Post # 1
Member
3226 posts
Sugar bee
My husband and I went car shopping today – he initially was hooked on getting a Honda Fit, but after driving it, didn’t love the fact that you can’t see where the front of the car is!
He pointed out a Mini Cooper to me, and I was kind of “eh” about it. But we ended up driving to a dealership because he really wanted to see what it felt like driving one. Once I started hearing about them, and looked in the interior…I love it!
BUT – it is pretty pricey. So I wanted to see if anyone owned one, and what they thought out about it.
On top of that, ever car we have owned has been cheap, used, and we just paid cash for it (always under 4k). If we get this, we’d have to lease, or finance, or something. What’s the best option?
Post # 3
Member
60 posts
Worker bee
We have a little (mini) doggy named Cooper 
, does that count?
Post # 5
Member
52 posts
Worker bee
My mom has a mini cooper S and absolutely loves it! But there isn’t a lot of space, so for instance she can’t take it grocery shopping without filling up the back seat because of how small the trunk is. And the backseat is really small, so I wouldn’t plan on being able to actually have someone sit back there.
Post # 6
Member
3226 posts
Sugar bee
Yeah, the one we want is a basic Mini – not the S. I did notice that even though its a four seater, there didn’t seem to be much leg room for those sitting in the back! But still, it’s such a cool car!
Post # 7
Member
3222 posts
Sugar bee
Mini’s are awesome!! My best friend has one, and she gets 37 mpg in town. They are pricy, but they do hold their value!
Post # 8
Member
3226 posts
Sugar bee
I know, I’m hung up on the price :/
Post # 9
Member
114 posts
Blushing bee
You could look into a certified pre owned if you are worried about the price. They are used minis but they come with warranties and are in like-new condition. Just don’t buy one pre 2006 because they come with tranny problems that are as unavoidable as they are expensive. I have a 2010 mini s and I LOVE it.. It’s our second vehicle so the lack of space isn’t an issue for me. the backseat is just big enough for my doggies which is all I need. I average about 37mpg and it makes inner city parking much easier cause you can slid into places other vehicles can’t fit into haha. My only complaint is that my GPS frequently acts up. I don’t think this is a common issue though.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Post # 10
Member
1371 posts
Bumble bee
My Mother-In-Law has a mini. She seems to like it alright, but I’ve been in the backseat and it was awful. I definitely don’t suggest it if you’re looking to put people back there regularly! Otherwise it’s a cute car.
Post # 11
Member
747 posts
Busy bee
my dad is on his second mini, he LOVES them! his 1st was the regular mini, and this one is the S. while the back is small, i’ve sat in the back on trips 2+ hours and it wasn’t terrible. i don’t find the front seats particularly comfortable either though (i’m spoiled by crazy comfy seats in my volvos & now my chrysler pacifica!). there is luggage you can buy from them that is specially designed to fit in the car to maximize the space. he has had a bunch of issues with both of them, luckily they have been things that were covered under warranty, i don’t think i’d be comfortable having one that wasn’t under warranty. he gets fantastic gas milage. both of his have been standards. i don’t know how to drive a standard, but the one time my mom took me out in the mini & tried to have me drive it, i stalled it & she told me it was a hard one to drive, don’t know if this is important to you or not. it’s very much a cult car, like people & their jeeps. there’s a mini cooper ‘wave’ & there are groups that do rides together. here is a pic i grabbed off google images of one of the trips he went on
Post # 12
Member
3226 posts
Sugar bee
@MrsE.ToBe :haha, I didn’t know it was a cult car!
I don’t drive standard, so we can’t do that. I’m happy to hear that it sounds like a positive review car, so far
Post # 13
Member
747 posts
Busy bee
@luli29: i just noticed where you’re from! lol, silly me=) here is a link for the group he is part of, http://minisontop.com/ they climb mount washington every year. it’s a pretty interesting group, and they have raised a lot ($50,000+ , i believe) for charity since they started. they usually raffle off a year long lease during their event, maybe you & Darling Husband could have matching ones! =)