[Closed] Any reason to NOT buy a Mini...

Must be good, estate agents love them 🙂

I have heard* that they are not the most reliable cars on the planet and the more performance-orientated versions are a little firm in ride. That might be a pain in the ass (literally) on longer journeys.

Hmmmm. Chance to buy something electric or does that not have the range for her day job?

A mate of mine has a cooper s, and his wife has a mini too, dunno which one but it’s a 1.6.
Very nice inside, drove very nicely, comfortable.
He says his can do 45mpg cruising at 60mph, typically manages 20mpg because he drives like a tit (he says this himself)
Very low, and I expected to have difficulty getting in and out, but was actually ok (I’m big and fat)
I’d consider one if I wanted a small car.

I would probably have one if I wasn't into MTB.
the poverty spec ones can have some bizzare ommisions but cooper/cooper S are nice.
Probably avoid the largest size of alloys.

"Anything else to consider?"

I've got an Audi A1 with almost all the toys (although its getting on a bit, age wise).
Fit and finish on par with the bigger audis, but small car feeling to drive.
(cabin noise and ride smoothness not the same as the bigger audis).

+ Good to drive
- The tech gob-ons aren't great imo. The auto-sensor wipers don't know what to do in drizzle and there is no manual intermittent override. The auto braking sensor will slam-on if a bramble or similar blows in front of you, or even a big puddle once as I found out. Totally fine according to Mini when it went in. And the over sensitive key fob will open the boot for you if you leave the key in your pocket. Ideal for rainy nights. I love boots full of water in the morning.

I reckon you either go full electric now, or if not then a 10yr old JDM import with fewer tech gob-ons.

My mum had one for some reason. Kinda cute but the ride was harsh and I hear they're thirsty - the former may have changed though as this was about 7 years ago.

I had a 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman and with hand on heart I can honestly say it's possibly the best car I've ever owned. For context, I've had several (6?) BMWs, 2 Mercedes, Toyotas, Fords, Renaults, Peugeots, etc, but I LOVED the MINI, I had to sell it to buy my house, but still miss it very much.

Small, nimble, comfy (once the runflats were gone), practical (you can get a road bike in it with the wheels on and the front seat forward), cheap to run, cheap to insure, fun to drive and has all the toys of a big car.

Mine had leather interior, heated seats, bluetooth, sat nav, DAB, HDD, Xenons, LEDs, Panoramic sunroof, etc and would do 47MPG on a run. Parts are cheap. Clutches are weak and timing chains have issues. I paid £7800 for it, and sold it 2 years later for £8500 after putting in about £400 in repairs and upgrades.

EDIT - The supercharged ones are thirsty, but the later turbo cars are like all turbo cars, fuel economy depends on how you drive - keep it on the turbo all the time and it will drink fuel, don't and it won't Mine achieved 39mpg average in the time I owned it and would do almost 50mpg on a run at 70 with the cruise set. I did 4-5 hour journeys in it about once per month.

Not as Mini as they used to be. Based on expected usage I'd be looking at electric. There is an electric Mini available (wheels are minging tho).

Wife is on her second Mini Cooper S Convertible

No issues with the first until it was written off when someone T-Boned the drivers side (it protected my wife which is the main thing).

Second one has been great but drivers side heating has just got a bit temperamental in the last couple of months. Heating works on passenger side but not on drivers so I think it must be a sticking valve somewhere - reminds me I need to take a look at it.

We will be getting another in a years or so as wife loves them. (Hoping Mini brings out an electric convertible!)

MrsF has the 1.6 Cooper Clubman, She loves it. I was skeptical it was more style over substance, but actually a great little car, really nice to drive, has enough oomph to get up to speed for day to day driving (unless your day to day driving is charging from one red light to another)

My wife had a Cooper S a couple of years ago. The newer 2.0 turbo version. Lovely car. Reliable, economical, nice to drive. She'd have another in a heartbeat (But we're now a one car house so it wouldn't work for us)

We had a Clubman Cooper D - great car to drive - quick, economical and fun - only issue was the run flat tyres - we were getting through them in about 5000 miles and they weren't cheap.
Would have another without hesitation but would get the run flats swapped out

I’ve driven an older one (~8-10 years old) for a few days as a curtesy car so I think it would’ve been a standard car rather than one of the faster ones.

