who buys mini coopers?
Posted by spikehiyashi6@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 176 comments
They seem like such a horrible value proposition, am I missing something? they're priced as if they're a luxury or sports car brand, offer little to no space, don't get particularly amazing fuel economy, the sporty versions (s and jcw come to mind) are not particularly quick nor do they handle remarkably well.
what am I missing? who in the world buys a mini cooper other than someone who thinks they look cute?
pm-me-racecars@reddit
A Mini Cooper is less than 10% more than a GTI. Same for the JCW vs Golf R.
Word is that the Golfs are faster, but the Minis provide better steering feel. There's not very many other competitors in Canada.
The Veloster isn't made anymore. The Fiat 500 is only electric now; I'd say they're not in the sport-hatch anymore.
LazyLancer@reddit
The Fiat 500 (Abarth I mean) was never a competition to the MINI. I have a JCW and drove the Abarth 595 for a week. The latter is just worse in every single possible metric, except for parking capabilities due to size.
s4ltydog@reddit
I would make ONE argument for the Abarth and of course it can easily be remedied in the aftermarket, but god DAMN does the exhaust sound good…..
LazyLancer@reddit
Yep, the exhaust note is indeed good
s4ltydog@reddit
The GTI is the only car in the US that even comes close in terms of handling and go-kartiness in the city. No other car even is in the same LEAGUE, and this is coming from a Subaru guy.
pm-me-racecars@reddit
Of these cars, I've only driven a modified GTI that I ended up returning to the dealership, so I could be way off here.
I'd put a 2013 VW GTI, JCW Cooper, Veloster N, Abarth 500, Focus RS, and a MazdaSpeed 3. Of those, there's only the GTI and JCW left.
I might put a GR Corolla in with the GTI and JCW, but I feel like 2024 is missing hot hatches in North America.
s4ltydog@reddit
Oh we definitely are and to be perfectly transparent I’ve never driven a GR Corolla so I don’t have experience with that but I’m in the process of car shopping for a second vehicle in the next 6 months and the WRX, GTI, Mini Cooper S, Toyota 86 and the civic type R were all on my list. The civic was eliminated because my 6’5 300 lbs fat ass couldn’t fit in the seats, the 86 was eliminated because my head doesn’t fit in the car and the GTI was eliminated because and dealers remotely close to me 1: refuse to actually order a vehicle in the spec I want and 2: have insane markups for some stupid reason. So right now I’m down to the WRX which I do love but I’d definitely want to tune it so it had more get up on the front end, and the Mini which I THOUGHT I had eliminated but goddamn if my test drives don’t keep coming back to me and the ear to ear grin that was plastered on my face the entire time that no other vehicle has given me.
NonEnergeticCrouton@reddit
I regret spending so many years driving boring VAG cars. Minis are a hoot, even if they’re slower in a straight line than the comparable GTI.
I chose a Cooper S over an Audi S3, the driving experience made up for it.
VariousClaim3610@reddit
Don’t forget GR Corolla… not that I’d be interested in such a thing. I prefer a big V8 handling be damned
s4ltydog@reddit
So honestly? I REALLY wanted to. I’m 6’5 so I don’t fit in something like a Toyota 86 but I surprisingly fit in a mini. I’ve never had that much fun test driving a car, yeah it’s not anything when it comes to top speeds on the freeway but throwing it around in the city?! It’s fucking AMAZING, at least the S model is. I’ve test driven A LOT of cars and in my opinion only the GTI comes even close. THAT said, the reason it’s off my list? First you can’t get the spec I want anymore, they are supposedly still phasing out ICE vehicles, they are a BMW under the hood which means at best AVERAGE reliability and when something does need to be replaced It will cost an arm and a leg and the tail lamps on the new models are so godawful ugly that I just can’t get past them.
Shines556@reddit
I enjoyed my Mini Cooper S Clubman, the previous model that had the rear suicide door on the passenger side. I didn’t have it long, but the 20,000 miles I put on and drove it enthusiastically, was reliable. It was a fun car to beat around in town in and would buy one again, never a new one though (due to depreciation).
Hour_Perspective_884@reddit
I love them. I twice nearly purchased one only for my wife to question my masculinity.
I don't care. They're fun af.
Southern-Fan-1267@reddit
I’ve heard they are good small cars for tall people
froiwok@reddit
My 2017 Cooper S was cheaper than similar year/mileage Corolla/Civic/Mazda3/Impreza. I get ~36-38mpg combined driving ~85% highway. Downside is premium instead of regular but worth it. It has a nicer feeling interior. Had driven a few cars and hands down the Cooper has been the most fun to drive. Space wise it holds more than my 370z and motorcycle. Only change is I wish it was longer so I could sleep in it comfortably for car camping.
