Mini Cooper in Route Across the Pond

[Tornado]

I just wish the US got the Mini One. Nothing beats an even cheaper Mini with all the same driving fun.

Except the Mini One has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Not fun like the Cooper (comically slow, and not very good handling to boot), and not practical enough to make up for it otherwise.

 

[YSSMAN]

A Mini? Sweet.

I'd go with white with black stripes with the black roof and mirrors... Otherwise, I'd go with red and get the UK flag on the roof and mirrors...

 

[JCE]

Except the Mini One has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Not fun like the Cooper (comically slow, and not very good handling to boot), and not practical enough to make up for it otherwise.

I disagree. For one it still looks fantastic, it has just as much room inside, and I maintain it still handles better than the average hatch in America. Being slow doesn't automatically make it crap to drive...just ask MX-5 drivers.

 

[Tornado]

For one it still looks fantastic,

Which does not a good car make.

it has just as much room inside,

Or, absolutely none, for those not in the know (especially considering how large it is).

and I maintain it still handles better than the average hatch in America.

For Mini One prices, you could buy a Honda Fit, which has more room, 4 doors, more power, less weight and better handling. To me that's a no-brainer, whether I like the Mini's looks or not.

Being slow doesn't automatically make it crap to drive...just ask MX-5 drivers.

No it doesn't. But being heavy does. And the Mini One is only marginally less heavy than the Cooper, yet it is more softly sprung, has smaller diameter wheels and is catatonicly slow. I would rather pony up the extra dough to buy a Cooper or just buy a easily more competent competitor sold by other companies.

 

[Joey D]

I was surprised at how roomy the Mini was, it's about the same as my truck now which is fine. I'm getting the premium package that has the giant sunroof on it and I might get the sports package as well since I want the HID's, fog lights, and the bonnet stripes.

I'm think silver with a black top and black stripes, I don't really want a dark colour car since they are a pain to keep clean in Michigan.

 

[1X83Z]

For Mini One prices, you could buy a Honda Fit, which has more room, 4 doors, more power, less weight and better handling. To me that's a no-brainer, whether I like the Mini's looks or not.

And paddle shifters!!!

 

[TheCracker]

For Mini One prices, you could buy a Honda Fit, which has more room, 4 doors, more power, less weight and better handling. To me that's a no-brainer, whether I like the Mini's looks or not.

That's odd. In Europe the Mini is probably the best handling small hatchback around at the moment. The Honda Jazz (your Fit), on the other hand, doesn't even register on the scale.

Owning the Mini says to people 'i like cars'. Owning a Honda Jazz says 'i want to get from A to B without having to use public transport' and 'Oh, i've got grey hair as well'

 

[forza2.0]

The mini handles well (the missus has one ) BUT at the end of the day its a bit of a girls car especially in auto form. The missus got hers in auto after much uproar from me and its not a patch on the manual. Autos are soooo slowwwww. Wouldnt say that the word mini and room go well together either. The boot is tiny too!

 

[Joey D]

It doesn't sound like you have one because the car had decent room and speed.

 

[forza2.0]

It doesn't sound like you have one because the car had decent room and speed.

What engine are you looking at buying? As for space it doesnt have much, only seats two in the back also.

 

[Philly]

Coopers are pretty cool. I would recommend BRG with white or black stripes and a Union Jack on top or sparkling silver with black stripes. Are you getting one brand new or the older one?

 

[Joey D]

BRG is way to hard to keep clean.

I'm getting a new one with the 1.6L 118hp I4

 

[forza2.0]

BRG is way to hard to keep clean.

I'm getting a new one with the 1.6L 118hp I4

How come the US spec NA 1.6 has more power than the UK version?

But yeah the 1.6 in automatic form is slow. How come you dont want it in manual? Its much more fun that way!

 

[Joey D]

How come I don't want a manual? I hate driving manuals and its a daily driver so sitting in traffic shifting the damn thing sucks.

 

[Roo]

I, of course, think your colour choice should pay homege to this, but then I would say that

Good to hear you've settled for a Mini. I would naturally recommend BRG, but you've already made a good enough reason not to have it. The silver and black looks good though.

You have fun now!

 

[forza2.0]

How come I don't want a manual? I hate driving manuals and its a daily driver so sitting in traffic shifting the damn thing sucks.

Each to their own I suppose. My car is my daily driver and its a manual, and if anywhere is over congested its London. I suppose if in my country had mainly straightish roads id get a auto too. Manuals only come into their own around dips curves and bends

 

[YSSMAN]

I'm think silver with a black top and black stripes, I don't really want a dark colour car since they are a pain to keep clean in Michigan.

...Pansy...

How come I don't want a manual? I hate driving manuals and its a daily driver so sitting in traffic shifting the damn thing sucks.

Pansy, Pansy, Pansy, Pansy. Is Doug controlling your mind from Atlanta?

---

Damn, I may as well race you in your Mini with my Jetta. It may be a close race... 0-60 in 9+ sec shootout!

 

[forza2.0]

Auto NA minis are like 11 sec to 60 cars so id put my money on your jetta

 

[Philly]

How come I don't want a manual? I hate driving manuals and its a daily driver so sitting in traffic shifting the damn thing sucks.

