any new Mini owners here?

jhelgesen · 08-15-2005, 06:18 AM

I'm starting to look for a commuter car and considering an 02-03 mini. Looking at gas mileage as I'd use it for a bi-monthly road trip of 200 miles round trip. but daily in a 5 mile commute. How are they for road noise? Space for 2 peoples bags? Harsh ride on the highway? I want something sporty, but that has a back seat to carry the kids once in a while (not on the road trips).

Thanks!

1967 R50/2 · 08-15-2005, 06:36 AM

Road noise depends on the tires.

HUGE space in the front seats...only children will fit comfortably for any length of time in the back. Seats fold down, so you can easily fit 2 peoples bags. You can probably fit two sets of bags in the trunk without folding the seats.

The ride is sporty. Which means if your roads are rutted and pot-holed like they are in the north east, it will probably feel rough. I don't think you have anything to worry about in NC.

But, go take one for a test drive. Only then will you know if the car is for you.

They also hold their value VERY well.

Jims5543 · 08-15-2005, 07:10 AM

I test drove one back in 2003 to see what the big deal was. I ended up putting a 5K deposit down and ordering one on the spot.

I have used mine for around town daily driving with an occasional road trip to visit my parents or go to Disney. We have a 2 y/o and 12 y/o and we all fit O.K. its pretty cramped for a family of 4 on a road trip. A day trip was fine.

With no rear passangers and the seats folded you have a LOT of room for stuff. I have a pic somewhere on my MINI with 4 race tires, a floor jack, tool box, cooler, Air Tank and other assorted crap in the back.

I got 25-30 MPG City and 35-40 MPG Highway depending on my driving. If I am "good" which is hard to do, I get the top end milage.

I just sold my JCW for 20K to buy a 911/930 and I miss it already. I need to get a 911 stat.

VincentVega · 08-15-2005, 10:39 AM

x2

I had an 03 S and loved it. Great car. A little rough with the run flats, but that's easy enough to fix. Great power, handling and looks.

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

John,
Thought about a GTI? I looked at the mini and it felt very cheap. The VW on the otherhand looked and felt much better. little more HP, more weight as well though but room for 4 6footers

jhelgesen · 08-15-2005, 01:05 PM

A gti would be a possibility, I'll have to check them out. I'm looking at mpg, sportiness, and cost. I like the styling of the bmw a lot.

MysticAlpaca · 08-15-2005, 01:19 PM

Jim Cesiro's estimate for MPG is very accurate, I get that all the time, I have an 02' S. The 6 speed is the trick and shifting bellow 3K for optimum gas mileage. But the power is there if you want it.

When driving enthusiastically shifting around 5K and having FUN I still get 27 on average with mixed city/hwy driving.

Having run flats offer great piece of mind and the ACS (active stability control) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) really makes the car awesome on wet roads or autocross on gravel roads. I came home one day and the whole car was tan from dust...hehe very fun.

I have an 87' Carrera also and the Mini Cooper S is just as fun but in different ways...albeit slower.

Volkswagens are nice too I’ve had several of those as well, but the tech you get for the money on the Mini is hard to pass up along with the high resale value.

--Bill

Isabo · 08-15-2005, 03:04 PM

I use my mini as a towncar and to go the mountains most weekends. It's great fun on the twisties and practical in town. There's minimal storage space and the ride is as hard as my hillclimb prepped 911. I love mine but it may not be what you are looking for.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Have you considered the Audi A3? They are alot of fun to drive, decent amount of room in back and 31 hwy, 27 city. You should at least test drive one before making the final decision. My $.02