Mini Cooper as a practical hatch?

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by bosstones

That sums it up pretty well. I had issues with my R56 not always wanting to stop in any form of snow despite running new Blizzaks, even from a low speed crawl at residential stop signs. That's ultimately why I got rid of it. I don't think that was the norm, though.

Aside from chirp-happy fronts coming from a stop on damp pavement, it was fun as hell as a companion to my Moupe. I daily drove it while the Moupe was in winter storage for 3 years and would alternate w/ it when it wasn't.

Not a refined interior, heated seats that could fry your innards on High, and a little wiggle on the shifter but it was definitely fun as a 6-sp manual. Peppy and handled well.

I didn't get far into DIY maintenance with it but oil changes were interesting (12+" of socket extension, pulling up the expansion tank, etc...).

Ya they look fun. You had the Peugeot engine right?

[bosstones]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

Ya they look fun. You had the Peugeot engine right?

Yep. 1.6T version of the 'Prince'. If I recall, the 2nd gen switched over to a getrag trans for the manual variety. Definitely fun to drive.

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by bosstones

Yep. 1.6T version of the 'Prince'. If I recall, the 2nd gen switched over to a getrag trans for the manual variety. Definitely fun to drive.

I’m looking at the BMW version

[10"]

you’re out off by VW reliability and you’re considering a Mini? LOOOOOL no no no.

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by 10"

you’re out off by VW reliability and you’re considering a Mini? LOOOOOL no no no.

What facts are you basing that on?
I’m referring to the latest version with the BMW engine: B48 and Aisin trans, it appears to be reliable

[diirk]

Well, I had an older R53 JCW, so I don't have anything current to share on reliability. But it was a fun car to dive and fairly reliable, just not the easiest to work on.
All I can say is to go drive one, and a few other cars and see which feels better to you. I'd look at the Corolla, Mazda 3 and maybe the Civic in addition to the Golf. Or maybe a Q3 or X1 for something a little different. They're not really any larger than the newer Mini's.

[TheGeekGuy]

Originally Posted by 10"

you’re out off by VW reliability and you’re considering a Mini? LOOOOOL no no no.

I have owned several MINIs from R56, R58 through F56. Each has been rock solid with no issues. Maintenance is the key. If you maintain them they are as reliable as any car and fun to drive.

I do think the 5 door F56 is fugly. That body shape was never meant to have rear doors. The Clubman in its current guise suits the "5 door" look and you get the extra space inside. I'd stay away from the Justas in either model and at a minimum go with a Cooper S.

[spazzyfry123]

I’ve owned both. I’d take the GTI assuming it is reliable.

My 2013 GLI purchased new popped its motor around 70k miles with religious maintenance. That’s a ten year old car today, though. Don’t keep up with current VW.

Enjoyed the two Mini S’s I had. Certainly fun, but the GTI just did everything better.

[NickyC]

Mini's are awesome. My mom has owned a couple over the past ten years and I always find an excuse when I can to drive it. The little S model with the turbo scoots and is an absolute hoot. I think they're fantastic little cars, and in this market are great deals in the mid 20s to low 30s. Hard to find such a fun car that cheap these days!

[srybicki]

Clubman has 6 doors...
Had a 2017 was fun and rock solid.
You can find a John cooper works with 304hp...

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by srybicki

Clubman has 6 doors...
Had a 2017 was fun and rock solid.
You can find a John cooper works with 304hp...

How does it compare to the cooper 5 door

[wtwo3]

Go for the Mini. Mine just got assigned a VIN yesterday