Based on the stat sheet I wasn’t too interested till a dealership dropped the price on one significantly then during the test drive I fell in love with it.
dingodile_user@reddit
They are a great car for the city. Small and great turning radius for tight parallel parking. Nice and zippy too regardless of whatever numbers you said. Also girls think they are cute.
Doctorphate@reddit
I have another one for you. Who’s buying Jeep wranglers? Absolute idiots that’s who.
The interior is garbage designed by fiat with the quality you’d expect from fiat. Between seats relying entirely on a 1mm thick plastic plate that shatters in the cold rendering the seat completely unusable thus forcing a tow to the sun visors just falling off due to bumpy roads at such a frequency that owners have taken to 3d printing brackets to fix it, it’s a wonder there’s anything good to say about the interior at all other than the availability of accessories.
The ride is truly awful for a modern vehicle, especially at its price. The gas mileage is similar to a 3/4 ton pickup. The paint is quite literally bubbling off brand new vehicles. The steering is extremely sloppy.
Truly a horrific vehicle at everything other than off-roading.
The owners are the biggest idiots you’ll ever meet for owning these garbage machines.
But yes, we love them and yes we do lick glass and all rode the short bus to school.
rudbri93@reddit
friend of mine loves his because its light, has a decent power to weight ratio, and has a decent sized hatch. I think its a super fun car, you can really throw it at a turn without issue.
glade_air_freshner@reddit
I've never driven one, but I've had friends with them and they all say it corners shockingly well.
tanksplease@reddit
So does a 2000 Park Avenue.
glade_air_freshner@reddit
Given the type of car it is, I agree. It's no sports car, but for a giant couch on wheels, the handling is quite impressive. It just stays planted and composed all.of.the.time. I find it ironic that it handles better than a Camry.
Cranks_No_Start@reddit
I used to work on them. Off the lot they are a fun little car that handles well and they feel well put together. The issue is and I saw it over and over again was that the NEWNESS wore off pretty quick and by about 50-60k they felt like a 40yo beetle.
qwertypotato32@reddit
that makes sense. had a friend that modded hers and drove it like a eg hatch speed rscer lol. but after awhile i rmemebr she was constantly fixing her shit/ at the shop.her and my other friend with e46kind of had the same problems. they ll run sluggish af, cel comes om, and shop addresses it. but after a bit it does the same thing. amd both said shop was blaming it. on getting wrong engine codess.
Kryptus@reddit
The newer ones with the B48 are more reliable.
bobbyelliottuk@reddit
I picked up a 2014 Mini Cooper S (BMW B48 engine) a few months ago, with 47,000 miles, and it's fantastic. Engine purrs and the bodywork is perfect.
Minis are small, iconic looking, great handling, speedy cars that retain their value for years. I expect to get pretty much my money back if/when I trade my car in 2-3 years time.
mr2jay@reddit
I find it hard to call the minis small anymore
glade_air_freshner@reddit
Yeah, my friends have also told me about that part of ownership 😂. My Toyota brain would never want to buy one, but I would HAPPILY let someone loan one to me for, say, a month.
MortemInferri@reddit
They are a great turo rental on vacation haha.
Veesla@reddit
They were originally designed as a European race car.
OGKillaBobbyJohnson@reddit
Is it really shocking that a small car developed and built by BMW handles well?
qwertypotato32@reddit
isn't the current Supra developed by BMW?
SmellyPubes69@reddit
It is straight up BMW hardware there are bimmer logos on some of it.
e90t@reddit
BMW did the lion’s share of the development, notably the two engines (B48 and B58) that are in the Supra. The Supra and Z4 are made in the same factory in Austria.
MostWorry4244@reddit
And becomes an expensive paperweight at 80k
LazyLancer@reddit
Absolutely irrelevant for the current generation (one with letter F)
WillieCosmo@reddit
Nah I had 170k on my 04 when I sold it
MostWorry4244@reddit
Thats great, I always wondered if any of them made it into the 100s. The number of $1500 minis I see for sale at well under 100k miles keeps me far away from them.
Pomsky_Party@reddit
My 2013 is at 105k and never been in the shop. It gets 34mpg and fits three 8x10 rugs in the hatchback. This thing is a rock and just won’t die.
However, I won’t be getting a new one. It was cool in my 20s but in my late 30s it’s uncomfortable
OGKillaBobbyJohnson@reddit
Oh, I think Minis and BMWs are some of the most overpriced, unreliable, cars one could buy
Stunning-Leek334@reddit
Except they are both rated among the top most reliable cars…
qwertypotato32@reddit
they're fun afffff. had a friend that had one. she did some shit to it as well, full bolt on, Bilstein coils, recarros, and a map flash.
captainslowww@reddit
They do. Small, lightweight turbo hatchback with a relatively upscale interior— there’s a lot to like, but they’re not for everyone.
rudbri93@reddit
They do, ive had loads of fun in that car.
