I loved the Mini Cooper long before they were available in the United States, even before they made their famous movie premieres in Austin Powers and the Italian Job.
So when the Mini Cooper hit the market in the United States, you may have thought I was the perfect customer, and I definitely did want one of these cute little cars. My first problem with the Mini Cooper, however, was finding one. I live in a fairly large metropolitan area, but by no means is it a major city. The nearest Mini dealer is about a two hour drive away, and buying a new car long distance has always made me nervous. After all, what happens if there is a problem with the car? A simple trip to the dealer for service or repairs could easily eat up an entire day.
The other thing about the Mini that disturbed me was the price. The Minis were supposed to start at about $16,000 or $17,000, but I had trouble finding one that was under $25,000 or $26,000 and some of them were pushing $30,000. I understood that the relative scarcity of the car, the extensive list of options and the high demand for this hot new car had combined to raise prices, but $25,000-$30,000 seemed a steep price for such a small car.
I realize this may not seem like a lot to many people, but as someone who had quite a hard time parting with the $13,000 it took to buy my Saturn 10 years ago, and as someone who previous to that had never paid more than $3,000 for a car, it seemed like quite a steep price.
I’ll probably offend some BMW enthusiasts by saying this, but the fact that the Mini Cooper was made by the German automaker concerned me as well. I have quite a long history of buying, and repairing German automobiles, mostly Audi and Mercedes, and I know a mechanic who works exclusively on German luxury cars like BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes. I also know how expensive the parts are for these cars, and that definitely causes me some concern. I have not heard anything about the parts price for Minis, but it does cause me a bit of concern.
And so my love affair with the Mini Cooper goes unrequited. I still love the look of the little cars, and I love to see them tooling down the road wearing their bright shiny paint jobs. I love the cute, round headlights that always remind me of eyes. When I look at a Mini from the front I always think it is smiling at me. It just seems like such a friendly car; the kind that would never leave you sitting by the side of the road.
And I have to admit that the Mini Cooper is an absolute hoot to drive. The tiny exterior of the car hides a powerful engine, and the car has a surprising level of pickup and plenty of pep for highway driving and trips around town. So maybe one day I will buy my Mini, but for now I will just have to content myself with watching them drive by.
15 comments so far
I understand why you really love that car. Why, i love it too. It is so cute and having that car is truly awesome. Mini Mania is dedicated to providing specialized service to passionate driving enthusiasts. Now, they have vast line of performance and maintenance parts, ranging from cup holders to complete transmissions. It is estimated that there are 12,000 classic Minis in the United States, with more being imported into the country every year. So, Keep the Love Burning.
November 10th, 2005 at 6:19 am
Yes, I too love the mini since girlhood. It was my favorite matchbox car - used nail polish and spackle to tidy the exterior after I’d smashed it one to many times.
I love to look at them, hate the idea of driving one through NYC - too darned leee-tle!
November 11th, 2005 at 7:37 pm
i read your blog for about a year, keep a good work
November 25th, 2005 at 7:52 am
Honestly, after driving a Mini for the first time a few months ago, I was incredibly disappointed. Sure, it’s cute, but it feels far too light on the road, leaving you feeling unsure of your traction when you need it most (it slipped like mad taking a sharp turn on only the smallest bit of gravel.) That, however, wasn’t what disappointed me most. Why the hell did they replace simple levers with hand-pumps to adjust the seats!? It’s completely impractical, obnoxious, and time-consuming. It takes forever to adjust the seat even just a smidge, and it’s completely unsafe to make any adjustments while driving. Those small details really impact the overall driving experience, and for that reason, I’d never buy one.
November 27th, 2005 at 6:23 am
Hi Sara, Do a factory order to get just what you want and you can get one near base price, just watch the options to keep the price from skyrocketing.
Heather, how many small cars come with seat HEIGHT ajustment, and that’s what the pump you reference is. Forward and backward motion is still just pull up on the handle, and leaning the for and back is a lever like other cars. I also find it very funny that you mention the unsure traction, as there are many a car that have been shocked by how well the little gutless car keeps up with them on racetracks! Some is the crappy run-flats on the S. So I’m pretty sure that as you get used to the handling, you’ll find it sticks like gum in hair! If the hand pump really bothers you, set the seat to the height you like, and cut off the handle! Far too light? You got to be kidding! the thing weighs over 2700 lbs! That’s not caddy range, but it sure aint light. No big deal if you don’t buy one, different stroked for different folks, but your biggest criticism is about a feature that isn’t even offered on most other cars.
December 1st, 2005 at 10:04 pm
I like the Mini, it is nice to turn on the corner and tight spot on the parking lot. You are right about the rather steep price. Maybe wait for a while and get a used car for the price you wanted?
July 2nd, 2006 at 3:50 pm
I am looking for good, high-res photos of owners enjoying their Mini. If you have good photos of your car and are willing to share them with other Mini-lovers, upload them in our photo gallery at http://www.RemarkableCars.com. Thanks.
July 10th, 2006 at 9:53 pm
I have recently had a problem with my 2002 MINI. Since this summer has been particularly hot, my engine cooling fan was staying on even after the car shut off. However, the fan never turned off, and thereby my battery was drained. I jump-started the car, disconnected the fan, and my car hasn’t overheated. But I want to see if there is a relay, or something which can be easily replaced. Is there a quick, easy fix to this problem with the fan? Thanks.
July 23rd, 2006 at 4:35 pm
i have found the same problem just today. wheres the answer????????
August 27th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
I am so in love with MINI Cooper and have named my ING savings account after this car. Yes, it will take me awhile, but I am saving up (almost have $10k) to buy one that will replace my 1998 Toyota Corolla. I can’t NOT buy this incredibly cute and wonderful car. I just hope the money comes to me soon!
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:30 pm
Just took a dealer’s mini for a test ride on the interstate. Didn’t like it at all. Too small. Very unresponsive above 65 mph, and had to really put my foot down to get any kind of reasonable exceleration. The seat is extremely uncomfortable, and I would not be interested in sitting in that position for a long ride. No where to pu my elbows. Didn’t like the way the engine resonded on city streets either, too much hesitation in the engine.. I drove both a new one and one with 29,000 miles. The used one felt like it was falling apart, and at such relativelly low mileage.
The only thing it did well was handle corners.
It’s a kids car, so if you’re a kid, it would be great. I’m talking anyone under 23 or so.
September 10th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
I had the constant fan running issue in my 2003 S .. took it into the dealer and they swore up and down it was over filled coolant. they flushed it yesterday. I am nervous it will happen again and that is not truely the problem. BUT I hope it was that simple.
November 24th, 2006 at 2:20 am
I am amending my answer- the fan did it again! and I got swindeled for $140 for the dealer to tell me it was over filled coolant! and flushing the radiator.
December 17th, 2006 at 12:05 am
I am having the same isssue with my 2002 cooper s, the fan drained the battery. The dealer is quoting a very expensive price and tells me this is a very rare occurence that he has only ever seen twice. is it merely a coolant issue, or does the fan need replacing etc
February 19th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Anyone looking for nice Mini! I have this one for sale. I can do a better price for you, just email or call soon. It will go fast
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/car/349444565.html
June 11th, 2007 at 8:36 am
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