I currently have a Jeep Liberty going on 10 years. As an LBC owner of an MG Midget I'm thinking it might want some something next to it to keep it company at night and speaks proper English. So I'm wondering if this might fit the bill. A few questions though.
Size. Big for a Mini, but that means??? How does it really compare to the small SUV class like the Liberty, Rav4, etc.
Gas Mileage. Actually think my Liberty has been a great car, hate the 19mpg. Seems to be lots of controversy over MPG ratings. Have they straigtened that out? Within the past year or so I think it was Hyundai that actually had to send checks back to people for mispresenting MPG ratings in the US. Maybe this encouraged more realistic numbers?
Fuel type. I believe regular is out, but from there is it midrange (89) or high(91) in the US market. This really just plays into the gas mileage bit as on a 12gal tank that's like 40miles or so taken off in comparing my fuel costs compared to something that uses regular.
Transmission. I like standards, but to be honest I'm wondering if 6 speeds to go through can be a drag. I'm guessing 6th is for the highway, but for cruising around town whats the sweet gear you typically find yourself in? How does the flappy paddle compare for 'funness'?
Servicing. Unfortunately the closest Mini dealer is about 20-25 miles away. Will BMW or other dealers service?
Towing. Can they? I don't do much, but i do need a pull a trailer for trips to the dump, home depot (or is that redundant
), etc. I may be getting a small 10-12' bass boat for fishing, but my trips would be very limited distance wise to within an hour.
I think I'm about the same age as my father when we were stuck for 4 hours crossing the Throgsneck bridge over 4th of July one year. That was the last standard car he had.
