stripes, driving lamps. Aero kit all the way around. <3
What I really wish is that in the States we could get the MINIone. That's the diesel model that used to have around 90bhp. But there are some awesome turbo kits that bump it up to more power than an S w/ a reduced pulley and it still spanks the S in the fuel efficiency department.
Here we go... link to photo in the "Picture of your car" thread... linky
devilot said:Which model? Cooper or CooperS?
I have an '04 CooperS and I've gotta say, the mileage has been quite dissapointing. Street driving I get roughly 24-26 mpg, freeway is barely 30mpg.
I highly suggest you test drive them-- people are often shocked by how "sluggish" even the supercharged S feels. Don't be fooled by it's outer appearance, the MINI is a heavy car. Sigh. If only it weighed less..
But otherwise, I <3 mine. Dark silver, black top. Mm. Bonnet stripes, driving lamps. Aero kit all the way around. <3
Either model really.
i looked @ um
when i was buying
and decieded they had zero storage room
so i got a golf
*(yes i know VW has their own issues)
but- my golf can fit a full sized washer or dryer in the back
the mini just had NO room for anythin other than like a laptop in the trunk!
crazy
i love camping & doing active things...
put the bike in the back or on the top
tents...gear...etc
+ friends can all fit in my car
the mini was just 2 small for me
but- that's just me
so think about ur lifestyle before u buy
when i was buying
and decieded they had zero storage room
so i got a golf
*(yes i know VW has their own issues)
but- my golf can fit a full sized washer or dryer in the back
the mini just had NO room for anythin other than like a laptop in the trunk!
crazy
i love camping & doing active things...
put the bike in the back or on the top
tents...gear...etc
+ friends can all fit in my car
the mini was just 2 small for me
but- that's just me
so think about ur lifestyle before u buy
Stridder44 said:
I've own a 2003 Cooper since new. As far as mileage is concerned, I get mid-20s around town and upper 30s on the highway. Driving style makes a lot of difference, especially with a manual transmission.
The Cooper is by no means a muscle car. You should not buy one, even an Cooper-S, for the speed. They are just a heck of lot of fun to drive. Also, unless you really like being jiggled around a lot when you drive and turn corners like a demon, then avoid the run-flat tires, which last I checked came on the 17-inch rims. Not only is the tire profile much smaller, the sidewalls on the run-flats are much stiffer, producing quite a harsh ride. I specified the 15" rims, which are plenty stiff as far as I'm concerned. The "S" also comes with a stiffer suspension, standard I believe. You can probably do without. I also greatly prefer the look of the standard Cooper, but that's strictly a matter of taste.
I would highly recommend the sport seating option. Unless Mini has changed something in the last couple of model years, the sports seats are far more comfortable than the standard seats (unless you're very wide and don't fit in them), and they don't cost much extra. Some of the other options provide good value, others not much at all.
BTW, mine is chili red and white, still the best color combination to my eye.
I'd love a classic... but the ones I've seen in decent shape go for around $14K, a bit steep for such an old car. No way in heck could I have justified that purchase.
And IJ Reilly, you're right-- the suspension is stiff. Argh. I want to save up and get 15" wheels instead of my stock 17" wheels-- slightly better ride, better acceleration, too. The stock wheels are also incredibly heavy. (And they sort of need runflats stock since there is no spare tire .)
And he's right-- you can fit more... I fit a luggage filled w/ art supplies and a 3 foot by four foot painting in my MINI. Of course, there was no room for another passenger.... but you can fit stuff.
No way in heck could I have justified that purchase.And IJ Reilly, you're right-- the suspension is stiff. Argh. I want to save up and get 15" wheels instead of my stock 17" wheels-- slightly better ride, better acceleration, too. The stock wheels are also incredibly heavy. (And they sort of need runflats stock since there is no spare tire
.)And he's right-- you can fit more... I fit a luggage filled w/ art supplies and a 3 foot by four foot painting in my MINI. Of course, there was no room for another passenger.... but you can fit stuff.
