Considering a MINI!

[M3Inline6]

Hi fellow Mini lovers. I am considering getting a MINI for my girlfriend (whom currently drives a Sentra SE-R). She's trying to choose between the MINI and the C-230 Mercedes hatchback. Is the difference major between the Cooper & the CooperS? And how does the car ride? What are the pros & cons of the Mini as well? Any info would be appreciated!

[bobntx]

I agree with obehave. It's very subjective. One thing though... I studied all the info I could find and read every MINI review I could get my hands on... but it wasn't until I actually went to the dealer and drove one that I made my decision. Go take a test drive, both Cooper and S, and then follow it up with the C-230. See which one makes you happier behind the wheel.

For me personally, for an all around all purpose great car, I opted for the Cooper with the sports package. I love the way it rides... firm, but not harsh. Reminds me a lot of my BMW 325i. I like the hood lines better on the Cooper than the S, like having a spare tire in addition to the run-flats, as well as the better gas mileage and cheaper insurance. I never considered a C-230, though I'm sure they're great cars. I wanted something more unique and fun, and less "luxury-car-ish".

But that's just "what works for me". Go give 'em all a drive... see what feels right for you.

Bob

[BillK]

I agree, you (she) should go to a dealer and test drive both the Cooper and an "S" and see which she likes. I went with the Cooper with a premium package and sports package.

Future CHP huh? Good luck. You have some good folks north of you in the Victorville area, and some not-so-good in the more urban areas.

Two things to remember:

1) Officer safety
2) Even though you complete acadamy and wear a badge, you are not always right

Oh, and did I mention officer safety?

[Tangent]

A Cooper must be driven to be appreciated. Recently I started shopping around on paper for a new car in the high teen/low 20k price range. To be honest I only put the Mini on the list for the sake of having a complete list. On paper it just didn't measure up, there are others with more or similar power for less money and have similar skidpad numbers.

Then I drove one that I saw at a local used car dealership. (Owner bought it for his wife who didn't like it) The only reason I bothered to test drive it was because there is no Mini dealer nearby so I figured What the heck, I might as well see what it's like.

Since that test drive my plans have changed drastically. Before they were to save up a bit of money for a down payment on an inexpensive commuter car and keep my Camaro for a race-only car. Since the drive my plans are to sell the Camaro and use that money for a down payment on a nicely equipped Cooper S. It's the best driving experience I've ever had, and that includes a 1999 BMW M3 I had the opportunity to drive.