Anyone have any experience with a Mini Cooper?

[bleedingheart]

looking into buying a used one...

[complain jane]

1. NO!

I work with a guy who had one, had a small fender bender, and the car caught fire and it was destroyed. He had gotten out of the car to exchange info with the other guy, so he was fine, but the car was totally consumed with the fire.

That's the only thing I know about them, and I know he swears to warn everyone that the car's bad news.

He had other problems with it prior but I don't know what they were.

And it's a shame because the car's adorable.

[bleedingheart]

2. hmmmm...that concerns me

I better check out google some more for what people have to say about them..

[seemunkee]

5. First I've heard of anytrhing like that

For the first year I had mine I was on a Mini discussion forum and never heard anything like that.

[complain jane]

13. Just passing on the info. He's a pretty big car buff too.

And I do think the Mini's adorable.

[KeepItReal]

3. Just make sure it is authentic

Don't be fooled...

http://www.counterfeitmini.com/

[bleedingheart]

7. that is just too funny...

[Rabrrrrrr]

9. Great site - very good information

If not for the site, I was prepared to buy this Mini Cooper:



But now I know it is counterfeit. Thank you!!!

[KeepItReal]

10. I try to do what I do when I can do it...

...You're welcome!

[seemunkee]

4. I have a Cooper S

I'm assuming you are talking about the new ones and not the older classic mini

[bleedingheart]

6. yes...I am talking about the new ones

however I am a bit concerned about how much they will take a beating...we are going to drive that puppy a whole lot about 50 miles a day....if it can't handle that...then it is out of the spectrum..

[seemunkee]

8. Ask at this site

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/
I'm mostly a city driver and have pretty low mileage. I haven't had any problems with my car but you might want to ask some higher mileage drivers.
I love the car and wouldn't trade it for anything else out there(unless I win the lottery).
One concern you might have is that there are not a lot of dealers around. Normal BMW dealers are not authorized to work on them so make sure there is one near you. The S model does not have a spare and uses run flat tires. They can be a bit harsh for long driving. If it is the standard Cooper then that is not a concern and you can put anything you want on it. Snow tires in the winter are a must, without them you will have difficulty. I have an old Taurus beater I drive in the snow so I don't worry about it.
PM me if you have any questions you want to ask.
I'm off to the parts store for a starter for the Taurus

[bleedingheart]

11. thanks for the info...

[Scout1071]

12. My brother has one and I've test driven them a few times.

I absolutely love them. When I bought my last car, it wasn't really an option for me because I had a yellow lab (may he rest in peace) that weighed 135lbs and there was no way for me to transport him in the mini.

Now that I've got a teeny, tiny little 65 lb Boxer (Senator Spike Boxer), I do believe that I'll take another look.

When I test drove them, i found it to be a really nice drive. You think that you would be blow around a little due to size, but it really clings to the road nicely.

[stlsaxman]

14. My brother just lent me his for the week 'til I get a new car...

The only thing i don't like about it is that i might fall so deeply in love with them that i'll HAVE to buy one. And I really can't afford one right now. But what a treat it is to drive- that little beast just LOVES corners!

He also said "the insurance alone is costing me two trips to Mexico a year"...

he got "run-flats" with it... costing about $1,000.00 to replace...

if you have the money- go for it!