Solid Gold
I have an '03 Solid Gold Cooper. I come out of the house every morning and smile because I love it so much. I'm a loser though-I got an automatic. But it's still a fun car to drive and it's still fun to have people stop you and ask you all about it. I love it so much I even took my first trip to Europe to tour the MINI factory in Oxford, which was a cool experience, indeed. All those MINIs going down the assembly line, all those waiting owners all over the world. Magical.
I have an '03 Solid Gold Cooper. I come out of the house every morning and smile because I love it so much. I'm a loser though-I got an automatic. But it's still a fun car to drive and it's still fun to have people stop you and ask you all about it. I love it so much I even took my first trip to Europe to tour the MINI factory in Oxford, which was a cool experience, indeed. All those MINIs going down the assembly line, all those waiting owners all over the world. Magical.
devilot said:And IJ Reilly, you're right-- the suspension is stiff. Argh. I want to save up and get 15" wheels instead of my stock 17" wheels-- slightly better ride, better acceleration, too. The stock wheels are also incredibly heavy. (And they sort of need runflats stock since there is no spare tire
Only the Cooper-S lacks a spare, because of the dual exhaust. The Cooper (and the Mini One, not sold in the U.S.), have a spare tucked underneath the back of the car.
I have an '03 MINI and absolutely love it.
Of course these aren't muscle cars, but that doesn't mean they are slow. MINI's beat the crap out of other cars, especially muscle ones, on the track. There is a huge performance MINI scene and plenty of options for upping your HP.
As far as the spare in an S goes, no you don't need one since it has run-flats but you can easily get on and store it with a spare tire bag.
Gas mileage depends on how you drive it. Don't accelerate too fast at keep at don't speed and you'll see gas savings, also make sure you keep your tires properly inflated and if the weather permits it turn off the a/c. You do have to use premium though, it's a performance engine and you'll notice knocking if you use the cheaper stuff.
And I personally think the Cooper has plenty of room when you fold the seats down.
Of course these aren't muscle cars, but that doesn't mean they are slow. MINI's beat the crap out of other cars, especially muscle ones, on the track. There is a huge performance MINI scene and plenty of options for upping your HP.
As far as the spare in an S goes, no you don't need one since it has run-flats but you can easily get on and store it with a spare tire bag.
Gas mileage depends on how you drive it. Don't accelerate too fast at keep at don't speed and you'll see gas savings, also make sure you keep your tires properly inflated and if the weather permits it turn off the a/c. You do have to use premium though, it's a performance engine and you'll notice knocking if you use the cheaper stuff.
And I personally think the Cooper has plenty of room when you fold the seats down.
If I had to have a car I think I'd get a mini, they are so stylish, definitely the most aesthetically pleasing cars on the market, IMO.
btw, devilot, I'm calling you if any future car I have breaks down. I had no idea you knew so much about cars! Totally cool .
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btw, devilot, I'm calling you if any future car I have breaks down
. I had no idea you knew so much about cars! Totally cool .e
Haha. I'm touched you think so... but I really don't. Don't call me, I'd just turn right back around and call AAA.scem0 said:btw, devilot, I'm calling you if any future car I have breaks down
e
But I did learn one really really important lesson in terms of swapping out a flat-- make sure you lodge a big ol' stick or rock or something under the tire. 
My family's next car may be a year or two off but I want it to be a mini S. The only problem I see is that we drive to the mountain (Mt. Hood) 15 times a year (which is 30 trips total- one up and one down), and we have always done it in a Suburu, which has AWD. I wonder if a mini could make it.
Which is why my number two wanted car is a WRX. Mainly I want my family to get a new car so that I can borrow it on occasion (think dates) but mostly so that my dad will give me his old outback.
Which is why my number two wanted car is a WRX. Mainly I want my family to get a new car so that I can borrow it on occasion (think dates) but mostly so that my dad will give me his old outback.
I had a Mini Cooper for two years and it was absolutely fantastic. It wasn't that small as long as you kept it a 2+2. Its great for 2 people but can take 4 if you need to. Fold the rear seats down and you get *loads* of space.