SamuelMaleJackson@reddit
My 1992 Stealth checks all those boxes, and it wasn't $35k
Euler007@reddit
I drove a manual 2014ish Cooper S for 1-2 years (was my wife's car). Very fun to drive.
SmellyPubes69@reddit
Cheap for what it is
DifficultFrosting742@reddit
Cornering makes a huge difference. I had a 1986 MR2- still do- when it ran corners were amazing
GetawayDriving@reddit
They’re fun. They give you the sensations of going fast at legal speed. There a normal-ish car that makes driving feel like an occasion. There’s a subset of people who just like the styling. I really think it’s that simple.
WaterPanda007@reddit
I like the styling a lot. But I respect the hell out of them for keeping it real. They’ve kept the same design so close to original over such a long time. I don’t think any other model of car has been so consistent for so long.
bobbyelliottuk@reddit
Yes, they did. Until the 2025 refresh.
WaterPanda007@reddit
Yeah. Your right. I hadnt seen any yet.
LowerSlowerOlder@reddit
I think you hit upon something that a lot of people miss. Wife and I test drove a Mini Cooper S when they came out and it was just fun. Everything about it was fun. The switches, the cornering, the exhaust. It made going for a spin around the block an event. It was the kind of car that someone would buy and just go for a drive even when they had no where to go. We didn’t buy it. The ordering process was a nightmare. Ended up with a Turbo Beetle that was on lot. Which was similar car but completely different. Given the unreliability of both of them, I always wondered if we made a mistake.
NonEnergeticCrouton@reddit
If it was a F generation Cooper, you made a terrible mistake. The F56 is rock solid.
LowerSlowerOlder@reddit
It was when they first came to the US. The ordering process was at minimum 6 months. Maybe as long as a year. I don’t know which chassis code it was because I’m on a mission to stop people from using them. Probably would have been around 2002 to 2004.
NonEnergeticCrouton@reddit
Ok, so the very first BMW generation, an R50. Not as bad as the horrible second generation, but bad anyways.
kpetersontpt@reddit
Eh, first gens are ok. Unless they’re an R50 with a CVT- those are trash.
LowerSlowerOlder@reddit
The one we were after was a supercharged 6 speed manual.
kpetersontpt@reddit
That’s an R53. Lots of MINI owners still swear by theirs 20 years later. I personally prefer a third gen F car, but these would be a close second for me.
nicclys@reddit
It’s a 3rd car. Weekend car. I know a guy that uses his Clubman S as a work “van” though.
icantspellnecessary@reddit
Quirky people who make their personality about how quirky they are. That’s who.
My ex was into Minis ever since he saw the Italian Job, so I bought him 2 while we were together. They are kind of fun to drive, but they are expensive to buy, more expensive to fix, not super reliable, comfortable, luxurious or really anything.
Minis are a red flag for me in potential partners now.
sidescrollin@reddit
Not sure what you mean. They start at $26k and a Corolla is $22k. Obviously it's a European brand and you are paying a little extra for the quirky look/feel over another econobox.
I mean I agree it should be cheaper and think it should be smaller as well, to resemble something closer to the original, but it became sort of a fashionable small car and devolved from there. It could really stand to be more of a fiat 500 or Mitsubishi mirage competitor.
The jcw trim, which is obviously not just a slightly fancier econobox, has 300hp and 0-60 ps 4.7s for $45k. Again, using Corolla as an example because it's another cheaply made small car, the GR has a 0-60 of 4.9s and costs $38k.
So there's nothing really that surprising about the cars use and sales compared to others. It's a slightly costlier European option.
By the way, just for giggles, the original mini had a 0-60 of 27 seconds. We've come a long way.
Interesting-Dingo994@reddit
Test drive one. Even the base models are incredibly fun to drive regardless of the weather (put winter tires on a Mini Cooper and enjoy it in snow). Interior room is much more than you would expect and the seats are super comfortable and supportive. Ergonomics are top notch. Handling is direct, sporty and refined go kart like.
IM_The_Liquor@reddit
Austin Power’s father?
https://images.app.goo.gl/mGFBXUBV5h7qMQYE8
ChrisGear101@reddit
It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. Everyone likes a go-cart, although IMHO it is a poorly made go-cart.
spikehiyashi6@reddit (OP)
I totally get that, I just feel like there's way more value from something like a GTI, fiesta/focus st, or Miata/86 twin for rwd
RearAdmiralP@reddit
Pigfat and all the personality and charm of an Excel spreadsheet.
Fiesta is very good. Focus is just whelming.
Good, but no back seats.
blinkiewich@reddit
Cross the rest of your list off and get a Fiesta ST if you live somewhere with rain/snow/cool temperatures and want fun value. Cheap, reliable and absolutely amazing driving dynamics for something that's not actually very fast.
