Bit off Topic...Mini Cooper

[zcspec]

Sorry fellas that this post isn't "Audi" related but I wanted to get some feedback, opinions, etc on the Mini Cooper. I'm considering the purchase of a Mini for the wife to drive around as a DD since it gets much better MPGs, and is ridiculously easier to park than her RX350. In additional, my daughter will end up using this car when she gets her licenses next year.

After doing some research, I've found that models after 2005-06 are better choices as the 1st gen CVTs were garbage. I don't plan to get the S model as it's more on insurance and in my daughter's case, she doesn't need to be driving a turbo.

Anyone ever own one?

[poweredbyaudi7]

Standby...I have a buddy who's wife just bought one about a year ago. I will hit him up and see what he says.

[bakedziti]

I don't, but my 82 year old grandmother has a 2012 Countryman S. You already ruled out the S, which I think is good, because the suspension is very stiff. Coupled with run-flats, the thing is super loud on the highway. AWD capability is pretty decent, and the car is quite easy to drive. From the inside it feels bigger than it is, and the technology is quite good. Mini BMW, really, but a little quirkier. Its a good car to pep around town in, IMO.

[ClayBonics]

Sorry fellas that this post isn't "Audi" related but I wanted to get some feedback, opinions, etc on the Mini Cooper. I'm considering the purchase of a Mini for the wife to drive around as a DD since it gets much better MPGs, and is ridiculously easier to park than her RX350. In additional, my daughter will end up using this car when she gets her licenses next year.

After doing some research, I've found that models after 2005-06 are better choices as the 1st gen CVTs were garbage. I don't plan to get the S model as it's more on insurance and in my daughter's case, she doesn't need to be driving a turbo.

Anyone ever own one?

We have had 2. My wife loved them, they were S's. Fun cars

[earhythmic]

I've had several buddies that own or have owned them. Everyone loves them.

[zcspec]

What have you'll heard about reliability? That's my main concern. The last thing I want is to leave my wife or daughter stranded in the middle of work/school/traffic.

[Mina08]

Get a real Mini Cooper :)

[The Infiltrator]

Get a real Mini Cooper :)

Niiiiiice!!!

[Dirty_Bourbon]

My two cents... had/ have -as he still drives that way- a friend who owned 2011 cooper... By end of three years lease i surprise it made it back to the dealer. Interior was durable and tech was on point.. but he drove like a 20 year old Staten Island kid on the worlds best roads... i give it up to the developers on the car that it made it the length of lease period but a lot of review above are on point i think there is better value if "S" is not being bought. Ride is a bit harsh. I might try to find a 128 x drive....

[Peter.dupuis]

A good friend of mine has one and loves it. Too small for my taste but very fun to drive. He hasn't had any mechanical problems as of yet. Its a 2012 with 30k so still pretty fresh though


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[Peter.dupuis]

Get a real Mini Cooper :)

That thing is sweet!


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[andyroxs]

ride comfort is on the opposite end of the spectrum compared to RX350

[Project Quattro]

Buddy of mine had a current-gen one as a rental for a few weeks recently and absolutely loved it. Base model 4-door non-S. It was surprisingly sporty. Can't fault it, if a small sporty hatch is what you're after its a good fit.


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[FastFour]

I've had two and put 80K miles on them...one a 2011 Cooper S and the other a 2014 John Cooper Works Clubman. Only 1 trip to the dealer for recall work. Otherwise bulletproof and a kick in the pants to drive. Loved them both. Got the allroad only b/c I needed the room.

[Marko S]

I had a countryman s as a loaner when I took my car in to the dealership. Got to rip it around for a day. I was actually pretty impressed with the room inside. First time using paddle shifter so I'm not sure if this is standard but you could upshift/downshift on either side? I thought it was up on the right, and down on the left. This was pull to upshift, push to downshift. Didnt like that at all. One thing I did like was the switches instead of buttons. I've never seen that before, and thought it was pretty neat.

[bluetori]

My friend got his daughter a 2011 its not an S either, but that thing seems to eat oil. She has had it for less than a year and twice it has had oil consumption issues.

[doug97gxe]

I like the one Howard Wolowitz drives

[zcspec]

I've had two and put 80K miles on them...one a 2011 Cooper S and the other a 2014 John Cooper Works Clubman. Only 1 trip to the dealer for recall work. Otherwise bulletproof and a kick in the pants to drive. Loved them both. Got the allroad only b/c I needed the room.

I had no clue! Should have asked you first.

[Trex1200r]

2010 Cooper S. Still own it. Ride quality sucks, but I have heard the non S models aren't quite as bad. With the back end being so short, tailgaters can feel like they are in your back seat. Kind of stressful when it is some hillbilly or soccer mom in their big truck or suv. It is our toy, not sure I would want one as a daily driver though. I would think a Ford Focus or Mazda 3 would probably be a better choice for a first time driver. Just a smidge bigger and better reputations for reliability. We have never had any trouble, but only have 15K miles on it.

[energy_legs]

My wife had a 2005 base, manual for 3 years, never had a single problem. We replaced front control arm bushings since they were looking a bit worn at 50k miles and are known to fail (maybe oil filled?). Ride quality wasn't horrible, but it's a small short wheelbase car. The manual trans was super easy to drive, would highly recommend as a city car or a first car for your daughter (even as a manual).