Questions

[MiniWannaBe]

I drove some Mini Coopers and a Clubman early this Summer...and fell in love.

I tried to get them out of my head because I live in Alaska. There's no dealership in the state and we get a lot of snow up here some days/seasons. It didn't seem, well, a practical decision at all.

I particularly loved the Clubman I drove... gads, that car drove smooth and the extra space was really, really nice. (here's a link, someone else bought it)
Lyberger's Car & Truck Sales, LLC :: 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman Anchorage AK 568 : Used Cars Anchorage AK, Pre-Owned Autos Alaska, 99515, Previously Owned Vehicles Borough County AK, Used Autos Anchorage County AK, Right Priced Vehicles Palmer AK, Clea


Anway...snow is on the mountains now and well... I still can't get them out of my head.

So, I am here posting questions, in hopes folks in the know can help me think through this.

Some specific questions:

1. Is it insane to even consider buying a car (even used) that does not have a local dealership? I called MINI in Seattle today and the BMW dealership here in town. Apparently, the BWM does service about 90 MINIs up here, just not covered under warranty. They are working to eventually become an authorized shop for MINI. As long as the car is under warranty, MINI will pay for the car to get it of the state to a service center in the event of a real disaster, but the owner has to fly down and pick the vehicle back up.

2. Are MINI's (any model) really practical in a world that has a 7-8 month long winter? Where snowfall can be 200 inches a season? Where 30 inches can fall overnight?

3. What is the difference between the 2006 MINI Cooper Cpe S John Cooper Works and the Clubman? I've clicked around this site and also spent a lot of time at the MINI site but I'm not sure I really understand the distinctions between them. They both seem to have the 3rd door/backseat/extra cargo space, which is confusing me as I thought that was a new thing with the Cooper model?

4. Vehicles are more expensive up here than the Lower 48 (as we call the bulk of the rest of the US). I'd be interested, though, in any opinions about this car, not just in terms of cost but reliability/quality:
2006 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2dr Cpe S John Cooper Works
Lyberger's Car & Truck Sales, LLC :: 2006 MINI Cooper Hardtop Anchorage AK 564 : Used Cars Anchorage AK, Pre-Owned Autos Alaska, 99515, Previously Owned Vehicles Borough County AK, Used Autos Anchorage County AK, Right Priced Vehicles Palmer AK, Clea

Is there a big difference between that car and the one I linked to earlier?

5. I know this is contraversial, but I'm actually exited about the news that an AWD version is coming from MINI within 1-2 years. I'm not sure I can wait that long to buy (though I'm open to being told I need to wait for this option if I continue to live up here). I know that even the Clubman is contraversial in some circles and the AWD won't drive like the classic Coopers. But still... if it preserves the quality for the price that a Cooper offers, is gas-efficient and maintains that funky look (most US cars are so generic and ugly and non-distinct to me), I'd be pleased to see it on the road if not own one, potentially. Should I hold off a year or so and see what comes out of all that?


There are probably other questions I am failing to ask, but these are the burning issues on my mind today. Thanks in advance for any input and don't afraid to be blunt.

[yellowmininy]

I know of a few people who've had Minis in Alaska before (but would have to do some digging to find out who, exactly). I know quite a few people in Wyoming & Montana who regularly drive 200-500 miles for service. I live in an area (upstate NY) that gets over 100" of snow and 24" in 24 hrs isn't unusual. I've had a Mini for 6 years without significant problems, snow related or otherwise. (though it's only 50 miles to the dealer from here!)