8-10-2002 Addendum & Much Info To Car Enthusiasts!
How Can anybody sleep on the wheels of the MINI? Not me, for sure! Gawking passersby and fellow drivers won't give you that luxury.

~~~Due to the public outcry over the abbreviated format of the initial review, the rather stingy or limited lack of my valued personal opinions and popular demand, I have decided to include the following addendum. If anything, this barrage of overtly good-intention comments indicate that my readers and the community at large want to know more about this small but cute car with quite an interesting history. I want to remain true to my goals on this site: To help you form a better informed shopping decision with the information I provide.

Gone To Great Lengths To Get The Goodies For You!: Loved Every Minute Of It

By the time I went back to the dealership that had my tester, it was long gone. The dealer had sold it a few days after my first drive. So, it suddenly hit me that I had to search for one anywhere it was located. So, I managed to locate one in the Central Valley, right off the Freeway in Modesto, CA. Fortunately, it was on my way to a business appointment!

What I found out the second time around

First thing first, the beautiful saleswoman who was helping out could not stop laughing. She even told a colleague about what I was going to. She could not believe that I was serious about test-driving a Mini. Both of them were laughing. Why not a Ford 150 or anything big and able to fit my tall frame? they asked. I was not deterred by their laughter. Once I was handed the key, I went right ahead to the car sitting in the parking lot, almost lost among the behemoths, more popular vehicles such as Toyota Camry etc.

Further observations and opinions

Folding myself, I managed to reach the low-mounted front seats. Then, I tried to make myself comfortable by pushing the seat back a bit. I was all too happy there was nobody else in the rear seat. The salesperson sat in the passenger seat comfortably. The truth is that once you are inside the cabin of the Mini, you will soon realize that there is enough leg and hip room. Interior volume is one of the traditions that is repeated in this American version of the Cooper. There again, it all depends on your size and height! Having been the proud owner of the 1980 Honda Civic Hatchback and occasional user of the Volkswagen Golf, I can tell you that the Mini has more front and rear headroom. If it's only you and your spouse who want to take off in the Mini, you will have the luxury of being able to fold the rear seats to accommodate your luggage. If your kids want to accompany you, then just know that the cargo space is not that huge at all. If you just want to use this car to show off or hit a hot spot or just a lifestyle vehicle, then, it's right on the money. Though limited, the cargo space will meet some of your modest needs for transportation and cargo hauling.

What else have I appreciated this time around?

Sitting in the Mini, I started checking things out. I was rather amused by some of the details that have gone unnoticed in the first test-drive. For example, I was looking at the odd position of the column-mounted tachometer. The speedometer itself is placed above the audio system right in the center of the dashboard. Also, I appreciated the size of the doors. I had no other problems getting in and out to check various parts of the Mini. Furthermore, I checked the row of toggle-style switches that allow the driver to control the windows, door locks and lights. This is kind of a retro to the past!

What I did not like is the fact the designers chose to place the gear indicator on the speedometer. Just like the knobs on the audio system,we, American consumers, tend to want these things a bit large. It's too small. By the way, there a CD player on the Mini for the music lovers. Not bad after all!

Sucker For safety: How does the Mini fare?

Don't worry! Despite its small size or maybe because of it, the Mini is packed with safety features. All the models come equipped with 6 airbags. You will have front, side and head airbags. Just like any of the most popular BMW vehicles out there, the Mini has ABS, electronic brake distribution or EBD and Dynamic Stability Control or DSC. Expect some of them as options. Among the options, you can get enough features to turn this car into any luxury vehicles. Only the lack of money will be the determining factor. Isn't the case for all buyers? I was told that you can upgrade the wheels and tire, add a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a six-disc CD changer if you are unhappy with the single one, navigation system, sport or heated seats, park distance control, leather seating and many other little goodies that make you comfortable. Why not after all?

Powered by a 115-horsepower-1.6-liter engine, my tester gave me a smooth drive on that junction of the freeway.
All the while, my appreciation for one of the shortest vehicles on the American continent continues to grow. It was very responsive to my acceleration. This sport model tester had a 16-inch run-flat tire.