If you're a hair dresser or small enough stature to truly fit in one and live somewhere sunny then get a miata.
If you're looking for value just avoid anything VAG/BMW/Mini/Subaru but know that you're also missing out on some great cars by prioritizing "value".
ChrisGear101@reddit
I don't disagree.
Maximum_Employer5580@reddit
my stepdad has one and he loves it because he can still zip around even at 78 years of age. He'll go out on a remote highway and open it up. I've driving it a few times and it does a really good job of zipping around, but personally I don't like cars that small.....I've seen too many wrecks with them becoming the hood ornament of an F-250 and barely any damage to the truck, yet the car is hard to decipher what it was. Probably because the small car figured he was quick enough to get out of the trucks way and found out they couldn't
GeneralUranuz@reddit
A friend of mine drives a sport and he absolutely loves it. Its like a go kart on steroids.
missionarymechanic@reddit
I'm down with "cute" cars. But these are the worst of BMW's engineering. They suck to work on, too.
As an oddity, I know a couple that's <5th percentile female and >95th percentile male. The early 2010's Clubman was the only car they could both get comfortable in and have some cargo space.
MerbleTheGnome@reddit
I have owned a total of 4 Minis over the years.
The first was a 1967 Austin Mini when I was in high school (1979) - I swore that I would never get another. I think the engine spent more time on the picnic table in my parent's backyard than it actually did in the car. The only good things were that it was good on gas, and 17 year old girls thought it was cute (important for a geeky 17 year old guy).
The second was a 2012 hatchback - purchased as a CPO used vehicle in 2014 with about 7k miles. It came with both the extended warranty and maintenance packages. My only expenses for the next few years were fuel and tires. Even after the warranty and maintenance packages ran out, the only additional repairs were brakes and some swaybar bushings. I still have it, and it is sitting at around 170k miles, and gets used in crappy weather.
The next was a 2010 hatchback - purchased used in 2016 with around 80k miles as a second car for my son and wife. Again, minimal maintenance other than oil changes and tires. My son eventually traded it in on a 2020 Honda Fit - it suited his lifestyle a bit better.
Currently my daily is a 2015 Mini Roadster S - purchased in 2021 with only 6400 miles (it was a garage queen for the original owner). Currently at 40k miles with only tires and brakes replaced so far.
There are objectively better cars on paper. Better specs, faster, better gas mileage. But the Minis are fun to drive, handle surprisingly well and have a quirky appearance that is appreciated by those who buy them. It is a case where the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.
Smart_History4444@reddit
Older minis are a blast to drive, it is like a go kart
spikehiyashi6@reddit (OP)
yeah I see the appeal to those, I had a buddy with a bunch of 80/90s minis that he loved... but current model year ones... they just seem like horrendous value
SearchingForFungus@reddit
My girlfriend at the time needed a cheap car quick, she got an 06 mini 5speed for like 1200 dollars and that lil thing was, to this day, one of the most fun cars I've ever driven.
You wouldn't have caught me dead in one of those before, but now? I got my eye on the lookout for another one hahaha.
Independent-Cloud822@reddit
You're missing their unreliability.
burntbridges20@reddit
They’re extremely fun to drive, they look adorable and unique, and they have a great hatch compared to most sports cars. They’re not the best at anything but not everyone is min maxing their choices. I can see why someone would subjectively prefer them over competitors
Soithascometothistoo@reddit
Street parking is prob less of an issue
mikeumd98@reddit
Absolutely handle well.
gregsw2000@reddit
People who are constantly whining that cars are so expensive to maintenance and repair
GreenEggplant16@reddit
Non car intelligent people
everymeeveryyou@reddit
chads & brads then they don’t like them so daddy’s have the company use them for company cars as a write off with horrible efficiency
room9bangu@reddit
It's cheap used and fun to drive. Bought a 2006 mini for $3900 a few years back with 145,000 miles on it. Now approaching 168,000 miles. It's a manual and my daily driver. Great on gas and most of the issues have been cheap and easy to fix. Latest was replacing of the power steering fluid reservoir for $25. I don't think I'd want to own it if I wasn't comfortable doing little repairs on my own.
rainbowrotini@reddit
I've been tempted to get a newer one for work, but I stop and start a lot and drive about 500 miles a week and have been scared off by the reputation of the older ones. Though I figure anything should do the job better than my hyundai accent did for the past six years.
hookersrus1@reddit
You really should try driving one. They are surprisingly roomy, they are fun to drive, and look nice on the inside and different on the outside.
the_Bryan_dude@reddit
Me. Quick little go carts. Great for 2 person road trips. Just enough room for your gear if you pack light. Great mileage and fun to drive.
spikehiyashi6@reddit (OP)
just out of curiosity, why'd you pick it over something else like a golf/GTI, Elantra n/n-line, or another 2+2 car like a BRZ?
njpg@reddit
I'll speak for my experience looking for a used car (in Canada).