They're pretty pricey though, the accessories add up quickly. I was silly and got pretty much every add on. If I were to get one again I would definately get the addon packs - chilli or pepper etc. The best accessory I got was definitely the climate control, I used it *all* the time and wouldn't get one without it. The sunroof went unused. I also loved the heated seats - meant I could wait in the car in the cold without the engine on while staying warm. Girls say they feel like they've peed themselves though. Hmmm... what else...
I loved my car more than anything and was very upset to let it go. If you've got any questions have a look over at the mini2 forums. I used to be a big poster over there. Best advice for anything Mini related.
They're pretty pricey though, the accessories add up quickly. I was silly and got pretty much every add on. If I were to get one again I would definately get the addon packs - chilli or pepper etc. The best accessory I got was definitely the climate control, I used it *all* the time and wouldn't get one without it. The sunroof went unused. I also loved the heated seats - meant I could wait in the car in the cold without the engine on while staying warm. Girls say they feel like they've peed themselves though. Hmmm... what else...
I loved my car more than anything and was very upset to let it go. If you've got any questions have a look over at the mini2 forums. I used to be a big poster over there. Best advice for anything Mini related.
They sure do. Mine's pretty loaded but not by my choice-- they were in crazy hot demand and most dealerships had a cool $1-2K markup! The dealership I went to (EastBay MINI) had no markup, and this was the only dark silver S they had in stock... so I just took it w/ the options. Better than waiting 2 years which was the wait at that time.Spanky Deluxe said:
I also love using the heated seats... hehe, and it does feel a bit like you've peed your pants.Spanky Deluxe said:
I used to persuse that forum a couple of years back (before I got my MINI), but since then, it's exploded and I feel like it's such a maze... I find it difficult to find any relevant or truly helfpul information. Guess I just suck at gleaming info.Spanky Deluxe said:
Are the sun visors actually functional now? I wish that the '04s had arm rests, these better cup holders... and if the new ones have 'em, functional sun visors.swiftaw said:
I did install the little parcel shelf that comes stock on European MINIs (underneath/behind the steering column). I love having that little extra bit of storage space.
IMO, a Mini is a car worth ordering from the factory, and waiting. Took me six months to get mine, but it's got everything I wanted on the car, and nothing I didn't want. My sticker price came in at $18,495.00, which is what I paid (no markup). Adding options like leather seating, navigation system, and the sunroof really bumps up the price in a hurry. The "S" alone adds a couple of grand to the base price. You can get to $25 k in a hurry -- but you don't have to.
You don't need a seat warmer if you forgo the leather. That was no problem for me, since I don't like leather seats and would have paid extra to not have them. I really like the multifunction steering wheel, with the fingertip controls for the radio on the back, right where they belong! Sport seats, also money well spent IMO. The auto-dimming rear-view mirror: I've had these in the last two of my cars, and now I can't live without it. On the Mini this feature came bundled with the auto-sensing wipers. This I could live without, but they do seem to work. I also bought the optional exterior chrome package, which is also pretty inexpensive and looks nice.
So you can own a well-equipt Mini for not much dough. It's up to you.
You don't need a seat warmer if you forgo the leather. That was no problem for me, since I don't like leather seats and would have paid extra to not have them. I really like the multifunction steering wheel, with the fingertip controls for the radio on the back, right where they belong! Sport seats, also money well spent IMO. The auto-dimming rear-view mirror: I've had these in the last two of my cars, and now I can't live without it. On the Mini this feature came bundled with the auto-sensing wipers. This I could live without, but they do seem to work. I also bought the optional exterior chrome package, which is also pretty inexpensive and looks nice.
So you can own a well-equipt Mini for not much dough. It's up to you.
devilot said:
Yeah, I would say that the visors are somewhat useful. The differences between the 04 and 06 are subtle but useful, more places to store stuff, etc.
For those Mini owners, do your passengers often have a hard time trying to figure out how to exit the car? Firstly actually locating the door handle and then not figuring out you have to pull it twice? I find it very amusing.