Mini Cooper in Route Across the Pond

[Philly]

Like I've said I'm not expecting or desiring a fast straight line car.

Just wait until you start driving it. It isn't a Blazer. I was the same way before I got my car. Heck, I still go "slow" in the Volvo. The mini very easily could push you to go faster and faster.

 

[forza2.0]

That still seems too low, I think you need to re-check your figures.

Allstate's configurator with the basic stuff that I have states that it would be $1270 for six months, or $211 a month. My guess is that with my stuff at State Farm, that would probably be about $185-200 a month, which isn't horrible, but its certainly expensive.

Like I said, there isn't any way in hell it can be that cheap for a year. Full coverage on my VW is $1440 a year, or $120 a month. Unless your parents are insuring the Mini for you, it ain't going to be that cheap for a 20 year old...

I wish I could pay $2000 for my car insurance. Currently Im paying $6000 for the year

Do car insurance companies automatically investigate any accident involving under 21's in your country, because thats the reason why i never insused my car under a family member.

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, the rule is here (AFAIK) that if you own a car on your family's policy, your name must be as a primary driver on at least one (or so says my State Farm agent). Thusly, before my name was on my Mother's car (Toyota Camry) and her name was on mine (Volkswagen Jetta) because it was cheaper... Then she got a new car (Pontiac Grand Prix), and our names are on our own cars, because its cheaper.

I think it depends from State to State, and from company to company. As long as the car is insured and someone's name is on a title, I don't think it matters (particularly with family).

 

[Seanman]

Well, I actually have a 2007 Mini Cooper, and it's pretty much brilliant. The automatic is actually pretty fun to use, and you can use the manumatic paddles if you're so inclined, although I think the paddles are shaped a little strangely for constant use.

Despite reservations about speed, the regular Cooper is plenty fast in daily life. In fact, it feels a bit faster than it actually is, thanks to the rev-happy engine. I went to San Francisco in it in July, and it climbed the hills easily with three people in it.

Rear leg space is a bit snug if you're over six feet three, but for temporary use, it's absolutely fine. I guess you wouldn't want to go on really long journeys with four basketball players, but for runs to work or football games, it's actually pretty comfortable.

Right now, according to the on-board computer, I'm getting exactly 29.2 mpg with an average speed of 20 mph on premium fuel. That's with barely any amount of highway usage. I'm sure that if you go on the freeway often, you'll get well north of 30 in daily use.

It has just over three thousand miles on it, and it hasn't had a single problem. The interior pieces still work and fit perfectly, and the paint job still shines. Everything works well, and I have no reason to believe anything will break in the near future.

Overall, it's a great little car. The only gripe I have is the price, as after tax and fees and stuff, my regular Mini came in at just over $25,000. That's with a pretty modest options set, with pretty much only the automatic transmission and the sports package. The dealerships don't really give much room for negotiation, but at least the service is superb.

 

[YSSMAN]

Premium fuel? $25 Grand at the start?

Joey, are you sure about this?

For that much, you may as well get a Volvo C30!

 

[1X83Z]

**** the C30 - $25k can get you a fantastic G35.

 

[a6m5]

No doubt. I saw C30 on the Ford website today, thought it looked really cool. Nearly jumped out of my seat, due to the sticker shock!

 

[forza2.0]

Premium fuel? $25 Grand at the start?

Joey, are you sure about this?

For that much, you may as well get a Volvo C30!

Damn for 25 grand you can get a audi A3 2.0T. You americans are so lucky

 

[YSSMAN]

Best of all you can get a GTI (or a GLI!!!) for that kind of cash, as it is becoming a quickly crowded segment. Damn, its just short of a Mustang GT too... Given that Joey and I are both in Michigan, we both know we can get one of those for less anyway...

...Hell, you may even be able to dig-up a Cobalt SS or Ion Red Line (yes, they're somewhat alright) for that kind of money.

===

@ Doug: Hes not interested in used cars. Crazy, eh?

 

[Joey D]

The GTI is almost double on insurance for some strange reason, the Mustang GT is not anything I would ever consider, a C30 is crappy in the lower price ranges, and the Cobalt SS/Ion Redlines are awful cars plus they are high on insurance.

Used cars do not come with decent warranties nor can I get one how I want it.

Thanks for the review Seanman 👍!

 

[Tornado]

The GTI is almost double on insurance because it is a turbocharged car with a German badge, the Mustang GT is not anything I would ever consider, a C30 is still overpriced in the lower price ranges, and the Ion Redlines are awful cars plus they are high on insurance.

Phixed.

