Fun things come in small packages with the MINI Cooper S!
Written: Jul 28 '04
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Pros: affordable, cute, fun to drive, unique, a smile grabber
Cons: very few dealerships, waiting time, prone to vandals :(
The Bottom Line: The MINI provides the most smiles per gallon!
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| spoonleg's Full Review: 2004 MINI Cooper |
I have owned my MINI Cooper S for about 9 months now. I see that some very detailed and specific reviews have been written about the car's specs and data, so I'm just here to tell you about the actual driving experience.
I fell in LOVE with this car about a year ago. I rushed out to do a test drive and slapped down my deposit, placing my name on a nearly 4 month waiting list. With this vehicle you are able to spec out the car to fit your own personal preferences, from floor mats to interior color, to upgraded sound system or halogen headlights. There is even an optional on-board navigation system. To spec out your own ride on the web, check out www.miniusa.com or your local MINI dealership.
So my MINI arrived on Halloween of last year, and we have been tearing up the roads ever since. Let me address the size issue right away: as a 5'9'' female, I have MORE than enough head and leg room in my car. Passengers are always pleasantly surprised. However, it is next to impossible to fit anyone taller than a circus dwarf in the back seat. I'd venture to say this is NOT a family-compatible vehicle. Trunk space is ample for myself and what moderate amount of shopping I do. I love that the rear seats fold down flat, making a much larger amount of space that is perfect for traveling with luggage (think: road trip)!
Due to the compact size and light weight of this car, my Cooper S has enough horsepower to hold it's own on the streets, despite it's poor reputation for being a "weak" sports car at a mere 163 hp. I beg to differ, as this car can pick up speed rather well. The best word to describe it is "zippy". My only complaint is that it seems to drag a bit in 1st gear, as if I can never seem to gather enough low end torque. Being that this is my first standard transmission car, this might be of my own fault. There are also many aftermarket modifications to boost hp as well as low end torque. If this is a concern for you, look into mods such as cold air intake or pulleys. The car shifts quite easily, and has a lot of pep. It's major selling point in my opinion is it's cornering ability. My MINI can take corners like no other! I took her to the Texas World Speedway for a track day, and those twisties were rollercoaster fun! I was able to gauge my car's cornering ability when driving with Porches, Miatas, M3s, Ferraris and the like. There was absolutely no comparison! I was also fortunate enough to test drive a MINI with the swaybar mod, which improves cornering and handling even further. This is definitely the fun factor of the MINI.
I have had no mechanical or aesthetic qualms with my MINI thus far. I experienced one flat tire several months back, and had a great experience with MINI's roadside assistance program and my dealership's speedy repair. I am approaching the 10,000 mile marker and couldn't be happier. The interior is holding up fabulously well. I chose the leatherette upholstery rather than fabric, which stains, or leather, which has a reputation for poor quality in the MINI. I am happy with that decision, as the leatherette has shown no wear. My exterior color is Chili Red, with a white roof and white 16'' wheels (17 inch also available). My only complaint is that the wheels are impossible to keep clean! Mind this fact when choosing your vehicle. I love the digital computer in the dash which provides a digital speed readout, current and average fuel consumption (mine ranges from 31mpg hwy to 19mpg street), outdoor temperature, and miles until next scheduled service. I have the Harmon Kardon sound system, which provides excellent quality speakers and pure, clean sound. I also chose a sunroof, which is very large in size (about 60% of the actual roof).
Look for new features coming to the 2005 models. There are redesigned headlights, new body colors, more interior color options (to match your body color!), larger and more convenient sun visors (mine are much too small), redesigned center console speed/tach, among others. And the best part of all- you can now get your MINI in a convertible!
Bottom line, check out your local dealer for pricing and specifications. The best way to gauge your interest in this car is to test drive one! You will fall in love. When shopping around and considering a MINI, I used a particular forum-based website as a pertinent resource during that time: www.northamericanmotoring.com. These folks are super-helpful and there is a wealth of information on this car to be found there.
This car is SO MUCH FUN to own and drive. I hardly go a day without getting smiled to, waved at, or stopped and questioned by interested citizens. The MINI Cooper provides by far the most smiles per gallon!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 26,500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: MINI Cooper S
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Epinions.com ID:
spoonleg
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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