I found the ride was firm and steering a little bit heavy. The handling didn’t feel particularly sporty, just stiff and no real feel through the steering wheel just felt numb and heavy.

The interior is a little bit style over substance and things aren’t always as ergonomic as you’d want. None of those things are bad enough to be deal breakers and some of it could’ve have simply been I needed more time to get used to a different car.

The rear view mirror somehow manages to take up a third of the windscreen. Fun to drive but the ride is a bit firm.

Got a new one last year to replace my oid Beamer. It’s fun to drive, comfy and easy to live with better still my partner who’s not the most confident, likes driving it and is starting to do more and more. Don’t get the larger alloys, the smaller standard ones make for a much comfier ride. Only downside so far  is the small boot

Echo much from above. My wife had one when we met (mk2, 08 reg, petrol), Cooper but low on options and she loved it. Must admit it was a great little car to scoot about in and we did some longer journeys perfectly comfortably. The quality of the interior was a level above the hatchbacks I was used to at the time too, it felt solid. Only sold it when our first child came along.

She was just saying the other day that when her current car comes up for replacement she wants to look at a Mini again.

18 plate Countryman here. Like.
Used for general hauling around for a family of five, but I have a van too so don't need loads of flexibility with the Mini.

We’ve got a 2014 Cooper, it’s been great. Nothing’s ever gone wrong and it’s great to drive. Smoother ride than the previous model and slightly more space. I’d say go for it.

Mrs R has a Countryman which is the same platform but taller. The mechanical bits are fine but the software is dire and the interfaces were clearly designed by someone who has never used a car but really likes fancy lighting effects. Last week it went in for a service which included a software update that reset everything to factory settings and we still haven't managed to get it back how it was. I would RTFM but although we have it downloaded to an iPad and used to be able to read it BMW have decided that you can now only access it if you are on line and logged into your Mini account, which we have but for some reason it won't let us log on. In normal times she'd be round the dealer giving them an earful about it - I think they've had a lucky escape thanks to Covid. In it's defence I think a lot of cars are like that these days but it makes me cross when simple things are made difficult.

Love the looks from the outside. Hate them from the inside. All looks and feels cheap and tacky. 1 series bmw would be with a look. Drive like the bigger ones but not physically big

The mechanical bits are fine but the software is dire and the interfaces were clearly designed by someone who has never used a car but really likes fancy lighting effects.

All that too. It has every rainbow colour you want for internal special effects and then shines a mini symbol on the ground when you open the door. Like a downwards pointing bat symbol for superhero mini-fan moles. Impresses small children though. Also only connects to iphones. So if you are an android luddite like me, then you are the wrong demographic.

Honestly - they are decent cars ruined by the techno gob-ons.

A Countryman is in our thoughts to replace our brilliant but ageing Golf. I had the supercharged version before the sproggs arrived and loved it. The S is ahead of the Cooper as price wasn’t too different in the used market, it’s quicker and the running costs were similar - considering it’ll do far less miles due to mostly wfh in this new world.

We need a slightly bigger car so Countryman, A3 and A-Class territory for us.

A1, Polo, Ibiza or the electric version of the MINI.

GR Yaris? The most fun you can have without coke and hookers getting involved.

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GR Yaris? The most fun you can have without coke and hookers getting involved.

And are Minis not a bit small/cramped on the inside?

shines a mini symbol on the ground when you open the door. Like a downwards pointing bat symbol for superhero mini-fan moles. Impresses small children though.

Eh? Blows my mind every time I see it. But then my other motor it very analogue so this is like space bats in hover boots.

Only downside for me is all the fake Britishness - Union Jack brake lights? Really!?

My OH has a 16 plate Cooper. Excellent engine, goes well and fairly frugal. Rides fairly well on normal tyres and the 15" wheels. No boot space of course and I'm not too keen on the toytown interior. She had the previous model before (R56) and this one is superior in just about all respects. Just put Goodyear cross climate tyres on and they seem to suit it well. If it were up to me, I would have preferred the Clubman, though. Much more room and the ride is a bit better, too.
Old English white with a black roof and Cooper bonnet stripes is the correct colour, BTW.

