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MINI Cooper - READ ONLY
2671 messages, Last post on Mar 31, 2009 at 2:03 PM
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What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Hatchback
#975 of 2671 Good autocross results by hpulley4
Sep 18, 2002 (12:13 pm)
http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/nationals/2002/results/hs.html MINI takes 8 of top ten spots, including second (beaten by a BMW 318i) in H stock.
http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/prosolo/2002/finale/results.html MINI takes first place in H stock and Ladies Class 1. The MCS didn't fare as well in D Stock (16th was the highest, by the same driver that won H stock) but according to the driver, the course was set up in such a way that the S wasn't much faster than the Cooper (not many straightaways).
Sounds like other H stock car owners want the MINI out of that class and up into G stock but MINI S owners want to go down from D stock.
#976 of 2671 Hi drivinisfun- Welcome... by revka
Sep 18, 2002 (4:49 pm)
and congratulations on your new 02 CVT MINI Cooper! We look forward to hearing more about your ownership experience. Happy motoring!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
#977 of 2671 Test Drive by phkck
Sep 18, 2002 (5:05 pm)
Test drove at Baron MINI/BMW today. They have 4 02 Coopers available for immediate availability. Wait list for Cooper S's.I found the car OK today, reasonable acceleration and large enough drivers area. Don't think this is the commuter car I have been looking for, but nice enough just the same.
Baron stated sticker plus $7-900 in add-ons. Seems a bit stiff as the 03's are on the way.
#978 of 2671 toyotaboyesl1 (first car) suggestion by saturnfreak01
Sep 22, 2002 (8:16 am)
While this is the mini cooper room, and while I like the mini cooper for its go cart like handling, high quality materials. I would personally suggest something a bit less expensive as your first car. Something that you can "practice with".If your're looking in the $ 20,000 range, why not consider something a bit more functional, perhaps a small sport ute such as the Toyota Rav 4 or a Saturn VUE? As a Saturn owner myself, I can answer any question you may have regarding their full lineup of vehicles. One major advantage that I can see for you to consider the Saturn VUE, or the all new ION is the polymer doors, and fenders, which resist parking lot dings and will never rust. Would certainly come in handy in a high school parking lot. Also, compared with some other dealers, a Saturn retailer won't discriminate against you due to your age. IMHO
#979 of 2671 by drivinisfun
Sep 22, 2002 (10:18 am)
Or better yet, get a cheap used car to "practice".Unless there is a specific need for a SUV, I do not recommended them in any size or shape.
Revka: Thanks for the welcoming!
#980 of 2671 by revdrluv
Sep 23, 2002 (5:02 pm)
On the other hand having a car that is special might just make a young driver learn to drive and maintain their car with greater care. I know I developed many bad habits from driving around those old ford pick-ups.#981 of 2671 1st Car by rickrover
Sep 24, 2002 (10:56 am)
I think the MINI could be a good first car, a base Cooper isn't that expensive, I do have a couple of reservations about it though. I'd wait until crash test scores come out on it. I'm confident the MINI will score really well, but I'd wait until they actually test it. The one area that gives me pause is the back seat - I wouldn't want to be sitting back there in a rear ender. Those rear headrests are a few inches away from that back window which is a few inches away from the rear bumper - not much crumple room at all. I'm looking forward to see an insurance institute crash test on the MINI.#982 of 2671 rear crash tests? by hpulley4
Sep 24, 2002 (12:11 pm)
Who does rear crash tests? I can't remember seeing any, just front and side impact results.Most rear enders are much lower speed (combined speed) than front enders as you're both going the same direction. And there is a fair amount of frame back there and a good solid bumper. That and the car hitting you is usually damaged worse since they have larger crumple zones at the front unless it is a '70s era Volvo or Monte Carlo. Plus, there are real head restraints so whiplash should be better than in cars with no head restraints, which is still most cars these days, surprisingly.
Still, I wouldn't want to be rear ended by a full-size truck in any car. Recently here a poor guy in a 1988 Eagle sedan was squashed between two transport trucks and obviously didn't survive. Note to self: avoid being between two transports and go to the shoulder if needed.
#983 of 2671 To drivinisfun- Post 950 by revka
Sep 24, 2002 (1:03 pm)
You're welcome!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
#984 of 2671 Cancelling my order... by pablo_l
Sep 24, 2002 (1:16 pm)
...I was a big fan of the Mini long before it came out. I was among the first to order one, alas my spec meant that I had to be kept waiting...But 2 things happened: from the very beginning, the attitude of the BMW sales staff does not translate well to Minis. Advice: it's a hot car *now*, but lose the Beemer arrogance - it is a small, cheap car after all. Even though they have had my money forever, every time I went by the dealer to see whether possibly I could finally get a good test ride they kept doing other stuff until I simply told them that no, it'd be another day.
Alas, one is starting to see them more and more, the novelty effect is wearing off. I predict the initial sales attitude will have a terrible impact on the Mini's success in the US. It's certainly not fun to deal with the sales staff. That's one nail in the coffin of "fun", "different" and "young".
The appeal the car had has worn off due to the association with that sales environment. BMW NA, take note. You have a wonderful product, but long term that is never enough. People buy from people, and this is not the way to promote brand loyalty.
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