GTI's are nice but used market markups are pretty high. You can get a better optioned and lower mileage mini for the same price. This is the only car I was really trying to cross shop with.
The Elantra doesn't have anywhere near the build quality of the GTI/Copper.
As small as they are, the hatch makes even the 3 door Cooper way more practical than a BRZ/FRS.
VariousClaim3610@reddit
All of which suck pretty much equally… just get a Prius, at least it won’t break.
Puzzleheaded_Ride464@reddit
I live in a small coastal town with crazy winding narrow streets and TINY driveways.
A lot of Minis here.
mrpaul57@reddit
They are fun to drive- like the town bike.
Kev50027@reddit
You need to drive one to understand. They do handle well, and they're way cheaper than most cars that handle that well. The feeling they give you around corners is addicting and it's unlike almost any other car.
When they first came out, people were buying them to use on a track and out handling sports cars. Since then, MINIs have gotten bigger and heavier and lost some of what made them fun. I have a 2011 Cooper S that I bought new and I adore that thing. It's the only reason I can handle driving something boring like a Prius as my daily driver.
sixtwomidget@reddit
If I wanted a fun little car to throw around I’d absolutely get one. I’d just ignore the hideous interior.
Icy-Tough-1791@reddit
I hate them with a passion but I will admit they are fun to drive. Very nimble and light. They are a PIA to work on however.
buttsnuggles@reddit
I’ve never driven one but my understanding is that they are kinda like a practical Miata. Small, light and fun to drive but in a much more useful package.
regassert6@reddit
For me, I wanted a smaller 4 door hatch but not an econobox with no driving feel. I wanted some level of luxury in the cabin. So Mini vs GTI? F series Mini's are far more reliable than VW right now. Styling is subjective, but the Mini just seems more "grown up" than a GTI.
Minis get great fuel economy, especially when factoring in the driving feel, so I think that's the only part of your post that is patently incorrect. The rest is subjective of course.
The_Burt@reddit
Shut up.
shitflavoredideas@reddit
I've owned multiple coopers and all I can say is a Miata is a better purchase by far. Even a Ford fiesta ST is a better purchase.
The coopers are pretty heavy comparatively and just as slow.
Brief_Moment_5851@reddit
Pretty crazy people call a car over 3000lbs light. But we need to remember BMW likes pig fat vehicles. The new just released M5 comes in @ 5500lbs....
deanmass@reddit
I’ve actually looked at a couple of these recently. Are they as bad or expensive to work on as people think? Are they unreliable?. There is a really nice used mini S convertible near me cheap.
spikehiyashi6@reddit (OP)
I've never owned one but I've heard reliability is on par with lower end BMWs (they share a lot of parts)
deanmass@reddit
I started off looking at Miatas, which I love and I’ve driven a bunch of them, but the mini has a bit of a different more look a little easier to get in and out of, and a little bit more cargo space and seems to be about as fun to drive.
Logical-Consequence9@reddit
I own a 2010 Miata, previously owned a 2013 Fiat 500, and rented a 2020 Mini Clubman S for a week. The Miata is the most fun to me, but even the newer Clubman actually felt very similar in terms of handling and steering. The Mini and Fiat are significantly easier to get in and out of compared to the Miata though. Also once they switched to BMW engines, Minis became pretty reliable too. They’re a solid package, but a little pricey IMO for what it is.
deanmass@reddit
When did that switch happen?
bobbyelliottuk@reddit
The F series chassis was introduced in 2014 (UK - maybe a year or two later in other countries) and has the BMW B48 engine (previous gens had non-BMW engines or collaborations). From 2014/15 on, the cars are reliable unless badly abused by previous owners (that's the reason I think for the mixed rep).
Logical-Consequence9@reddit
I think that was the second gen, around 05-06 ish. And once they switched away from the 1.6 to the 2 liter turbos it became really solid.
starter-car@reddit
If it’s an 05 or 06 it’s worth it. The rest are… not. Manual trans.
Meenmachin3@reddit
2011 are the better cars by far. N18 instead of a Chrysler/Rover bastard engine.
deanmass@reddit
08 1.6 Turbo manual convertible
starter-car@reddit
Sadly it’s gonna have more issues than the r53. (Age aside). :(
TijayesPJs442@reddit
Ummm well they are a BMW, have tons of interior space and the S / JCW handle remarkably well.
Not sure what planet you live on but here on earth Mini Coopers are a lot of fun
Old_Acanthaceae5198@reddit
Stat sheet buyers. If you look on paper they are down on power compared to true economy cars, more expensive, and are worse than cheap bmw/Audi's.
I'm a bubble you can find a faster car, or a more luxurious car. But what the paper misses is the overall experience when it comes together.
