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Who here has a Mini Cooper?
- Thread starter Stridder44
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I have only seen the Clubman edition in photos and from afar, but I hope it's better than the cabriolet version. To my eye, the convertible is ugly.
Minis are lovely, but they are so expensive.
I used to have an old 1.3 Automatic that I used to drive off-road before I had my licence (I was about 12!)
I used to have an old 1.3 Automatic that I used to drive off-road before I had my licence (I was about 12!)
By the way, I've read that the 2008 and newer model MINI models do ride a bit better, thanks to more careful matching of tire and suspension types.
However, the issues with torque steer are still well-known. Most American automotive magazines that have tested recent-model MINI's note that torque steer is a problem with any model that have a turbocharged engine, and it would benefit from a limited-slip differential, which would make better use of the stability system and traction control now found on the MINI. After all, many reviewers have lauded the Honda Civic Si coupe's handling, mostly because of the use of a limited-slip differential to minimize the torque steer effects from the 197 bhp (SAE 08/04 net) engine.
However, the issues with torque steer are still well-known. Most American automotive magazines that have tested recent-model MINI's note that torque steer is a problem with any model that have a turbocharged engine, and it would benefit from a limited-slip differential, which would make better use of the stability system and traction control now found on the MINI. After all, many reviewers have lauded the Honda Civic Si coupe's handling, mostly because of the use of a limited-slip differential to minimize the torque steer effects from the 197 bhp (SAE 08/04 net) engine.
LSD was an option up to 2009. From 2009 on, there is an electronic LSD-like feature called ELSD (electronic diff lock control).
I love the way some people in this topic describe Mini as a "small" car. It's bordering on what I'd describe as a medium size car (comparable to Golf, 1-Series, Astra and Focus) because there are so many cars available which are significantly smaller.
Not in the US market. I believe until the SmartCar arrived a few months ago, the Mini was the shortest car sold in the US. So by that measure, it was not just small, but the smallest.
I don't own a Mini but I view them as small cars. They don't have a four door option and there's barely any trunk space. Folding the rear seats doesn't count.
You really need to try a fly-drive holiday to Europe. I have a VW Polo, which is smaller than a Mini, and I can get everything I need in it.
What exactly do you want to put in there?
I mean, yeah, there might be an odd day where I want to buy something from IKEA which doesn't fit in the back of my small car, but then I pay someone to deliver it. Even at vastly inflated rates, it doesn't come close to the waste of money that would be a much bigger car with worse fuel economy that I'd have to endure for the rest of the time.
I just don't get this American attitude of "hauling stuff". Apart from those who have a job in building work, what is there that you want to carry around frequently that you need such a big car for?
While ELDC is a good idea, it's still not a substitute for an authentic limited-slip differential. Essentially, ELDC tries to be like a limited-slip differential but does it with electronics.
I drive a Honda Civic so I'm hardly a big car person so miss me with the big car attitude. I like being able to have friends/family in the back seat and my shopping items in the trunk. I don't haul furniture around (like you, I rather have it delivered) but there are some items that a delivery service would be excessive/unavailable for.
Of course, a person buying a Mini is aware of all of this. Heck, it's called a Mini for a reason. I actually like the car and as a single girl wouldn't mind owning one but like I said up top, it's a little too rich for what it offers (my opinion).
What works for one group of people doesn't always work for others. This is why we have choices.
How do you like your Polo? Have you had any issues with it?
I actually just passed my driving test this morning and I am looking to get a 2nd hand Polo for my first car (probably 4-5 years old with a small engine). I'll mostly be using it for city driving (I live in central Manchester) with the odd country jaunt to the lakes, or somewhere similar.
Also, it's considered small compared to some of our larger bodies. I can't fit in one and actually drive it.
I presume you are referring to a Mini, not a Smart. I'm 6-2 and have no trouble fitting into a Mini, but then I'm also very lean.
I have a co-worker who has a 2003 Cooper S and I think it is an awful little car.
It isn't particularly reliable and it squeaks and rattles like a late 80's Chevy Cavalier. It also rides terribly with the 17" wheel option. Sure, it handles well but the ride/handling balance is just not there which is suprising since BMW nails it in the rest of their vehicles...
It isn't particularly reliable and it squeaks and rattles like a late 80's Chevy Cavalier. It also rides terribly with the 17" wheel option. Sure, it handles well but the ride/handling balance is just not there which is suprising since BMW nails it in the rest of their vehicles...
I have a 2003 Cooper and it does not squeak or rattle in the slightest. Maybe your coworker's Mini was abused.
The ride with the large wheels and the run-flats is very harsh, which is why I didn't get that option. As for handling, I don't see how you could evaluate that as a passenger.
His does, and it isn't abused at all.
I run group two at Summit Point, and I have driven a Cooper S on track with the 17" wheel option and it does handle well. Does that answer your question?
I had a similar comment from a co-worker who was not so impressed with a Mini he had on loan from BMW. Said the window wipers were frail at high speed and not so effective (over 170kph). And very noisy interiour.
But then you get what you pay for...his normal car, a 5-series, cost 3 times as much.
His has terrible squeaks and rattles that were only fixed temporarily by the dealer. They are located in the dash, passenger door, and the back hatch.
This particular car was not that cheap, as almost every single option box was checked and the car was ordered...
I was merely explaining something you could have posed as a question, that is all.
Fair enough, but it I didn't think it was accurate to imply that all Minis have a squeak and rattle problem. Some of the early cars had an issue with the hatch rattling. I drove one (a 2002 Mini One) that had the hatch rattle and it was very annoying. Mine never did, and it's got no other noticeable body integrity issues after nearly six years of driving. Our 5-series BMW (2002) has had far more problems with integrity and mechanical issues than the Mini, and it cost more than twice as much.