OT: Whats your take on Mini Coopers?

[Sonic dB]

Like em? Not like em? Ive never drive one are they fast? One thing you CAN say is that they are a unique vehicle in this day and age of sterility in automobiles.

I was just parked next to one by the ocean... if I squinted and looked from an angle...my 911 and the Mini could pass for distant cousins.

[nostatic]

I drove an S, and actually wasn't impressed. When I got back in my SC it felt like I had a ton more grunt and agility (maybe I drove a bad Cooper). Also, there are some reports of build quality issues (and when I looked at it some things seemed suspect). At least one reviewer admited that the car is so cool that they are overlooking some of the flaws, and if it was a more pedestrian vehicle they'd hammer it.

[eion]

Build quality issues? In a British car? Never!

I've not driven the new Mini, but from what I've seen I dislike them less than the old ones.

[les-paul man]

Mini Coopers are merely a passing fad....once the novelty wears off (perhaps 2-3 more years), they wont be anything special.

on the other hand, our beloved 911s will continue to thrive in the world of sports car motoring enthusiasm....

[epbrown]

Most people are writing them off as the latest fad now that the Beetle's easier to come by. I think they're cool (like the new Beetle) but they don't have enough "oomph" for me, and I'm not a fan of supercharging so the tuner models don't appeal to me.

Emanuel

[Lucky]

I test drove an S w/ the 6 speed a few months ago. In a straight line they are nothing special (about 7 to 7.5 seconds 0-60 with a rather coarse engine note), but (much like a Porsche) they really come alive in the curves. They are becoming a very popular AutoX car.

The main turn-off for me was the crappy interior design/plastics and tiny size. Seats sucked, too. BMW had to cut too many corners to hit the price target they wanted.

[Stanley]

I disagree with the mini's just being a passing fad. They are popular cars right now and I see them has staying pretty popular too for a few reasons:

They are capable cars, as compared to other recent fad cars like the New Bettle and the PT Cruiser. People baught these cars because they were "cute." Of course there are people buying Mini's because they are cute, but a large number of people are also buying them as a sports car with great handleing. There is already a failry large aftermarket for them, which is usally evident that the car will stick around for a while. I also belive that BMW is going to limit the production of the Mini's to something like 20,000 a year, but I might be wrong.

I have also heard about their poor built quality, it will be interesting to see how they hold up in a few years time.

Edit: why was this thread made into a sticky?

[k9handler]

I like them...much better than any Honda in my opinion!
Although I would rather have a 914-6 than a mini.

[Isabo]

My everyday car is a mini cooper. I love it. It is very expensive for what it is, but BMW marketing will minimise depreciation (I hope). Quality could be better but we can say the same about a 996! I've not had any problems but other owners I've talked too at the dealers have had small issues. As a package I don't think I can knock it: It's got style (very important in Milan); it's fashionable (also very important for a woman in Milan); it's socially acceptable everywhere like the original mini; it's just about affordable (I don't have the money some of you guys seem to have for toys and transport. Easy to park etc etc etc.
Performance: great for the curvy bits but it could use a lot more power, BUT then again, how much power does anyone expect from a car in this class and would they be prepared to pay for it?
I don't think it's a fad car just like the original mini in Europe was not a fad car. And before anyone picks me up for saying it is fashionable and that it is not a fad car. NO, I do not think that is a contradiction.

[sroakley]

I was interested in buying one for my wife, so we drove to L.A. (110 miles from Bucksville) to try one out. Drove both the S and the vanilla flavor. Ho hum... Drove home without one and bought a 3.2TL Type S for her instead. Much better car, tho' mo' doh.

Mini: Okay in curves, but not great. Seemed too heavy, too slow and too much money. I think I'd rather have a WRX-more bang for the buck. The mini would be great for a kid going to college 'cause it's cute, slow and easy to park.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally posted by Isabo
Performance: great for the curvy bits but it could use a lot more power, BUT then again, how much power does anyone expect from a car in this class and would they be prepared to pay for it?

Subaru WRX makes 227hp for US$24k and has AWD.

You were saying...?

[jyl]

I'd get one for an everyday runabout. Compared to the 911 the back seats are usable and there is some luggage room. Compared to almost anything else in its price range it is distinctive, compact, and fun to drive. Other choices for me would be a Subaru WRX or a Toyota Prius, but obviously for different reasons. So far, still haven't found the car with the looks of a Mini, the go-fast of a WRX, and the 50 mpg of a Prius.

[nostatic]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
Subaru WRX makes 227hp for US$24k and has AWD.

You were saying...?

And compare what you can fit in a WRX wagon to the Mini.

I really do see the attraction for the Cooper, but from my test drives I would take a WRX wagon or maybe even an RSX-S (another quick, good handling hatchback). Especially considering the premium that Cooper S's are still commanding.

[epbrown]

The marketing seems to be favoring the tuned models. I think it would have been smarter to price the base model cheaper, and then let the tuners sell parts to folks that want to upgrade. I think a used base-model car will make an excellent platform for playing with after they've depreciated a bit. Something I can't say about the Beetle or PT Cruiser, so that's something at least.

Emanuel

[Isabo]

Gosh! I can't imagine why anyone would buy a new mini or an old 911!
I must have bought both in moments of temporary insanity!
Subaru: NO CLASS!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

No class? It'll sure school the 911 on the fire trails!

[MMARSH]

I drove one at Buttonwillow racetrack. I thought it was a great little car. The one I drove had some slight suspension mods and handled great. With about 200HP It would be a hard little car to beat. It will out handle a SC or a Carrera all day (I know because i passed several and own one) and is the fastest car through the salom that several magazines have tested.

I actually wouldn't mind owning one.

[Moses]

If fun is the point, then the Mini is a great car. My dad has a Cooper S and it is a blast to drive. Small car but roomy on the inside. Corners beautifully.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Time for this thread to unstick.

[Milu]

Shouldn't this topic be in the BMW Mini forum?