Very much a very compromised car, but it's sum total outweighs the stats.
Zealousideal_Ant6132@reddit
I borrowed my friends S when I was on vacation. Drove it around the mountains in NH and it was a very enjoyable experience but idk if I would ever buy one, especially as my main car.
Old_Acanthaceae5198@reddit
Light ish, inexpensive fun with some nice luxury feel as well. Especially if you want a convertible family car you have mini and the 4dr mustang.
Electronic_Elk2029@reddit
Plenty of Mini racing leagues.
GriefPB@reddit
The Italian Job had me sold on them before I knew anything about cars
Only_persona@reddit
From what I gathered it’s just small and fun… what about gas??
Plane-Inspector-3160@reddit
Priced like bmw, even worse reliability! I don’t understand why any human owns anything bother than Honda or Toyota
eight47pm@reddit
I've got one, I love it, stupidly fun car to send round the back roads, owners community groups are fun with all the events they put on, mine is the 2.0 diesel SD so quick enough (made similar hp as a petrol on a rolling road with more torque) and the fuel economy is brill.
The only thing I can fault it for is the useless rear seat and the tiny boot, but then I've a big saloon car I use as a run around and the Mini is my weekend car so it's not a big deal.
404notfound420@reddit
They are also fantasticly unreliable and shit to work on. I knew a guy that bought a used cooper s for 8k and financed it up to 11k for a 10yr old car. I told him not to but anywhoo few months later, he had the timing belt done 3k and 3 months later it needed a new turbo 1.5k later and another month in the shop it got dented in a carpark insurance said no so another 2k in body work later he has a car worth 1k with 10k on the loan and he's been driving a polo the whole time. Honestly, it was sad to watch.
Butt_bird@reddit
Not many people. They sold just a smidge less than 300k worldwide and only 33k in the US.
blinkiewich@reddit
And yet Ford sells more F-150s in a month even though they're boring to drive, ugly, uncomfortable, hard to park, overpriced, drink fuel and full of recalls and problems.
Just proof that high sales figures don't actually mean that a vehicle is good.
Usual-Breakfast7633@reddit
Owned a mini cooper for just over 2 years now.
For me personally, the insurance is much cheaper than similar cars, great driver car, they handle much better than you'd think and are great to drive on country roads which is mainly where I drive, I get 46 mpg on my daily driving, before I test drove it I did not think it would be for me but honestly for the price (used) and the power level there's not much competition imo
blinkiewich@reddit
I owned one. They're fun, handle pretty well, comfortable if you're not a fatass, look decent and the performance versions are fast enough.
I wouldn't keep one past about 100k miles because once the warranty runs out service and repairs get spendy in a hurry but if someone wants a nicer compact car that doesn't feel like a low-end piece of junk they're hard to beat.
Potential-Bag-8200@reddit
A lot of people don’t need anything larger than a fist 500 or mini cooper. People keep buying fucking suvs.
AnemosMaximus@reddit
Go test drive one. And let us which one you end up buying.
spikehiyashi6@reddit (OP)
I've driven a current model Mini JCW for a few hours and wasn't really impressed. It felt like a smaller version of a GTI with a way less nice interior, the steering wasn't anything to write home about for me and it wasn't particularly quick, that's why I'm trying to get other opinions on it lol
LazyLancer@reddit
Switch between driving modes. The response is vastly different between “mid” and “sport” (you need to flip both the car and gearbox). A JCW is equally fast as GTI but more engaging.
Also, I’ve no idea how one could say “less nice” about the interior compared to the GTI. Modern VW are quite “meh” inside.
Stunning-Leek334@reddit
What are you talking about? They start at $25k they are cheaper than a Camry! They are cheap, I get 40 mpg in my s 4 door, it is actually much more spacious than you would think, and it drives like a go cart. Basically wrong on every point.
spikehiyashi6@reddit (OP)
the 2 door starts at 28.9k (same price as a Miata or 2025 Camry), and is basically an economy car disguised in British flags, the S 4 door starts at 33.2k which is the same or more than a civic si, elantra n line, mazda3 turbo etc... they're definitely cute, I just don't see the value prop. they also seem to have a way worse track record as far as reliability and maintenance costs compared to most manufacturers bar Chrysler Fiat or high end luxury like Mercedes or Jaguar Range Rover, but then again I haven't owned one personally. Glad to hear that they're enjoyed by someone though!
LazyLancer@reddit
The “unreliable” thing is a legend that carries on from the previous generation of MINIs (R series before 2014). The current generation is generally very reliable which is further proved by multiple consumer reports.
Stunning-Leek334@reddit
Sure compare the 2025 mini to the 2024 Miata but the 2025 Mazda will be $30k. However that is all a moot point because you said it is priced like expensive luxury vehicles but here you are pointing out it is the same price as all the basic entry level vehicles? So how it as expensive as expensive luxury vehicles exactly?
