[nonsequitur]

One of the attributes of this Forum that I like is the full range of opinion, "centered" by the wonderful common sense and careful thought of so many who post here.

Everyone is contributing, each has their own experiences, and all will have some influence on the opinion you will forrm on your own.

Just make sure you form your own opinion, don't just take what we say as gospel.

So ... try out the cars!; mash the throttle, twist the steering, sqeeeeze on the brakes, push the buttons, and laugh or smile together as you experience a MINI. A car, in the modern era, is as much an emotional fit as it is any of the other roles as transportation, image, enjoyment, etc.

This is especially true of a spouse (male or female). If you are the one asking detailed questtions, then your spouse is the one reacting to how well the radio buttons operate, or if the seat is too short under the legs. All this stuff is real important, so give it the time and attention it deserves.

The Forum can help make you informed. Just think how difficult this was only 20 years ago.

We (me, young bride, impressionable 15yr old son) simply love our MINI (and Mini) Coopers (CVT and old S). Each has a clear role, and we've found that the feature choices have worked well for us. The Cooper CVT is bulletproof and lots and lots of fun.