Best Toy Ever! - Better than more expensive cars.
Written: Feb 25 '04 (Updated Feb 26 '04)
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Pros: Awsome handling, supercharge, Mini BMW
Cons: small back seat - extroverted styling (if you don't like that)
The Bottom Line: If you want 2 seat car with big trunk, then this is for you. If you are looking for more, look elsewhere.
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| trainedmonkey's Full Review: 2004 MINI Cooper |
Note: This car will be used strictly as a weekend toy for 2 people and/or occasional commuting for 1 person.
Above note is important as it is too small to be considered as primary mode of transportation for most people (good for 2 people, but no friend, if you want them to remain your friend)
Specification:
Mini Cooper S (supercharged)
Option package 1, 2, 3
Driving light
Rear fog light
Pretty much loaded without the Nav.
Our shopping factors :
1) High rev (must have for any fun or sports car)
2) Handling (must be tight in turns)
3) overall toss-a-bility (the fun part).
4) Not be a gheto-tized racer (too old for that).
5) Easy maintenance.
Competition considered:
1) Ford Focus SVT - great car, drove better than Mini, but its a focus.
2) Suburu WRX - Another great car, not refined, small modern convenience features.
3) Acura RSX - High revving, Fun - but the noise when revved high could cause hearing loss.
4) Nissan 350Z - Surprisingly, not fun at all, it felt like my first car, trans-am. Amazing torque, but drove like a tank over the curves where other cars glide through it.
5) Mazda RX8 - Love the Rotary. Was going to buy this one, but too much maintenance concerns (they recommend that you check your oil at 500 mile interval). Last time I check my oil was ... ok I never check my oil unless that little light on the console tells me to...
MINI good points:
1) Wow, the handling is much much tighter than my 3 series.
2) It really does feel like a glorified go-cart.
3) Intoxicaing supercharged "whine" - you rev higher to hear more of it.
4) Decent quality material - If you own a BMW, then you'll feel right at home, minus few ultra premium items from the older brother (also, Mazda interior was better).
5) Did I said its fun? Haven't stop smiling.
MINI bad points:
1) Its really a 2 seater with really big trunk (with back seat down). Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I'm only 5.7" and the way I sit (seat reclined), there simply is no room for any legs - even a childs leg. Again, this wasn't a concern for us as it is a toy car.
2) Seat could be more comfortable. Certainly not BMW quality in terms of ergonomic. Takes getting used to.
3) Thats it really. Again, we bought this car as toy and we don't really complain about little rattles here and there (there is no rattle now, but with car this tight, I'm sure something will come loose after a while).
Conclusion:
After having the car for short while now, we couldn't be more happy with our decision. While I began looking for a sports car (hence the mazda and nissan), I just fell for the way mini feels (which is more of a boy racer). It drives and corner like a mini racing car (Mazda's handling was more precise, but felt sluggish compared to Mini, which is important in real-world fun factor) and low maintenance requirement is a double plus (1st oil change is 10,000 mile and 15,000 miles thereafter). Oh, one thing I would like to mention is the sound of the supercharger - for those who never experienced it, it is intoxicating. You just want to rev higher and higher to hear more of it.
**** Update ******
forgot to add that I live in NorthEast and this car handle great in snow and rain.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 26000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: S
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Epinions.com ID:
trainedmonkey
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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