 

[Philly]

(or a GLI!!!)

Bad idea. I don't like those.

Used cars do not come with decent warranties nor can I get one how I want it.

Going about one year used can save you a grand or two, and that is money you can put toward a better car. You will lose the ability to be picky, but it's probably worth it to get that little step up in a car. Plus, that's money you won't lose farther down the road. And you'll still have a decent warranty left on the thing. That's my take on used...

 

[Joey D]

I will always pay extra to get the car exactly how I want it. My first mistake was buying the Blazer off the lot and not being able to pick the features I wanted...and I hated it. Now I'm going to buy a car with everything I want on it and built exactly the way I want it so in say a year I don't hate the thing or wish I had something different.

 

[Philly]

I guess new has it's advantages. And if you have the dough to go new, that works too.

 

[Joey D]

Yes I have the money, I will never buy anything I know I can not afford.

 

[Philly]

Yes I have the money, I will never buy anything I know I can not afford.

That's not exactly what I meant. I was just saying that if you had the money, it would be worth it to go new over used if there was nothing better used for the same price as the new car. Otherwise (if there was a car that was teh same price used, but better), then it would be a tossup.

If you didn't have the money to buy a Mini, I would assume you wouldn't have the money to buy something used at the same price as well. And know that you probably wouldn't go from a used car to the same new car if you didn't have the money for the new one.

 

[JCE]

Premium fuel? $25 Grand at the start?

Joey, are you sure about this?

For that much, you may as well get a Volvo C30!

The C30 is a fantastic car in almost every way. I'd still rather own a Mini. And premium fuel isn't so bad if you have a fuel efficiant car. If I drive my Prelude responsibly and keep it below 2500rpm I can easily get 30~32 combined mpg.

**** the C30 - $25k can get you a fantastic G35.

Quoted for truth. Too bad his insurance would cost more than the car.

Best of all you can get a GTI (or a GLI!!!) for that kind of cash, as it is becoming a quickly crowded segment. Damn, its just short of a Mustang GT too... Given that Joey and I are both in Michigan, we both know we can get one of those for less anyway...

...Hell, you may even be able to dig-up a Cobalt SS or Ion Red Line (yes, they're somewhat alright) for that kind of money.

===

@ Doug: Hes not interested in used cars. Crazy, eh?

Forget the Cobalt and Ion, we're talking about good cars in here.

And, the Mustang GT would eat his lunch in the insurance department. Not to mention be a handful in the snow. The GT has traction control--and not stability control. Big difference when you factor in snow/ice/rain.

Bad idea. I don't like those.

Funny, the GLI is probably my favorite non-R32 Golf. The GTI while awsome, the auto in the GLI makes me more happy in traffic situations.

I think the Mini is a fantastic buy for $25k, regardless if its the regular Mini or not. You're getting a freaking Mini...thats a BMW...thats built well...and that will probably never decrease more than 25% in value over its lifetime.

 

[Joey D]

Used Minis are still pretty expensive, they had 2003 Cooper S with 53,000 miles on it at Motor City Mini for almost $17K....my truck has 55,000 miles on it and is also a 2003 and is worth maybe $5000.

 

[JCE]

Cooper S' up here go for alot more than $17k. Down here (McLaren will agree with) they go for near the original sticker if they have 60k miles or less.

All this talk about Mini's has made me want one. ;(

 

[Tornado]

Quiet you. You just got a new car. A better one, too.

 

[Philly]

Funny, the GLI is probably my favorite non-R32 Golf. The GTI while awsome, the auto in the GLI makes me more happy in traffic situations.

The GLI isn't a Golf. The GTI is the 2.0T powered, FF little rocket with 200 hp and a hatch body based on the Golf. The GLI is the same car, but on a Jetta chassis under a Jetta body. GLI is to Jetta as GTI is to Golf. Both are offered as manuals and autos.

Basically, a GLI is a GTI that isn't a GTI. That's why I don't like them. You think it's a GTI but then it's a Jetta.

I think the Mini is a fantastic buy for $25k, regardless if its the regular Mini or not. You're getting a freaking Mini...thats a BMW...thats built well...and that will probably never decrease more than 25% in value over its lifetime.

I know that for a time, the demand for a Mini was so high that they actually went UP in value after being bought. For a while there, you would be lucky to find a used one under $27k. The Prius did the same.

As for now, I'm sure that there are enough on the road and they aren't so new that they have started to depreciate.

 

[YSSMAN]

The C30 is a fantastic car in almost every way. I'd still rather own a Mini. And premium fuel isn't so bad if you have a fuel efficiant car. If I drive my Prelude responsibly and keep it below 2500rpm I can easily get 30~32 combined mpg.