Since being bought by BMW they have become one of the most reliable brands. They are literally in the number three spot next to Toyota and Lexus so once again, how is that bad reliability?
They also do not have high maintenance costs at all. They are super cheap to maintain. I don’t know where you get any of your information from because everything is easily proven wrong with facts.
topkrikrakin@reddit
I would
I think they are Slick
kpetersontpt@reddit
You talk like someone who has never driven a MINI.
I know that because I used to be like you. I didn’t understand them at all. Then I took a gig working at a BMW/MINI dealer as a service advisor and started working with them. They handle like go karts, they have instant torque, and the newer ones have the BMW B38/B48 engine in them that is very reliable. They are incredibly natural driving cars too, no overboosted artificial power steering feel. And the aftermarket scene is fantastic.
I bought a MINI convertible less than a year after starting there. It is the most fun driving I’ve ever had in my 20+ years of having my drivers license. I find reasons to take the long way home and go out of my way to find the curviest back roads I can find to get to my destination.
PM_ME_YOUR_SUBARU@reddit
Gramb
Doggystyle_Rainbow@reddit
Consumer reports put them at number three for reliability after Lexus and Toyota
NonEnergeticCrouton@reddit
You haven’t driven one I assume.
I had a F56 Cooper S. It is quick enough, the car sounds amazing, handling is impeccable, they’re very reliable and are built very well inside.
Yes, the car is small inside, but the demographic that buys them doesn’t care.
AirFlavoredLemon@reddit
A lot of cars, on paper, look like trash. A lot of cars, on paper, are great. And they can be the total opposite when you finally drive them.
Cars like the Abarth 500, Mini Cooper Coupe S; these are cars engineered to give the driver immense feedback and just feel absolutely fun to drive.
For example, Go Karts suck on paper. But why are they fun?
"Fun" is hard to quantify in a review, but engineers are looking to target that type of driver feedback during the engineering process. That's what makes the Mini Cooper fun. That's what gives the Abarth 500 its driving personality.
Obviously this doesn't end with those two cars I listed above, but its why you see people chase specific cars or even era of cars (pre-electric-power-steering, for example). Its the feeling, feedback, seating position, sound of the fuel pump under the back seat. Etc.
To answer the OP's question: Yes, you are missing something. Get into a bunch of cars, drive them, see what you like, what you don't liek, what you're missing out on, and what you want to miss out on. So many cars drive so differently that you can find something that'll fall under your flavor. Or not. Who knows.
HuntGundown@reddit
Obviously missed a lot. My 05 S manual had instant power available whenever and handled like an absolute beast. Easily outpaced much faster and more expensive cars who simply could not turn or slip through traffic like I could.
Particular_Quiet_435@reddit
That’s what Mini drivers all think. They drive like they’re in The Italian Job while everyone else rolls our eyes as we let them weave in and out. It’s not worth causing an accident trying to prove to such a person that their FWD car is not fast.
xangkory@reddit
I went from a fast car to a Mini and back to a fast car and enjoyed the Mini almost as much. What amazed me was that I could drive it however I wanted and it seemed to be invisible to the police. It was the only car I owned at that age that I never got a speeding ticket in.
starter-car@reddit
Shhhhhh everyone knows 05 and 06 are the worst years and no one should but them. Especially if it’s a manual and especially if it’s an S. They’re not fun to drive, and they’re not the only decent year for the mini. And maybe I’m lying because I’m keeping an eye out for one for a steal. Lol.
barrorg@reddit
They’re cute. What’s there to understand.
spikehiyashi6@reddit (OP)
true! what more do you need
shadow247@reddit
My neighbor bought one..
The shitty oil drain plug leaked and their engine blew a valve...
I told him he should have just got a Corolla instead and saved his money.
Luckily he got an Insurance payout from the garage that worked on it last...
LifeRound2@reddit
I had one for a few years. Too many expensive repairs in a short amount of time for a low mileage. Sent it down river.
Potential-Ant-6320@reddit
Minis are the BMWs of shit boxes for better and for worse.
VariousClaim3610@reddit
I drove one once and it was a fun little car to drive- given the opportunity to drive one again I would… but I would never buy one for all the reasons OP cites and also poor reliability and expensive repairs.
There are far worse cars, but so many better options also.
SufficientOnestar@reddit
College coeds who's dad won't key them have a jeep because they want one.
joeljaeggli@reddit
If you want a jaunty 2 door hatchback what alternative do you have?
NYC_DILF@reddit
I used to have a Mini Cooper S and still own a Mini Cooper Countryman S. The smaller Cooper S was a stick and a blast to drive. Also, since I live in a major city with limited parking, the little Mini was a great option. That said, for trips it was just too small. You felt every bump and you really felt small compared to the average car on American roads, let alone the trucks etc. The Countryman, which is essentially a BMW X1 with different sheetmetal gives you a more substantial car feel but the added weight and size means you suffer some with respect to performance.