And are Minis not a bit small/cramped on the inside?

Surprisingly not. I wouldn't want to be a rear passenger on anything long distance, but for two people (what they're designed for really) it's perfectly nice. There's a huge range of seat height adjustability which means that both me and partner can find an equally comfy position that either feels sporty and connected (if you lower the seat) or upright and tall (which is how partner likes to drive)

Union Jack brake lights? Really!?

Yeah, bit tacky, but great to wind up partner (who's Canadian)

All looks and feels cheap and tacky. 1 series bmw would be with a look.

It's largely the same software with different buttons...and I've got to say the Beamer version (I-drive and associated gubbins) is a nicer interface. But, the new 1 series is sorta dull to drive, not nearly as much fun as the mini. If you want to spend the premium for a nicer cabin though, the 1 series Beamer is a nicer place to be. (better materials , nicer feels, and less cramped layout) you do pay for it though

Picked up a clubman from Cazoo.

It's awesome actually, really like it.

GR Yaris? The most fun you can have without coke and hookers getting involved.

And are Minis not a bit small/cramped on the inside?

Seen the boot and the back seats on the GR Yaris? Makes a Mini look spacious.

For the record OP, get a Mini. I love Minis - we had an R50, now got an R55 and am keeping an eye open for an R53 as a project/play thing. Just great little cars that when you throw all that quirkiness into each drive, makes it feel very special vs a Polo/Focus/Astra etc etc etc

Not to put you on a downer, but it’s an arms race once you get on the road.

The odds favour bigger and heavier cars.

Up against a thirty year old Volvo, it’ll probably come off far, far worse.

I wouldn’t take one above 30mph.

If your wife is really tall, you could always remove the front seats.

In he event of a crash, there’s less chance of the foot controls rising up to meet her face...

I wouldn’t take one above 30mph.

I got my wife one, a Cooper. Fun to drive but v noisy, harsh and uncomfortable for more than a quick journey. Horribly unreliable - alternator, power steering pump, electric window failure, electric window failure, door actuator, battery drain electric window failure, did I mention the window problem, water leaks galore and more. The bit I disliked the most was how it's put together -very platistic-y so taking it apart was never fun. I was so happy when it went ...

Our lass has had 3 convertibles on the trot, with number 4 coming end of March. She loves them and must admit I really enjoy driving them even at 6ft 2 plenty of room. The original Cooper S used to eat front tyres, hope the new version doesn't. As above can be a bit rattly on rough roads, but zero issues with any mini owned.

Just taken delivery of an electric one. It's very nice. Goes like hot sh*t off a shiny shovel.

But it's quite expensive for what it is, the range isn't great (but we didn't buy it to travel 00's miles - who buys a Mini for that?) and there are other cars for similar price that have more bells and whistles.

But if you're doing something as daft as buying a new car then you go for what you want and my my do we love it!

The wife had the first generation of the new Mini and it was great fun and pretty cool too if you like that sort of trendy retro thing like alot of people do. Roomy for those sat in the front but not so for those in the rear and the boot/tailgate was pretty small too, But alot roomier than the Fiat 500 she had later and a far superior car. But I'm sure the latest generation will have grown since the version my wife had.

Its a firm ride but most cars are too firm these days...or maybe I'm just getting old or the roads are getting worse or a combination of all three. I had a Countryman as a courtesy car once..the larger 5 door version and it drove great and was perfectly comfy and a great little mid size family car. Interior was a bit plasticy but again, alot of cars are. The latest cars have the same floorpan/chassis and engines as the new 1 series so will be good. In fact my wife's 1 series had the 1.6 turbo out of the Mini Cooper and it was a nice engine. pretty economic for a petrol and plenty enough poke to get to illegal speeds and have some fun.

In fact the wife wants a new Mini when her term runs out on her current car.