The C30 is an absolutely fantastic car if you're not at all keen to an abundance of driver involvement (from what I hear). I've been meaning to take one for a spin (my VW/Volvo/Mercedes dealer has three), but I haven't had the time.

Premium fuel? No, it isn't all that bad. I use mid-grade in my Jetta, for no apparent reason really. The Jettas/Passats that I had wanted all required premium on the 1.8T, but after reading into it, I'm looking at a VR6 now.

...Or, in all seriousness, a Ford Focus ZX3 2.3...

Forget the Cobalt and Ion, we're talking about good cars in here.

Ouch. Last time I checked, both of the GMPD cars out-performed most of the others in their class, furthermore, did so at a lower price... But, I guess you have to be into American cars to like them...

And, the Mustang GT would eat his lunch in the insurance department. Not to mention be a handful in the snow. The GT has traction control--and not stability control. Big difference when you factor in snow/ice/rain.

Pish-posh, the "snow" they get in the Detroit area is nothing compared to the crap we get here closer to the lakeshore. Joey knows it, I know it, and pretty soon, Philly will know it (bawhahahahahaha!). West Michigan FTW!

...But yes, insurance sucks. Too expensive on too cheap of a car...

Oh, and BTW: There are six or seven kids here at AQ who drive their Mustangs and Camaros all winter; Its all about traction control, good winter tires, and sandbags guys...

I think the Mini is a fantastic buy for $25k, regardless if its the regular Mini or not. You're getting a freaking Mini...thats a BMW...thats built well...and that will probably never decrease more than 25% in value over its lifetime.

Its all very true, but I can't help giving him a bit of flak for such a different choice than what I would have normally expected. I'd take a MINI if I could afford one, much less, if I didn't have to drive three hours to get one serviced... But I don't have that luxury.

(Cooper S w/ 6-speed manual FTW!)

The GLI isn't a Golf. The GTI is the 2.0T powered, FF little rocket with 200 hp and a hatch body based on the Golf. The GLI is the same car, but on a Jetta chassis under a Jetta body. GLI is to Jetta as GTI is to Golf. Both are offered as manuals and autos.

Basically, a GLI is a GTI that isn't a GTI. That's why I don't like them. You think it's a GTI but then it's a Jetta.

Whats with all this anti-Jettaness? They're the same cars that perform nearly the same that go for the same price... Only difference is that one has a hatch and the other does not. Obviously the GLI designed for Americans (given the success of the Jetta here).

History + Success + Awesomeness + WTF? Factor = Win for GLI

The only "sports" sedan that I'd consider against it would be the (old) Honda Accord EX V6 6M. Even then, thats a stretch...

 

[Philly]

Pish-posh, the "snow" they get in the Detroit area is nothing compared to the crap we get here closer to the lakeshore. Joey knows it, I know it, and pretty soon, Philly will know it (bawhahahahahaha!). West Michigan FTW!

I've seen snow... It will shut Seattle down for a while.

Seriously, the snow I saw here was very different to that stuff. At last it blows off of the roads here so they stay dry and driveable. The snow doesn't fall, melt, freeze, accumulate, melt and freeze again like it does back at home.

Whats with all this anti-Jettaness? They're the same cars that perform nearly the same that go for the same price... Only difference is that one has a hatch and the other does not. Obviously the GLI designed for Americans (given the success of the Jetta here).

History + Success + Awesomeness + WTF? Factor = Win for GLI

The only "sports" sedan that I'd consider against it would be the (old) Honda Accord EX V6 6M. Even then, thats a stretch...

The GLI is cool. It's just not as cool as a GTI. And when I see one at a distance, I think it's another GTI and I get all excited.And then it's not and I get disappointed. A GLI jsut isn't a GTI. That's why I don't like it.

I would probably take any other Jetta over a straight-up Rabbit, if that makes you feel any better. I would also take a last-gen GLI over a MKIV GTI. And Accord? I didn't even know those were in the same league as a Jetta GLI. I would definitly pick the VW.

 

[Joey D]

Ouch. Last time I checked, both of the GMPD cars out-performed most of the others in their class, furthermore, did so at a lower price... But, I guess you have to be into American cars to like them...

Are they fast? Yes of course they are, but you can't live with the cars every day. They are unrefined in my opinion, just a cheap way to go fast. I've driven my buddy's Redline countless times and I just don't like it. If I was 16 or 17 I'd be all over one of them.