Old_Confidence3290@reddit
They are a ton of fun to drive!
jondes99@reddit
Fun to drive isn’t necessarily quantifiable. People don’t buy hot hatches, or sports cars, or convertibles based on a defined set of metrics. If you don’t get that, you won’t get the appeal of a car like a Mini.
Much like the Jeep apologizees like to stick on their cars, it’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand.
FrostyMission@reddit
People with lots of money to keep fixing them
cakes42@reddit
Some people don't look for value when they buy a car. They want fun and that's usually the number one reason.
Ship-in-the-ocean@reddit
Clearly you have never driven a mini so shhhh
corporaterebel@reddit
Easy to park and drive in urban environments.
Fun and responsive.
Downside: expensive to maintain and requires a lot of difficult maintenance.
Naive-Ad5408@reddit
People with more money than sense.
njpg@reddit
I didn't understand it either until I bought one. I have a 2 door Cooper S (F56) and it's just a fantastic little car to daily.
It's easy to park, is quick enough for daily driving, handles super well and is the perfect size for a couple without kids.
375InStroke@reddit
Lol, my ex wife. Meanwhile, I'm still driving my '69 Charger R/T. I'm sure she blew it up long ago, and has no money left.
AngryApeMetalDrummer@reddit
It's a pretty reliable car and very fun to drive.
runtimemess@reddit
The new Cooper is cute as hell.
Fuzzy_Diver_320@reddit
I have a 2010 Clubman S with a stick shift. It’s extremely unreliable, but it handles really well, is decently quick, and I can fit a surprising amount of stuff in it. I once fit a 6ft tall bookshelf inside it and got the rear hatch to close and everything. If it wasn’t so unreliable I would highly recommend one.
SaveMelMac13@reddit
Mini duchers
Mountain_Cucumber_88@reddit
The styling appeals to some people. It does have a unique appeal.
I used to drive hot hatchbacks. Rabbit GTI in my younger days, golf gti more recently. Personally I'd take a gti or even better a golf R over a mini. Especially if I could still get a manual.
Rshann_421@reddit
My daughter in law had one. It’s incredibly fun to drive. Cost to repair though….
Cornholio231@reddit
My local Mini dealer is not a franchise but is actually owned by the company.
So when I was shopping there in fall 2022 there was none of other bullshit that was infecting dealers at the time - no markups, no run around on test drives, no bait and switches with vehicle availability.
Made my purchase decision then much easier
Small-Ad1727@reddit
They're very fun and stupidly easy to park. The manual shifter feel is quite good for a FWD car.
They depreciate in value like no other bc they're super tough to work on (not much space down there) and the parts are from BMW's so they're expensive to maintain all around.
NothingLift@reddit
Interior is fun, they look different to your standard modern car, the convertible top can fold all the way down or just open a huge sunroof section which I havent seen on any other car
nolongerbanned99@reddit
T
E90BarberaRed6spdN52@reddit
The big thing about Mini's besides the history and following is the new ones are "made to order". So you can select so much exactly the way you want that the cars are effectively personalized. It is neat how automated the plant is in the UK that builds them but I wouldn't own one.
https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/why-mini/mini-uk-production/book-a-tour.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Nq-1u1oWM
spikehiyashi6@reddit (OP)
interesting! good to know
E90BarberaRed6spdN52@reddit
Yeah I saw a video from James May of Top Gear fame that did a tour of the plant and I was impressed. Watch the YouTube vid if you have the time as the amount of robots, automation, etc of the plant is amazing. I was an engineer who worked on plant automation when I was working over most of the last 40yrs of my working "daze". Now retired I was impressed to see that some company did it right 100%.
LazyLancer@reddit
Yea, you're missing quite a lot.
I've an F56 JCW (latest gen 3-door hatch). I get just enough space and i rarely need more. It's perfect for 2 people or 2 + 1 child. We did a 3000+ km trip over Europe and there was just enough space for all the stuff. It does around 5-5.5l/100km on a highway (i think around 42-47 mpg?) if you stick to 90 kmh.
And although it's not the fastest car from a traffic light (lol that's for kids), it is set up really well, i love how it responds to steering, throttle and brakes. It's hard to find another car as snappy as this.
Also, it handles really well. Maybe one step behind Miata, but it's good.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I wonder this about a lot of vehicles.
timothythefirst@reddit
One of my room mates in college bought one and then bought another one. He loved them.
I didn’t really get it but idk. I guess some people just like the look or something.
Hot_Whereas7861@reddit
there’s a weird cult of personality around the car. the mini enthusiasts are an, uh, interesting bunch…