You get used to it. You'll hate the city driving for a month or so, then you won't really even notice your shifting. But the fun starts at day one for a manual once you find the corners (which might be a little tough around here...)

 

[Roo]

And you'll be getting a workout, so you won't have to go to the gym (if you do).

Now you've got no excuse!

 

[Joey D]

I won't ever own a manual, I think they are pointless. I never plan on racing my car and in daily driving I do not want to deal with it. We live in 2007, the car can shift for me. They are not slow, unless you have driven one then I strongly suggest you check your facts. Mini rates them at 8.5 seconds 0-62 which is actually faster then the Blazer. I don't require or really even desire something that will hit 60 in 5 seconds flat. I do not race, I drive around on roads that only have a 40 mph speed limit.

This car will probably be pretty babied because I want it to last me a long time. Sure I'll get on it around some corners every once in a while but I want something small with good fuel mileage.

Dark cars suck to keep clean and I'm neat freak when it comes to my car, I don't want to have to wash it every day to keep it looking good. Plus I really do like silver cars.

 

[JCE]

Coopers are pretty cool. I would recommend BRG with white or black stripes and a Union Jack on top or

You've been reading my mind.

I won't ever own a manual, I think they are pointless. *snip*

Pointless to you, but not pointless to other people. 👍

 

[Rykon Zero]

dude. why don't you get a cooper s? with bonnet stripes?

 

[Philly]

You've been reading my mind.

Actually, I think I read your post (or somebody's).

Pointless to you, but not pointless to other people. 👍

Amen. This is a forum for car enthusiasts. We like manuals, unlike the general American public, who are too lazy to reach over and move the little knobby every so often. We would give up a little extra technology to gain control of our vehicle and have more fun driving it. I personally am ashamed for not knowing how to drive one.

 

[Joey D]

Pointless to you, but not pointless to other people. 👍

Which is exactly why I said "I think they are pointless".

dude. why don't you get a cooper s? with bonnet stripes?

Would you like to pay my insurance bill? If you are willing to then by all means I'll get a Cooper S, but supercharger and 20 years old don't mesh. And I'm getting black bonnet stripes.

Amen. This is a forum for car enthusiasts. We like manuals, unlike the general American public, who are too lazy to reach over and move the little knobby every so often. We would give up a little extra technology to gain control of our vehicle and have more fun driving it. I personally am ashamed for not knowing how to drive one.

I can drive a manual no problem, my old Neon was a manual and I hated it. I see no reason why I should have to work the damn clutch while sitting in traffic for 40 minutes to and hour everyday. That isn't the least bit enjoyable. Plus the Cooper comes with flappy paddles so if I ever have the dying urge to shift the car I can do so but I probably won't use that feature all that much.

We live in 2007, technology is advanced, I don't know why I wouldn't use that technology. Now if the car was only a 4 speed I probably wouldn't even be looking at an automatic, but it's a 6 speed.

Call me lazy, call me whatever you like, but ultimately it will be my car and I will get it in the way that is the most practical for me. If I was going to race then I might think about it, but this is a commuter car that can be stylish if I want it to be.

 

[High-Test]

My love for driving a Manual transmission was ruined by a decrepit Saginaw 4 speed. All 5'4 130lbs of me couldn't slam my left leg down hard enough to get the clutch to go far enough to shift gears without getting caught in between.
They're fun and great, but with so many distractions and an American driving culture that is used to multitasking while driving being commonplace, we can't accept a manual because we might miss a call.

 

[Philly]

I can drive a manual no problem, my old Neon was a manual and I hated it. I see no reason why I should have to work the damn clutch while sitting in traffic for 40 minutes to and hour everyday. That isn't the least bit enjoyable. Plus the Cooper comes with flappy paddles so if I ever have the dying urge to shift the car I can do so but I probably won't use that feature all that much.

Those are fun. I use them all the time. And I guess you do have a good point about traffic, it seems that most of your time is spent commuting in stop and go, where an automatic is useful.

Call me lazy, call me whatever you like, but ultimately it will be my car and I will get it in the way that is the most practical for me. If I was going to race then I might think about it, but this is a commuter car that can be stylish if I want it to be.

And this is why I have no choice but to respect your decision. The paddles are a really good thing to have.

 

[YSSMAN]

I did forget that they've got a six-speed box in there with flappy paddles... Thats better than I recall (used to have a CVT, right?). I guess its not the end of the world, but I'd still prefer the stick.

BTW: Ever notice that the speedo is the size of a dinner plate in the center of the dash?

 

[Rykon Zero]

Would you like to pay my insurance bill? If you are willing to then by all means I'll get a Cooper S, but supercharger and 20 years old don't mesh. And I'm getting black bonnet stripes.

i didn't know you could get bonnet stripes on the normal version. that was my only piont. and i am far too young to pay for anything. bonnet stripes rock.

 

[Joey D]

Thats better than I recall (used to have a CVT, right?).

I believe so, the cabriolets still have them as an automatic.

BTW: Ever notice that the speedo is the size of a dinner plate in the center of the dash?

It's hard not to notice it .