Its all very true, but I can't help giving him a bit of flak for such a different choice than what I would have normally expected. I'd take a MINI if I could afford one, much less, if I didn't have to drive three hours to get one serviced... But I don't have that luxury.

No one can really believe that I'm getting a Mini. But I have sold many people on the idea of the car, my roommate has already priced one out and is probably going to get one for autocrossing.

It's got everything I need in a car:
- Decent room
- Great fuel mileage
- A fun to drive factor
- Plenty of custom parts
- And it looks decent

I don't really need a fast or big vehicle.

 

[1X83Z]

Quoted for truth. Too bad his insurance would cost more than the car.

I don't get it. Am I the only teenager in America whose insurance really is pretty manageable? And I got a gigantic ticket.

 

[Joey D]

My insurance isn't bad but my car is in my parents name.

 

[JCE]

The C30 is an absolutely fantastic car if you're not at all keen to an abundance of driver involvement (from what I hear). I've been meaning to take one for a spin (my VW/Volvo/Mercedes dealer has three), but I haven't had the time.

If the C30 was a bit cheaper I would probably recommend it to MOST new hot hatch buyers. But, the Mini wins out here because it has the whole package...and its a freaking Mini for christ sakes.

...Or, in all seriousness, a Ford Focus ZX3 2.3...

Take it from me, a former twice over Focus owner (technically thrice!) and PLEASE get the SVT or the 2004 ZX3/ZX5 with the 2.3L in it. REFRAIN from getting a 2.0L from ANY YEAR. In all seriousness, the SVTF is some of the most fun you can have in a FWD car.

Ouch. Last time I checked, both of the GMPD cars out-performed most of the others in their class, furthermore, did so at a lower price... But, I guess you have to be into American cars to like them...

Fast, maybe. But I'm in agreement with Joey (and the rest of the world) in that the interior and build quality leaves much to be desired. But, I can say on a positive note that they are cheap as dirt to buy, insure, and run.

Oh, and BTW: There are six or seven kids here at AQ who drive their Mustangs and Camaros all winter; Its all about traction control, good winter tires, and sandbags guys...

I used to love driving my Camaro in the snow/ice down here...people used to freak out when I'd be sliding everwhere--on purpose. I love it.

Its all very true, but I can't help giving him a bit of flak for such a different choice than what I would have normally expected. I'd take a MINI if I could afford one, much less, if I didn't have to drive three hours to get one serviced... But I don't have that luxury.

But, the likelyhood of you needing to get any service done besides brakes and oil changes done is slim.

Whats with all this anti-Jettaness?

*cough*girly car*cough*

The only "sports" sedan that I'd consider against it would be the (old) Honda Accord EX V6 6M. Even then, thats a stretch...

Don't knock the Accord V6 6spd just yet, they are pretty quick for what they are. The newer ones (2006+) with the 244bhp V6 are actually really quick in the 6spd form. They'll give an S2000 a run for its money.

I don't get it. Am I the only teenager in America whose insurance really is pretty manageable? And I got a gigantic ticket.

Yes.

My insurance isn't bad but my car is in my parents name.

Which helps. But, with a teenage driver on the policy the premium is still going to be substantially high if you put a luxury car or sports car on it.

Joey, if the Fiat 500 was released in America would you buy one? What about a Smart? Afterall, if you got a Smart you could go nuts and drop the Suzuki GSXR (or whatever) bike motor in it and probably still manage 40mpg+ while going sideways.

 

[forza2.0]

The GTI is almost double on insurance for some strange reason, the Mustang GT is not anything I would ever consider, a C30 is crappy in the lower price ranges, and the Cobalt SS/Ion Redlines are awful cars plus they are high on insurance.

Used cars do not come with decent warranties nor can I get one how I want it.

Thanks for the review Seanman 👍!

A 6 month old car will come with the same warranty as a brand new one, minus 6 months. The only added bonus is that you will save about 4-5 grand in the process, something which would buy you an extended warranty for the next 10 years. Buying a new car is just not too clever IMO.

 

[Joey D]

Joey, if the Fiat 500 was released in America would you buy one? What about a Smart? Afterall, if you got a Smart you could go nuts and drop the Suzuki GSXR (or whatever) bike motor in it and probably still manage 40mpg+ while going sideways.

If the Fiat 500 was coming sooner I would be buying one in a heartbeat. I hate the Smart cars.

Buying a new car is just not too clever IMO.

Uhhhh yes it is, you get a car the exact way you want it.

 

[1X83Z]

Yes.

I don't get it. Everyone here goes on about how insurance is prohibitive for certain vehicles. For me, gas costs way more per year than insurance.