The electric one sounds like it's not quite there yet....A chap at work has one but he only lives a few miles away from work so it never sees long journey's so he gets away with the lack of range. If you needed something more useful and versatile you might struggle.

Another Clubman owner here - 2014 R55 1.6D. Bought it a year ago to do a 70 mile commute and it's been great. Ample room for 4 adults and can easily fit a bike in once the back seats are down.
Great fun to drive too and very comfy once I'd ditched the runflats and fitted Koni Special Active shocks. I like quirky, interesting cars and this fits the bill perfectly.

No opinion on the Mini.

We recently bought a Smart ForFour.
My OH hated the look of it, but once you're inside that didn't matter.
RWD, engine in the boot and the most ridiculous turning circle,
Well equipped and does alright on the motorway.

Not sure if they are still producing petrol versions or if the only do electric now!

They seem to have a reverse-tardis thing going on as they're a lot smaller on the inside than they appear to be from the outside. And the ride is appalling.

I would RTFM but although we have it downloaded to an iPad and used to be able to read it BMW have decided that you can now only access it if you are on line and logged into your Mini account, which we have but for some reason it won’t let us log on.

About right, BMW are, after all, the company who demanded that owners payed a subscription for the use of Apple CarPlay, which every other manufacturer includes for free. One thing I really hate about Minis is that ugly retro circular speedometer in the centre of the dash, which nobody since the early 60’s has actually thought was a useful place to put it. Ok, I know, there’s a piddling little digital one in front of the driver, but it’s functionality useless in any meaningful sense.
Fun to drive, but I’d never own one.

On the modern mini's the central speedo is just a trendy and secondary feature. They now contain a screen in the centre for the on-board information system and sat nav and in a similar position to almost every other modern car these days, with the speedo around the rim as the 'retro' feature and the behind steering wheel speedo being the primary device for all the critical information a driver needs for driving. It wouldn't be a retro mini without the central oversized speedometer...its the biggest and most enduring memory of my very young childhood when my mum had a proper mini.

But yes, they are great to drive but I'd never own one...I'm not the target market so not intended to appeal to me, and probably not you CountZero, dare I assume. They're a fashion accessory with the underpinnings of a very good and competent car, so great for my wife to have one and for me to drive and have some fun in, but couldn't actually buy one for myself.

One thing I really hate about Minis is that ugly retro circular speedometer in the centre of the dash

The central display in mine shows the same things a normal car would, sat nav, radio...the speedo is in front of me...like any other normal car.

Depends on the model/year.

The R53/R56 had the speedo in the middle unless you had Nav in which case it was in front of the steering wheel.

And of course fitting a rectangular satnav in a round hole means you have to make it small and cut the corners off. It's not the most functional design in the world. Pretty though.

Sat nav in the mini is larger than the one on the beamer I had before it though, and it's about twice the size of a phone screen, as sat nav's go it's not the worst I've had to use. That prize would have to go to Peugeots that you couldn't use postcodes...Just street addresses.

I didn't post anything when I first read this thread because mini is older, 2011
I actually used it toady rather than the family estate, and reminded myself just what a grea little car it is.
Mini is 2ltr Cooper SD, loads of fun, ride is ok on broken Cornish A roads, but have replaced run flats with standard tyres. Sport button to firm up the suspension & stiffen the steering, makes it fun.
Average MPG for (mostly) steady 60 mile round trip commute on said A Roads, plus a spot of local running about is usually around 52mpg.
I've put a Thule roof bike carrier on mine to leave room for Me + 1 + 2x gear inside.
Not sure how relevant any of that is for new cars vs. 10 years old, but i would definitely have another when it comes time to replace.

Dunno about the R53, but the R56 has a digital display in the middle of the rev counter which will show anything you like, including speed - but yeah, some people prefer the big analogue option

Old English white with a black roof and Cooper bonnet stripes is the correct colour, BTW.

I had an 04 in that colour combination.

Facial cramps might be an issue. Plenty of trips I grinned all the way.

Dunno about the R53, but the R56 has a digital display in the middle of the rev counter which will show anything you like, including speed – but yeah, some people prefer the big analogue option

Pretty sure the Gen 1s had that too.