If you want to buy a Mini, go at it twice. Schedule to test-drive it at least twice before you finalize the deal. A second look can perform wonders.

Watch out! If you have a teenage son or daughter, hide the keys away from them! Otherwise, chase them down at your community's hot hang-out!

Fellow epinions members, thanks for all your input!
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Initial Review Of Mini Cooper Released by BMW
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Mini Me or going gaga over this new BMW's release? No, I don't intend to write about the new Austin Powers movie. I want to write about the Mini Mania among all of my friends around here in California. It appears that each one of them wants to buy the 2002 MINI Cooper, but they don't seem to be able to find one. This car craze has been fueled by the new BMW's MINI. Unfortunately, after checking with the local BMW dealership in town, whatever they had was just zapped away. Since then, car salespeople have been bombarded by all kinds of requests and offers. Yet, BMW only plans to produce a very limited number of MINIs every year. This year's number is estimated at 20,000. Isn't it an old trick that by reducing the supply, the manufacturer can set whatever price they list.

A few days ago, I checked with another BMW dealership in another town. The dealer told me that his salesmen and women have been in the spotlight BMW started working on this car. They are the new car lot kings and queens. The object of the MINI mania continued to target more younger drivers. The only one that was parked in the lot belonged to a co-worker who had the presence of mind and kindness invite me to lunch.

What's great about the MINI Cooper?

There is no doubt that its low center of gravity is a big hit with young, baby boomer and Xers. They love its bold style and primary colors. In fact, thanks to its center of gravity, this car appears can grip the road very well. It will give 28 M/G and 37 on Highway. It does much better than the Volkswagen Beetle for example.

Brief History of the Cooper

The first MINIs were released in England in 1959. At the time, they were called the Austin Mini Seven or the Morris Mini Minor. No matter what, consumers tended to flock to them in dealerships. They appear to recall memories and good time spent cruising on our freeway and highways.

It's fair to say that due the fact that the MINI didn't meet safety rules, it was banned from the United States since 1967.

What are some of the features you will find in the MINI Cooper?

Engine and Transmission positioned sideways

1000 pounds heavier than the original, 18 inches longer with twice the horspower

Among Standard and optional accessories, it has:
Six air bags

Reinforced doors

Power Sunroof

Heated seats

CD-ROM-based navigation system

Six-speed transmission

Air-conditioned glove compartment

Mini's Price

From the original Mini's price of $1,400, the current MINI's price varies between $18,000 and $30,000. Definitely, despite its small size, dealerships that carry them are getting so many requests. Based on my recent research at more than 5 local dealerships, the price will go up if they can get one to sell. short supply always creates high, frenzy demand. This business law is true once again.

Consumers want to go retro

The Mini Craze or madness won't subside soon. Industry insiders predict that it will be around for quite a while. Who would not like to cruise around in one of these cute machines? After, if it brings attention, fun and great feedback from passersby and car enthusiasts, who would not like to sit behind the wheels of such a delicacy?

After my test-drive with a colleague, I can see why so many people want this car. BMW has a bestseller in its hands. No wonder that car salespeople can even get bribed just to get access to these cars. They know that they have a great product to sell to their customers.

Recommendations

If you are looking for a small car, then the MINI Cooper is yours. You may want to do your homework with Honda Civic SI, VW Beetle etc. Purchase it to help you pursue your happiness.

Funny Disclaimer
This review is only a drop in the bucket; it's not meant to be the definitive barometer of your decision-making process

All I hope is that this review has helped you make up your mind to a certain measure. Keep in mind that you have brought to its reading many years of your own experience, subjectivity, expertise, personal taste, snobbery (why not after all and who is not? Check my recent book review on the subject!), your economic and social positions in life and many other considerations without forgetting those of your spouse and children.

You see, this review is just a drop in the bucket. It's such a minimal contribution to you. However you judge it, my greatest hope is that it gets you started on your purchasing endeavors! In other words, feel free to discard this review and read another one. My ego is not attached to it at all!



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 18,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: Manual T