I have to admit, one of the main reasons I wouldn't mind owning a Mini is so I could wake up to this face. It just makes me happy. Ahhh....
Aside from that, aspects of our 2007 Mini Cooper S seem to be configured to making my life pleasant...
* Warning chime, whether I don't buckle up right away or have left the trunk hatch ajar, is a nice lilting ding-ding-ding instead of a high-pitched, frantic screech.
* My purse is still reachable even when thrown in the backseat so I don't have to pull a muscle trying to get to it.
* I'm positive that the Mini's cute proportions and appearance are why other L.A. drivers actually smile and wave me in when I want to merge in front of them.
* Shifting gears in stop-and-go rush hour traffic is painless.
I know I've complained about that uncomfortable gearshift knob, and the center-located window switches and speedometer are a tad annoying, and what's up with that torque steer....but look at that face!
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor @ 6,383 miles
tryan says:
04:45 AM, 11/ 8/07
The Mini is perhaps the most fun small, affordable car to drive besides the Miata. As a primary car, however, I think I would struggle with it's practicality (or lack thereof) aspect in comparison to other hatchbacks.
sabastian says:
08:41 AM, 11/ 8/07
I agree with tryan. I test drove a Cooper S and had a BLAST! I had a few minor issues with the car (like the ride, which would be murder on a long trip), but everything in that car seemed more fun somehow. The space was the killer for me. I have skis, guitars, and friends that I want to carry around, and the Mini is just too mini for me.
On a somewhat unrelated note, I noticed that the giant speedo gets talked about a lot. The Mini has a digital speedo in the rev-counter just like an RX-8 or Boxster, so why is it an issue? I know that it looks a little crazy, but come on...It's a Mini.
redliner says:
09:34 AM, 11/ 8/07
I never noticed the amber lights built into the MINIs fog light enclosures.
ittazvic says:
09:40 AM, 11/ 8/07
My daughter just bought a Mini with this color combination on the outside. Every morning when I pull out of my driveway I see this face. It always starts my day off with a smile!
eriches says:
03:37 PM, 11/ 8/07
The low fuel light just came on in the Mini, and it makes a different, but equally endearing ding: It reminds me of the sound of grabbing a coin in the Super Mario games. --Erin
blueguydotcom says:
04:38 PM, 11/10/07
I was out of the country for almost two weeks and just got back into my Cooper S today. God how I've missed being in something fun, well built and maneuverable. It's got its quirks but dang if it isn't a great car.
FWIW, I've taken my 07 Cooper S with sport suspension and sport package on many long drives - 200+ miles. It's been fine. Almost as smooth as my 03 330i ZHP (though nothing like the super-Buicky smoothness of my 06 330i ZSP - what a boring car). Plus it gets as much as 35 mpg on the open road at 75-80 mph. Sure you're not going to take 4 people in it for a 200 mile drive but for 2 people it'll easily swallow all your luggage and have you riding in comfort for hours.
As for practicality, so far it's been fantastic for me as a daily driver. Heck, late last month I loaded it to the roof with alcohol and food for a halloween party we threw. The day before I had the back filled with 150 chair covers and sundry other junk. It may look "mini" on the outside but if you drop those back seats it's a good sized area that will swallow a considerable amount - just make sure it's not anything longer than 48 inches or so.