OT/ have any of you driven a...

aero_student · #1

I was wondering if any of you have driven one of the new mini's? It is on my list of cars to check out this summer. It seems liek a fun and fast car that has gotten rave reviews. I need a new car this summer, requirements are that it be small, fuel efficient, relatively low priced, and fun. Japanese cars fit the requirement but they have really expensive insurance and honda's are the most stolen car there is. So now I am looking to europe, there I see VW, good cars but the passat and jetta are a little too pricey. Now I look back to the USA, not much here that fits the bill, I don't like the pt cruiser and the focus is ugly but possible. Enter the MINI, I had almost forgotten about this car. It is nice, fast, cool, and when road and track tested it on the slalom course it took there best record at almost 70mph and beat the porsche gt2. It is build by BMW and is assembled in England, so I know it is a quality vehicle. SO have any of you taken one for a spin? If you have the opporunity please take one for a test drive. I want as much input as possible as I won't get to take one out for another 2 months and I want to know what you guys think.

swede · #2

Hi Marauder,
I have had 2 Lotuses (Loti?). A Europa TC and later an Esprit.
I almost bought a Mini. After a test drive, I thought it was the closest to the Lotus in handling that I had ever driven. It's fast, solid and really fun. Problem is...space. Just not very much.
I settled on an Infiniti G35, and it is a great car, but if I was 25 and single again, the Mini would be in my driveway.
Dave

J Smith · #3

Best car I ever had was a 1980 toyota Tercel.

I learn something new everyday,even though I don't want to. Jeff

aero_student · #4

swede, as you can see by my loacation a mini would be perfect for me. A college student who doesn't need much cargo and wants to ahve soem fun but still be proferssional/respectable.

Al · #5

The Focus ain't 'ugly'! See my pic.

Get the new Mini, it's a babe magnet!. Fit a set of 17" inch alloys, performance exhaust, filter and it'll look the dog's danglies!

Al

spidernoiree · #6

I'm with you on this one Jeff. I had a '91 Toyota Tercel. Bought it new for $6,200.00. Had it for almost 10 years with just under 180,000 miles.

~Jeff <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

aero_student · #7

Al, that is what I am thinking. A cooper S with new exhaust, a cold air intake, 17" wheels, and a computer upgrade will get me up to around 200hp, will also have to upgrade brakes.

It is funn how this whole thing got into my head. I am having a tough time with school, I am really burnt out because I have been goign to school straight since sophomore year in high school, so tack on this first year of college and you get 4 years. What I mean is that I have done summer school every year, and not because I was behind but because I was trying to get ahead. I even did a full summer quarter at calpoly. SO basically I need a break this summer and it is 8 weeks away with 7 weeks of classes and 1 week of finals. Part 2 is my bro is getting my pathfinder so I need a new car. So a new car has turned into s ymbol of this summer and being able to relax and have some fun. The mini has become sor of s symbol of this and is what i would consider perfect for my situation.
whew that was long winded. also, i think it would be a kick in the butt to drive that car around here because there are a bunch of curvy back country round that are fun to drive and beautiful to be in, especially the area up by hearst castle.

J Smith · #8

Nemo,I gave 1600.00 for mine in 86(120,000 miles)drove it until 93 (250,000 miles)even then it burned no oil and had no leaks of any kind.A bad thermostat is what got it.locked close and fried the head.Every since if a thermostat doesn't come with a by pass in it I put one in it.

I learn something new everyday,even though I don't want to. Jeff

transistor · #9

Um,,,Mini's are not babe magnets, they are the quinessential chicks car. If you are a chick, get a Mini. Otherwise, the Civic EX is what you need.

Al · #10

Marauder ~ You're working too hard, mate are ye planning to be a Brain Surgeon or something?...Anyway it sounds like you owe it to yourself, don't forget to add a good immobiliser/alarm to that list, and post a pic when you get it!

If it's a 'chicks' car then it's a babe magnet, aye.

Edited by - Al on 4/19/2003 4:08:23 PM

aero_student · #11

transistor, it will smoke a civic in the corners and the insurance will be dramaticaly less. The area around here is all about the turns.

Al, I know I am working way to hard and I am feeling it. I am studying to be an aeronautical engineer, so a rocket scientist instead of a brain surgeon. actually i want to do design work on either fighters, bicycles or cars.

aero_student · #12

oh wow, i have been hanging around here a couple of years now and I finally broke 500 posts.

dynaryder · #13

Get a Harley. It never rains in Cali and you'll be able to split lanes in traffic. ;-)

Actually,I'm impressed by the new Minis. When I was stationed in England back in the late '80's I knew a couple guys who had them,and they were just clown cars. These new ones are real cars. Peppy motors,ABS,air bags,etc. Bet they'd give some of those 2-seater sports coupes a run for their money. Guy here at work has the standard(non-supercharged) model and he loves it. I think 17" wheels are an option for the S. They may also have some factory hop-up parts.